Traveling back to ancient times to get rich

"Your Majesty, the time has come." The personal maid, Liuli, held up the silver cloak, her voice tinged with barely perceptible tension. As Gu Wenxuan turned, her increasingly full face was reflected in the bronze mirror. Her oval face had lost its girlish thinness, but her eyes and brows were becoming ever more gentle and captivating. Beneath her lake-blue brocade dress, her four-month pregnancy had created a soft curve in the hem, requiring her to slightly support her lower back as she walked. With each graceful step, the jade pendant at her waist jingled softly.

As they passed through the winding corridor, the distant rumble of carriages and horses could be heard. Gu Wenxuan's heart skipped a beat, and her hand gripping the pillar tightened abruptly. Ever since receiving the letter from her mother half a month ago, she had been unable to sleep at night, and during the day she would often touch her belly, softly murmuring to the child in her womb about trivial matters concerning her family home. Now, nearing home, she felt a pang of trepidation, even more so than when she first married. Seeing this, Liuli quickly offered her an embroidered handkerchief: "Your Majesty, please do not worry. His Majesty has specially ordered the Imperial Kitchen to prepare osmanthus honey cakes from Prince Wen's residence."

Before the palace gates, two rows of golden-armored guards stood as straight as pines, the scarlet tassels on their black iron spears fluttering in the wind. Ouyang Lie, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, with a black cloak trimmed with gold dragon patterns reaching his feet, and a jade belt pendant at his waist adorned with a nine-section dragon-patterned sword, exuded an aura of imperial authority that commanded respect without anger. He turned to look at Gu Wenxuan, his eyes filled with tenderness, and gently steadied her elbow, saying, "Watch your step."

The vermilion palace gates slowly swung open, the gilded beast-head rings reflecting shimmering gold in the sunlight. First to catch the eye was the carriage of Princess Wenqin, drawn by white horses and carved sandalwood, the curtains embroidered with peacocks poised for flight in gold thread. Gu Wenxuan's throat tightened, memories flooding back—as a child, she always loved to hide under her mother's skirts, listening to her tell tales of the past dynasty; on her coming-of-age ceremony, it was these same hands that had styled the golden hairpin in her hair…

As the carriage curtain was lifted, Princess Wen stepped gracefully down, holding an ivory fan. She wore a moon-white ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) over a crimson brocade vest, and a jade bracelet on her wrist jingled softly with her movements. A few new strands of silver hair at her temples did not detract from her dignified and imposing presence. Her gaze swept over her daughter's slightly protruding belly, and tears welled up in her eyes, but she quickly composed herself when she met Ouyang Lie's concerned gaze.

“Princess Wenxuan, now that you are the Empress of the Western Regions, your mother should be a guest here.” Princess Wen’s voice was calm, yet subtly probing. Behind her, Gu Wenxuan’s brothers, dressed in brocade robes, looked at her with a mixture of concern for their sister and awe for the Emperor. The youngest brother hid behind his brothers, curiously gazing at the magnificent palace. Only Gu Wenlin stood there upright, his expression unchanged.

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Lie immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully, showing the courtesy due to a junior: "Mother, please forgive us for not greeting you from afar. Although Wenxuan is over three months pregnant and has not yet experienced morning sickness, I truly could not bear to let her endure the hardship of travel, so I ordered my ministers and Princess Ayina to greet her on her behalf." As he spoke, he gently draped the cloak over Gu Wenxuan's shoulders with a natural and affectionate gesture. He continued, "Seeing how well you look, Mother, if I hadn't been waiting for you, I would hardly believe you are Wenxuan's mother. You truly look very young."

Gu Wenxuan gazed at her husband, a surge of warmth welling up in her heart. She recalled how, upon learning of her longing for hometown delicacies when they first married, he had summoned numerous chefs from the Central Plains to the palace. Now, his words were filled with tenderness, and even her usually strict mother showed a hint of relief in her eyes.

"Your Majesty flatters me." Princess Wen gently waved her fan, her gaze sweeping over her daughter's fine silks and satins. "It is Wenxuan's good fortune to have Your Majesty's favor. However, the climate in the Western Regions is dry, so I brought some body lotion from Jiangnan for the Empress and your other consorts to use."

Before the words were finished, two stunning figures emerged from behind the Empress. Nazai wore a peacock-blue exotic gown, her hair adorned with dazzling sapphires; her every movement exuded the spirited air of a woman from the Western Regions. Ayiguli, on the other hand, wore a crimson gauze dress, silver bells jingling lightly at her waist with each step; her eyes held a smile, yet couldn't conceal the scrutiny in them. These two imperial concubines had been exceptionally respectful ever since Gu Wenxuan became pregnant.

"Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress, greetings, Princess Wenqin." The two women bowed gracefully, their voices sweet and affectionate. Gu Wenxuan smiled and gestured for them to rise. The two women had never been jealous of her; in fact, they often took good care of her. This made her feel more comfortable here than ever before.

During the pleasantries, Gu Wenxuan's brother, Gu Wenhua, stepped forward, clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, and said, "Your Majesty, I have brought some newly brewed osmanthus wine from the Prince Wen's residence. I hope Your Majesty will do me the honor of bringing it." His gaze fell on his sister's swollen belly, and his eyes reddened slightly. "I never imagined that in just a few months, my little sister would become a mother."

Ouyang Lie laughed and took the wine jar: "Perfect! Let's hold a banquet at Lanyue Pavilion tonight and drink this wine together!" As he spoke, he turned to Gu Wenxuan, "Wenxuan, is there any dish you would like to eat? Just tell the imperial kitchen."

Gu Wenxuan pondered for a moment and said softly, "Your Majesty, I would like to eat braised fish slices, and..." Before she could finish speaking, she was interrupted by Princess Wenqin, "You're already the Empress, and you still crave these simple home-style dishes." Although her tone was reproachful, her eyes were full of doting affection. "Alright, I'll cook for you myself today and let the chefs in the Imperial Kitchen learn from me."

As everyone moved into the palace, Gu Wenye walked up to her and said, "Sister, are you alright?" Gu Wenxuan nodded and said to him, "Sister is alright too."

Ouyang Lie looked at Wen Ye in front of him and a smile appeared on his lips. He said slowly, "Wen Ye, we are family. There's no need to be so formal. Just call me brother-in-law."

Upon hearing this, Wen Ye was somewhat surprised, but he quickly bowed and respectfully replied, "Brother-in-law, please accept my bow. However, I am aware of the proper etiquette, and I hope you will not take offense."

Seeing this, Gu Wenxuan felt a surge of satisfaction. He was deeply pleased with his younger brother's refined manners and humble demeanor. Therefore, Gu Wenxuan nodded slightly in approval of his brother.

At this moment, Ouyang Lie's gaze also turned to Gu Wenlin. He smiled and said warmly, "This must be His Highness Prince Lin! I have long admired Your Highness's name; it is truly an honor to meet you today! Please, come in!"

Gu Wenlin's lips curled into a faint smile. He nodded slightly in response to Ouyang Lie and gestured for him to enter. Then, he and Ouyang Lie stepped into the main hall together, chatting as they walked, the atmosphere harmonious.

However, the moment they stepped into the main hall, a figure silently followed them like a ghost. This figure moved with such lightness that it seemed to blend into its surroundings, attracting no one's attention.

The figure was none other than Princess Ayina. She wore a magnificent long dress, the hem of which fluttered in the wind, making her look like a fairy descending to earth. Ayina's steps were light and elegant. Her appearance did not interrupt Gu Wenlin and Ouyang Lie's conversation, but rather, like an invisible person, she silently followed them into the palace.