Chapter 105: Returning to Familiar Places
The grand royal procession wound its way along the snow-covered official road like a magnificent dragon. Horse hooves pounded the thin ice, and cart tracks crunched over the snow, making the winter wilderness seem even more silent and desolate.
The carriage carrying Su Wanrou was spacious and comfortable, with excellent shock absorption, making for a very smooth ride. The interior was warm and cozy, a stark contrast to the freezing cold outside. She leaned against the soft cushions, covered with a silver fox fur coat that Gu Yangui had specially ordered, and held a delicate cloisonné enamel hand warmer in her hands, her gaze frequently drifting out the window.
The scenery along the road gradually became familiar. Bare branches were adorned with glistening frost, and distant, undulating mountains were covered in thick snow, shimmering with a cool, clear light under the thin winter sun. Every blade of grass and every tree here evoked memories of that early spring less than a year ago.
At that time, she was a naive young woman from the Earl's family, about to be married, accompanying her father on the spring hunt with a heart full of trepidation. At that time, he was the high and mighty Duke of Zhenguo, someone she could only look up to from afar. Who could have imagined that the sudden accident involving a startled horse would become the turning point in their fate? That strong and powerful arm, that reassuring aura, was forever etched in her heart, ultimately bringing her into his life.
Su Wanrou gently stroked her lower abdomen, where their shared bloodline was growing. A strange sense of destiny welled up within her, warming her heart and bringing a gentle smile to her lips.
A gentle knock sounded, and then a corner of the carriage curtain was lifted, letting in a wisp of cool air. Gu Yangui, riding a jet-black steed, leaned down slightly, his cold and stern face softening instantly upon seeing her: "How are you feeling? Is there anything wrong?"
"No, everything is fine." Su Wanrou smiled and shook her head, pulling the hand warmer into her sleeve. "Husband, are we almost there?"
"Yes, we can already see the gate of the West Garden." Gu Yangui followed her gaze and looked ahead, a complex emotion flashing across his eyes. Clearly, he too was recalling everything that had happened at this time last year.
"Time flies," Su Wanrou murmured softly, as if speaking to him, but also as if talking to herself.
Gu Yangui looked at her deeply, understanding the reminiscence and tenderness in her eyes. He didn't say much, only said in a deep voice, "It's windy outside, close the carriage windows. Once we're settled, I'll take you for a walk." After saying that, he gently lowered the carriage curtain and continued riding forward, guarding the carriage.
Su Wanrou knew that beneath his taciturn nature lay the same turbulent emotions. He wasn't indifferent; he simply wasn't good at expressing his delicate feelings. This tacit understanding made her heart even sweeter.
About half an hour later, the convoy arrived at the Xiyuan Imperial Palace. This place was originally the royal garden of the previous dynasty. After being expanded in this dynasty, it became a resort for the royal family to hunt in winter and escape the summer heat. The palace was built against the mountain and by the water, and its halls and pavilions appeared even more majestic and magnificent against the snowy scenery.
The Duke of Zhenguo's residence was allocated a separate courtyard called "Tingxue Pavilion," an excellent location in a tranquil environment, neither too close nor too far from His Majesty's main camp—a place that exuded prestige without being overly noisy. Clearly, this was a special arrangement by the palace, demonstrating the Emperor's great favor towards them.
Gu Yangui dismounted first, and before the servants could do anything, he personally walked to the carriage and carefully helped Su Wanrou down. His movements were gentle and steady, as if he were holding the most precious porcelain in the world.
"Watch your step, it's slippery," he whispered, his arm naturally wrapping around her waist, half-protecting her in his embrace, shielding her from the gaze of passersby and the cold air.
Mingxuan was also taken down by his wet nurse. It was the little guy's first time participating in such a grand event, and he was so excited that he looked around. But he remembered his father's instructions and obediently held his wet nurse's hand, following closely behind his parents.
