The next day at dawn, news came from the Marquis of Dongping's residence that the old Madame had hanged herself and died.
When Gu Ying heard the news, she sat in front of the bronze mirror with a somewhat dazed look in her eyes.
It was not until the Heir-Apparent strode in and embraced her from behind, his scorching body heat awakening her from her reverie.
"What's wrong?"
"It's nothing." Gu Ying smiled and turned around, burying her face in the man's sturdy, warm embrace, "Thank you, Adu."
"It was her own choice," Zhao Changdu patted the little girl's shoulder and chuckled softly, "What's more, why are you thanking me? I'm your husband. I'm willing to do anything for you. Let me take the blame."
Gu Ying was deeply moved and hugged him tightly. When she looked up, a faint mist clouded her eyes.
She leaned in and kissed his perfect, resolute jaw, "We're husband and wife, we share glory and humiliation. Besides, she was the one in the wrong. This is her retribution."
Otherwise, who would appease her mother's enmity and hatred?
Zhao Changdu's eyes darkened for a moment, but he considerately helped her up, "I'll go with you to see her off on her last journey."
Gu Ying nodded, "Okay."
After the funeral at the Marquis of Dongping's residence ended, Gu Boqing left Bianjing alone and went to Haizhou by himself.
Gu Ying knew that her father was going to the Ye family to apologize.
She had thought about persuading him, but in the end, she couldn't even convince herself.
Half a month later, she received a letter from her younger brother.
The letter said that her maternal grandfather already knew the truth about her mother's death. In his great anger, he had fallen ill for several days. But with Jian Jian taking care of him and giving him medicine, his health had recovered somewhat.
The Ye family held another funeral for her mother. In the end, her mother's ashes were buried in the Ye family ancestral grave. Her mother had finally returned home.
Gu Ning's letter also mentioned their father.
He wrote, "Sister, I've forgiven him. In fact, I don't hate him. Every time I see him kneeling at our mother's grave in remorse, I feel that he is also pitiful."
"If it wasn't for him going to the border, perhaps Mother would not have died."
"He is not a capable husband, nor a good father."
"But I still love him very much."
"I also love you."
"Oh, Gu Xun said he misses you very much. After he finishes the exams, he will come to Bianjing to see you and brother-in-law and little nephew. He will bring local specialties from Haizhou."
"I'm busy with my studies and may not come along."
"Yin Zhu is doing well. I'll send her your regards."
This was the first time she had seen the word "love" so openly in her younger brother's words. Gu Ying's nose tingled and the corners of her eyes lifted as she smiled and folded the letter paper and put it in the purple sandalwood box.
Inside was a thick stack of letter paper, all sent by Gu Ning and Gu Xun.
Over the past five years, her younger brother had been recuperating in Haizhou, completing his studies and practicing martial arts.
Gu Xun's martial arts skills had also improved greatly. The biggest change the five years brought him was that he read more books and had gained a scholarly temperament.
Every year, the two brothers would return to Bianjing for the new year.
Gu Ying could hardly connect the gentle and elegant youth with the illiterate little beggar from back then.
"Mother! Baby is back from school!"
Gu Ying had just finished writing a reply to her younger brother, telling him, "If you want to come see your sister, you must let your sister know in advance. Don't deliberately say you're not coming, then sneak here to surprise me. Waiting expectantly for the day you arrive will bring me joy too."
At the door, the little one ran in like a whirlwind, carrying a package of pastries from Hualuo Pavilion.
"This is the lotus cake Yan'er bought for Mother today!" Little Zhao Yan was wearing a small light blue brocade robe. His milky white complexion looked like cold jade. With thick brows and big eyes, bright eyes and pearly teeth, he looked just like an exquisite porcelain doll. He neatly placed the large stack of pastries on the desk and mysteriously said, "Mother, look what else Yan'er brought."
Gu Ying looked towards the door and couldn't help twitching the corners of her mouth. "Yan'er, how did you bring little Yi Xing here?"
The round little head poked in curiously. In a green round-necked brocade robe, with two small buns on his head, and a yellow gold nephrite pendant around his fair neck, he looked noble and innocent. It was none other than the five-year-old Crown Prince, Li Yi Xing!
Seeing the spacious and refreshing room, the blush on the little one's chubby face recovered some of its fairness.
His short, tiny fingers gripped the doorframe as he pleaded pitifully, "Auntie Gu...can I come in? The crispy mountains on your table look so yummy. Xing'er hasn't eaten yet. My tummy is hungry."
His milky voice was so adorable.
"Little Tangerine has already returned to the palace. Don't worry, Mother. No one will come looking. I already told Little Tangerine to go back and tell Empress Dowager Su that Little Star will be staying at the Duke's residence for a month starting today."
Little Tangerine was the eunuch in charge of waiting on Li Yi Xing, appointed by Empress Dowager Su to be by the little prince's side.
Gu Ying didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She quickly went over and picked up the little one, unable to resist pinching his soft, tender little cheeks. "Little Yi Xing, come in quickly. How did you end up with Yan'er? Where's your mother?"
