latelenovela Chapter 355 Absence Makes the Heart Blossom
Chapter 355 Absence Makes the Heart Blossom
The two arrived at the Xiao family home, where they received a message from their father. At that time, the whole family was waiting for her at her maternal grandparents' house.
As soon as Shen Li entered the courtyard, she was hugged by Shen Yue, and her parents came out to greet her. Shen Zizai had secretly wiped away his tears in the court, but he was still able to hold back at this moment.
Xiao Bailing was so happy that she burst into tears.
"Grandpa, I'm fine, and my cousin is fine too. You can rest assured." Shen Li went to greet the old man.
The old man was in good spirits. Even though Kyoto was besieged for a while, he had seen all kinds of storms and this matter did not affect him.
He's fine as long as the children are well.
"Well done, as expected of my Xiao family's granddaughter. Seeing you like this, I'm sure the Xiao family's ancestors could rest in peace." Xiao Zhan laughed when he saw Shen Li.
Shen Li scratched her head, feeling a little ashamed. Although she was strong, her martial arts skills were not good enough, and she dared not compare herself to the ancestors of the Xiao family.
"Look at me, why am I crying on such a beautiful day?" Xiao Bailing wiped away her tears and said, "There must not be much good food outside, so I've prepared a big table of your favorite dishes for you. I'll have them bring it up now."
Shen Li nodded repeatedly: "Thank you, Mother."
The family banquet was a joyous occasion, except for the slight regret that Xiao Qi was not able to return. However, the old Duke was not saddened by this. In his view, the sons of the Xiao family should be on the battlefield, fighting off the enemy and protecting their country.
The two families played around there until evening, and after having dinner, they each got into their own carriages and went home.
Shen Li was so happy that she kept talking to Gu Chang'an on the way back, but her voice got softer and softer as she talked.
Seeing that she was keeping her eyes closed for longer and longer and that her grip on him was getting weaker, Gu Chang'an pulled her into his arms and whispered, "Sleep."
Shen Li was indeed asleep, but even in her sleep, the corners of her mouth were turned up.
She slept soundly that night.
Even after the candle was extinguished, Gu Chang'an was still reluctant to close his eyes. His dark eyes traced her outline in the darkness, over and over again, his gaze filled with a tenderness he himself had never seen before.
His Ah Li is back, that's great.
When Shen Li woke up the next day, the sun was already high in the sky, and Gu Chang'an was no longer in bed. She was surprised that she had slept for so long and was also unhappy about Gu Chang'an's departure.
"Is this lousy official position really necessary?" she sighed. She just wanted to hold her man and sleep until sunrise, but that wish wouldn't be fulfilled anytime soon.
"Miss, you're awake?" It was Yu Die who came in to serve her. Yu Die's eyes almost lit up when she saw Shen Li's beautiful eyes.
"Yu Die, you've grown taller again in the few months I haven't seen you." Shen Li stood up and asked, "How's your homework? Have you been slacking off while I was gone?"
Yu Die shook her head repeatedly: "No, my master hired a tutor for me, saying that even though you're not here, my studies can't fall behind."
"Oh?" Shen Li didn't expect that Gu Chang'an, who was so busy with court affairs, would still have time to help him take care of his sisters.
“Exactly, the teacher is much stricter than you, he teaches well.” Yu Die secretly stuck out her tongue and added, “But I have studied hard and haven’t made the teacher angry.”
"Good girl." Shen Li patted her head.
While having breakfast, she saw Cai Die, who brought her newly made clothes: a blue court robe of a fifth-rank official and a purple skirt.
Shen Li's gaze lingered on the two pieces of clothing for a long time before she nodded repeatedly in praise: "Sister Cai Die, you have excellent cooking skills. Thank you so much. Please sit down and eat with me."
So breakfast for one person turned into breakfast for the whole table. Even Lianqiao and Shaoyao, who were resting, were called over because they had worked hard on the expedition with her. Shen Li decided to give the two girls a break recently.
They neither work night shifts nor get up early; just give them a sum of money, and they can spend it however they want.
