LIGHTNOVELWORLD c90 - Mom! You're So Kind!
In the study of the former Empress’s residence, the heating system maintained a comfortable warmth throughout the villa.
Gu Qianqiu’s health had never been good, so even in the temperature-controlled room, she still had a blanket draped over her legs.
Though the meeting between the new and former Empresses was in the study, the atmosphere wasn’t tense at all.
Gu Junwan sat on the sofa, resting her head lightly on her mother’s shoulder, silent for a long while.
Wisps of hair fell from her ears, scattered across her jade-like cheeks.
A few strands of black hair brushed against her full red lips, adding a touch of unique sensuality.
Her features were extremely similar to her Omega mother’s.
However, compared to Gu Qianqiu, Gu Junwan’s eyes appeared slightly more youthful.
After all, Gu Qianqiu was already a mother.
That beauty settled by the washing of years was a gift from time.
Gu Qianqiu lovingly stroked her daughter’s long hair.
Looking at this daughter of hers was like seeing herself in her youth.
“Little Wan, you’ve already done very well. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”
In the past, hearing her mother’s affirmation would have made Gu Junwan very happy.
But at this moment, she couldn’t relax the tension in her heart.
Her voice, usually clear and gentle yet full of strength, now revealed a hint of insecurity.
“Mother, many officials in the North used to be loyal to me. When the coup happened, they immediately turned to Yuwei. Is there a problem with how I handle affairs?”
Gu Qianqiu tucked a strand of her daughter’s hair behind her ear, speaking steadily: “This isn’t your fault.”
“In most cases, when people face major choices, what they ultimately weigh is simply benefits.”
“No one can truly be exempt from this, including you, and including me.”
After pondering briefly, Gu Junwan told her mother all her investigation results and deductions.
“The opponent hiding behind the scenes was involved in both your and Yuwei’s incidents. Their planning and firepower were aimed at killing rather than capturing.”
“The goal was probably to ignite a war between the Southern and Northern districts.”
“I’m a bit confused now. If the mastermind behind the scenes and those who helped Yuwei rise to power are the same group, their actions before and after are actually contradictory.”
“They went to such great lengths to trigger that coup, and now they want to shatter the results. I can’t understand what their purpose is in doing this.”
Gu Qianqiu spoke thoughtfully: “You’ve overlooked one possibility, which is why it seems contradictory.”
“What if their goal from the beginning was to keep the entire Federation in turmoil and civil strife?”
“It’s because you successfully escaped and pioneered the precedent of North-South divided governance that the chaos they expected didn’t occur.”
With her mother’s hint, some disconnected clues in Gu Junwan’s mind began to link in different ways.
Though it wasn’t a complete revelation, it provided her with a crucial line of thought.
Finally, Gu Qianqiu changed the subject, beginning to ask her daughter who was still nestled against her: “Can you tell me about your Alpha?”
Seemingly not expecting her mother to suddenly ask about Shen Han, Gu Junwan’s ears reddened, not knowing where to begin.
After a pause of a second or two, she spoke softly: “She’s very special, one of a kind. I’m very happy with her, and with her by my side, it feels like there’s nothing to fear.”
In this short speech, Gu Junwan didn’t use many words of praise.
But Gu Qianqiu heard her daughter’s extreme fondness and reliance on that Alpha.
She hesitated slightly, asking curiously: “But I’ve heard that she can be quite hot-tempered at times.”
Hearing this, Gu Junwan immediately sat up straight.
Her golden phoenix eyes flashed with a rare urgency: “She has a very good temper, she’s never spoken a harsh word to me.”
Gu Qianqiu blinked mischievously, smiling as she said: “Getting anxious already?”
Gu Junwan’s jade-like face quickly flushed red.
She lowered her eyes, calling out a soft, slightly reproachful “Mother.”
“Alright, alright, I won’t tease you anymore.” Gu Qianqiu picked up a porcelain cup, lifted the lid, and took a sip of a special medicinal soup, then said, “Ask her to come up. I want to meet her.”
Gu Junwan knew that being called over suddenly today meant her mother definitely wanted to see Shen Han. Not finding it strange, she immediately called Xu Zhao.
Outside, in the open-air courtyard.
After hanging up the phone, Xu Zhao led Shen Han to the long table where Tang Yucai was sitting.
“Teacher Tang, the Empress wants me and Captain Shen to go to the study for a moment.”
Tang Yucai naturally knew it was her wife who wanted to see Shen Han.
She looked up at the nervous-looking Alpha, speaking very calmly: “Go ahead.”
After speaking, she returned her attention to her phone screen.
Her fingers moved rapidly, typing in her chat with Shen Han: [Little Wan’s Omega mother is very strict, you can’t be as casual as you are with me!]
Shen Han had been trying to give herself a pep talk, striving to relax.
But looking down at the message Tang Yucai sent, her heart immediately tensed up again.
