Chapter 441 New Year's Eve Palace Banquet, Refusing to Enter the Palace, Having a Lively Family
Chu Ruohan sighed softly, "I even asked Qin Fang specifically, and he does have some feelings for you."
"However, he also admitted that it was precisely because he cared about that old lady and was afraid that it would drag you down in the future that he had kept these feelings deep in his heart and didn't dare to express them to you."
When Yuling heard this, her whole body trembled violently, and the fingers that were tightly twisting the corner of her clothes unconsciously loosened, and then suddenly clenched again.
It turned out that the complicated look he gave her in the hall that day was not her illusion. It turned out that he was not indifferent to her, but had such deep concerns.
Yuling felt mixed emotions: she was secretly delighted to know that they shared the same mind, she was touched by his deep affection, and she also understood and felt sorry for the heavy responsibility he shouldered.
Chu Ruohan looked at her like this, and understood what she meant. She handed her a soft handkerchief, her tone still gentle.
"I'm telling you all the facts today, not to make decisions for either of you, nor to force you to make any decisions."
She paused, looked at Yuling seriously, and said word by word, "I want to hear your own opinion. Yuling, this matter will not be forced."
"If you have any concerns, if you feel the burden on him is too heavy and he might be wronged in the future, or if you have any reluctance, you can tell me frankly."
"The most important thing for your life is that you are happy and have no regrets in the future."
Chu Ruohan's words, like a warm current, slowly flowed through Yuling's heart, but also caused the balance in her heart to shake violently.
She naturally trusted Qin Fang's character. After what Madam said today, she was even more impressed by him.
How many men in the world can be found who are so loyal, righteous and keep their promises?
But, that old man...
Yuling is not ignorant of suffering. She understands how much effort and hard work it takes to take care of an elderly person who has been ill for a long time.
It's hard enough for Qin Fang to bear it alone. If she marries him, the responsibility will also be shared by her.
Can she do it? Will she become a burden to him?
She thought of Qin Fang's slightly thin but still upright figure, and the barely perceptible hint of depression between his brows...
A man like that should have had an easier life.
Yuling's heart was filled with pity and hesitation, making her speechless for a moment.
She knew that the lady was truly thinking of her and did not want her to suffer in the future.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her agitated emotions, and said softly in a voice with a heavy nasal tone, "Madam, I... I understand. Please allow me... to think carefully about it."
Her voice was soft and trembling, yet it also revealed a seriousness.
Seeing that she did not refuse immediately, nor did she agree blindly, but said that she wanted to think about it carefully, Chu Ruohan felt a little more at ease.
This girl has grown up after all. She knows how to weigh the pros and cons and follow her heart.
She nodded gently. "Okay, there's no rush. Go back and think it over for a few days. Whatever you decide, I'll follow your lead."
She gently patted the back of Yuling's hand, with encouragement in her eyes: "Remember, no matter what, I will support you."
Yuling felt a warm feeling in her heart, and tears welled up in her eyes again. She nodded vigorously and choked up, "Thank you, Madam."
She knew that the lady really loved her, which was why she took so much care and consideration.
Ever since Chu Ruohan had a deep conversation with her that day, Yuling felt like a heavy stone was pressing on her heart.
She admired Qin Fang in her heart and just said that she would think about it carefully. Qin Fang knew that Chu Ruohan had told Yuling everything, and perhaps out of respect, he did not take the initiative to look for her again.
There seemed to be a thin layer of window paper between the two of them, and neither of them took the initiative to break it, so they remained in a stalemate.
In the blink of an eye, it is New Year's Eve.
The General's Mansion was decorated with festive red lanterns everywhere, exquisite paper-cuts were pasted on the window frames, and the air was filled with the faint scent of pine branches and incense candles.
For example, as an important official of the court, Gu Junze should enter the palace to attend the imperial banquet.
However, this year, he asked for leave from the emperor early and stayed in the mansion.
Chu Ruohan didn't ask much about this. She knew that her husband always acted with discretion. Since he made a decision, he must have his reasons.
She simply gave orders to invite all her family members from her mother's family over, intending to have a lively reunion at home during the New Year.
Chu Ruohan and Chu Yueshu sat in the warm room, watching the maids bring up plates of exquisite pastries and fruits.
Looking at Song Ruyan and a group of maids, Xuan Ge'er chasing and playing in the yard, they all had gentle smiles on their faces.
"Sister, the palace is really bustling today." Chu Yueshu took the hot tea offered by the maid and took a sip, feeling warm. "Brother-in-law won't go to the palace banquet, and the emperor actually agreed?"
Chu Ruohan carefully peeled a pine nut in her hand. "Well, he said he wanted some quiet time at home. This is a rare opportunity for us to get together as a family."
Her eyes inadvertently swept over Yuling, who was directing the maid to set the dishes not far away.
Yuling was also wearing a half-new lilac cotton-padded jacket and skirt today, with a simple double-ring bun, looking even more feminine and gentle than usual.
But there was a subtle frown between her brows. Although she was still working skillfully, she would occasionally be absent-minded and not as completely focused as before.
Chu Yueshu followed Chu Ruohan's gaze and lowered her voice, "Has Yuling figured it out?"
Chu Ruohan shook her head slightly, her voice lowered. "Not yet. I told her there's no rush, and let her think it over carefully. Ultimately, this kind of thing depends on her willingness."
"That's true." Chu Yueshu sighed. "Qin Fang's character is indeed rare. But the burden on his shoulders is indeed not light. Yuling is a thoughtful person, and I'm afraid she has many concerns."
As the two sisters were talking, Gu Junze walked in from outside, with a hint of coldness on his body, but it did not diminish his upright posture and calm demeanor at all.
"It's cold outside, come in and warm up." Chu Ruohan stood up, naturally took the black cloak he had taken off, and handed it to the maid beside her.
Gu Junze pulled her to sit down beside the warm couch. His eyes swept across the warmth and liveliness in the room, and the fatigue between his brows seemed to dissipate a little.
"It's still comfortable at home."
Chu Ruohan poured him a cup of hot tea: "Mom and Dad will be here a little later, I have asked someone to pick them up."
"Yeah." Gu Junze responded, holding her hand, gently stroking the back of her hand with his fingertips, his eyes gentle.
Yuling led a few maids to bring various cold dishes and hot dishes into the flower hall, and carefully served the dishes and poured wine for everyone.
She lowered her eyes, trying her best to appear normal, but the unresolved thoughts in her heart were like a thin thread, entangled with her, making her feel inexplicably uncomfortable when facing Qin Fang.
She knew that Qin Fang was also in the mansion today, in charge of some New Year's Eve affairs in the outer courtyard.
Although they had never met directly, her heart would beat faster involuntarily whenever she thought that he might be somewhere nearby.
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