Old delusions

Gu Yu squatted in front of the charcoal brazier in the courtyard corridor, lost in thought.

Liu Yun, Qing Feng, and the others in the courtyard wisely left, burying the taro under the charcoal fire. The taro with its charred outer shell emitted a fragrant aroma of food.

The heat from the charcoal fire was intense; beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, and she felt a little dizzy.

Her father's concern, her brother's longing, and Xu Qiu's thoughtfulness, along with the days away from the treachery of Shengjing and her enemies, were so wonderful that she began to crave the warmth of human kindness.

But she was not the real Gu Yu after all, and her enemies were still alive and well. She breathed a sigh of relief and regained her original self.

She is Tang Qingning, and no matter what, she can only be Tang Qingning. The things she covets are nothing more than what comes from the identity of Gu Yu.

Seeing this, Xu Qiu also squatted down, took a tree fork, and picked out the charred taro. He quickly covered his ear with his fingertips, which had accidentally been touched by the charcoal brazier.

"Madam, it's ready to eat. If we wait any longer, it will burn."

Gu Yu was brought back to her senses by his words. She reached out to touch it, but it was so hot that she covered her ears and complained, "It's so hot, how can I eat it?"

"Hahahaha... It's Madam who's too anxious. Some things can't be rushed. I'm not in a hurry, so why are you? And how do you know I can't wait for you?"

He spoke in a cryptic manner, and Gu Yu's heart pounded.

She mumbled, "Then you'd better just wait and see. I'm not the kind of person who likes to sit around and wait to die."

Xu Qiu took a handkerchief, wrapped the taro on the ground, and handed it to her, saying, "Madam, please eat first. I'll wait for the next one."

"Madam hasn't been meddling in my affairs lately, so she probably doesn't know about the recent changes in Shengjing City, does she?"

Gu Yu peeled the skin, took a small bite, and opened her mouth wide because it was so hot. "Ouch... Tell me, I'm listening."

Those arms deals had nothing to do with Sun Gu, nor with Gu Hanying, and were secret imperial orders.

She feared that one day, if she knew too much, Emperor Shengyuan would cut off Xu Qiu's head and then cut off hers as well.

"Zhang Yanming implicated Zhang Yutang, the Vice Minister of War. The Zhang family was a prominent clan in Jiangnan, and many people were implicated. They were all beheaded and their heads were displayed at Xuanwu Gate. However, the Zhang family's influence was far-reaching, and the Emperor did not decide to exterminate the entire clan, but only killed those who were implicated."

"Cough cough cough..." If she remembered correctly, Zhang Yutang was Zhang Liuying's father, and also the assistant commander of the three major camps in the capital region. He was her brother's colleague.

His elder brother was in charge of wartime planning and deployment, while the assistant admiral was in charge of the daily training and supply distribution of the three major battalions. It was common for civil officials to be superior to military officials in the Great Sheng Dynasty.

Therefore, Zhang Yutang actually had more power than Gu Jin.

Fortunately, Gu Jin and Zhang Liuying didn't end up together, otherwise they would have been an unhappy couple.

"What about Zhang Yutang's daughter, Zhang Liuying?"

After all, she had some connection with her, and Zhang Liuying was unaware of this matter. If she were to be implicated as well, it would be too terrible.

"She must have received news before the incident, and Zhang Yutang hurriedly sent her off to get married."

"That's alright."

Wait, she remembered that Xu Ziliu's daughter was Xu Chuxi, and Xu Ziliu hanged himself at home.

It seems that all the young ladies she had some connection with had run into trouble, so if she returns to the capital next time, no one will likely pay her any attention.

Gu Yu thought for a moment, then took another bite of the taro. Under Emperor Shengyuan's indulgence, there were hardly any good people among the officials in Shengjing to begin with; it was just a matter of when they would fall from power.

"There should be someone above Zhang Yutang, but it's probably impossible to investigate further up the chain."

