Chapter 3

The servant handed over the letter.

Chen Xuanqing unfolded it with trembling hands.

As the saying goes, handwriting reflects personality, and Yu Wanxue's handwriting is as delicate and gentle as she is.

Husband.

By the time you read this letter, I'll probably be gone.

There's no need to be sad about my departure.

I am glad to be able to leave as Chen Xuanqing's wife.

Having been married to you for so many years, this can be considered as fulfilling a wish I've had since childhood.

There is only one unfulfilled wish in my life: to give my husband a child of our own.

My husband, if there is an afterlife, could you please not fall in love with Gu Jinchao again?

Just me, hand in hand, growing old together, is that alright?

My husband, farewell forever.

Chen Xuanqing gripped the thin sheet of paper tightly with his fingertips, his knuckles turning bluish-white from the force. The edges of the envelope rustled in his trembling palm, like a butterfly struggling in its death throes.

stupid!

How stupid!

Snowy night! Why are you doing this to yourself!

Tears fell on the words "Farewell," and the ink smudged into the shape of a grayish-purple iris.

In the end, it was I who let you down!

No! No! No!

Chen Xuanqing coughed up a mouthful of blood, the crimson foam splattering onto the pristine white bedding like a dazzling red plum blossom blooming in the snow. He slumped back onto the pillow, his vision blurring, his ears ringing, as if he had fallen into a chaotic abyss.

The servant's panicked cries seemed to come from a great distance: "Seventh Young Master is vomiting blood! Quickly, fetch a doctor—"

The sound came and went, sometimes sharp as a needle, sometimes deep as thunder. He tried to respond, but could only manage a faint whisper before fading into the darkness.

*

Consciousness gradually returned.

Chen Xuanqing slowly opened his eyes and found himself sitting in Gu Jinchao's third uncle's study. He held a book in his hand and the words coming out of his mouth were beyond his control, "If Miss Gu thinks I am a lecher, feel free to shout it out."

Gu Jinchao suddenly lowered her head and bit his hand hard, a sharp pain exploding instantly.

But he was overjoyed.

Is this the rebirth that the Bodhisattva spoke of?

Chen Xuanqing wanted to chase after him.

No, no!

Having been given a second chance at life, he must cherish her feelings for him!

He immediately instructed his servant to pack his bags and go to bid farewell to Madam Ji.

"Why did you leave in such a hurry? Why didn't you stay at the Ji family for a little longer?" Madam Ji leaned against the carved rosewood couch, her hand holding the Buddhist prayer beads suddenly stopping, and a few fine lines appeared at the corners of her kind eyes.

As he bowed in greeting, the jade pendant at his waist remained perfectly still, not even the tassel swaying slightly. He replied, “Reporting to Madam, my grandmother sent a letter urgently, saying there is a pressing matter requiring my immediate departure. Please forgive my rudeness.”

"What a coincidence." The old lady smiled and went to help him up. "I have a granddaughter. I don't know if you've seen her these days... Her mother wrote to say she misses her. I've been with her for a long time, so I should go back and keep her mother company. I wonder if I could give her a ride?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuanqing slightly raised his eyes, calmly sat down, his back straight as a pine tree, his sleeves spread out on the table like crane wings. "Yesterday I met a young lady in a bright red dress in the study."

"It's her!" Madam Ji slapped her thigh suddenly, the jade bracelet on her wrist clanging against the rosewood table. "I wonder if she's going the same way?"

“Of course, Madam Ji, I can give her a ride.” A barely perceptible smile appeared on Chen Xuanqing’s lips.

At dawn the next day, before the mist had dissipated, carriages and horses were already prepared in front of the Ji residence.

Gu Jinchao's face was streaked with tears as she held Madam Ji's hand, "Grandmother, Jinchao can't bear to part with you..."

Madam Ji held Gu Jinchao's hand tightly, her knuckles white, pressed a handkerchief to the wet patches at the corners of her eyes, and choked out, "Grandmother can't bear to part with you either."

Gu Jinchao suddenly turned and threw herself into Madam Ji's arms, the tassel of the silver hairpin in her hair catching on the buttons of the madam's dress. As she looked up, tears clung to her eyelashes, her voice so soft it seemed it could melt water: "Grandmother, can't I stay? I'll stay by your side and fulfill my filial duty..."

She stroked Gu Jinchao's hair affectionately, "Your father has already taken a concubine, and your mother is in poor health. Your maternal grandmother cannot keep you by her side forever. If something happens to your mother, what will become of you and your brother!"

Madam Ji paused for a moment, then continued, "On this trip, you must be careful of that Concubine Song! Take good care of your mother—my poor daughter."

Gu Jinchao lowered her eyelashes, her lips trembling slightly: "Grandmother..."

Madam Ji turned to Chen Xuanqing and said, "Young Master Chen, I'll trouble you to take care of Jinchao on the journey."

“Madam Ji, there’s no need for thanks,” Chen Xuanqing said politely.