Chapter 1311 - 987: Resolving the Crisis in Xiazhou

In the blink of an eye, three days had passed.

That day, after Yu Wenquan finished the morning court session, he returned to Liangyi Hall to attend to state affairs. He met a few ministers and continued working until after noon. It was only after Eunuch Yu urged him several times that he finally put down his pen and the documents, instructing for the meal to be prepared.

Quickly, the people from the Food Bureau brought in the day’s meal.

As the palace attendants were setting the dishes, Yu Wenquan called for a basin of cold water to wash his face, to wake himself up a bit. Just as he had dried the water from his face, he heard a series of sounds that he had longed to hear but recently felt unfamiliar with. As he turned his head, he saw Eunuch Yu rushing into Liangyi Hall to report, "Your Majesty, Princess Qin has brought the young prince."

"She’s here?"

Upon hearing that Shang Ruyi had arrived, that small bubble of joy in Yu Wenquan’s heart, like a ripple breaking the calm surface of a lake, immediately burst. He furrowed his brows and said, "Why is she here at this time?"

After all, it was time for him to dine. If not summoned by the Emperor, no ordinary person, even his own son, should disturb him at this time.

But seeing that he had no intention of sending Princess Qin back directly, Eunuch Yu smiled and said, "Princess Qin said that the young prince has something special she brought for His Majesty to see."

"Yuan Qian, what’s wrong with him?"

Hearing that there was something about Yuan Qian, Yu Wenquan couldn’t be bothered with other emotions and immediately said, "Let them in."

Eunuch Yu replied, "Yes."

After speaking, he went out to relay the message.

Yu Wenquan threw the cloth back into the water basin, walked to his desk, and sat down. The table was filled with an assortment of dishes, but looking at them, he felt hunger, yet had no appetite. Before he could pick up his chopsticks, Shang Ruyi had entered with Yuan Qian from outside, bowing to him, "Your son greets Father Emperor."

"..."

Yu Wenquan glanced at her and said mildly, "Are you feeling better?"

Hearing this seemingly meaningful question, Shang Ruyi immediately replied, "Your son feels much better."

Yu Wenquan said, "The weather has been changing quickly recently; you should take care of your health to avoid falling ill again. I would have a hard time explaining to King Qin on the battlefield."

Shang Ruyi replied promptly, "Father Emperor, your words are too heavy."

Yu Wenquan snorted lightly and then turned his attention to Little Yuan Qian. From the moment the child entered the hall, he had been staring wide-eyed at his Grandpa. He soon recognized him and immediately reached out his chubby arms towards him, making joyful cooing and babbling sounds, softening Yu Wenquan’s heart. His previously stern eyebrows softened noticeably.

He said, "Just now you mentioned, what’s wrong with Yuan Qian?"

Shang Ruyi quickly got up, brought the child before Yu Wenquan, and said with a smile, "Father Emperor, please look, Yuan Qian has grown his teeth."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Yu Wenquan immediately took the child. By coincidence, Yuan Qian opened his mouth wide, laughing at him, and he could see four little, white, tender-like-sprouts teeth emerging on the child’s gums. Yu Wenquan exclaimed with delight, "He’s really teething!"

Just as he finished speaking, Yuan Qian suddenly leaned into his arms, trying to nibble at his chin.

"Oh, oh dear!"

Yu Wenquan was caught off guard but hadn’t intended to dodge; the child’s tiny, tender teeth didn’t hurt at all, and he had thick skin too, only feeling a tingling sensation. Shang Ruyi panicked and quickly stepped forward to pull Yuan Qian away, but Yu Wenquan gestured to stop her, saying with a laugh, "Let him bite, let him grind his teeth. A child’s teeth should be ground more to grow quickly."

Seeing this warm scene, even the palace attendants around couldn’t help but smile quietly.

Eunuch Yu stepped forward with a smile, gently lifting Little Yuan Qian, saying, "Your Majesty, you can’t let him use the Dragon Beard to grind his teeth."

Though Yu Wenquan’s chin was covered with drool, he laughed heartily. When he looked at Shang Ruyi again, his gaze was much gentler, and he asked, "He’s teething now, what does he eat? How many meals a day?"

Shang Ruyi replied, "He eats four meals a day, including chicken congee and fish soup. He even gets tempted by adult’s noodles in soup and sometimes takes a couple of bites."

Yu Wenquan nodded, saying, "Children should eat more to be healthy. Feng Chen used to eat a variety of foods; that’s why he’s so robust now. Don’t be too fussy with food; children become fragile when they’re too pampered."

Shang Ruyi said, "I understand."

Eunuch Yu had a new cloth brought over to wipe the drool from Yu Wenquan’s chin and beard. After cleaning up, Yu Wenquan gestured towards the table and said, "You haven’t had lunch yet. Join me."

Shang Ruyi said, "Thank you, Father Emperor."

With that, she sat down. Yu Wenquan had some of his meal shared with her, and though the atmosphere wasn’t perfect, it was at least harmonious.

However, neither of them had much of an appetite, and they only ate for a short while before having the dishes cleared away. Shang Ruyi watched as Little Yuan Qian was once again brought to Yu Wenquan’s side, and the two played and laughed joyously. Her face carried a soft, spring breeze-like smile, and Eunuch Yu also remarked with a smile, "Only when the Young Master visits can His Majesty be made happy. It’s been days since we last heard His Majesty’s laughter."

Yu Wenquan glared at him, "Are you complaining to me now?"

Eunuch Yu quickly put on a smiling face, "I wouldn’t dare."

"..."

"I only hope that Princess Qin could bring the Young Master more often, to keep His Majesty joyful."

Shang Ruyi softly said, "I’ve heard that Father Emperor has been troubled by court affairs recently, so I especially brought Yuan Qian to accompany you and hope that you take care of your health, and don’t overwork yourself."

Yu Wenquan looked up at her, was silent for a moment, then said, "I’m fine."

"..."

"Feng Chen did a great job at the eastern front, relieving my worries and troubles."

Shang Ruyi immediately responded, "It’s all thanks to the Father Emperor’s divine grace."

Yu Wenquan smiled faintly, and though there was contentment in his smile, there was also a subtle hint of irony, hard to detect, saying, "My divine protection doesn’t reach Luoyang; this time, it was all him on his own. If only he could look out more for his brother."

Shang Ruyi, of course, had heard that Yu Wenye could roam freely due to King Qi pinning down a lot of Liang Shide’s forces at Cijian. It’s likely they’re having a tough time now, unsure what Yu Wenye’s next move will be.

But she didn’t continue on this topic, only saying, "By the way, I also heard that Princess Qiancheng sent another letter."

At the mention of this, Yu Wenquan’s brows immediately furrowed.

Compared to Luoyang, it seemed this was the biggest and hardest problem at hand, yet he was reluctant to show distress before the younger generation. He simply waved it off, saying, "Let’s not talk about it."

Shang Ruyi suddenly said, "I may be able to resolve the troubles in Xiazhou."

"...!?"

Yu Wenquan looked at her in surprise, "What did you say?"