Emperor's Cunning Wife

"Why are you so late and kept quiet when you already arrived?" Physician Xianji reprimanded Gao Ling's lateness. The harmonious atmosphere was instantly disrupted and even the Madam visibly frowned.

"The Emperor had assigned some tasks to your son." Gao Ling lowered his head and seated on an empty spot.

Yunxu drunk the cup of warm water the servant had newly poured, and washed down his palette. "Mother, Father, Ling'gege seemed really hungry and tired from the trip. How about we save the questions later?" Yunxu smiled and showed two adorable dimples. Madam couldn't help herself and pinched his cheeks and lovingly looked at him.

Xuanji always wanted a girl after Yunxu was born. Sadly his wife had suffered during her second pregnancy and was unable to get pregnant again. It was a good thing that Yunxu had accompanied his wife saving her from being depressed. Xuanji also placed majority of his thoughts on his second son that bore a hug resemblance to his gentle and virtuous wife.

"Someone fetch a clean set of cutlery for the first young master." Xuanji ordered the servants standing at the corner.

Gao Ling detected the slight anger in his voice and felt conflicted. The way his parents had treated Yunxu and him differently had bother him so much. His situation was similar to the Emperor, wherein the Empress dowager had only eyes for the Empress. Fortunately he was not the type of person to hold grudges and only kept quiet regarding this matter, but still in the face of such tenderness that he tasted rarely, being aggrieved was unavoidable.

"Gao Ling, how was your day at the palace?" The Madam finally asked about his work.

Gao Ling curled his lips and his voice full of rare bliss, "Mother, this son is doing well. The Emperor never treated his subjects harshly. The days in the Imperial Dispensary flows smooth and this son finds solace in his work.

"That's good???" The Madam leaned closer and patted his hand. Her eyes momentarily stared at him before gazing at Yunxu again.

"Then, Dear Ji Yunxu is already at the marriageable age, he should have something he wants to pursue. This wife thinks that it would be great if Gao Ling introduce Xu'er to the Emperor and his friends, this would make it easier for Xu'er's career path."

The joyful smile on Gao Ling's face stiffened, his hand that was encased with his Mother's warm hands trembled. Xuanji and the Madam remained oblivious to the changes and continued their discussions.

Yunxu raised the corner of his lips while picking out the vegetable in his bowl and placing it on the Madam's plate.

"Mother, you need to eat more vegetables to be healthy." The Madam smiled and nodded with a warm smile.

"Xu'er, what about your Father?" Xuanji brought the bowl closer to Yunxu.

Yunxu picked up another vegetable in his bowl and placed it on the Master's bowl.

"Good???Good! Someone fetch me another bowl of rice."Xuanji ordered a maid. The Madam smiled at him and also went to order her personal maid a half a cup of rice. Their appetites seemed to boost with Xu'er's presence.

A servant placed a set of cutlery on Gao Ling's side and retreated. Gao Ling picked up the chopsticks and started gobbling up the food.

In the midst of the three's chatters, Xuanji started to visulaize about his second son's future. He already has an heir to take his mantle, and Xu'er clearly rejected the idea of studying medicine under his tutelage. Towards his second son, he was quite worried about his future, so ordering Gao Ling to accompany Xu'er in any social events was the only thing Xuanji can do.

"Xu'er since you've gone for several months, the noble circle might have some changes. You need to be more active and participate in banquets if you want to pursue officialdom. Anyway, have you thought what you wanted to do?" Xuanji asked Yunxu curiously. This son of his was quite wild and often sneaked out the manor to play. It was only several months ago that he became more docile and m.a.t.u.r.e. The changes brought a huge relief to the couple.

Yunxu looked at him for a moment before rubbing his chin, "Father, this son of yours is too lazy. I only want to be with you until old age. But, I'm quite curious about the palace, and I hope Ling'gege would give me a tour? My friends in Zhou had said that the Imperial Palace is very magnificent, its wall made of gold, with statues of mystical creatures everywhere. This son of yours really wanted to see the Palace. Would Father permit?" Yunxu slightly pouted, his look of wanting to be spoiled melted the Madam's heart.

"Dear, maybe you can get some permission from the emperor for Yunxu?" The Madam pleaded Gao Ling who had been silent for a while.

Yunxu also stared at Gao Ling.

"Of course, he would. The Emperor would sure permit Yunxu to go since he is his brother. Gao Ling is highly valued by the Emperor, asking for a permit token would be a trivial matter, right Gao Ling?" Xuanji said while looking at his dear wife's expectant expression.

Gao Ling remained in silence for a few seconds before smilingly nodding at the pair. "Yes, this son will ask the Emperor for a permit token."

Xuanji and his wife also smiled at Gao Ling. The family resumed their meal.

Before coming home, Gao Ling was quite hungry, but after the interaction he lost his appetite to appreciate the sumptuous meal. The dishes tasted bland. Pushing the tea to the side, he grabbed the jug of wine instead and started pouring himself.

Xuanji and the Madam reminded him not to drink too much.

Gao Ling nodded. After a few cups, his eyes was a bit foggy, so when Yunxu met his gaze, something flickered in those orbs, there seemed to be something hidden between them. He shook his head and tried to focus again, but he found out Yunxu was talking to their Mother. Ever since months ago, this little brother of his had changed a lot.