Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
âOnly three years left,â Zhou Ying stated with a touch of urgency. âIf thereâs anything youâve ever wanted to do, letâs do it now before itâs too late.â
Gu Chengrui understood the weight of his words. âI know. It seems Iâll be quite busy from now on. Iâll need your help at home, then.â
A moment of hesitation passed before Zhou Ying spoke again. âPerhaps we should have another child? After three years, who knows if weâll have the chance again?â
Gu Chengrui, surprised by the suggestion, shook his head. âWe already have Guoguo and Chenchen. Let fate decide on this one.â
Zhou Ying simply nodded and requested someone prepare their bath water.
Following their meal, Gu Chengrui donned his court attire and headed to the palace to report his recovery to the Emperor. He then rushed back to the hospital, eager to make the most of his remaining time. Driven by the knowledge that his days were numbered, he implemented several initiatives.
He organized another training class, focusing on Western medicine and pharmaceutical knowledge.
He diligently taught Gu Chengxi the recorded prescriptions.
He also began grooming a few capable individuals to take over the medical centers.
Meanwhile, Zhou Ying received a large amount of faith after aiding the Western Continent during a flood. To her astonishment, her divine sense range had more than doubled.
In return, she gifted them a variety of grain seeds.
Zhou Ying procured rubber trees for improved travel and convenience and had tires, pressure wells, and other inventions constructed, significantly enhancing peopleâs daily lives.
Furthermore, she implemented the use of bicycles after the Great Mingâs steel refinement process was perfected.
These innovative advancements solidified Gu Wanningâs position in the palace.
Two and a half years flew by.
Zhou Ying decided to have another child and was blessed with another son.
Coincidentally, Gu Wanning also gave birth to a baby girl after many years, finally completing her family with a child of each gender.
One day, as Zhou Ying fed their youngest son, nicknamed Third Fatty, Gu Chengrui entered the room. He playfully pinched the babyâs chubby cheeks. âThird Fattyâs hungry again. If you eat any more, youâll become a little pig!â Zhou Ying chuckled. âHow can you say that about our son? Being slightly chubby is healthy! Besides, heâs not particularly fat, right, Third Fatty?â She followed her words by feeding the baby another bite of shredded chicken porridge.
Third Fatty, oblivious to the conversation, happily patted his chubby belly and exclaimed, âFat, fat!â
Zhou Ying, ignoring his antics, turned to Gu Chengrui. âWhy are you back so early today?â
âFinished my duties early,â Gu Chengrui replied. âThereâs still almost half a year left. I thought it would be nice for you to take a break and visit our hometown.â
Zhou Yingâs eyes lit up. âThatâs true, I havenât had a chance to relax since coming here.â
The next day, they informed the Emperor of their planned trip. Despite his initial reluctance, he conceded in recognition of their years of service. The Emperor even entrusted Gu Chengrui with a token.
âWhile youâre traveling,â the Emperor instructed, âkeep an eye out for any major corruption cases. If necessary, you can take action before reporting back to me.â
Gu Chengrui grimaced. âYour Majesty, please spare me! This is supposed to be a family vacation.â
The Emperor chuckled, undeterred. âIâm not asking for detailed investigations. Just report anything serious you come across. It wonât delay your trip, I promise.â
âIf youâre worried, why not travel in disguise?â Gu Chengrui suggested.
âThatâs a good idea,â the Emperor admitted, âbut the palace canât do without me for too long. Maybe in another two years, when Wanning matures a bit, traveling in disguise might be an option.â
âAlright,â Gu Chengrui conceded, understanding his limitations. Since the task wasnât mandatory, there was no need to push it.