Shen Li also temporarily did not go to the Hanlin Academy to report for duty. The emperor granted her permission to rest, and she did indeed want to take a break.
On that day, Shen Li received many visiting cards and gifts, all from young ladies and wives of various families, who wanted to come and visit.
Shen Li didn't have many true friends among these people. They claimed to be visiting, but in reality, they were all there to build relationships.
If the Gu family was once at its peak because of Gu Chang'an, then the Gu family is now incredibly successful because of the couple.
She didn't want to see anyone until she heard that Cheng Ruojin had arrived in the afternoon, at which point she ordered someone to bring her in.
"Sister Shen, you must be tired from your journey." Cheng Ruojin didn't bother with formalities when she saw Shen Li, and immediately stepped forward to hold Shen Li's hand, her face full of concern.
"Yes, a little bit, but it's all in the past now. Please have a seat, sister." Shen Li gestured for someone to sit down.
“I’ll sit next to you, sister. You’re not in Kyoto these days, and I’m so bored.” Cheng Ruojin leaned against Shen Li, her posture very intimate.
"There are many things I don't know who to talk to."
Although there were many young ladies like her, Cheng Ruojin always felt that she couldn't get along as well as Shen Li.
"What's new this time?"
“There are many. That Eighth Prince fell for the Liang Princess’s honey trap and is still in jail.” Cheng Ruojin sighed, “I really didn’t expect that the Hu Ji Princess didn’t come to marry him, but to cause trouble.”
Shen Li nodded slightly. She and Lin Wan'er knew, but they hadn't expected it to cause such a big stir.
“This princess is truly remarkable,” Cheng Ruojin said, shaking her head. “When the crown prince rebelled, the entire capital was shocked.”
Shen Li remained noncommittal, but this empress was bound to be the strongest opponent of the Great Zhao in the future.
"By the way, sister, I have something important to tell you. Do you know about Zheng Yanran, the cousin of Prince Yi?" Cheng Ruojin lowered her voice.
Shen Li nodded. Zheng Yanran had once stayed at the Gu family home, claiming to be there to learn painting, but Shen Li later realized that she was there for her man.
“During poetry gatherings, I often heard her say that she admires Lord Gu’s talent the most. Even though she is of marriageable age, she does not discuss marriage. Everyone says that she is infatuated with Lord Gu.” Cheng Ruojin said with a wary look, “Sister, you should be careful.”
"Understood," Shen Li replied calmly.
In her view, this may not be Zheng Yanran's decision alone, and there may be some political motives behind it.
Consort Zheng and Prince Yi want to completely control Gu Chang'an.
But she didn't think that using her beauty would work.
After seeing Cheng Ruojin off, Shen Li rested until Bai Wuyou returned.
Shen Li knew what he had been doing, and she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw him return safely. She asked, "Did it go smoothly?"
“The person is dead.” Bai Wuyou sat down and said, “I’m going back too.”
The Red Lotus Sect was previously controlled by the Grand Elder, and now that the Grand Elder is dead, it is the best time for Bai Wuyou to return and take charge again.
Shen Li nodded: "It's about time. What does the Emperor say?"
“I told him I was going to the East Sea to seek immortality and enlightenment, and he would let me go.” Bai Wuyou observed Shen Li’s expression.
Clearly, he only cared about what she thought.
"The Grand Elder's forces should have been mostly wiped out this time. It's right for you to go back and regroup. However, you shouldn't choose the path of rebellion unless absolutely necessary," Shen Li advised.
"I know. With me here, the Red Lotus Sect will always respect you. I will not rebel unless you give the order," Bai Wuyou said as if making a promise.
Previously, he did not think that rebellion was difficult, but after Li Heng's experience, he realized how many people would die in a rebellion, and what kind of backlash would result from a rebellion that was not legitimate.
If it weren't for the emperor's extreme incompetence and heavy taxes, the banner of rebellion really couldn't have been raised.