Upon entering Tingxue Pavilion, the room was already warmed by the underfloor heating. Gu Yangui personally helped Su Wanrou remove her cloak, then touched her hands to make sure they weren't cold before feeling slightly relieved.
"Rest for a while, I'll go and report to the Emperor, and then I'll be back." He settled her on the warm kang (heated brick bed) by the window, which was covered with thick felt and was warm and comfortable.
"Husband, please go and attend to your business. I have the nanny and Qingdai here," Su Wanrou said softly.
Gu Yangui nodded, then carefully instructed Wang Mama and Qingdai before turning to leave. His tall figure disappeared through the courtyard gate, and Su Wanrou finally looked away, surveying the room. The furnishings were elegant and complete, and the window overlooked a small plum grove; the red plum blossoms reflected in the snow created a beautiful scene.
After a short rest, Su Wanrou felt that she was in good spirits, so she took a leisurely stroll in the courtyard with Qingdai. Tingxue Pavilion was quite large, with winding corridors and artificial hills. Although the vegetation was bare in winter, it had a unique charm under the white snow.
Unconsciously, she followed a path to a high point behind the courtyard. From here, she could see the vast hunting grounds in the distance. Many tents had already been erected, flags fluttered, and the sounds of men shouting and horses neighing filled the air—a bustling scene. Further away lay the woodland where her fate had been changed during that spring hunt.
A cold wind swept by, carrying the distant sound of hunting horns. Su Wanrou gazed at the familiar landscape, her heart filled with a myriad of emotions. This time last year, she was a young girl, her future uncertain, clinging fearfully to her horse, believing her life was about to end. Now, she was the dignified Lady of the Duke of Zhenguo, pregnant with the fruit of love, cherished like a precious jewel by the man who had once seemed so unattainable.
"Madam, it's cold, shall we go back?" Qingdai gently reminded her.
Su Wanrou nodded and was about to turn around when she saw that Gu Yangui had returned sometime earlier and was standing under a pine tree not far away, quietly watching her. He had obviously returned, but he did not immediately go up to disturb her.
"Husband." Su Wanrou stepped forward to greet him.
Gu Yangui walked over and naturally took her hand, looking together at the hunting grounds in the distance: "Remembering last time?"
"Mmm." Su Wanrou leaned gently against him. "It feels like a dream. If it weren't for that accident, perhaps..."
“There is no possibility.” Gu Yangui interrupted her, his tone firm and deep. “Even without that accident, I would have noticed you.” He looked down at her, his gaze profound. “That day at the hunting grounds, you sat quietly at the table, as still as a painting, completely out of place with the surrounding noise. I had already seen you.”
Su Wanrou's eyes widened in surprise; this was the first time she had heard him mention these things. So, he had already noticed her before the horse was startled?
Gu Yangui seemed a little embarrassed and turned his face slightly away, but his voice clearly reached her ears: "So, that horse was just a reason for me to get close to you."
A wave of overwhelming sweetness and emotion instantly overwhelmed Su Wanrou. She had never imagined that their love at first sight was not a one-sided, unexpected joy, but rather a seed that had been planted long ago, just waiting for an opportunity to sprout.
Her eyes welled up with tears, and she gripped his hand tightly. A thousand words were condensed into a soft whisper: "My husband..."
Gu Yangui put his arm around her shoulder, pulled her into his embrace, and used his cloak to shield her from the cold wind. The two stood side by side, gazing at the hunting grounds where their love had begun, their hearts filled with gratitude for fate.
Returning to the familiar place, things have changed, but the path is one of improvement. The fear and helplessness of last year have transformed into the peace and happiness of today. And they will cherish this happiness together until they grow old.
“Let’s go back,” Gu Yangui said gently. “The hunt starts tomorrow. I’ll take you to the viewing platform; the view is better from there.”
"Okay." Su Wanrou agreed with a smile, snuggling up to him as they slowly walked back into the warm room. The sound of the wind from the hunting grounds still seemed to linger in her ears, but it could no longer dispel the warmth in her heart.
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