Gu Sinian withdrew the worry in his eyes, "Yes, you're right. I don't want to think about those ethereal things anymore. I cherish the people around me and the present moment."
If such a day were to come, he would find a way to bring her back.
"What do you want to do today?" Gu Sinian asked.
Qi Zhenzhen felt a bit lazy, but she knew that she couldn't be too idle during pregnancy, otherwise, childbirth would be difficult.
"I want to go see Mingyue," Qi Zhenzhen said.
Gu Sinian nodded, "That's good. I haven't met their two boys yet."
Qi Zhenzhen took two Ruyi heads made of jade with excellent color and luster, strung them with eight strands of red silk cord, and found small boxes about the size of her palm. "Mingyue gave birth at Taihe Temple, and the traditional three-day wash ceremony couldn't be grandly celebrated. I didn't have any good gifts prepared at the time, so I only gave everyone a gold coin. I'll make up for it now."
Gu Sinian thought for a moment, then rummaged through the storeroom and found two ebony carved swords.
"When they grow up a bit, they can play with them."
"Mingyue mentioned wanting to cultivate her sons into scholars!"
"There's no rule that scholars can't wield swords. If the two boys have good potential for martial arts, we can't let them waste their talent just for studying. I also studied from a young age, but I didn't neglect martial arts at all," Gu Sinian argued logically. "I'll also bring a set of enlightenment books, personally annotated by a great scholar."
Whether to pursue literature or martial arts isn't solely up to the adults; it also depends on the children's wishes. Besides, they are Zhang Xiaoniu's sons, and they will likely be similar to Zhang Xiaoniu. Therefore, Gu Sinian firmly believed that the two boys would inherit their father's path in the future.
---
The Zhang family was very happy to see Gu Sinian and Qi Zhenzhen.
After Gu Sinian looked at the two little ones, Zhang Xiaoniu invited him to the front courtyard for tea.
Qi Zhenzhen tied the jade Ruyi heads onto the wrists of the two little ones, tickling their noses. "This is a belated three-day wash gift from Auntie. I hope you like it."
The two little ones leisurely blew bubbles, making Qi Zhenzhen's heart melt.
"They are so chubby and well-cared for," Qi Zhenzhen said, sitting next to Song Mingyue. "These are gifts from the Heir for Aqing and Ashan."
Indeed, Song Mingyue was very pleased when she saw the books. "Does the Heir also think that the two boys will be able to follow the path of the imperial examinations in the future?"
"The Heir said that the children are still so young, and it's impossible to tell anything yet. When they grow older, they can make their own choices. Moreover, even if they pursue literature, it won't hinder them from practicing martial arts. Studying is hard work, and learning some martial arts to strengthen the body has only benefits and no drawbacks. I heard that the conditions during the examinations are harsh, and those with good academic knowledge but poor health cannot endure it. That won't do either," Qi Zhenzhen said softly.
Song Mingyue nodded in deep agreement, "Indeed, the Heir has great insight and considers things long-term."
Qi Zhenzhen smiled and agreed, "Aqing and Ashan are Xiaoniu's sons, and we are such good friends. Although the Heir is usually aloof and not outwardly enthusiastic, he values Aqing and Ashan deeply in his heart and genuinely considers their well-being."
Madam Yu came in with washed fruits, "Zhenzhen, have some fruit. I bought these from the market early this morning; they are very fresh. I've also sent some to the front courtyard, and the Heir praised my fruit as delicious. Since you rarely visit, please stay for lunch. I have plenty of vegetables and meat at home. Let the Heir also taste my cooking."