Chapter 014: Ah Niang

Upon hearing the news, Du Song's face immediately registered a look of astonishment.

"What? Are you sure he didn't deliberately release some smoke and mirrors to lure you back?"

"No," Du Junqing shook his head decisively. "I have personally met with some of Gao's old friends, and they all said that Gao had written to them beforehand, confirming his return. It's just that now, he has suddenly vanished, and they don't understand what's going on."

"This is indeed a strange matter," Du Song sighed softly. "But that old man has always been quite headstrong. When he was treating His Majesty's head ailment, everything was going well. Empress Wu was even about to grant him a title. But then he suddenly said, 'The Emperor is beyond saving. Continuing the treatment would just be a waste of time. He's not interested in serving anymore; he wants to return home and marry his childhood sweetheart.' And then he really just stormed off! Empress Wu sent out wanted posters, but there was no trace of him. It wasn't until later, after the Emperor's passing, that he reappeared."

"His whereabouts have been sporadic ever since. Perhaps this time, he just had another wild idea on his way to Chang'an and decided to go somewhere else for leisure! Just be patient, maybe in a few days, he'll show up again."

"We can only hope for that," Du Junqing replied in a low voice.

Du Song then glanced at his grandson next to him. "By the way, how did Ayi suddenly become white and fat?"

"Oh, it's the Gu family that my father married into. She suddenly started to behave like a virtuous and well-behaved woman. She even cooks edible meals, so I reluctantly ate some," Du Yi said indifferently.

Upon hearing this, Du Song was greatly surprised. "Is that so?" He quickly looked at Du Junqing.

Du Junqing nodded. "In the past month and a half, she has indeed been much more obedient. But I don't know if this is just a new trick of hers."

"If she truly intends to change for the better, then it's a good thing," Du Song sighed. "Since she's already been brought into the family, you should treat her well. Even though she doesn't come from an esteemed background, since she's married into the Du family, her reputation is tied to the Du family's and the Marquis of Lai's. You shouldn't neglect her too much; after all, she's just a young lady in her prime."

"I understand. After we return this time, I will have a good talk with her. If she can promise to behave herself in the future, we will have a good life together," Du Junqing said calmly.

"That's the way to go," Du Song nodded in satisfaction.

As they were talking, a servant entered the room. "Master, Seventh Master, dinner is ready."

"Good. Let's go to the dining hall!" Du Song stood up.

Du Junqing and his son obediently followed him, and they all went to the dining hall together.

By this time, Gu Caiwei had already been waiting with the Marquess of Lai's wife and her entourage. It was a relief when Du Song and his company finally arrived, and everyone took their seats.

Gu Caiwei naturally sat next to Du Junqing, with Du Yi beside them.

As the food and wine were served, everyone was happily chatting—except for Gu Caiwei, who was still being excluded. She didn't engage in any petty conflicts like her sister, Gu Caiqin, before. She just focused on eating quietly.

One couldn't help but say that the cuisine from the Marquess's household was indeed excellent. The braised sheep's head in front of her was especially well-prepared.

However, just as she was enjoying her meal alone, Du's youngest daughter suddenly spoke up, "Seventh Sister-in-law, I propose a toast to you."

Gu Caiwei quickly looked up and raised her own glass.

But before she could speak, she heard Du's youngest daughter saying with a faint smile, "This toast is to congratulate you for patiently waiting for Ah-Xiong's return. I also wish for harmony in your family and hope that you can gain Ah-Yi's recognition and be called Mother soon!"

The forced smile that Gu Caiwei was trying to maintain froze on her face.

Did this young lady really think so highly of herself? She kept saying it was a toast to her, but in reality, she was publicly humiliating her lack of husband's and stepson's affection. If she just accepted it, then she wouldn’t have to come out and face people at the Marquess's household anymore!

As Gu Caiwei's gaze turned cold, she was about to say something, but then she heard a clear child's voice next to her's—

"Mother."