Chapter 89 Don't Shout "Don't shout!"
In front of the Gu residence, Gu Xi was burying her face in Xiao Heng's arms, sobbing quietly. Her soft sobs sounded so aggrieved and sad.
Her hands gripped his clothes tightly, her thin shoulders trembling slightly, a sight that broke one's heart.
Xiao Heng held her with one arm and gently placed the other on her hair. His Adam's apple bobbed, and a hint of red unconsciously crept into the corners of his eyes.
She didn't know how much time had passed, but just as Gu Xi was crying uncontrollably, she heard a creaking sound, and the door behind her suddenly opened.
Upon hearing the noise, Gu Xi seemed to suddenly realize something. She quickly pushed Xiao Heng away, hastily wiped away her tears with her sleeve, and then turned to look at the person who had come.
Upon seeing that it was Gu Xiao, he quickly lowered his head.
Gu Xiao's gaze first fell on Gu Xi's swollen eyes, and then settled on Xiao Heng, his eyes meeting Xiao Heng's.
Xiao Heng did not avoid his gaze. The two siblings had a deep bond, and he could understand Xiao Heng's wariness towards him.
Gu Xiao's high regard for him was not entirely due to Gu Xi, but because he was indeed a promising talent.
If he is incompetent, even if he loves him as much as he loves his dog, he will only give him a sinecure and will not entrust him with important responsibilities.
As a subject, he could not find fault with him; as Gu Xi's elder brother, even if he was impolite, he would not criticize him harshly.
Gu Xiao looked at Xiao Heng with a calm and composed gaze, his face also calm and expressionless, but behind this expression seemed to lie a tremendous force.
He suddenly remembered what Gu Xi's master had said, what Shen Qingchen had said, and the gloomy atmosphere that had hung over the Gu family for the past few months.
Gu Xi seems to be better now, but his body will never be as good as before. For the past few months, he has been taking bowl after bowl of medicine every day, which makes him and his parents feel sorry for him.
Not only that, she also suffered from a chronic illness due to the poisoning, and would have to endure excruciating cold every year thereafter. Even though this was not his intention, it was ultimately caused by him.
His younger sister, whom he and his parents had doted on since childhood, had her heart ailment cured after many years of care in the Medicine Valley. Yet he, in less than a year, had tormented her to such a state.
Just because Gu Xi had shown him care when he was a child, he had to endure this now that he was grown up. The thought of this made it impossible for him to swallow his anger.
His sister is soft-hearted, but he isn't.
Gu Xiao turned his gaze back to Gu Xi and said in a deep voice, "Go home."
Gu Xi nodded frantically like a chicken pecking at rice, glanced at Xiao Heng slightly, and then stepped into the house.
Before the door closed, she unconsciously glanced back at Xiao Heng again, but quickly turned her head back as if she didn't care.
When Gu Xiao saw her like that, he thought that she would soon be in trouble again, and he couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
Before that, your brother has to stand up for you.
Gu Xi returned to her courtyard, intending to take a nap, but the thought of Xiao Heng still being alone outside made her restless.
She covered her head with the blanket to stop herself from thinking about it, but she still couldn't fall asleep.
She slowly sat up, took out her violin, and played one piece after another, trying to clear her mind of the complicated thoughts in her heart.
As the strings were plucked, her heart gradually calmed down.
Unbeknownst to her, the setting sun streamed in, turning the strings of the zither golden, and Gu Xicai realized with a start that it was already dusk.
She suddenly stood up and walked quickly towards the door.
He was indeed still there.
Gu Xi stood in front of the gate, one step ahead was the steps, and Xiao Heng stood at the bottom of the steps.
She quickly looked up at him and muttered softly, "Why aren't you going back yet?"
It was getting late, and he couldn't possibly stay outside the Gu family's gate all night again, could he?
Xiao Heng didn't answer, he just kept staring at her.
Gu Xi's gaze fell on the tent behind him, and she frowned. The constant flow of people was truly an eyesore.
Xiao Heng seemed to understand her meaning and ordered in a deep voice, "Tear it down."
No sooner had he finished speaking than several people suddenly appeared out of nowhere and, in no time at all, restored the area in front of the Gu residence to its original state.
The speed was astonishing.
