The Emperor favored loyal and understanding old officials like Bai Xiang.
When he first ascended the throne, although not young, and his heirs and subordinates were well-established, his power was not yet fully consolidated.
With Bai Xiang supporting him in court, he had weathered many storms.
In the past two years, the court affairs had stabilized, and he handled them with increasing ease. What he feared most was obstruction, so he was contemplating how to reasonably divide and disintegrate the old officials when Bai Xiang submitted his resignation to retire.
Although everyone could see that it was to make way for his grandson, comparing a four-dynasty veteran with a novice, any sensible person knew how to choose.
Therefore, although the Emperor did not approve the memorial, he had already ordered the creation of a plaque.
Regardless of how one looked at it, Bai Xiang's current status and position, even if he were not in court, commanded respect, lest it cause a chain reaction.
Let alone the fact that he still had descendants in court, all the scholars in the realm were watching.
The new emperor's treatment of old officials was always a double-edged sword.
Done well, it was a cause for universal celebration; done poorly, it was seen as harsh and ungrateful.
No one who ascended the throne wanted to leave such a stain on their reputation, so the Emperor was particularly careful in this matter.
In the small courtyard, everything was as usual, yet everything was also new.
Madam Lin, fearing her son would not be comfortable, had meticulously chosen items to furnish the room.
When Bai Shanwei returned home, he was almost overwhelmed by her enthusiasm.
"Mother, it's enough. If you add anything else, the room will be too full, and how will I study?"
"Yes, yes, my son is right. Then shall Mother have them move some things out?"
"No need to bother. This is fine. Mother, please sit down and rest. Let your son properly kowtow to you and Father."
Hearing his words, Madam Lin realized that her husband was still present and glanced back at him. Seeing that all was well, she finally took a seat.
Bai Shanwei had been away for three years and was now about seventeen, a young man.
Once he passed the imperial examinations, he would become an official, a grown man. Thus, the days of being able to dote on his parents as a son were numbered.
There were many people present earlier, and Bai Shanwei had not been able to say many things. Now, with genuine sincerity, he spoke.
"Mother, when Uncle Qiao and his wife passed away, I was not at home, and you took great pains to handle their affairs. I detoured to see them before returning. The repairs are excellent. They cared for me for most of my life, and for them to have such a good resting place after their passing is all due to your kindness. I thank you on their behalf."
After speaking, he kowtowed once and continued.
"Mother's memorial tablet has also been moved to Fahua Temple. I heard from my cousin that it is offered sacrifices daily, so Mother must be at peace in the afterlife. This is also Mother's merit, and I must thank you for it."
After another kowtow, Madam Lin eagerly wanted to help him up, but Bai Dalang signaled her to wait and listen to their son.
"Outsiders say that I became your adopted son when I was nearly fourteen, and no matter how close we are, there will always be a distance. At first, I thought so too. I wondered if my father, mother, and even grandfather would still place high hopes on me if I were not the only male heir in the family. I always had some other thoughts in my heart."
These were his true feelings, and in a few words, he brought back the time when Dou Ge was just born.
"When little Douzi was just born, I knew I had a younger brother. While I was happy, I was more afraid. I was afraid that he, the legitimate son, would surpass me, would replace me, and that my parents would no longer value me or care for me. Then, the home I had finally found would become an illusion, a fleeting dream. I couldn't sleep at night then. I was determined to achieve more so that you would not be disappointed and would still remember me..."
"Siming..."
Madam Lin's eyes welled up with tears upon hearing this. She had thought her son was carefree and wouldn't think about such things, but she never expected him to be so sensitive.
"Later, I realized how foolish my thoughts were. Even with a younger brother, Mother treated me as her own. Father and grandfather sent letters home every half month, advising me daily on how to conduct myself. Even though I couldn't be by your side for these three years, your care and love for me never diminished. I feel ashamed that I ever misjudged you with such thoughts. From now on, no matter what happens, I will never doubt you again. Please rest assured, Father and Mother, I will surely be filial to you both, look after my siblings, and bring glory to the Bai family."
After saying this, he kowtowed heavily three times. When he rose again, his eyes were clear.
"Good, good, good. By being able to openly share your heart with us, you have truly accepted us as family. Your father is relieved. I am about to retire, and once you pass the examinations, the court will be a battleground for you and your father. The Bai family will share honor and disgrace together."
"Yes, son understands."
After their hearts were opened, the bond between the family of three grew even stronger.
That evening, when Bai Sihan brought her husband home for a reunion dinner, the reunion between brother and sister felt like a lifetime apart.
Bai Sihan's husband now held a minor official post in the Ministry of Rites. Although he couldn't compare to the high officials in the capital, she was living a truly content life.
She had no in-laws to restrain her, nor sisters-in-law or sisters-in-law to contend with. Moreover, she had the support of the Princess's mansion in court, as well as the backing of the Bai family and the Kang Prince's mansion. Her life was smooth and peaceful.
Her husband was also capable and they were deeply in love.
After several years, their relationship had become even more affectionate.
With their child just turning one year old, she was already pregnant again.
If she hadn't known that Bai Shanwei was returning today, she probably wouldn't have gone out.
"Brother."
"Second sister."
They were not very close when they were at home, with the added complication of grudges between elders. If you were to say they were intimate, they weren't particularly so.
However, Bai Sihan's husband was eloquent. He bowed respectfully upon arrival and, in a tone reminiscent of opera, called out, "Brother."
This amused everyone.
The family had a happy reunion dinner. During the meal, Princess Wenyi sighed.
"When Sishuo and the others return with their children, it will be a true family reunion."
Madam Lin calculated the dates and comforted her.
"It's about time. They left at the end of May and promised to return for the Mid-Autumn Festival. You can rest assured."
Hearing this, Dou Ge'er, unconcerned with anything else, was only concerned that his younger brother, who was a few months younger than him, was returning. He clapped his hands joyfully and promised to save some of his favorite pastries for him.