Chapter 28 New Home
In the candlelight, two young girls lay side by side on the couch.
Gu Qingyu tossed and turned, then turned to face Ling Wei, her eyes red: "Weiwei... was it because of me? Did Grandmother and my father... force you to leave?"
Ling Wei turned to the side, looking at Gu Qingyu's tearful expression, and smiled as she gently patted her back: "Of course not. It's just that I feel I need a quieter place to concentrate on my exams. Look, I'm now the 'Brave and Resolute' Lady, praised by His Majesty himself, who dares to force me to leave?"
Gu Qingyu's tears fell: "You're lying! I know Grandma and the others said hurtful things... but Weiwei, I really want to... I want to be like you, to do something different through my own abilities..."
Ling Wei sighed inwardly and said softly, "I know, Qingyu. You're smart, decisive, and want to walk your own path, which is excellent." She paused, her tone becoming even gentler yet firmer, "But, let me explore this path first, okay?"
"Scouting the way?" Gu Qingyu asked, puzzled.
"Hmm." Ling Wei nodded, her gaze fixed on the top of the tent, as if she could see the unknown ahead. "I don't know how difficult this road will be. Once I've gained a firm footing and seen the path clearly, if you still want to continue, I will do everything in my power to help you."
This is the biggest promise she can make to Gu Qingyu, and it's also her way of protecting the Gu family and Gu Qingyu.
Gu Qingyu stared blankly at Ling Wei, looking at the calm strength and confidence in the future in her eyes. Her grievances were gradually replaced by trust and reliance.
She sniffed and nodded haphazardly, "Okay! You must take good care of yourself! Once you've established yourself, I...I'll help you!"
After saying that, she whispered, "I am the legitimate daughter of the Gu family. With me here, no one will dare to bully you! When the time comes, we will become the Zhaoyin Sisters Officials!"
That night, the two sisters talked a lot, sharing their hopes for the future and their sadness at parting, until dawn broke and they finally fell into a deep sleep.
The weather was fine on the day we moved.
Ling Wei, dressed in a simple and elegant dress, first went to the main courtyard to bid farewell to Old Madam Gu and Minister Gu.
Old Madam Gu sat upright in the hall, her expression calm. She only said a few polite words such as "Take care of yourself" and "Come back and visit often," before having the nanny hand her a purse containing a few silver ingots, which was considered a proper courtesy.
Minister Gu met her in his study, offering a few words of encouragement such as "study diligently" and "do not fail the Emperor's grace," his attitude distant and official.
With only a few belongings, Ling Wei, accompanied by Li Mama and Xiao Yao, prepared to leave the Gu residence.
Madam Lin was already waiting outside the second gate. Although her eyes were still slightly red, her expression had regained its usual gentle and decisiveness.
“Weiwei,” Madam Lin stepped forward and took Lingwei’s hand, “Moving to a new house is a big event. Your aunt will accompany you to help you set up and familiarize yourself with the place, and see if anything is missing.” Behind her were several capable and tight-lipped old women.
A warm feeling welled up in Ling Wei's heart, and she smiled and replied, "Thank you for your hard work, Auntie."
The new home is located in a quiet alley in the east of the city, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle and bustle.
The courtyard is of medium size, with white walls, gray tiles, and a vermilion gate, and looks very neat.
What's most remarkable is that the neighborhood is mostly inhabited by officials of low rank but with upright family traditions or wealthy scholars, resulting in a quiet neighborhood and excellent public security.
Ling Wei knew perfectly well that the Princess's Mansion had secretly helped her to make this house so to her liking.
As soon as Lin got out of the car, she nodded in satisfaction: "This is a great place! It's quiet and safe! Weiwei, you're really lucky to have found such a good place."
She also asked people to find her a house, but none of them were as good as Ling Wei's.
Ling Wei gave a vague reply: "Yes, I was lucky."
Lin rolled up her sleeves and directed everyone to get to work.
Ling Wei also helped decorate the boudoir, but Madam Lin pressed her down on a chair that had just been wiped clean: "Sit and rest for a while, your injury has just healed." She personally hung up the curtains and laid out the brocade quilt, giving her endless instructions.
Just as the courtyard was gradually taking on a cozy appearance thanks to everyone's combined efforts, a knock came at the door.