"Then I won't keep this for you. Take it with you." Shen Li took out the cat-eye dagger from her sleeve and placed it on the small table next to her.
Bai Wuyou, sitting at the octagonal table below, immediately shook his head upon seeing the dagger: "What I said was for you, is for you. Why do you always want to give it back to me?"
"I see this is something you cherish, and you don't want to take what someone else loves."
"You can keep it," Bai Wuyou insisted stubbornly.
"Alright, I'll keep it. Is there anything else I can do for you?" Shen Li asked again.
Bai Wuyou finally nodded.
"Those who have rendered meritorious service will be rewarded." Shen Li's tone was more relaxed as she put away the dagger and asked, "Speak, what is it?"
"Take care of yourself, and don't let me come back and not see you." Bai Wuyou looked at her, his words calm yet earnest.
It seems like a very important matter.
Shen Li didn't expect him to say that. She was silent for a moment before smiling and looking back at him: "You too."
Bai Wuyou stood up, his white robes fluttering, full of vigor: "Wait for me, I'll give you the complete Red Lotus Sect."
“Okay, do me a favor while you’re at it.” Shen Li took out a map and pointed to an island in the eastern sea: “Send some people out to sea to drive away the pirates here, clean up the garbage, and plant more trees or something.”
"What?" Bai Wuyou seemed to doubt that she had heard correctly.
What kind of mission is this?
Shen Li didn't explain, she just waved to him and said, "See you in the martial world."
"Okay." Bai Wuyou accepted the map and turned to leave.
Shen Li had long regarded Bai Wuyou as one of her own, as her friend, but this parting did not stir any waves in her heart; they would always meet again.
There's no need to be sad if we can meet again.
She began to envision the blueprint for that small island, which was about the size of Japan and was home to pirates who robbed passing ships and committed all sorts of atrocities. She figured that such people would not cherish the island.
She wanted to drive the people away; that place was the retirement home she and Gu Chang'an had planned long ago, their own private territory.
Gu Chang'an returned very early, which was unusual for him. When Shen Li saw him come in, she couldn't help but tease him, "It's not even dark yet, husband, have you come to the wrong place?"
"Ah Li is teasing me again. I'll come back to be with you sooner in the future." Gu Chang'an handed the black gauze hat to the maid and reached to untie his belt with one hand.
Shen Li stared at those slender, fair fingers untying his belt, her eyes glued to him. Her husband was handsome in every way.
Originally, Gu Chang'an was not in a hurry to get close to her. After all, Ah Li had been working hard and he felt sorry for her and wanted her to rest for a while. But his Ah Li obviously did not think so.
"All of you, go down and fetch a bucket of bathwater." Gu Chang'an raised his hand.
As the servants left, Shen Li was still unaware of what was about to happen. After looking at her hands, she tried to look up at her face, but before she could even tilt her head back, her lips were kissed.
Shen Li looked surprised. Had her husband become so proactive after not seeing her for three months?
The change happened so fast that she was caught off guard.
Before she could even process what was happening, she was pushed down onto the bed, the kisses growing increasingly passionate, until she felt her whole body burning up.
This man is toxic.
The affair lasted from the afternoon until late at night. During this time, the two took a shower together, but when they lay in bed, Shen Li felt as if she had forgotten something.
"Are you hungry? I've had someone prepare a midnight snack." Gu Chang'an's deep voice sounded in her ear. "Shall I help A-Li get dressed?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Li remembered what she had forgotten: she hadn't eaten dinner! No wonder she felt so weak.
Gu Chang'an washed her up and then ordered someone to bring her food.
One side of the table was full of meat dishes, while the other side was mostly vegetarian, with only a plate of braised beef being decent.
Shen Li looked at the crystal pork knuckle and whole roast chicken on her side, then at the greenery on Gu Chang'an's side, and felt quite embarrassed: "Anyone who didn't know better would think I was bullying you."
"It's too late, I can't eat anything too greasy." Gu Chang'an looked at him affectionately, "How about I eat with A-Li tomorrow?"
