Ji Xianxian immediately pursed her lips tightly. Xu Qingwan then glanced at Yin Hui. Seeing her respectful expression, understanding she was not as indiscreet as Ji Xianxian on such matters, she refrained from saying more.
Upon finally returning to Chengxin Hall, Yin Hui breathed a sigh of relief. She instructed An Shun’er to report to Wei Luo and gathered all the servants in Chengxin Hall for a formal warning. Anyone daring to discuss the matter would be tied up and handed over directly for disposal. Those reporting instances of others discussing the matter, once confirmed, would be rewarded with ten taels of silver.
The servants exchanged glances, refraining from discussing the matter amongst themselves. However, a silent hope lingered, anticipating that others might breach the prohibition, leading to rewards for those who reported such instances.
Yin Hui surveyed the room, confident that none in Chengxin Hall would risk engaging in forbidden conversations or committing any crimes.
As dusk fell, Wei Luo hurriedly returned to Chengxin Hall. Yin Hui, upon hearing the news, sought him out in the front yard. Wei Luo was wiping his face, as there was a family banquet scheduled for the evening, leaving him with little time for a proper bath.
Yin Hui instructed An Shun’er to leave, standing by to assist him. Wei Luo set down his scarf, glanced at her, and inquired, “Have you informed the servants not to discuss this matter?”
Yin Hui nodded and relayed the established rules.
Wei Luo responded, “Very well, that’s good. You should also be cautious; refrain from going out for now.”
“I understand. I’ll manage the household. Given your dealings outside, where many people are involved, exercise caution in your words and actions,” Yin Hui advised.
With the shattered dream of his father’s success, Wei Luo felt a mix of disappointment and anger. Why had his father, a veteran on the battlefield, succumbed to defeat against a mere child?
Having visited the capital and encountered Wei Ang, known for his benevolence but lacking in accomplishments, Wei Luo found it perplexing that even he couldn’t be convinced by his grandfather’s arrangements—let alone his own father.
However, in that moment, hearing her words, Wei Luo’s heavy heart unexpectedly and inexplicably relaxed.
“Where’s Xiao Heng? Let’s go early; don’t be late.”
“You change your clothes; I’ll bring him right away.”
The Yan Palace had hosted several family banquets in the past two years, and that night’s banquet appeared to be the grandest. However, an air of secrecy hung over the attendees, and even the eunuch tasked with delivering the decree seemed uncomfortable.
Yin Hui glanced behind her. Xiao Heng was eating obediently, not scanning the surroundings like Er Lang, San Lang, and Si Lang. It was a relief; during this period, it was best if he didn’t catch the attention of her father-in-law.
Seated at the main table, King Yan maintained a forced smile, downing bowl after bowl of wine, his eyes aimlessly sweeping across the assembled guests.
Eldest son? Not promising enough; he sweats after just a few glances. Second son? Romantic and lustful, akin to his mother. Third son? Wearing a perpetual scowl as if the world owed him something. The fourth son always clinged to the third brother of the Guo family; why couldn’t his own sons be more like him? The fifth son dedicates himself to studies but resembles a bamboo pole, hardly fit for leading troops in the future.
As King Yan mentally assessed his sons, he took a sip of wine and shifted his gaze to the female members.
The eldest daughter-in-law? Flaunting her Xu family heritage, she assumes an aloof demeanor daily. Second daughter-in-law? Beautiful, but she only dragged his second son around and seemed clueless about caring for her husband and raising children. The third daughter-in-law…
King Yan hiccupped, suddenly unable to recall any grievances against the third daughter-in-law. Then his attention fell on Xiao Heng.
King Yan initially smiled, then his eyes widened. What was so special about his grandson? The throne, rightfully his, had been snatched away by the Emperor’s grandson, who only knew how to behave in front of his father.
“Wu Lang!” King Yan suddenly yelled, slamming down his wine bowl heavily.
Yin Hui’s heart trembled, and Wei Luo’s heart hung in suspense. Only Xiao Heng remained focused on his meal.
“Bring Wu Lang here!” King Yan impatiently commanded.
The nurse swiftly wiped off the rice grains from Xiao Heng’s corners, scooped up the little boy, and hurriedly handed him over.
Xiao Heng stared blankly at his grandfather.
King Yan pinched his grandson’s face and grumbled, “You only know how to eat every day. What else do you want besides eating?” The table fell silent, and his words carried across the room.
Yin Hui felt a sense of injustice for her son. Of course, a child of his age would only know how to eat, drink, and play. Why did the initial anger target her son? This hadn’t happened in her previous life.
Some people sympathized with the little guy, while others secretly enjoyed the misfortune. Only Xiao Heng took his grandfather’s question seriously and replied, “I can also recite poems.” His speech had progressed remarkably. Not only could he articulate lengthy sentences, but he also demonstrated cognitive abilities.
King Yan smiled but challenged, “Recite one.”
Xiao Heng turned to his mother’s direction and selected a few verses he could recite, saying, “There is moonlight in front of the bed, but frost on the ground; look up at the bright moon, bow your head and think about your hometown.” The innocent child recited the lines clearly.
King Yan listened and unexpectedly shed tears. In his hometown, he had missed his father on more than one occasion, but his father seemed to have long forgotten him.
“Why is grandfather crying?” Xiao Heng asked.
King Yan sniffed, wiped away his tears with his sleeve, and with red eyes, he replied, “Grandfather misses your great-grandfather. Great-grandfather is my father. I also miss your uncle. He is my elder brother.”
Xiao Heng inquired, “Where are they?”
King Yan smiled with tears in his eyes, “Great-grandfather is in his hometown, and uncle-grandfather has gone to a place far away.”
More than half a month later, the conversation between the grandfather and the grandson was brought to the capital by the eunuch.
Upon hearing the words, Emperor Jianlong burst into tears, spontaneously composing a poem that conveyed his deep affection for his son. He promptly sent someone to deliver the heartfelt verses to Yandi.
King Yan, upon receiving the reply, gazed out of the window and broke into a smile once again.