As soon as the two entered the house, a servant came over to guide them.
At the study door, the servant turned and left.
Xu Zhao stood against the wall, smiling at the tall, thin Alpha before her: “The Empress just said to let you go in alone.”
Shen Han nodded and began to raise her hand to knock.
She thought: Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid. Junwan is inside too. If there’s anything I need to be especially careful about, she’ll definitely remind me!
The door was quickly pulled open from inside.
The moment she saw Gu Junwan, Shen Han’s eyes immediately lit up.
The study was quite large. After entering, Shen Han didn’t dare look around, just followed her Omega straight inside.
From a distance, she could already see a woman sitting on the guest sofa.
The woman wore the same turtleneck sweater as Tang Yucai, her figure somewhat thin.
She sat quietly on one side of the sofa, her whole person appearing gentle and dignified.
As Shen Han was curiously observing this legendary former Empress, Gu Junwan’s voice came softly.
“You keep Mother company for a while. I’ll go to the room next door with Xu Zhao to handle some matters.”
With that, Gu Junwan prepared to leave.
Although she also wanted to accompany her Alpha, leaving her alone was her mother’s wish, which she couldn’t refuse.
Shen Han felt anxious and quickly grabbed her Omega’s delicate hand.
After stopping her, however, her throat caught.
Gu Junwan knew what her Alpha was worried about.
She reached out with her other hand to gently stroke the back of Shen Han’s hand, raising her eyes to encourage her with a look.
Seeing the loving gazes between the two, Gu Qianqiu couldn’t help but find it amusing.
‘What are they doing?’
‘I’m not some overbearing mother-in-law breaking up a pair of lovebirds.’
After Gu Junwan left, Shen Han stood somewhat stiffly in place.
Looking at the woman on the sofa who bore a 70% resemblance to her girlfriend, she suddenly realized she had overlooked a problem.
How should she address her?!
Mother-in-law? Mom? Or Teacher Gu?
Ahhhh! She forgot to ask Junwan earlier!
At this moment, Gu Qianqiu spoke first: “Come sit down, don’t just stand there.”
Shen Han responded and quickly walked forward, sitting down at a not-too-close, not-too-far distance from Gu Qianqiu.
This was Gu Qianqiu’s first time seeing her daughter’s Alpha in person.
Although she had seen videos and photos before, looking up close now, she found the real person appeared even younger than in pictures.
S-class Alphas possessed many innate advantages.
Such as appearance, presence, good physical qualities, and strong decision-making abilities.
These people were born leaders.
This also created the arrogance and strong aggressiveness of top Alphas.
However, Gu Qianqiu didn’t feel any sense of pressure from Shen Han at all.
Her gentle and obedient demeanor was exactly like that of an excellent university student.
Gu Qianqiu even felt that, judging by first impressions alone, this girl before her seemed more like an Omega compared to her daughter.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for Junwan. We called you over suddenly today to avoid being spotted in advance. I hope it hasn’t made you uncomfortable.”
Gu Qianqiu’s voice was slightly deeper than Gu Junwan’s, with a magnetic softness.
Feeling her mother-in-law’s gentleness and thoughtfulness, Shen Han immediately relaxed a lot.
She hurriedly replied: “Taking good care of Junwan is what I should do. Please don’t be so polite.”
Saying this, she looked eagerly at the woman before her and continued: “It’s just that we came in a hurry today, so I couldn’t bring the gifts I prepared for you and Teacher Tang. I had them ready in the Southern District.”
The Alpha’s clear black and white eyes were clean and transparent, making Gu Qianqiu feel both pleased and satisfied.
She nodded with a smile, then said: “It’s alright, you are our best gift.”
Hearing her mother-in-law’s praise, Shen Han’s eyebrows and eyes immediately lit up with obvious joy.
“Mom! Don’t worry, I will take good care of Junwan!”
Gu Qianqiu had just taken a sip from her porcelain cup, and upon hearing that “Mom,” she nearly spat out the medicine in her mouth.
This former Empress had maintained a poker face for many years, but now she smiled with an odd expression.
She finally understood why her daughter said this Alpha was very special.
“What foods do you like? Stay here for dinner tonight.”
Hearing Gu Qianqiu’s words, Shen Han felt elated inside.
This meeting with the parents wasn’t nearly as scary as she had imagined!
Teacher Tang had just been trying to scare her earlier. Mom wasn’t strict at all!
Suddenly, she thought of something else and quickly said to Gu Qianqiu: “Little sister doesn’t know about my relationship with Junwan yet.”
Gu Qianqiu smiled gently: “Then we won’t call her to join us. I’ll arrange some tasks to send her away later.”
Shen Han was overjoyed: “Mom! You’re so kind! I’m not picky about food. Just have the kitchen make more of Junwan’s favorite dishes. She’s been under a lot of pressure lately and has lost weight!”