Gu Yu looked thoughtfully at Xu Qiu, the person above Zhang Yutang.

She remembered that before the Crown Prince went to Bianjing, he must have been in charge of the Ministry of War, where he learned to handle important military and national affairs.

In this light, her original guess should be even more accurate.

Emperor Shengyuan wanted to depose the crown prince.

She and Xu Qiu exchanged a knowing glance, and in that single glance, Xu Qiu guessed what she was thinking.

As expected... the Crown Prince was also her enemy.

Xu Qiu had actually had some guesses about the Tang family's inside story. It would be difficult to find out the truth about the case that was personally suppressed by Emperor Shengyuan.

So he had been waiting for Gu Yu to speak to him.

She didn't want to talk, and he didn't force her. He gave her all the patience he had in his life, slowly waiting for her to open her heart.

Gu Yu's mind raced with conflicting thoughts. Originally, she had planned to gradually bring down Sun Gu according to her status and position, and then deal with the Crown Prince...

But now, the situation has changed, and so has her plan. If Emperor Shengyuan also wants to depose the crown prince, why doesn't she take advantage of this opportunity to kill the crown prince first?

This is a golden opportunity, and time waits for no one. This is truly great news.

Her eyebrows curved, and her dark eyelashes trembled.

Xu Qiu looked at her quietly, then smiled and used a handkerchief to wipe the charcoal stains from her lips.

"Madam, please don't be in such a hurry. We should take our time getting through the year. Let's leave other matters for next year, shall we?"

Perhaps the emotions in his words were too obvious, Gu Yu looked away. Next year it is, anyway, she can't leave here for a while.

The drama of Emperor Shengyuan deposing the crown prince has not yet begun. When that time comes, she will definitely take advantage of his misfortune and use him as a tool to kill.

I haven't heard of the Fifth Prince being enfeoffed, so he should still be in Shengjing...

"Okay." Gu Yu understood the point and nodded with a smile.

She was in an incredibly good mood, better than ever before. Step by step, the day when all her enemies would go to hell shouldn't be far off.

On New Year's Eve of the twenty-fourth year of the Shengyuan era, everyone gathered around the stove in the hall to stay up all night.

Gu Yu yawned, leaning against Xu Qiu, her eyes and brows showing weariness. It turned out there were so many things to prepare for the end of the year.

Previously, there were many maids and servants in Shengjing, so she didn't have to worry about these things. Now, only Qiuju is by her side. The maids and servants originally hired in the kitchen have gone home, and Liuyun and Qingfeng are clumsy, so she has to take care of things herself.

When the time came, Liuyun was immediately excited and ran to the courtyard to set off firecrackers and fireworks, and Qingfeng was not to be outdone.

"Liu Yun, wait for me, kid. We agreed that I was the one who put half of it in—"

Xu Qiu brought Gu Yu to the courtyard. She leaned against his chest, and colorful fireworks gradually bloomed in her eyes, with starlight falling into the depths of her eyes.

He looked at Gu Yu with a gentle smile.

Last New Year's Eve, he never imagined that they would become a couple watching fireworks together, snuggling close to each other.

But this unbelievable thing actually happened.

He thought about the past, and his memories slowly revolved like a revolving lantern.

He lost his parents at the age of five, and his relatives seized his parents' land, so he had to live with his distant cousin who was not related to him by blood.

His older cousin loved to throw lit firecrackers at him, watching him panic and beg for mercy.

He hates the end of the year and dislikes any holiday that involves family reunion.

When he turned ten, his uncle found him a burden and wanted to sell him into eunuch status to get back some money to support him.

That's how he met Xu Shanhai and became his adopted son. From then on, he always spent the New Year alone.

He lagged far behind the small groups of people, forgotten by this unkind world.

Xu Qiu had grown accustomed to solitude and self-interest, and no longer expected any response from the world.

He was surrounded by darkness; not a single light belonged to him.

