Traveling back to ancient times to get rich

From Wanping City to the majestic and imposing Xuanwu Gate of the capital, the journey would only take about half a day at a brisk pace. However, during this short trip, news of the Seventh Prince's impending return had already spread like wildfire throughout the capital. In the streets and alleys, in teahouses and taverns, people whispered and discussed this highly anticipated prince.

The reason everyone was so excited and curious was simply because the news that the Seventh Prince had reclaimed the capital had caused such a stir. Everyone harbored a sense of anticipation, eager to see for themselves what this rumored Seventh Prince looked like. After all, the Emperor had recently shown particular favor to this prince!

As everyone knows, the Seventh Prince is the Crown Prince's own brother, possessing an extremely noble status. Therefore, many speculate that when the Seventh Prince arrives in the capital, the Crown Prince, as his elder brother, might personally come out of the city to welcome him, demonstrating the deep brotherly bond and the majesty of the imperial family. Furthermore, it's likely that even the Seventh Prince's maternal family will turn out in full force to welcome their long-absent grandson and witness this momentous occasion.

Surprisingly, the procession led by the highly anticipated Seventh Prince consisted of only three carriages, a handful of horses, and a mere hundred guards. The carriage at the very front was hardly luxurious; it was far from extravagant and likely far surpassed even the carriages used by ordinary families.

The carriage following closely behind was quite luxurious, a stark contrast to the one in front. Inside this carriage sat several well-dressed merchants, as if they were of higher status.

Looking at the two young generals responsible for guarding them, one could only feel pity. They both bore obvious wounds, and white bandages slung over their arms, swaying slightly with the movement of their horses. Their appearance was truly pitiful; if one had to find a word to describe it, "a sight too gruesome to behold" would perhaps be the most fitting.

The guards waiting at Xuanwu Gate to report to the emperor witnessed this scene and couldn't help but feel sorry for the Seventh Prince. If that incongruous merchant's carriage hadn't joined them, they would have been just two ordinary carriages.

Immediately afterward, the well-trained guard dashed off like an arrow to deliver the letter. When the Emperor learned that his own son had suffered such humiliation on his way to the capital and had arrived in such a wretched state, he could no longer suppress his concern and anxiety and immediately decided to set out of the palace to greet him.

The news, once it spread, was like a bombshell dropped into a calm lake, instantly causing a huge uproar. Everyone present—the incomparably noble Empress, the esteemed Crown Prince, and the elegant concubines and princes—were stunned upon hearing it, their faces filled with disbelief.

Historically, the emperor had always personally greeted either a renowned general with distinguished military achievements and awe-inspiring reputation, or a powerful and respected chief minister. But now, for the first time ever, the emperor was going to personally greet the previously unknown and unremarkable seventh prince! This was truly unbelievable.

Immediately, the palace was abuzz with discussion. Ministers offered various speculations, while the princes murmured their jealousy. Some believed the seventh prince must have achieved some extraordinary feat to attract the emperor's attention; others thought he might have used some underhanded trickery, feigning pitifulness to gain the emperor's sympathy. Regardless, everyone knew that the seventh prince's return would inevitably cause a great stir, perhaps even disrupting the already complex situation within the palace!

In reality, the Emperor's journey outside the palace to greet them was not far, yet his actions bestowed upon the Seventh Prince unparalleled glory and respect. Upon reaching the magnificent Golden Water Bridge, the Seventh Prince and his consort gracefully alighted from their carriage. Simultaneously, everyone around them knelt respectfully, filled with awe, quietly awaiting the Emperor's arrival.

In an instant, a resounding and majestic shout rang out: "Long live the Emperor!" Immediately afterward, the Emperor strode towards the crowd. His eyes, sharp as torches, swept across the room before finally settling on the beautiful couple before him.

The man was tall and slender, appearing somewhat frail, yet his every gesture exuded the refined elegance of someone well-versed in literature. The woman was also tall and graceful, her skin as white and delicate as jade, smooth and flawless, her pretty face radiating a lively spirit. Without a doubt, this was the seventh prince and his consort he had always longed for!

"Chen'er, is that you?" The emperor, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, walked over with a kind and amiable smile on his face, extending his hands as if to help her up, displaying the demeanor of a perfect father.

"It is indeed your son!" Gu Mochen hurriedly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and replied, "Your son greets Father Emperor!" Then, he turned to the side and gently pulled the woman beside him to his front, smiling as he continued, "Father Emperor, this is your son's wife—Ye Qingchen."

At this moment, Ye Qingchen, who was standing to the side, did not dare to be negligent. She quickly curtsied and said in a sweet voice, "This concubine, Ye Qingchen, greets Your Majesty." Her graceful figure and shy expression were as beautiful as a blooming flower.

The Emperor nodded slightly in response, then turned his gaze to Gu Mochen and said with a smile, "I have already ordered the Prince Chen's residence to be repaired for you, in preparation for your return. However, for now, you and Qingchen will come to the palace with me first, while the others can go to the Prince's residence to settle down." With that, he waved his hand, signaling everyone to act according to the arrangement.

Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen followed the Emperor into the majestic, solemn, and resplendent imperial palace. After passing through numerous palace gates and winding corridors, they were finally led to the Empress.

The Empress sat regally on her phoenix throne, adorned in magnificent robes and finery, yet her face betrayed undisguised disdain. She first turned her gaze to the somewhat frail Gu Mochen, her brows furrowed as she said, "Your body is so weak and frail; why didn't you go out and recuperate properly? What brings you back? Are you perhaps deliberately trying to cause me distress?"

After speaking, the Empress quickly shifted her gaze to the graceful Ye Qingchen standing to the side. After looking her up and down, a slight smirk appeared on her lips as she spoke, "Hmph! This must be the woman my son married in that remote and impoverished place, right? She's truly ignorant of her place. A mere country bumpkin dares to dream of becoming the Empress? Doesn't she know she's not qualified at all?"