Li Yi Xing was very well-behaved. He blinked his extremely clear, bright eyes, looking like a lazy little fat cat, letting himself be manhandled.
His features were entirely inherited from Ning Si. He looked very delicate and innocent.
"Mother said to let Xing'er run first, then she will run."
"Run?"
"Father didn't keep Xing'er company for my birthday. Mother is mad, so Mother wants to run away. Auntie Gu, crispy mountains...dumplings...and chestnut cakes and roasted mutton pies."
The little one's speech was not fluent, his voice full of milkiness. His eyes were fixed on the snacks on the table.
He was two months younger than Zhao Yan but looked more like a child this age, having been born full term. Weighing eight catties at birth, he had been raised by his indulgent father with the best food and drink. Now he had grown round and chubby, super soft and cute.
Gu Ying chuckled. She circled her arm around the little one's round tummy. "Haitang, go prepare some food."
Haitang smiled. "This servant will go now and make a bowl of sunny-side up noodles for the little prince."
Gu Ying happily squeezed little Yi Xing's soft flesh. "Go on then."
Zhao Yan frowned in displeasure and also squeezed himself into his mother's arms. "Mother, baby wants hugs too."
Gu Ying held one in each arm, eyes curving as she kissed this one and that one.
Zhao Yan's little face became smug while Li Yi Xing's cheeks reddened. He eyed Gu Ying's picturesque features then quickly covered his eyes. "Shy, shy, shy!"
Gu Ying found this little one extremely amusing and adorable, so innocent. "Did your mother say when she would come get you?"
Li Yi Xing said in his baby voice, "In one hour."
Gu Ying's mind raced.
Last year, in the eleventh month, was little Yi Xing's fourth birthday.
The Emperor was busy and surprisingly did not show up at the lively birthday banquet. Later, Ning Si found out that the Emperor was accompanying a lotus-picking girl boating in a civilian pleasure boat.
From that day on, the rift between the imperial couple grew deeper.
At first, Ning Si would weep day and night, but later she gradually became disheartened and indifferent, no longer caring about the Emperor.
Gu Ying calculated the time.
These days the Emperor was making a trip to Mount Tai for sacrifices. The palace was bustling to prepare the imperial entourage. The monarch had left Bianjing just two days ago. This trip would take at least a month before Li Hao could return.
The palace had only groups of consorts vying for favor, plus the Empress Dowager Su who already disliked Ning Si. It was the perfect opportunity to escape.
Ning Si first let the little prince leave. After Li Hao was gone, she could use the excuse of looking for her child to get out of the palace, which would seem natural.
The next day at dawn, news came from the Marquis of Dongping's residence that the old Madame had hanged herself and died.
When Gu Ying heard the news, she sat in front of the bronze mirror with a somewhat dazed look in her eyes.
It was not until the Heir-Apparent strode in and embraced her from behind, his scorching body heat awakening her from her reverie.
"What's wrong?"
"It's nothing." Gu Ying smiled and turned around, burying her face in the man's sturdy, warm embrace, "Thank you, Adu."
"It was her own choice," Zhao Changdu patted the little girl's shoulder and chuckled softly, "What's more, why are you thanking me? I'm your husband. I'm willing to do anything for you. Let me take the blame."
Gu Ying was deeply moved and hugged him tightly. When she looked up, a faint mist clouded her eyes.
She leaned in and kissed his perfect, resolute jaw, "We're husband and wife, we share glory and humiliation. Besides, she was the one in the wrong. This is her retribution."
Otherwise, who would appease her mother's enmity and hatred?
Zhao Changdu's eyes darkened for a moment, but he considerately helped her up, "I'll go with you to see her off on her last journey."
Gu Ying nodded, "Okay."
After the funeral at the Marquis of Dongping's residence ended, Gu Boqing left Bianjing alone and went to Haizhou by himself.
Gu Ying knew that her father was going to the Ye family to apologize.
She had thought about persuading him, but in the end, she couldn't even convince herself.
Half a month later, she received a letter from her younger brother.
The letter said that her maternal grandfather already knew the truth about her mother's death. In his great anger, he had fallen ill for several days. But with Jian Jian taking care of him and giving him medicine, his health had recovered somewhat.
The Ye family held another funeral for her mother. In the end, her mother's ashes were buried in the Ye family ancestral grave. Her mother had finally returned home.
Gu Ning's letter also mentioned their father.
He wrote, "Sister, I've forgiven him. In fact, I don't hate him. Every time I see him kneeling at our mother's grave in remorse, I feel that he is also pitiful."
"If it wasn't for him going to the border, perhaps Mother would not have died."
"He is not a capable husband, nor a good father."
"But I still love him very much."
"I also love you."
"Oh, Gu Xun said he misses you very much. After he finishes the exams, he will come to Bianjing to see you and brother-in-law and little nephew. He will bring local specialties from Haizhou."
"I'm busy with my studies and may not come along."
"Yin Zhu is doing well. I'll send her your regards."
This was the first time she had seen the word "love" so openly in her younger brother's words. Gu Ying's nose tingled and the corners of her eyes lifted as she smiled and folded the letter paper and put it in the purple sandalwood box.
