When Shen Hechuan instinctively shielded Gu Jingchun behind him, Gu Jingchun looked at his back with some surprise.
For so many years, she has always been at the forefront, protecting others.
Now, Shen Hechuan is instinctively protecting him.
This feeling... is not bad!
She felt a warmth in her heart, and it was at this moment that she heard Gu Erli's name.
Gu Erli?
She couldn't help but peek out from behind Shen Hechuan and look at the man kneeling on the ground.
Gu Jingchun knew that Gu Wei'ang had another eldest son, but he was stationed at the border for many years. He could be considered a "hostage" held by Emperor Rongcheng in order to keep the Marquis of Yong'an in check.
In his previous life, Gu Jingchun never met Gu Erli until his death.
The fact that the Marquis of Yong'an started his rebellion clearly shows that he had abandoned Gu Erli.
Unexpectedly, Gu Erli returned to the capital without permission at this critical moment, and even betrayed his own family, killing his father in front of everyone.
His action directly absolved him of the death penalty; neither Shen Hechuan nor Emperor Rongcheng could kill him.
Extremely intelligent, and ruthless enough.
He escaped his predicament with just one move, which made Gu Jingchun look at him with new respect.
It's just unknown whether Gu Erli is a friend or foe.
At this point, all those who rebelled and participated in the rebellion were imprisoned.
Shen Hechuan counted the number of people and cleaned the palace.
The next day, when the officials went to court, everything was completely renewed, with no trace of fighting left.
This day.
Emperor Rongcheng stayed in Jingyu Palace to guard Jiang Xianhao, resolutely refusing to leave her side.
Therefore, Shen Hechuan presided over the morning court session himself for the first time.
During the morning court session, the matter of yesterday's rebellion was addressed, and the accomplices were eliminated, and those who contributed were rewarded.
Day three.
Shen Hechuan reluctantly prepared to forcibly bury Jiang Xianhao.
Emperor Rongcheng was furious and drove everyone out.
"roll!"
"The Empress is just asleep. If any of you dare to disturb her rest, I will kill you all."
Everyone was trembling with fear and dared not approach.
Left with no other choice, they had to seek help from Shen Hechuan.
Shen Hechuan has been very busy these past three days.
He was burdened with all sorts of things, leaving him no time to think about anything unrelated to politics.
Upon hearing that Emperor Rongcheng had driven everyone out...
Shen Hechuan rubbed his temples and sighed softly.
"I will go and take a look."
Shen Hechuan stood up and stepped into Jingyu Palace for the first time since returning from Qi County.
Jingyu Palace was just as tranquil and beautiful as it had been before Shen Hechuan left.
Shen Hechuan stood at the courtyard gate, as if he could see Jiang Xianhao sitting in the pavilion, calling him softly.
At this moment, Shen Hechuan's suppressed emotions of the past few days erupted instantly, his eyes reddened, and tears fell silently.
Upon learning that Shen Hechuan had arrived at Jingyu Palace, Gu Jingchun immediately rushed over.
Upon discovering Shen Hechuan standing at the courtyard gate, weeping sadly, she quickly went over, took his hand, and gently comforted him.
Shen Hechuan turned his head and saw Gu Jingchun. He immediately bent down and hugged Gu Jingchun tightly, burying his face in her shoulder and neck and silently shedding tears.
“Jingchun…”
He called her.
"I am here."
"I no longer have a mother."
Gu Jingchun gently stroked his hair and sighed silently.
"It's okay, you still have me."
"I will stay with you."
“If we had come back sooner… if I had given up this damned position of Crown Prince sooner and taken you all to live in seclusion in the mountains, would Mother have been able to live?”
Gu Jingchun already knew everything about Jiang Xianhao before her death and guessed that Jiang Xianhao was paving the way for Shen Hechuan.
He also understood that even if Shen Hechuan hadn't gone to Qi County, Jiang Xianhao's health wouldn't have lasted much longer.
Filled with regret, she held Jiang Xianhao in both respect and admiration, and couldn't help but continue to comfort him:
"Hechuan, don't regret it, there are no 'what ifs'. We must always look forward, life doesn't offer that many opportunities."
Even if we leave early, you'll still regret it.
"At that time, you will regret not saving the millions of people who are suffering."
"You will regret not using your power to help more people."
"You should fulfill your responsibilities in your position. You... did the right thing."
Gu Jingchun felt the warmth on his shoulder and felt a pang of sadness in his heart.
"Your mother loves you very much."
"She knew what your path was, which is why, even at the end of her life, she wanted to pave the way for it."
"For her, death might not be such a bad thing as a relief."
"This palace was a cage to her. She fought for many years, but in the end, she made one last effort for you."
Gu Jingchun's voice trembled as he spoke.
"So don't be sad, Hechuan. You must continue to follow in your mother's footsteps, so as not to let her down."
Upon hearing this, Shen Hechuan's emotions surged.
Memories kept surging through my mind.
In his memory, Jiang Xianhao had always been indifferent and peaceful.
However, every time he sneaked into Jiang Xianhao's courtyard, he could see Jiang Xianhao there.
Moreover, wherever Jiang Xian sat, there were always a few plates of snacks.
Sometimes it's osmanthus cake, sometimes it's chestnut cake.
Without exception, they were all very delicious.
And when you eat it, it's usually still warm.
Back then, Shen Hechuan was young and didn't understand.
Looking back now, these were probably all prepared by Jiang Xianhao specifically for him.
Now, he can no longer eat any of the food his mother makes.
Shen Hechuan held Gu Jingchun in his arms and could no longer hold back, sobbing out loud.
Gu Jingchun hugged him and gently patted his back, silently giving him strength.
Half an hour later, Shen Hechuan had calmed down.
His expression returned to its cold, hard state; apart from his reddened eyes, there was no trace of him having cried.
Gu Jingchun looked at Shen Hechuan.
It seemed that overnight, Shen Hechuan had lost the gentleness in his eyes, and now his eyes were covered with a deep, cold pool.
Like a sword covered in dust, now stripped of its luster, it shines with a cold gleam.
The coldness he unintentionally exuded made people afraid to look him in the eye, but he could only show all his tenderness when facing Gu Jingchun.
He looked at Gu Jingchun, his eyes filled with determination.
Then, he led Gu Jingchun into Jiang Xianhao's room.
It was now approaching the height of summer, and the weather was getting increasingly hot.
However, the room was indeed ice cold.
Gu Jingchun stood at the door, and only after his eyes adjusted to the dim light inside the room did he see that the room was filled with ice.
Jiang Xianhao's bed has been replaced with a huge "ice bed".
Jiang Xianhao was lying quietly on the ice bed with her eyes closed.
Emperor Rongcheng sat by the bed, holding her hand and talking to her incessantly.
Shen Hechuan and Gu Jingchun walked over, but he seemed oblivious, only rubbing Jiang Xianhao's fingers incessantly.
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