Chapter 175 If I go back, the condition is to leave you
Gu Cheng'an looked at Gu Chengyan's back as he disappeared into the mansion gate, and a feeling of bitterness welled up in his heart.
The slowly closing vermilion lacquered door blocked him out.
He turned slowly, the moonlight shone on him, casting a long shadow, making him look particularly lonely.
Gu Cheng'an, exhausted, returned to his and Du Ruoling's home.
The room was dimly lit, with only a single lamp emitting a faint flickering light, illuminating his haggard face.
When Du Ruoling heard the noise, she immediately ran out from the inner room.
Seeing Gu Cheng'an's distraught look, she threw herself into his arms without hesitation, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.
"Cheng'an, I was wrong. What I said just now was all false. I didn't mean it."
Gu Cheng'an's body stiffened, and a complex emotion flashed in his originally empty eyes.
He did not respond to Du Ruoling's hug, but just stood there quietly, letting her cry in his arms.
Thinking back to the days when they had a big quarrel every five days and a small quarrel every three days, Gu Cheng'an felt bitter.
Just half an hour ago, Du Ruoling was very emotional and spoke without thinking.
"You are nothing but a waste! You can't carry anything on your shoulders or lift anything with your hands. You can only lie down because of your birthright. Now that you've left the Marquis' Mansion, you're nothing. You can't even support a woman!"
Those words were like sharp knives, piercing straight into his heart.
"Do you like me or my identity as the son of a marquis?" Gu Cheng'an asked the question he had never asked before.
"Of course I love you. You know I'm different from those ladies in the boudoir. I don't care about status or position. I only care about you as a person."
Du Ruoling raised her head and gently stroked Gu Chengan's face, trying to soothe the worry between his brows.
"All the hurtful words I said before were false."
Du Ruoling's voice was tearful and trembling slightly. "I worry about food and clothing every day. Seeing how tight our lives are, I feel anxious and angry. That's why I say those nonsense without thinking."
"Don't take it to heart, okay."
Gu Cheng'an looked at her with a complicated expression, the disappointment in his eyes not completely dissipated: "Ling'er, the arguments these days have made me begin to doubt whether our relationship is really as strong as I thought."
He sighed slightly, his voice low and tired, "For you, I gave up the comfortable life in the Marquis' Mansion, but in return, all I got was endless quarrels and accusations."
"I know I was wrong, Cheng'an. I really know I was wrong. Can you please forgive me for this moment?"
Gu Cheng'an remained silent, recalling every detail of their acquaintance and love.
The sweetness and beauty of the past were now intertwined with the quarrels and conflicts of today, making him feel a little dazed for a moment.
After a long while, Gu Chengan slowly raised his hand and gently patted Du Ruoling on the back, his voice still a little hoarse: "Ling'er, I hope you will do what you said."
This is the last time...
Du Ruoling nestled in his arms and asked softly, "Where did you go just now? You came back so late."
Gu Chengan was slightly startled and silent for a moment, "I went to the Marquis' Mansion."
When he mentioned Anyang Marquis Mansion, his voice unconsciously lowered.
"Are you going back?"
Gu Chengan slowly lowered his head, his hair falling down in front of his forehead, blocking his eyes. "You want me to go back."
Du Ruoling sighed softly, "Everyone in the Marquis' Mansion is your family, and family ties are inseparable. If you humble yourself and admit your mistakes to the Marquis, he will definitely forgive you."
Their lives these days are even worse than when they had no name or status in the Marquis' Mansion.
She failed in several business ventures. These ancient people had no vision...
"If I go back, the condition is to leave you."
Du Ruoling stiffened when she heard this, "Cheng'an, will you not want me?"
"Won't……"
As soon as Chu Ruohan returned to Hongmeng Courtyard, Zheng Lin followed.
"Royal brother." The childish cry broke the tranquility of the courtyard. Gu Yun ran out of the house like a happy little deer and threw himself into Zheng Lin's arms.
Zheng Lin caught Gu Yun steadily, a doting smile on his face, and reached out to gently touch his head.
"Nan'er, I miss my brother so much..."
Only then did Chu Ruohan know that Gu Yun's real name was Zheng Huainan.
Zheng Lin looked at Chu Ruohan, his eyes full of gratitude: "Madam, thank you for your careful care of my younger brother these days. I cannot thank you enough."
"Your Majesty has already thanked you at the palace banquet just now." Gu Junze's tone was not friendly.
"That being said, my brother has been bothering you for quite some time. If it weren't for the Crown Prince's wife's kindness and attentive care, I can't imagine what would have happened."
Chu Ruohan bowed slightly, "Your Majesty is too polite. Yun'er is well-behaved and clever, and we get along very well. It's not a big favor to say."
Zheng Lin's lips curled up into a meaningful smile, "The Crown Prince's wife is indeed kind-hearted and beautiful."
He took a slight step forward, a subtle hint of frivolity flashing in his eyes. "If Madam could visit Zheng State, I would definitely accompany her personally and let her experience the customs and people of Zheng State. Would you be willing to do me the honor?"
Upon hearing this, Gu Junze's face darkened instantly, and a cold light flashed in his eyes. He did it on purpose.
"Your Majesty, be careful with your words. My wife's status is special, so I'm afraid it's not appropriate for her to go to Zheng State."
Chu Ruohan was startled, but remained calm. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your invitation. I'm used to staying at home, so I'm afraid it's difficult for me to adapt to such a long journey. I hope Your Majesty will understand."
Zheng Lin pretended not to hear and smiled softly, his laughter carrying a hint of amusement: "Madam, there is no need to be so reserved. I was just joking."
"It's just that Madam and my younger brother get along so well, I'm really envious. If Madam could come to Zheng, my younger brother would surely be even happier."
As he spoke, he played with the jade pendant on his waist, but his eyes were looking down at Gu Junze's legs.
"I've heard that the Crown Prince is ill and has difficulty walking. I have many talented people in Zheng State who can definitely cure the Crown Prince's leg."
"No need." Gu Junze refused coldly.
Even the little one noticed that Daddy was unhappy.
She poked her head out from Zheng Lin's arms and tugged at his sleeve, "Royal brother..."
Zheng Lin lowered his head, his expression softening slightly, "Nan'er, pack up and return to the country with your royal brother."
When Gu Yun heard this, the smile on his face disappeared instantly. His brows knitted tightly together, and he tightly grasped Zheng Lin's sleeves with both hands and shrank back.
"Brother, I don't want to leave. I want to stay here for a while longer."
The little guy's eyes gradually turned red, and his voice became a little tearful.
He couldn't bear to leave his mother, his father, Xuan Ge'er, and Haitang Sister...
After returning, he would never see them again...
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
