The image of Mei Xueli holding her and teaching her her first poem when she was a child flashed before her eyes.
She said it was a poem written by one of her benefactors.
That benefactor was an extraordinary woman, and she was told that she must learn from her and live a carefree and bright life like that benefactor in the future.
Spring sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice, and Mother's fingertips brushed against the yellowed pages of a book as she softly recited, "Who says a blade of grass has a heart of gold?"
The scent of jasmine mingled with the ink of ink, lingering around my ears.
She pressed her forehead to the ground, her throat tightening with emotion: "My mother taught me poetry, literature, and etiquette; her kindness is something I can never repay."
Gu Jingchun stood up, then knelt down again and slowly kowtowed a second time.
The image of her mother drawing her eyebrows and doing her hair when she came of age is still vivid in my mind.
Before the mirror, her fingertips, calloused from years of practice, delicately applied ink with a touch of sesame oil, her eyes as gentle as spring water.
"My daughter is the most radiant and beautiful girl in the world."
Now the bronze mirror is covered in dust, and her tears fall like rain:
"In the next life, I wish to be able to enjoy the joy of being at my mother's side again and serve her in her old age."
Gu Jingchun stood up and kowtowed for the third time.
But he remained lying down for a long time without getting up.
Suddenly, the white candles on the altar burst into flames, and in a daze, she saw her mother mending clothes in the corridor again.
"May my mother cross the Bridge of Helplessness, drink the Meng Po soup, and be reborn into a wealthy family in her next life, enjoying all the bliss of life."
Before she finished speaking, a single tear fell onto the prayer mat, leaving a dark stain.
Lanxin and Xiaoman beside her could no longer hold back and burst into tears.
A moment later, Gu Jingchun slowly stood up, the tears in his eyes already dried.
She knelt quietly beside the brazier and slowly placed the paper money in her hand into it.
The paper money in his hand instantly burst into flames, crackling and popping. The flames suddenly rose and danced in the wind, as if trying to tell Gu Jingchun something.
At that moment, Shen Hechuan, holding a long incense stick and with a jade pendant swaying at his waist, knelt down in front of the incense table.
The candlelight made his brows and eyes appear heavy.
As the smoke rose, his voice was as cold as jade: "Your aunt is a virtuous woman who has raised Jingchun so well."
"Please rest assured, Auntie, I will take good care of Jingchun. May your spirit rest in peace."
The incense stick made a soft, crisp sound as it was inserted into the incense burner.
The smoke swirled around Shen Hechuan's fingertips, as if communicating with him silently.
The next day, Gu Jingchun buried Mei Xueli and then fell silent.
She lay in bed and slept for two whole days and two nights.
After waking up, she first comforted Gu Jinxi, Lanxin, and Xiaoman, who all looked worried, before finally looking at Shen Hechuan.
Because he still had to deal with various matters in Qi County, Shen Hechuan traveled between the prefectural governor's office and Qingfeng Village every day, and he looked much more haggard than before.
Gu Jingchun couldn't help but feel sorry for him when he saw this.
"There are still many things waiting for you at the Prefectural Governor's Office. You should go back first; important matters are at hand."
After she finished speaking, fearing that Shen Hechuan might not be at ease, she added another explanation.
"I'm fine, don't worry. I'll pack my things in the next few days and then I'll come over to be with you."
Shen Hechuan, who was about to refuse, suddenly raised his head upon hearing this.
"What did you say?"
Gu Jinxi, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but repeat it for Gu Jingchun.
"Father, Mother said that you should go back and take care of your work first, and she will come to visit you in a couple of days."
Shen Hechuan looked at Gu Jingchun with eyes full of surprise.
"Are you telling the truth?"
Gu Jingchun nodded.
"nature."
Shen Hechuan was beyond happy at this moment. He didn't care that Gu Jinxi was present and went straight forward to hug Gu Jingchun.
Upon seeing this, Gu Jinxi immediately covered her eyes, then opened her fingers to look at the two of them.
"Father, you're so shameful."
After he finished speaking, Xiaoman covered his eyes and took him out.
After they left, they thoughtfully closed the door behind them.
Seeing that everyone had left, Shen Hechuan didn't do anything, he just quietly held Gu Jingchun in his arms.
Feeling the person in his arms, he felt increasingly at ease.
Along the way, he was initially angry, and later filled with various worries.
However, the events in Jizhou and Qijun filled him with both gratitude and guilt.
Perhaps it was true that Gu Jingchun said he still had feelings for him before he left.
However, at the time he didn't believe it at all, and only thought that she wanted to leave.
Thinking of the cruel things he had said to her back then, Shen Hechuan wished he could slap himself twice.
As Gu Jingchun felt the warmth emanating from Shen Hechuan and sensed her heartbeat, his restless heart finally found some peace.
Although she never admitted it, this man had completely captured her heart.
Shen Hechuan gradually broke down her psychological defenses in his own way, leaving a strong mark on her heart.
It made her increasingly dependent on him.
Since she is now surrounded by danger.
Since Gu Jinxi is destined to shoulder the responsibilities he bears.
So she simply returned to the palace to fight her way out for Gu Jinxi.
Gu Jingchun has never been one to shy away from trouble, and now that she has made up her mind, she will naturally go all out.
After that day, Shen Hechuan obediently returned to the prefectural governor's mansion.
To prevent Gu Jingchun from deceiving him, he even brought Gu Jinxi along.
Gu Jingchun did not refuse.
Since Gu Jinxi has decided to return to the palace, these are things he must experience. Staying by Shen Hechuan's side will be more conducive to his growth.
Despite this, Shen Hechuan still looked back every few steps before leaving, confirming with Gu Jingchun each time.
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