Inside was a thick stack of letter paper, all sent by Gu Ning and Gu Xun.
Over the past five years, her younger brother had been recuperating in Haizhou, completing his studies and practicing martial arts.
Gu Xun's martial arts skills had also improved greatly. The biggest change the five years brought him was that he read more books and had gained a scholarly temperament.
Every year, the two brothers would return to Bianjing for the new year.
Gu Ying could hardly connect the gentle and elegant youth with the illiterate little beggar from back then.
"Mother! Baby is back from school!"
Gu Ying had just finished writing a reply to her younger brother, telling him, "If you want to come see your sister, you must let your sister know in advance. Don't deliberately say you're not coming, then sneak here to surprise me. Waiting expectantly for the day you arrive will bring me joy too."
At the door, the little one ran in like a whirlwind, carrying a package of pastries from Hualuo Pavilion.
"This is the lotus cake Yan'er bought for Mother today!" Little Zhao Yan was wearing a small light blue brocade robe. His milky white complexion looked like cold jade. With thick brows and big eyes, bright eyes and pearly teeth, he looked just like an exquisite porcelain doll. He neatly placed the large stack of pastries on the desk and mysteriously said, "Mother, look what else Yan'er brought."
Gu Ying looked towards the door and couldn't help twitching the corners of her mouth. "Yan'er, how did you bring little Yi Xing here?"
The round little head poked in curiously. In a green round-necked brocade robe, with two small buns on his head, and a yellow gold nephrite pendant around his fair neck, he looked noble and innocent. It was none other than the five-year-old Crown Prince, Li Yi Xing!
Seeing the spacious and refreshing room, the blush on the little one's chubby face recovered some of its fairness.
His short, tiny fingers gripped the doorframe as he pleaded pitifully, "Auntie Gu...can I come in? The crispy mountains on your table look so yummy. Xing'er hasn't eaten yet. My tummy is hungry."
His milky voice was so adorable.
"Little Tangerine has already returned to the palace. Don't worry, Mother. No one will come looking. I already told Little Tangerine to go back and tell Empress Dowager Su that Little Star will be staying at the Duke's residence for a month starting today."
Little Tangerine was the eunuch in charge of waiting on Li Yi Xing, appointed by Empress Dowager Su to be by the little prince's side.
Gu Ying didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She quickly went over and picked up the little one, unable to resist pinching his soft, tender little cheeks. "Little Yi Xing, come in quickly. How did you end up with Yan'er? Where's your mother?"
Li Yi Xing was very well-behaved. He blinked his extremely clear, bright eyes, looking like a lazy little fat cat, letting himself be manhandled.
His features were entirely inherited from Ning Si. He looked very delicate and innocent.
"Mother said to let Xing'er run first, then she will run."
"Run?"
"Father didn't keep Xing'er company for my birthday. Mother is mad, so Mother wants to run away. Auntie Gu, crispy mountains...dumplings...and chestnut cakes and roasted mutton pies."
The little one's speech was not fluent, his voice full of milkiness. His eyes were fixed on the snacks on the table.
He was two months younger than Zhao Yan but looked more like a child this age, having been born full term. Weighing eight catties at birth, he had been raised by his indulgent father with the best food and drink. Now he had grown round and chubby, super soft and cute.
Gu Ying chuckled. She circled her arm around the little one's round tummy. "Haitang, go prepare some food."
Haitang smiled. "This servant will go now and make a bowl of sunny-side up noodles for the little prince."
Gu Ying happily squeezed little Yi Xing's soft flesh. "Go on then."
Zhao Yan frowned in displeasure and also squeezed himself into his mother's arms. "Mother, baby wants hugs too."
Gu Ying held one in each arm, eyes curving as she kissed this one and that one.
Zhao Yan's little face became smug while Li Yi Xing's cheeks reddened. He eyed Gu Ying's picturesque features then quickly covered his eyes. "Shy, shy, shy!"
Gu Ying found this little one extremely amusing and adorable, so innocent. "Did your mother say when she would come get you?"
Li Yi Xing said in his baby voice, "In one hour."
Gu Ying's mind raced.
Last year, in the eleventh month, was little Yi Xing's fourth birthday.
The Emperor was busy and surprisingly did not show up at the lively birthday banquet. Later, Ning Si found out that the Emperor was accompanying a lotus-picking girl boating in a civilian pleasure boat.
From that day on, the rift between the imperial couple grew deeper.
At first, Ning Si would weep day and night, but later she gradually became disheartened and indifferent, no longer caring about the Emperor.
Gu Ying calculated the time.
These days the Emperor was making a trip to Mount Tai for sacrifices. The palace was bustling to prepare the imperial entourage. The monarch had left Bianjing just two days ago. This trip would take at least a month before Li Hao could return.
The palace had only groups of consorts vying for favor, plus the Empress Dowager Su who already disliked Ning Si. It was the perfect opportunity to escape.
Ning Si first let the little prince leave. After Li Hao was gone, she could use the excuse of looking for her child to get out of the palace, which would seem natural.