Gu Xi blinked a few times, then turned to look at Xiao Heng. Seeing that he was still staring at her intently, looking like he didn't want to leave, she quickly urged, "Go back to the palace quickly!"
It was getting darker, and dinnertime was approaching, but the man remained stubborn and didn't move an inch.
Gu Xi was at her wit's end with him. She frowned slightly and threatened, "If you don't go back, I won't let you see me tomorrow!"
Xiao Heng panicked when he heard the words "not let him see her." Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly realized the meaning of her words, paused for a moment, and then his eyes suddenly lit up.
He looked intently at her and asked, "Then when will you meet me tomorrow?"
Gu Xi lowered her head, biting her lower lip lightly, nervously clutching the hem of her dress, and whispered, "After you finish court tomorrow..."
Xiao Heng's gaze fell on her slightly red ear tips. His hand involuntarily rose and fell, his Adam's apple bobbed, and finally he replied in a low, hoarse voice, "Okay."
Gu Xi was afraid that Xiao Heng would linger and not leave again, so she watched him leave before preparing to go back inside.
As I turned around, I suddenly caught a glimpse of someone standing not far away. I instinctively looked up and was slightly taken aback.
Bai Xingzhi, dressed in a plain white robe, stood there quietly, his hands hanging naturally at his sides. A gentle breeze lifted a few strands of his dark hair, and the hem of his robe fluttered lightly.
He looked at Gu Xi with a calm expression, but his eyes were unfathomable. Their eyes met, but he did not step forward until Gu Xi called out to him uncertainly.
"Master Bai?"
Bai Xingzhi seemed to wake up suddenly, and with a quick movement, he strode towards her, then opened his arms and gently embraced her, his fingertips trembling slightly.
Gu Xi stood there stunned. Bai Xingzhi was always polite and would never do anything so out of line. For a moment, she forgot how to react.
His embrace was urgent yet restrained. He placed his hands on her shoulders and back, holding her gently without daring to use force, as if afraid of frightening her or as if afraid of breaking her.
It really is her; she really didn't die.
He had just returned to the manor today when Lu Feng came to report that he seemed to have encountered her at the Jade Pavilion.
He thought he must have seen wrong, or that someone looked similar, but Lu Feng said he also saw Xiao Heng and Yu Xinyao. For a moment, he forgot to breathe, and his mind went blank.
He hoped it was true, but dared not believe it, until he saw her with his own eyes and heard her call him "Lord Bai".
It was that familiar voice, that person I longed for.
Gu Xi suddenly came to her senses, gently pushed him away, and took a step back, at a loss.
Bai Xingzhi composed himself and apologized for his abruptness, "Miss Gu, I was rude just now..."
"Hmm..." Gu Xi lowered her head, unsure of what to say for a moment, before finally managing to say, "I'm fine, don't worry."
Bai Xingzhi hummed in agreement, a smile playing on his lips. His gaze was fixed on her, his black hair brushing against her face, causing her eyelashes to tremble slightly, and the light in his eyes grew even softer.
He didn't know what had happened to her, but at that moment, he, who had never believed in gods or Buddhas, wanted to thank the heavens and the gods for their mercy in not taking her life.
After a long while, Bai Xingzhi regained his calm expression and said, "It's getting late, let's go inside."
Gu Xi nodded quickly, feeling relieved. She felt that their relationship was a bit awkward, and she didn't know how to get along with him.
After Gu Xi entered the house, Bai Xingzhi stood there for a long time before leaving.
*
The next day, in the imperial court, the officials were quite curious about two things.
First, the Gu family father and son, who were exceptionally rewarded by the Emperor yesterday but were then surrounded by heavy troops, did not come to court today for some unknown reason. Everyone speculated about it but dared not make any rash comments.
Secondly, the Emperor seemed to have something important to attend to today, and there was an undisguised urgency in his eyes. The officials who were presenting their reports noticed the Emperor's thoughts and all spoke concisely, not daring to say a word.
Xiao Heng sat on the dragon throne, listening intently. In the face of the dispute, he made a decisive statement, weighing the pros and cons with a swift and decisive manner, without the slightest hesitation.
The last official concluded his report concisely, fearing that he might delay the emperor's schedule and displease him.
