Chapter 136: There Is Someone in Their Heart

Zhou Siyuan smiled slightly, his demeanor composed and respectful. "This humble subject has been mindful of the Empress Dowager’s birthday, traveling with all speed to return, and has brought a special birthday offering for Your Majesty."

As the eldest son of the Duke of Dingguo and born to Princess Jing of the Jing Kingdom, Zhou Siyuan, though not yet formally invested with his title, could appropriately refer to himself as a humble subject.

At his signal, the young attendant beside him stepped forward to present the gift: a Dehua porcelain vase featuring a double-sided floral design of good fortune and prosperity, within which stood a tall, vibrant evergreen pine, truly a sight to behold.

The Empress Dowager was immediately intrigued and asked with a smile, "Is this the Everlasting Ivy Pine?"

It was said that this Everlasting Ivy Pine was a rarity in the world, capable of remaining eternally green and immortal for a thousand years, even without soil or water.

"Precisely so," Zhou Siyuan replied, maintaining his bow with a graceful smile. "This Everlasting Ivy Pine is the treasure of Tianming Mountain, nurtured by the essence of the sun, the moon, and the heavens. I trust it shall bless the Empress Dowager with fortune as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity as enduring as the pines of the Southern Mountains."

Those of advanced years naturally cherished blessings of longevity, especially one who held a position as exalted as the Empress Dowager.

"Good, good, good."

Indeed, the Empress Dowager beamed with delight, clapping her hands in amusement. "Young Master Zhou, you are truly thoughtful. This birthday gift is most pleasing to my heart. Duke of Dingguo, your eldest son is indeed a man of refined sensibility, possessing both virtue and a brilliant mind."

The Duke of Dingguo, his face glowing with pride, stood up to offer a humble acknowledgment. "Your Majesty is too kind."

The Emperor and Empress, watching from the side, were highly impressed by Zhou Siyuan’s performance. The Empress looked at him with growing satisfaction. "Young Master Zhou, you have been away at Tianming Mountain for so many years. I still remember how you used to visit the palace in your youth to play with Princess Danqing. How time flies; you have now reached the age of manhood. Do you have a lady in your heart?"

Guli, sitting nearby, wished she could cover her ears; her mother’s intentions could not have been more obvious.

Zhou Siyuan smiled faintly. His gaze fell upon the young woman sitting beside the Empress Dowager, her head bowed to reveal a delicate, rosy nape. Recalling their childhood bond and the spirited, lively side of her he had glimpsed in Suoluo Town, his smile deepened, and his voice softened. "Yes, I do have a lady in my heart."

A murmur rippled through the grand hall. This revelation was hardly surprising; at such an age, it would be strange indeed if he did not. However, the way Zhou Siyuan cast his glance left little doubt as to who that lady might be.

The Empress was overjoyed. With the young man’s affections clear and the maiden’s heart presumably willing, what could possibly stand in the way of a marriage? She decided not to press further; testing his feelings today was enough. Guli had not yet reached her coming-of-age ceremony, and a young lady’s modesty had to be preserved. Once she had come of age, the matter could be announced publicly, and the union would surely follow, much to everyone’s delight.

Though the Empress said no more, the onlookers understood perfectly. Had the Princess already come of age, the Emperor would likely have issued a decree of marriage on the spot.

It was fortunate that the Empress ceased her questioning, for Guli was mortified. Hearing the teasing, knowing laughter of the concubines around her, she wished she could hide beneath the table.

With Zhou Siyuan having set the tone for the gift-giving, the civil and military officials began to rise in succession to present their own offerings.