Blossom in Adversity

C115. Forever Apart.

Chapter 115 - Forever Apart

In the Empress Dowager's Fengshou Palace, Gu Yanxi bowed and called out to his grandmother.

The Empress Dowager gestured for him to sit closer. She had grown accustomed to her grandson's face by now. "I heard you were reprimanded by your uncle for paying respects to the Hua family."

"I didn't expect the news to reach you. Please don't worry, it's not that serious. I usually have no contact with the Hua family, but I went to pay my respects suddenly. My uncle was just curious and asked a few questions," Gu Yanxi explained.

"Grandmother's curious too. Tell me about it," the Empress Dowager urged.

Gu Yanxi lowered his gaze. "If I tell you, it will only upset you."

"It's okay, it won't be a big deal," she reassured.

After a moment of silence, Gu Yanxi spoke, "When I escaped from the Prince's mansion covered in blood years ago, everyone avoided me. It was only because Lord Hua happened to pass by, took me on his carriage, and brought me to the clinic. Otherwise, you might never have seen me again."

Gu Yanxi's tone was calm, but the Empress Dowager nearly broke her nails. Back then, it was the emperor who had brought the heavily injured Yan Xi back from the clinic!

"So I didn't want to tell you. I don't want you to feel upset remembering those events. It's been so long. Please don't dwell on it," Gu Yanxi said.

The Empress Dowager affectionately patted his hand, her love for him evident.

Gu Yanxi kept his gaze down. Throughout this incident, Hua Yizheng had nothing to do with it. He had evaded the pursuers and sought refuge at the clinic on his own.

By keeping Hua Yizheng here, his uncle would not delve deeper. No one wanted to uncover those rotten old secrets that would disgust themselves and others.

He relied on his uncle's trust in him. Despite having the authority to oversee officials, no one supervised him. This was why he dared to accompany Hua Zhi to Yingshan Pass without an imperial decree and assume the identity of a martial arts instructor at the Hua family.

For this reason, although the princes were wary of him, they dared not touch him.

"Your father..."

"Grandmother," Gu Yanxi interrupted. "Let's not talk about him."

"Alright, let's not. Your grandmother is most fond of this grandson who has faced so many trials. I can't bear to see you in any difficulty."

Noticing his displeasure, she quickly changed the topic. "Grandmother has introduced you to several girls from good families," she said. "They are all kind and easygoing. Their families aren't wealthy or powerful, so you don't need to worry about..."

The Empress Dowager patted his hand. "Don't isolate yourself like this, my dear. It worries me. Your uncle has mentioned a few times as well, Yan Xi, don't blame your uncle for some things. It's not easy for him in his position, but regardless, he hopes you can settle down peacefully," the Empress Dowager said.

"I have never blamed my uncle. How could I?" Gu Yanxi's expression was unusually gentle, devoid of his usual indifference. "Even those princes don't receive as much care as I do. I have slept with my uncle, but they haven't."

The Empress Dowager chuckled. "That's right. Remember all of this. By thinking about these things, some matters won't seem so significant. Don't you agree?"

"Yes, you don't need to worry about me having any improper thoughts. They are all fighting for things that I don't want. Even if they want to reclaim my power one day, I'm willing to surrender it. Grandmother, rest assured, I won't involve myself in those matters. It's good to live carefree days. After the New Year, I'll talk to my uncle and take you out of the palace for a while. Being trapped in this imperial city every day, even the most beautiful scenery becomes tiresome," Gu Yanxi promised.