Departure
In this vast world, where could Jiang Yufan go? She was already homeless, so even if she found peace and tranquility, how could she let go of Gu Sidu, who had been exiled far away?
Upon hearing Gu Sidu's words, Daoyun lost her temper. She stepped forward and said to Gu Sidu, "Is this what you want to say to us Buddhist nuns? Gu Sidu, do you know that your words are stabbing us Buddhist nuns in the heart? She has no family. You were the one who brought her out of Chenxiang Temple. Do you remember what you said? You said that this is her home and that you would protect her. But now you are going to abandon us Buddhist nuns again."
"Have you forgotten? Because of you, the Buddhist nun is still bearing the name of your wife. If word gets out, you, Lord Gu, will be demoted. Are you going to abandon your wife?"
“That’s not what I meant,” Gu Sidu shook his head. “How can I expect the Bodhisattva to follow me in my current state? Going with me is not for enjoyment, but for suffering. I don’t want the Bodhisattva to suffer for this, to go hungry and face many hardships along the way.”
“Gu Sidu,” Jiang Yufan said slowly, “you said you were unwilling, but you didn’t ask my feelings, didn’t ask if I was willing. Why should I follow your arrangements?”
"Do you think I'm someone who can't stand shoulder to shoulder with you?"
"That's not how it is," Gu Sidu shook his head inwardly, but he just couldn't bring himself to ask the Bodhisattva to go with him. He watched as Jiang Yufan slowly stepped forward, came to his side, and tried to grab his wrist. He almost took a step back, but Jiang Yufan was faster and grabbed his hand.
Jiang Yufan gently stroked the sandalwood bracelet. It had been exceptionally well-preserved; despite its ordeal in prison, it showed no signs of being tortured, clearly carefully protected by Gu Sidu. If Gu Sidu treated the bracelet with such care, he would treat Jiang Yufan with the same devotion.
Without a word, Jiang Yufan knew Gu Sidu's true feelings. She asked Gu Sidu, "Gu Sidu, do you like me?"
No one could resist those words, especially not Gu Sidu, who held Jiang Yufan dearly in his heart. His face flushed as he looked at Jiang Yufan. He could hear his own heart pounding. He felt sad that those words had come at such an inopportune time. If he were still at the height of his fame, he would have said without hesitation that he would never let go of what he loved.
But what does he have left now?
All the gifts bestowed by the Emperor were taken back, and not many of them were kept. He only had a meager amount of money left to cover his expenses. How could he possibly have the courage to say that he was willing?
He can't say it.
But when Jiang Yufan's hand gripped his wrist, that warmth seeped into Gu Sidu's veins.
Jiang Yufan said, "We met in difficult times. I have my troubles, and you have your pain. We've been companions and confided in each other. I think our relationship is at least different from others. You've done so much for me, willing to give me everything. So why worry about material things?"
"But it's a long journey of thousands of miles, and the road is bumpy."
"Then go ahead, is this more painful than having your flesh cut off and blood drawn?"
"Without money, we might not be able to survive."
"Didn't you, Gu Sidu, say that no matter how you spend money, you'll always have enough to spend?"
Jiang Yufan believed that Gu Sidu could overcome this difficulty. She said, "Gu Sidu, that day you were drunk, and I didn't have time to tell you what I had figured out. Buddha doesn't save people; you have to save yourself. I once thought that revenge would bring me pleasure, but it wasn't. I put Jiang Yaoguang in jail and demoted him, but I also experienced a near-death experience. I've died once, so naturally I'm not afraid of anything and I won't have any more obsessions."
“But I’m worried about you. I’m afraid you won’t be able to help yourself. If I, this fake Bodhisattva, can help you, perhaps you can get out of that suffering, and I can repay your kindness.”
"This way, the rumors of the Gu family couple being a loving couple can be fulfilled, and this story full of rumors can have a happy ending. What do you think, Lord Gu?"
Those who leave during difficult times are always unworthy of trust. Jiang Yufan is not that kind of person. She is determined in her heart; if she wants it, she can get it. She looked at Gu Sidu, and at that moment, Gu Sidu was also gazing intently at her. After a long while, Gu Sidu smiled slightly.
“Then I will use all my strength to protect the Bodhisattva. I would rather die than let the Bodhisattva suffer any harm.”
"This is how it should be," Jiang Yufan said. "Gu Sidu, are you still going to call me Bodhisattva?"
"Go ahead and call me that. It's a nickname for me, doesn't the Bodhisattva like it?" Gu Sidu grabbed Jiang Yufan's hand tightly, their fingers intertwined. He gently stroked the back of Jiang Yufan's hand, and only now did he truly feel that his Bodhisattva and he were of one mind, his Bodhisattva was simply his Bodhisattva.
“It doesn’t sound good. Change it next time. Otherwise, other people will always misunderstand.” Jiang Yufan shook her head. Since she was going to leave Chenxiang Temple in the future, she wanted to be herself again, and she didn’t want to hear the word “Bodhisattva” anymore.