This world is inherently unfair and full of suffering, so how can he become a benevolent person who loves all people?

He's not a good person; he's always known that.

Later on, he set his sights on Gu Yu.

Her eccentricities always piqued his curiosity, reminding him that he was still alive.

He saw the deep resentment beneath her innocent exterior, saw her devise a plan to lower food prices for refugees, saw her cheerful laughter at the Lantern Festival, saw her feigned compliance with Shen Changqing, and also witnessed her relief and satisfaction after her revenge was achieved.

Suspicion, manipulation, scheming, attraction...

Their relationship was not pure, and neither of them were truly pure and sincere people.

"This world is not good," he thought, "but then suddenly a little rain falls, making people greedily want to continue living."

She and he are so alike, from being powerless and soft-hearted to being ambitious and ruthless.

They can't be good people, they are... a match made in heaven, leaning on each other for warmth, wanting to make peace with this world.

The noise of lights, fireworks, and firecrackers, and the clamor of people all faded away, leaving him only to hold the precious treasure in his arms with extraordinary tenderness.

Gu Yu murmured, "These fireworks are so beautiful, it's a pity... I haven't seen many of them before."

"From now on, I'll watch all the fireworks with you."

Xu Qiu waited for a long time, and when he heard her respond in a barely audible voice, his smile deepened.

Gu Yu sighed. What a clever lie she told Lord Xu. Only her lies could make him believe her so readily.

The Tang family spent the New Year in poverty and quietness. It was already difficult for Tang's father to make ends meet with his salary, and they could not afford to buy fireworks.

As the year draws to a close, Tang's father can only buy some sulfur and saltpeter to make firecrackers himself. As long as he throws them quickly enough, he won't hurt his hands.

Because he was still thinking about writing, Tang's father threw the firecrackers with his left hand. The firecrackers crackled and popped, and little Tang Xuanzhe jumped up and down, clapping and cheering.

Tang's mother stopped her needlework and glared at Tang's father angrily. "Tang Simiao, if you hurt your hand, I won't take responsibility for you."

Tang Qingning, who was half asleep nestled on her mother's lap, was woken up. Her mother quickly covered her ears, saying, "Qingning, keep sleeping, don't mind them..."

"Don't disturb your daughter's sleep—" she shouted again towards the outside.

Tang Xuanzhe skipped and hopped back into the inner room, "Mommy, Daddy was so amazing! The firecrackers were so loud, so loud!"

As he spoke, he gestured in the air in a very serious manner, which made Yuzhu chuckle and reach out to flick his nose.

"You little rascal, running around everywhere. If a firecracker is thrown under your butt later, it'll blow your bottom open. That will hurt more than your dad hitting you."

He covered his buttocks and shook his head hurriedly, "I don't want to look anymore, I don't want my butt to get bruised."

He ran around in fear, trying to hide his backside so he wouldn't get blown up by the firecrackers.

Yu Zhu looked up, straightened the embroidery thread, and picked up the scissors to trim the dimming candle wick.

The candlelight suddenly became bright again.

"Silly child, come sleep here for a while if you're sleepy, I'll hide your bottom for you..."

"Yes, yes, Sister Yuzhu is the best."

Tang Qingning opened her eyes groggily, saw the figures moving in front of her, and then closed them again contentedly.

The sound of firecrackers is so familiar, the memories are so vivid. If only they were still here.

Father, Mother, Yuzhu, and Xiaoxuanzhe, can you wait for her?

She didn't want to be left behind any longer...

"Miss and son-in-law, may you enjoy good health, longevity, and all your wishes fulfilled." Qiuju smiled and cupped her hands in greeting.

Liu Yun continued, "May you have a happy new year and peace every year."

Qingfeng said in distress, "You've all used up all the nice words, what am I supposed to say?"

He scratched his head, racking his brains, "Hehe, I've got it! A new beginning, a fresh start."

Some people in the army were educated, and he had heard what they said in their congratulatory messages.