"I'll be there for you," Shen Li said earnestly. "I'll help you take care of your health and make you strong and healthy, both physically and in terms of your habits."
"Okay, Ah Li will be with me." Gu Chang'an's voice was infinitely gentle.
Shen Li still made him eat less meat, and she was relieved to see that he ate it all obediently. She was quite satisfied with Gu Chang'an's performance this time. He had only lost a little weight in the three months she had been away from home.
She doesn't seem to be as incapable of taking care of herself as she used to be.
"I ate well even when A-Li wasn't around," Gu Chang'an said, as if afraid she wouldn't know.
Shen Li was indeed pleased to hear this and praised, "My husband is very good."
Gu Chang'an seemed to say it casually, not caring about the praise, and just kept his head down picking up food.
But the unstoppable upward curve of his lips couldn't lie.
Ah Li is praising him.
Shen Li had just exhausted herself, so she ate a hearty meal to satisfy her, and then lay back on the bed, holding onto Gu Chang'an tightly.
"Oh, right, husband, Bai Wuyou left today. I asked him to help clean up the island we had our eye on." Shen Li remembered what happened that afternoon.
"It would be good if we had the manpower to deal with those pirates sooner. I will send some rare saplings and flower seeds, and in a few years the island will become a paradise." Gu Chang'an also looked forward to it.
The imperial court will never be completely peaceful, and whoever sits on the dragon throne may not be able to protect themselves. It would be better to choose a territory of one's own.
Once their territory has developed, they will have a solid foundation. At that time, anyone who tries to take action against them will have to think twice about the consequences. Once everything is settled, they can not only travel freely inland, but also set sail overseas to explore.
Shen Li nodded: "Then let's just plant peach trees."
"We also need a fleet. I've already drawn up the blueprints for the large ships, and perhaps we can start looking for craftsmen now," Gu Chang'an continued with his plans.
Having land and money is not enough for him to have peace; he needs a fleet that can dominate the seas and intimidate the land.
Born into a fishing family, he has known about ships since childhood and has dreamed of building large ships since he was a child. Now, he is getting closer to his dream.
“Alright, I’ll go find Wan’er later. I heard that she learned about firearms from the West. Even the Ministry of Works can’t make them. I’ll get the blueprints and find skilled craftsmen to make a batch myself,” Shen Li said, stroking her chin.
Gu Chang'an was surprised to hear this: "How does Miss Lin know what Western firearms look like?"
"Uh..." Shen Li then realized that she had let something slip.
Lin Wan'er had naturally seen Western short guns, cannons, and firearms called muskets when she was the empress in her previous life.
At this time, even the West doesn't have such advanced technology.
“She read it in a book, you know, she’s smart,” Shen Li said fluently, though she was actually a little guilty.
"Oh," Gu Chang'an replied blankly, without suspecting anything.
He was naturally quick-witted and suspicious, but he never questioned what Ah Li said, even if there were obvious flaws in her words.
The two of them longed for a peaceful and beautiful future, completely disregarding the current political situation.
The political situation has reached a point of extreme tension.
King Yi was already restless when he saw Li Rui gaining prominence. He realized that Li Rui's achievements and prestige were gradually growing, and if he let it continue, all his hard work in defeating the Crown Prince would be for nothing.
The most urgent task is to secure the position of Crown Prince. Given the Emperor's health, which is maintained by taking elixirs daily, there is absolutely no chance of a second Crown Prince being deposed.
Once he becomes the crown prince and the legitimate heir, he will have a sure chance of securing the throne.
He couldn't wait any longer.
So he mobilized the first batch of officials to speak out, and their memorials were almost identical: to depose the empress.
The reason is that the deposed crown prince rebelled, and the empress is suspected of deliberately letting Zhou Qianqian go and receiving her in the inner palace. For the sake of the stability of the country, such an empress must be deposed.
Every time Shen Li returned home, she could hear her father cursing Yi Wang for being shameless, deposing the crown prince and now wanting to depose the empress. Did he have to make a scene until the Great Zhao Kingdom was destroyed before he would stop?