CHAPTER 325: CHAPTER 325: THE PAST EVENTS OF THOSE YEARS

Bu Rao was born bearing a strong resemblance to the Second Prince, Sang Deng, and even at a tender age, he exuded a certain ruggedness typical of Western Di people.

On the other hand, young Haji inherited the looks of Princess Consort Yu Wenjie.

He appeared more like a person from Da Wei.

Being older, Bu Rao understood more about things.

He thought for a moment, then replied softly.

"It’s not that. It’s because Mother was happy to see her relatives, that’s why she cried."

Isn’t happiness supposed to be expressed with laughter?

Why is everyone crying?

His little head was filled with countless questions, but it wasn’t the appropriate setting to ask them.

He had to follow the instructions given by their mother before coming here.

Speak less, ask fewer questions.

Obediently, he stood with his brother, waiting for the Empress Dowager’s summons.

Their appearance caught the attention of someone.

He was standing next to Princess Consort Zhan, looking somewhat carefree, yet dressed in luxurious attire.

Though over twenty, he appeared youthful.

Perhaps it was because he hadn’t yet started a family, so he maintained a certain innocence.

He was the legitimate son of Princess Consort Zhan, and the younger brother of Yu Wenjie, the uncle of the two little Princes, Yu Wen Jia.

His visit to the palace today was to see his long-unseen elder sister.

He had reminded himself to be composed, but upon seeing his mother and sister embrace and sob, his eyes welled up with tears too.

Although he was very young when his elder sister got married, so his memories were not vivid.

But those familial bonds are unbreakable; whenever he saw his mother weeping for his elder sister, he also felt uneasy.

It’s just that men seldom shed tears.

He took a step back, intending to stand by the window for some air, but glimpsed the brothers.

Perhaps it’s due to familial ties, despite the three having never met, they felt an unconscious connection.

Yu Wen Jia took a closer look at them, and they returned his gaze unembarrassed.

Yu Wen Jia, upon noticing this, released a friendly smile, which the two brothers straightforwardly ignored.

Indeed, they had the straightforward nature of Western Di people.

No one knew for how long, but mother and daughter ceased crying eventually.

Nanny Wen, by the Empress Dowager’s side, quickly instructed someone to pass a cool cloth.

To soothe their eyes, lest they swell terribly and become the subject of gossip.

Such reunions, filled with tears, also bear traces of joy.

Yu Wenjie wiped her face, stopping her tears, and remembered the purpose of her visit today.

Then, with numerous apologies, she bowed gracefully to the Empress Dowager.

"Please forgive me, Empress Dowager, for my conduct was unseemly."

Her self-reference before the Empress Dowager was fitting.

The Empress Dowager, gazing at Yu Wenjie, also felt intensely sentimental.

"Rise. You have not seen each other for many years; it’s only proper to have a good cry."

At these words, Princess Consort Zhan couldn’t hold back and sobbed once more.

Yu Wenjie appeared more resolute than in her previous vulnerable state.

Her eyes showed happiness and fulfillment from the long-awaited reunion.

"The Empress Dowager is right."

Then she beckoned the two children, explaining further.

"Besides my husband, I’ve returned with my two children, Bu Rao and Haji, come and pay respects to Da Wei’s Empress Dowager."

One child resembled the father, the other the mother.

Yet both were well-mannered, disciplined children.

They stepped forward to perform the highest courtesy of Western Di before the Empress Dowager.

"Bu Rao greets Da Wei’s Empress Dowager, wishing you health and happiness."

"Haji greets Da Wei’s Empress Dowager, wishing you health and happiness."

"Good, good, you are both good children, no need for such formalities."

With those words, she had seats prepared.

The room was quite crowded, and this sight brought a glint of envy and a touch of sorrow to Consort Qian’s eyes.

Once she too had the chance to experience such familial bliss.

Yet, alas...

She was not a remarkable person, hence she stood unnoticed in the Empress Dowager’s Palace.

Everyone’s attention was focused on the two little Princes.

The Western Di’s way of raising children was indeed very different from Da Wei’s.

Not to mention Bu Rao, who was already fourteen, even Haji, who was four, seemed taller and more robust.

Their wheat-colored skin had a slight rosy hue, not coarse, rather adding a sense of warmth.

They spoke with much confidence, without any restraint.

Yu Wenjie watched her children with genuine joy in her eyes.

Princess Consort Zhan wanted to talk more with her, but aware that the children were present, she felt it was inappropriate to ask.

Thus, she signaled to her son Yu Wen Jia.

Yu Wen Jia was quick-witted and immediately stepped forward, saying.

"Would the Princes like me to take you for a stroll in the Imperial Garden?"

If they were children raised within the Da Wei royal family, they would have understood the elders’ desire for private conversation and complied by leaving.

But, unfortunately, Bu Rao and Haji were not like that.

"What could be more important in the Imperial Garden than our mother? We want to stay with her."

Their father had instructed them before coming.

Not to separate from their mother, to avoid any unnecessary trouble.

Thus, like little protective wolves, they were very cautious.

Seeing this, the others were surprised, but the Empress Dowager showed a hint of appreciation.

Although young, they were determined.

Interesting.

Yu Wen Jia tried to persuade them but didn’t resort to his usual arrogant behavior.

Instead, he attempted another approach, trying to lure them away using their curiosity, but to no avail.

Just as Yu Wen Jia felt helpless, Princess Consort Yu Wenjie smiled and spoke.

"It’s alright, go play with your uncle. Many things in this palace are things you’ve never seen back in Western Di. When you return, you can tell others about your experiences, right?"

After hearing their mother’s words, Haji still seemed reluctant.

Bu Rao understood; their mother wished to speak with these people alone.

He nodded solemnly, saying.

"I will take my brother to explore, if Mother finishes, please call us."

"Alright."

Yu Wen Jia, seeing his nephews for the first time, felt fond of them but also a bit unfamiliar.

Yet, he had long wandered the streets of Shengjing City, well-versed in various sights and entertainments.

Before long, the two children were captivated by his words.

Knowing that conversation was about to happen, Nanny Wen glanced at Consort Qian, seeing her sensibly depart.

Then sent away all the attendants from the room.

Once everyone had left, Princess Consort Zhan let out a deep sigh.