Xu Qiu handed out the New Year's money packets he had prepared to them, saying, "You all said the right things. May the New Year be better than the old one."

The crowd cheered and jumped for joy, "It's better than last year!"

Seeing that they had received the red envelopes and left sensibly, Xu Qiu smiled and put his arm around Gu Yu, saying, "Madam, may we enjoy the spring breeze together year after year."

Gu Yu wrapped her arms around his neck. "Lord Xu, I'm sleepy. Can you carry me back to my room?"

"Willing to serve."

The spring breeze swirled bamboo shavings everywhere, and colorful lights gradually lit up the horizon. Suddenly, the darkness was torn open by fireworks.

Zhang Shuqi thought of Wei Cong, who was all alone in the government office, being pushed by his wife to bring him dumplings, when he happened to run into Li Fang, who was also carrying dumplings.

The two looked at each other, then smiled at each other, only to notice a small noise behind them.

A young child tucked the porcelain bowl into his clothes and ran towards the back gate of the government office despite the biting cold wind.

"Sir, my parents sent me to bring you dumplings." Liu Xiaohua's eyes lit up when she saw someone at the back door.

The three glanced at the dark bedroom. Zhang Shuqi pondered for a moment, then led them to the study, where candlelight was indeed lit.

Liu Xiaohua pushed open the door and shouted, "Sir, dumplings!"

Zhang Shuqi followed suit, saying, "Lord Wei, let's have some dumplings."

Li Fang placed his bowl at the front, saying, "My wife makes delicious dumplings, please try them, sir."

Wei Cong stopped writing, stared blankly at the three servings of dumplings in front of him, and said, "Ahem... there are too many, I can't finish them."

"It's okay, we can just leave it overnight and reheat it tomorrow. It won't spoil," Liu Xiaohua assured her, patting her chest.

Wei Cong reached out and patted Xiao Hua's head. "Alright, let Lord Zhang and Lord Li take you back, otherwise it will be too dark."

"Thank you, sir." Liu Xiaohua smiled sweetly.

After seeing them off, Wei Cong carried the dumplings to the memorial tablet he had set up for Liu Bian, and placed the portion that Xiao Hua had brought in front of Liu Bian.

He said, "I hope you'll be luckier in your next life and never run into me again."

The wind was biting cold, and no one answered.

Wei Cong looked up at the waning moon and scattered stars, took a bite of a dumpling with his chopsticks, and happened to eat a coin.

"Get rid of old delusions, generate new ideas, and everything will go smoothly and be more successful than you wish," he said.

Those who have passed away must continue moving forward; do not look back, nor can you look back...

north.

Gu Hanying drank wine and ate meat, watching them laugh happily, and he also laughed heartily.

I'll go to Shaanxi to see my daughter in a few days. Let Ah Jin spend the New Year all alone. Honestly, he's so old and still not married. What's wrong with him?

Tang Nan jogged over, "General, I want to go see the young lady with you too."

Gu Hanying chuckled, "You rascal, why are you being so attentive? My daughter's already married. If that Xu Qiu really dies, you might consider it..."

"General, what are you saying? I don't understand."

"Playing dumb, huh? Yuan Jing took the man away; he's drunk and confused."

Yuan Jing, tipsy, ran over and pulled Tang Nan, the only one who wasn't drunk, back to the table. "Come on, let's keep drinking—"

Tang Nan struggled desperately, but she was no match for Yuan Jing's strength. Ahhh, she missed her mistress so much! What kind of freaks are these men when they're drunk!

Before returning to the house, Gu Hanying kept telling Yuan Jing to go back to Shengjing and continue following Gu Jin, so that he could find Gu Jin a wife.

Yuan Jing thought happily, "It's good to go back to Shengjing. I can finally settle down and build a career here..."

Gu Jin, who was being worried about by everyone, sneezed several times, blew out the candles in the room, and slept soundly through the night without any dreams.