Chapter 218: Faking It Till You Make It
Two days later, the Grand Princess, along with the Princess Consort Zhao, brought Tutor Zhuge and Gong Changan into the palace.
The Empress and the Emperor personally came to Yun Guang Gate to welcome them, and Wen Mingqian and others followed.
Tutor Zhuge was seen in a wide robe and long gown, with a white beard flowing, appearing like an immortal descending from heaven.
Although Gong Changan, whom he led, had a childish face, he already exuded an aura of nobility, a natural regal bearing that made him unforgettable.
This old man and young boy truly resembled an immortal elder and his attendant, more vivid than any painting.
The Empress spoke first, “No wonder this child was accepted into San Jing Academy; just looking at his demeanor, he is clearly no ordinary person.”
Although the Emperor remained silent, he was very pleased with Gong Changan in his heart. As the saying goes, a child at three predicts their character at seven, and this child appeared more composed than others his age.
He even inexplicably felt a fondness for the child; though it was their first meeting, he felt an immediate closeness.
As the master and disciple approached, Tutor Zhuge merely cupped his hands in greeting to the Emperor and Empress.
Gong Changan, however, knelt and performed a full kowtow.
Wen Mingqian, watching him, could no longer hold back tears, her eyes reddening with a mix of emotions.
But those around her mistook her tears for longing for her son, overcome with joy at their reunion.
“Good child, rise!” the Empress called out to Gong Changan with a smile, “Come to me.”
Gong Changan hesitated for a moment, but quickly put on a sweet smile, strode forward, and, under everyone’s gaze, hugged the Empress.
The Empress was startled, and those around her rushed forward to pull Gong Changan away.
Wen Mingqian also quickly said, “Changan, don’t be rude, step back at once!”
“Your Ladyship, please do not be angry. Changan knows you are the mother of the world. Although this is our first meeting, I felt you were kind and approachable, so I couldn’t help myself…” Gong Changan released his embrace, stepped back two paces, his face flushed with embarrassment.
“Look at you all, you’ve frightened the child,” the Empress said, pulling him to her and hugging him. “Good child, it’s a good thing you feel close to me, don’t be afraid. I like you.”
She then said to everyone, “He is just a child, don’t scare him. Remember, he is our guest, invited by His Majesty and me!”
The Empress’s own son had died young. Although she later brought Prince Zhao’s Heir Apparent and Prince of Chu’s Heir Apparent into the palace, both children were already over ten years old when they arrived.
Their families had repeatedly instructed them not to act like young children and to always observe proper etiquette and rules.
Therefore, they never dared to be too close to the Empress, always maintaining a respectful and courteous demeanor.
Gong Changan was different. He was young, and his appearance was very pleasing. He was sweet-tongued and knew how to act cute; who among those around him hadn’t been charmed by him?
Being hugged by him made the Empress feel warm inside. She couldn’t remember how many years it had been since she had held a child.
She took Gong Changan’s hand and said to Wen Mingqian with a smile, “You and your son can catch up later! Let him spend some time with me first.”
During the banquet, Gong Changan was poised and natural, showing no affectation. He ate what was given and drank what was offered.
The Empress personally served him a dish, and he immediately reciprocated by serving her a bite with his chopsticks.
The crowd couldn’t help but feel he was being a bit impolite, yet the Empress actually ate the food he had served.
Everyone then understood that the Empress truly liked him, and there was no need for others to worry.
“Your Majesty, I was thinking that Mingqian and her son haven’t seen each other for a long time. Why not let Changan stay in the palace for a few days so mother and son can have a good reunion?” the Empress said to the Emperor with a smile as the banquet concluded.
“I agree. Tutor Zhuge, if you don’t mind, please stay in the palace for a while as well. I have many matters I wish to consult you on,” the Emperor said, going along with the suggestion.
Tutor Zhuge thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.
Princess Consort Zhao was very happy to see this development. Regardless, things had turned out better than she had expected, and she hoped her wishes would come true.
After seeing the Grand Princess and Princess Consort Zhao out of the palace, Wen Mingqian finally had the chance to speak with Gong Changan.
“Mother, I missed you so much!” Gong Changan hugged Wen Mingqian tightly, his eyes welling up.
“Good child, don’t cry, Mother missed you too,” Wen Mingqian said, holding back tears. “Let Mother have a good look, how much have you grown, have you lost weight?”
Although she was smiling, her voice was choked with emotion. Gong Changan, though not her biological son, was no different from one.
In some ways, he even surpassed her own child. If Gong Changan were truly her biological son, she would not have had such high expectations, nor would she have placed her entire future on this child.
“Mother, I’ve grown taller and stronger. Have you been well all this time? Your letters always report good news and hide the bad. Zhang Ma and I didn’t know how difficult it was for you alone in the Capital City,” Gong Changan said, his heart aching for his mother. Though young, he was very sensible.
“It’s a pity Zhang Ma cannot enter the palace this time. I don’t know when I’ll see him again,” Wen Mingqian sighed softly.
“Mother, don’t worry, there will be a day when Zhang Ma enters the palace,” Gong Changan said. “Besides, he also said that entering the palace too early might not be a good thing.”
As mother and son were talking, many palace maids and eunuchs hurried over, all eager to catch a glimpse of Gong Changan.
Upon seeing Gong Changan, they couldn’t help but praise him, “This child truly resembles Madam Wen, and his demeanor is similar too. No wonder the Empress likes him; it seems fate has destined you mother and son to have a connection with Her Ladyship.”
After a round of flattery, they also presented Gong Changan with many meeting gifts.
Gong Changan and Wen Mingqian, unable to refuse, accepted them one by one.
Gong Changan said, “Mother, it’s rare for these elders to care so much about me. Why don’t we host them one day?”
The servants in the palace also had rules for hosting guests. One only needed to find the kitchen that managed the servants’ meals, pay some money, and have the cooks prepare some food and dim sum.
“This child is truly well-mannered; no wonder everyone likes him.” The crowd was delighted to hear Gong Changan say this, feeling that he didn’t look down on them and wasn’t arrogant.
After everyone dispersed, Wen Mingqian said, “You must have woken up very early. It’s past noon now, you should get some sleep.”
“Son doesn’t want to sleep, son still wants to talk to Mother,” Gong Changan hugged Wen Mingqian’s arm. “Mother, I really, really missed you! Sometimes when I couldn’t sleep at the academy, I would lie by the window and look at the stars. I thought the brightest star in the sky was your eyes looking at me.”
No matter how sensible or intelligent he was, he was still a child. Having grown up under Wen Mingqian’s devoted care, he was naturally extremely attached to her.
Moreover, he knew that Wen Mingqian had a harder time than most mothers because the task she had to accomplish was so great.
“This morning, people from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau reported that the star of the Crown Prince was shining brightly, and the Empress was very happy about it,” Wen Mingqian said in a low voice. “She never imagined that this star would be associated with you.”
