Chapter 1017: Chapter 1017 Temporary Stay (2)

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

After returning to the study, Eunuch Sun was already waiting at the door. When he saw the Empress beaming with joy, he immediately followed suit and bowed. “Your Majesty, the Empress has prepared a banquet in the Phoenix Palace. Please come over for lunch with Miss Guoguo and the two young masters of the Gu family.”

“Excellent! I’m famished,” the Emperor boomed. “Right, Eunuch Sun, invite the First Prince, the Third Prince, and the two princesses as well.”

“They should already be there, Your Majesty,” Eunuch Sun replied.

“Then let’s head over,” the Emperor declared. “Your tastes haven’t changed, have they? If there’s anything specific you’d like to eat, feel free to mention it,” he inquired of the three siblings.

“Nothing much has changed for us,” Guoguo replied. “We can manage with whatever is served.” Due to their altered dietary needs, they rarely ate with others besides their parents. Their meals were typically simple and consistent.

“Alright, let me know if there’s anything you crave in the future,” the Emperor conceded. He then led them towards the Phoenix Palace.

As they approached the doors, a commotion reached their ears.

“It sounds like the children are already here,” the Emperor chuckled. “It will be quite lively today.”

Guoguo and her siblings exchanged a worried glance. Firstly, they hadn’t brought any gifts for the children. Secondly, their preference was for peace and quiet, and children were notoriously energetic.

There was no turning back, however. Resigned, the three of them exchanged another look and retrieved some glass balls. Whether valuable or not, they were at least a novelty.

Upon entering the hall, they found themselves surrounded by six children. Through conversation, they learned that the eldest prince and princess each had two children, while the second prince and fourth princess each had one.

Pleasantries were exchanged, and the Guoguo siblings presented the glass balls to the children, cautioning them not to put them in their mouths.

The banquet soon began, and during the meal, the eldest princess engaged Guoguo in conversation, while the eldest and second princes chatted with Chenchen and Third Fatty. Feeling left out, the fourth princess sought out her two sisters-in-law for company.

After the meal, the eldest princess remarked, “It’s been quite a journey for you all. You must visit the family residence these next few days to reconnect.”

“Indeed, it’s been far too long,” echoed the first prince. “We’ve all missed you.”

“Don’t worry,” the Emperor interjected with a smile. “They’ll be staying for three to four years this time.”

“Truly? That’s wonderful news!” the Empress exclaimed. “You must come visit the palace more often in the future to chat with your aunt.”

Guoguo and her siblings remained silent, their eyes shifting towards the Emperor. If their work truly became demanding, they likely wouldn’t have much time for leisurely visits to the palace.

The Empress, noticing their hesitation, looked toward the Emperor with a frown. The Emperor coughed lightly. “Ahem, I was the one who implored them to stay and update our technology. I’m afraid their free time will be scarce.”

While somewhat disappointed, the Empress understood the importance of this endeavor for the country and the two princes. She wouldn’t stand in their way. However, she couldn’t help but remind Guoguo, referencing her father’s past illness, “Your aunt is incredibly proud of you. However, please don’t neglect your own health, just like your father did.”

“Your Majesty,” Chenchen spoke up, “we would appreciate it if you could assign two servants each to assist with our daily needs.”

“No problem at all,” the Emperor readily agreed. “Leave that arrangement to me.”

“In addition,” Chenchen continued, “we’ll require an assistant familiar with technology to join us.”

“Absolutely! Bring as many as you need,” the Emperor encouraged. “Choose whoever you feel would be most beneficial.”

After further conversation, Guoguo and her siblings finally took their leave of the palace and returned to the mansion. While they began selecting suitable candidates for their assistants, they also took turns visiting their relatives to assure them of their safety. Finally, each of them retreated to their respective research rooms, eager to begin their work.