"Then what should I be called?" Gu Sidu smiled, nuzzled Jiang Yufan's shoulder, and whispered, "Then I should be called Madam?"
Although the voice was soft, everyone could hear it. It carried a hint of smugness, which made Dao Yun quite angry. Dao Yun immediately walked over and said to Gu Sidu, "Hey, how come you suddenly became shameless? Let go of my hand. Our Buddhist nun hasn't married you yet. What 'madam' are you talking about?"
"Show some respect."
The new sword was even sharper, and Gu Sidu had no choice but to let go of Jiang Yufan's hand. He watched Jiang Yufan leave his side, complaining bitterly, but he could only let go for the time being.
"Also, that marriage doesn't count as a marriage, don't try to fool me." Dao Yun said fiercely to Gu Sidu.
"Yes, yes, I will give the Bodhisattva an even better wedding ceremony in the future!"
No, who wants to marry him! Even we Buddhist nuns haven't agreed yet. Dao Yun was unwittingly fooled, and what was even more infuriating was that Gu Sidu agreed so quickly that she couldn't really refute him.
Jiang Yufan stood behind Dao Yun, watching their bickering, and smiled faintly. It had been a long time since they'd had days like this. So much had happened during this time, so many rapid changes; it felt like an eternity had passed.
But clearly, only one winter has passed.
-
Gu Sidu set off when spring flowers had all fallen, and he didn't take much with him. However, when he boarded the carriage, someone blocked his way.
Jiang Yufan and Gu Sidu both turned around at the same time. Jiang Yufan recognized him; it was the person Gu Sidu had saved by giving him money earlier. Many people came to see Gu Sidu off, all of whom had previously interacted with him or received his help. The person in the photo, whose eyes were red, led the way. He said, "We don't know if we'll ever see Lord Gu again, so we must see him this time."
"This is one hundred taels of silver. It may not be enough to solve Lord Gu's predicament, but it can ease his burden for a while and make his life a little better."
“How can I accept this hundred taels?” Gu Sidu quickly shook his head. “Don’t you all live your own lives? You don’t need to do these things for me. I have my own way of living. Why are you worried about me?”
“Lord Gu, this was originally given to us by you, so it’s only right that we return it to you. This is money we earned ourselves. We can earn more money, but the kindness and friendship we have can only remain in our hearts. Lord Gu, please accept it.”
"We also hope that you and Mrs. Gu can have a long and lasting relationship."
Gu Sidu said no more. His eyes were filled with gratitude. In the past few years as an official in the capital, he seemed to have accomplished nothing, but he had not lost nothing. He had gained so many precious sinceritys and friends who thought of him.
He bowed and bid farewell to each of them, saying that they were far apart and that he wished them well in the future, and that they would keep him in his thoughts.
In this way, one can overcome countless glories.
Jiang Yufan watched this scene quietly, her heart softening like water. She followed Gu Sidu and bowed slightly in greeting.
Beneath all the fleeting fame, this sincerity is even more precious. Gu Sidu obtained this most precious thing, something that no one else could obtain.
"What's wrong?" Gu Sidu, carrying a heavy load of silver coins, came to Jiang Yufan's side.
"It's nothing. I just feel that losing something isn't necessarily a bad thing. Gu Sidu, good people really do get good rewards," Jiang Yufan said.
“In this way, both you and I can have a good outcome.” Gu Sidu handed all the silver to Jiang Yufan, then boarded the carriage first and extended his hand to Jiang Yufan.
"Bodhisattva, in this capital city, let me call you that one last time. From now on, we will be traveling the world, making the land our home. If you come with me, then you have no choice but to come with me."
Even being banished to a distant place of exile could be described by Gu Sidu as a leisurely stroll. Perhaps only Gu Sidu could be so stubborn yet so open and optimistic in thinking this way. Jiang Yufan placed her hand in Gu Sidu's hand.
Since it's a sightseeing trip, she'd definitely like to go and take a look.
With hands clasped tightly, a force pulled Jiang Yufan onto the carriage. Jiang Yufan looked up and met Gu Sidu's eyes. In that moment, Gu Sidu whispered in Jiang Yufan's ear: "Jiang Yufan, the story of the talented scholar and the beautiful lady is going to end with an elopement. The story will end with you and me eloping, holding hands tightly, and traveling the world. We will become the talented scholar and the beautiful lady that others envy."
That's not bad either; at least there are still people who believe that there is still beauty in this world.
Whether it's wonderful or not is for each person to experience for themselves.
The wheels rolled on, heading out of the city and into a new life. What kind of stories would unfold, what kind of life would take place? All of that awaits to be explored in the days to come.
But unlike before, without those concerns, a new world brings new beginnings and new pursuits.
Jiang Yufan lowered her head; she had already looked at him several times. Gu Sidu wanted to secretly hook her hand.
Gu Sidu is determined to win Jiang Yufan's heart, and he will probably become even more unscrupulous and blatant in his pursuit of her.
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