Xiao Yao ran to open the door, exclaiming in surprise, "Young Master?"
Gu Qingyan was still wearing his scarlet official robe, clearly having rushed over right after court.
He stood tall and straight like a bamboo stalk at the doorway, the sunlight casting a soft, warm golden hue on his handsome profile, making his eyes appear even more profound.
He was carrying a heavy, exquisitely packaged brocade box.
"Yan-ge'er?" Madam Lin came out upon hearing the voice, and a smile appeared on her face when she saw her son. "You've finished court? Come in quickly."
Gu Qingyan stepped into the courtyard, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the newly renovated yard. When his eyes finally landed on Ling Wei, who was walking out of the house, he paused almost imperceptibly.
Today she was wearing an elegant pale yellow dress. As she helped tidy up, fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, and a few strands of hair clung to her fair cheeks, which were flushed with a healthy blush, like a ripe peach.
“Mother,” Gu Qingyan bowed to Madam Lin first, his voice clear and melodious.
When he turned to Ling Wei and handed her the brocade box, his tone seemed a little gentler than usual: "I heard that my cousin is moving to a new house today, so I have prepared a small gift to congratulate her on her move."
His gaze fell on her bright eyes, his Adam's apple bobbed almost imperceptibly, before he continued, "...May my cousin's new home be peaceful and prosperous, and may everything go smoothly."
Ling Wei accepted the brocade box with both hands. It felt warm and smooth to the touch, and must have been made of the finest wood. "Thank you for your trouble, cousin."
"Open it and see what's inside?" Mrs. Lin urged curiously.
Ling Wei opened it as instructed, and inside was a complete set of extremely exquisite and meticulous writing implements.
Each item is a favorite of scholars and literati, and is both valuable and extremely practical.
"This... is too precious, cousin!" Ling Wei was indeed flattered.
Gu Qingyan smiled warmly, his gaze falling on her hands holding the brocade box. Those hands were slender yet strong: "To do a good job, one must first have the right tools. This item is just right and not very valuable."
Seeing her son's thoughtfulness, Madam Lin felt even more pleased and said with a smile, "Alright, the things have been delivered. Yan-ge'er has just finished court and must be hungry. Weiwei has almost finished tidying up here, so let's have a simple housewarming party in this new courtyard!"
And so, a simple yet heartwarming housewarming party began at the stone table in the courtyard.
Lin, Gu Qingyan, and Ling Wei sat around the table. During the meal, Lin carefully instructed Ling Wei on various details of living independently.
Gu Qingyan listened quietly, only occasionally giving a concise and clear answer when his mother asked him about certain rules in the capital or which shops were reliable.
His gaze was mostly fixed on the teacup or dishes in front of him, making him appear focused and polite.
However, he keenly noticed the brief ambiguity and attempt to change the subject when Ling Wei answered Lin's question about "how she found this nice house".
But he didn't ask anything; he simply picked up his teacup, concealing the deep thought that flashed across his eyes.
When Ling Wei and Lin Shi got a little carried away with their discussion about a small detail in their lives, and Ling Wei naturally leaned towards Lin Shi, Gu Qingyan's gaze would unconsciously follow her, landing on her expressive profile.
She paused for a moment, until she turned back, before quickly and naturally shifting her gaze back to the bowls and plates in front of her.
Feeling the meticulous care from everyone, the last trace of melancholy about leaving home in Ling Wei's heart was dispelled by the warmth.
She raised a cup of tea, offering it as a toast to Madam Lin and the others, saying, "Wei'er thanks Aunt for her hard work, Cousin for his generous gift, and Sister Qingyu for her blessings. On this journey ahead, Wei'er will certainly live up to your expectations!"
Her gaze was bright and firm, sweeping over Lin Shi and Gu Qingyu before finally settling on Gu Qingyan.
Gu Qingyan also picked up his teacup, nodded slightly, and said in a low and clear voice, "Cousin... take care."
Those two simple words seemed to linger on his lips for a moment before he solemnly uttered them, as if they carried a deeper meaning than the literal words.
He didn't say anything more, but simply drank the tea in his cup in one gulp.
This small new house, surrounded by the warmth and silent protection of her family, officially became Ling Wei's new starting point for soaring high.
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