As soon as the court session ended, Xiao Heng hurriedly headed to the Gu residence with a flick of his sleeves. The slight upturn of his lips and his expectant gaze revealed the urgency in his heart.
Having finally arrived at the Gu residence, Xiao Heng felt as if the sky had fallen.
Separated by a large gate, the four members of the Gu family gathered together in the main hall of the Gu residence.
Gu Chengzhong and Su Jinhe sat at the head of the table, with portraits of many men on the table between them, along with detailed annotations of their family backgrounds.
Gu Xi looked up at her parents, then at her brother sitting opposite her, her eyes red with anxiety.
They actually want to arrange a marriage for her!
Gu Xi got up and walked to Su Jinhe's side, gently tugging at Su Jinhe's sleeve. She frowned slightly, her expression reluctant, "Mother, I don't want to..."
Su Jinhe smiled gently: "Take your time to look around, maybe you'll find someone you like?"
If she finds someone she likes, it would be good to have someone take care of her and help her forget the past.
Gu Xi pursed her lips and turned to ask Gu Xiao for help.
She wanted to ask how she could arrange a marriage?
Putting aside the fact that she is currently six months pregnant, she was once the emperor...
Gu Xiao seemed to see through her thoughts. He calmly took a sip of tea, glanced at her indifferently, and said, "You don't need to worry about your former status. Everyone in the country knows that the Empress has passed away. You are now just a daughter of the Gu family, raised in seclusion. He has no reason to blame you."
Gu Xi glared at him angrily after hearing this. Yesterday he said he had something to discuss with his parents, but he wouldn't let her listen. And today he pulls this stunt!
He must have come up with this crooked idea in front of her parents. She won't help him with Yao Yao's affairs anymore!
Even if she doesn't end up with Xiao Heng, she doesn't necessarily have to get married!
She then tried to turn her anger towards Gu Chengzhong: "Does Father really have to marry me off?"
Gu Chengzhong said calmly and unhurriedly, "It's not about getting married."
Gu Xi was taken aback by what he said. What did he mean?
Not getting married?
Is that to find her a son-in-law to live with her?
Gu Xi looked at the three people in the room, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
Meanwhile, many talented young men had already gathered outside the Gu family's gate, each with an extraordinary appearance and imposing presence.
It turns out that the Gu family has a daughter who is as beautiful as a fairy and has outstanding talent. She was pregnant with a child because she entrusted herself to the wrong person. Now they want to find a son-in-law for her, hoping that he is of noble character and will treat her with sincerity.
They suddenly remembered the beautiful woman who had recently appeared in the capital and began to speculate whether she was the daughter of the Gu family.
Regardless of the Gu family's character, if it really is that woman, just hearing her soft Wu dialect is enough to intoxicate one.
As soon as Xiao Heng stepped off the carriage, he saw the grand scene in front of the Gu family's gate. Zhao Fuquan inquired for a while and then reported the situation to Xiao Heng, sweating profusely.
Xiao Heng's face was frighteningly dark. Before he could give any orders, Zhao Fuquan had already wisely summoned his personal guards and driven all of them away.
Zhao Fuquan swallowed hard and decided to take it upon himself to knock on the Gu family's door for him.
He was genuinely afraid that if Gu Xi were taken away, the Emperor would have to stand in front of the Gu family's gate for who knows how many days.
It doesn't matter if the emperor is young and strong, but he's an old man and can't withstand this kind of torment!
After knocking for a while, the Gu family's door opened, and the person who came in was Gu Xiao.
"This humble general pays his respects to Your Majesty!" This etiquette between ruler and subject must not be disregarded.
“No need for formalities,” Xiao Heng paused, “I’m looking for Gu Xi.”
Gu Xiao stood up, feigning confusion, "Is Your Majesty referring to the Empress who has passed away?" He emphasized the word "passed away" in particular, "I'm afraid the Gu family doesn't have the person you're looking for."
Xiao Heng's face stiffened, then his eyes turned cold, but Gu Xiao showed no fear whatsoever.
"Xiao'er, don't be rude!" Gu Chengzhong suddenly came out of the house.
Zhao Fuquan secretly wiped away his sweat. This young general Gu was truly fearless, daring to speak to the emperor like that. Fortunately, Lord Gu had arrived. But the next moment, he suddenly changed his mind.
