Chapter 1249: Chapter 1244: Full Moon Feast

After he finished speaking, he exited the room like a gust of wind, and a moment later returned, closing the door behind him.

Left behind were two people, both stunned and at a loss.

“Elder brother came back really early this year,” said Jie Zhonglin awkwardly.

Miss Du was stunned for a moment, then said, “I heard that he has always felt so guilty about what happened to you. Don’t you blame him?”

Jie Zhonglin’s eyes, clear as water, gazed at Miss Du and said, “No blame, I understand his intentions. Without his coercion, I would not have gone to that bandit’s village to rescue you, and then we would not have our Yiyi.”

As he said this, his face darkened, filled with a few traces of despair, and he continued, “It’s just a pity that I am disabled now; otherwise, I would have shown him what a hero his father was. When we were discovered back then, thirty-some of us facing against over a thousand adversaries.”

Miss Du stared at his empty sleeve and the corner of her mouth twitched as she said, “You could make it a story for him, about how heroic his father was once.”

“It’s just… I feel like I’ve let you down.” Jie Zhonglin used his remaining arm to caress Miss Du’s cheek, his voice choked with emotion, “I failed you in my best days, and now that I am disabled, you have to care for me.”

Miss Du blandly said, “Maybe it’s because my luck is not good, to not have the fortune to marry a normal man. You becoming disabled is just suited for me.”

Speaking thus, they shared a smile.

Jie Zhonglin said, “If there is a next life, I hope heaven is kind so that I may meet you in my prime and be the one to take good care of you.”

These words brought waves of sourness to Miss Du’s heart, and she said, “What are you saying? Don’t you believe in Doctor Gu’s medical skills?

She will get angry if she hears this, accusing you of tarnishing her reputation. She said your leg will heal; missing an arm doesn’t matter, but the leg must get better—otherwise, I refuse to serve you.”

…

The day of the full-month banquet finally arrived. Although the Emperor was not required to attend the full-month banquet for legitimate and illegitimate grandsons, this time he made an exception to attend.

Everyone thought that Prince Jin must still carry weight in the Emperor’s heart. Prince Jin had indeed suffered greatly; a Consort plotted against him, the principal wife ran away, and the birth of his firstborn son was from a concubine.

A series of blows had left Prince Jin entirely haggard; the Emperor surely saw it and felt pained in his heart, thus making an exception to attend his illegitimate grandson’s full-month banquet.

Considering the relationships between the Ducal Residence, the Empress, and other families, the full-month banquet for Prince Jin’s illegitimate son turned out to be much more lively than that of the grand Prince’s and Prince Qin’s twins. The servants at Prince Jin Residence were extremely busy; it was said that the elaborate gifts were even arranged by people sent from the Ministry of Rites.

After all, as dazzling as Prince Jin might be outside, one could not ignore the fully-exposed troubles within Prince Jin Residence.

The Consort plotted against others, the principal wife fled, and one concubine after another competed for favor—who would have the mind to care about your eldest son’s full-month banquet? Surely, they couldn’t expect Prince Jin, a proud man, to handle it?

Gu Youyou and Jin Zijin arrived somewhat late; by the time they got there, everyone had already started the feast.

The Emperor sat at the head of the table, beaming radiantly, evidently truly delighted.

Gu Youyou was taken aback for a moment, thinking to herself that this old Emperor really was capable. Jin Zijin had told her about this matter long ago; the grandson wasn’t even his own flesh and blood, yet he could present such an attitude—his acting skills were indeed exceptional.

“The grand Crown Prince and Crown Princess have arrived…” The servant calling them into the room elongated his voice, and those responsible for welcoming guests directed them to their seats.