"Your Majesty, a banquet is being held at the residence today to find a good husband for my youngest daughter. There are many people at this banquet, and I fear that some impolite behavior may offend Your Majesty and disturb Your Majesty's presence. Your Majesty's precious body is not fit to linger here. Please forgive me." He paused, his expression respectful. "On another day, I will prepare a banquet with great care and respectfully invite Your Majesty to come here, as a subject should show his respect."
There was not a trace of disrespect or error in Gu Chengzhong's words, but everyone present knew perfectly well who the youngest daughter of the Gu family he was referring to was.
She is the emperor's woman; how can she lose a husband for her?
Zhao Fuquan stared dumbfounded at the Gu family father and son, his back soaked with cold sweat. He thought to himself that he finally knew who this young general Gu took after.
How come he never knew that the Gu family, known for their integrity, were such audacious characters!
Fortunately, the Empress did not follow them!
But what he forgot was that when Gu Xi slammed the door on Xiao Heng, he had thought something similar to that.
Xiao Heng, who had been silent all along, now had a terribly gloomy expression, but the two men from the Gu family acted as if they hadn't seen it and had already calmly closed the door.
Zhao Fuquan thought to himself, if they weren't Gu Xi's father and brothers, they would probably already be beheaded.
In order to ensure a peaceful life for the rest of his days, his eyes darted around, and his mind was clearer than ever before. He reported, "Your Majesty, this servant has inquired and found that you only need to..." He finished speaking in a voice that only the two of them could hear.
After a stick of incense had burned, Xiao Heng reappeared in front of the Gu family's gate. His black hair was tied up with a jade crown, and his dragon-patterned robes could not conceal his imperial majesty.
He stood with his hands behind his back, his posture upright. To his left stood Zhao Fuquan, holding up the bright yellow imperial edict, and to his right stood his most trusted personal guard. Behind him were the eunuchs and guards who accompanied him.
Boxes upon boxes of rare and precious treasures were piled up like hills, completely filling the area in front of the Gu residence. At a glance, they were all rare and extremely valuable items.
Lu Xiao and the others exchanged glances, then stepped forward and removed the gate from the Gu family's house.
Without a moment's hesitation, Xiao Heng stepped into the Gu residence, followed closely by a large entourage.
The maids and servants in the mansion were terrified by the scene before them. When they saw the dragon pattern on his clothes and the imperial edict in Zhao Fuquan's hand, they all knelt down on the ground.
Xiao Heng did not stop walking. Guided by the servants in the mansion, he went straight to the main hall. The four members of the Gu family who were talking turned their heads to look at the newcomer and were all stunned.
How did they get in?
Xiao Heng's gaze instantly fell on Gu Xi, his eyes softening immediately. After saying "No need for formalities," he raised his hand and ordered, "Announce the imperial decree."
Zhao Fuquan unfurled the imperial edict, his voice clear and solemn as he read it aloud, word by word, bestowing upon Su Jinhe the title of First-Rank Imperial Lady, and granting her a ceremonial robe and a golden book, bestowing upon her great honor and disgrace.
Before anyone could react, Zhao Fuquan bowed and stepped forward, solemnly handing the bright yellow imperial edict to Su Jinhe with both hands.
Su Jinhe accepted the imperial edict in a daze, unaware of what was happening.
Xiao Heng's gaze shifted from Gu Xi to Su Jinhe. This was the first time he had seen her mother, the one who had brought him into this world and allowed him to meet her.
Thinking of this, a strange feeling suddenly arose in his heart, filled with gratitude and awe.
Her mother must have been a gentle and kind person, just like her.
The group of people who had been following Xiao Heng had disappeared at some point, leaving only the Gu family of four and Xiao Heng in the main room.
Xiao Heng lifted his robe and knelt down before Su Jinhe without the slightest hesitation, saying, "Greetings, Mother-in-law! Please accept my bow!"
The Gu family members stared at Xiao Heng in astonishment, and for a long time they forgot to react.
Gu Xi was the first to come to her senses, and her face flushed bright red.
She quickly went to his side, pulled him up, and said shyly, "Don't shout like that!"
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Author's Note: Here it comes again, it has to be Old Zhao! [Sprinkling flowers]
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