Chapter 163 Wicked Stepmother, Poor Child 56
From the day she left the main campus, Zhou Jingxuan seemed to have become a different person.
She was no longer like before, with disheveled hair and a dazed expression, silently gazing at the sky.
Instead, after returning home, she sat in her room for a while, talking to herself in front of the jar, and then instructed the servants to prepare hot water so that she could wash herself thoroughly from head to toe.
Looking into the blurry bronze mirror, she carefully combed her messy hair, which resembled weeds on a grave mound, until it was neatly styled and tied into the way Gu Hongjian used to love.
She hadn't changed her clothes in ages; she hadn't cared about such things since losing her child.
Now, after washing myself clean, I dug out some nice dresses from the bottom of my trunk. The dresses were brightly colored, as if the lost vitality had returned.
She applied a thin layer of makeup to cover up her haggard appearance over the past few days, and forced a smile in front of the mirror, which somewhat restored her former pretty appearance.
When Zhou Jingxuan reappeared in public, it was as if all the sad things that had happened in recent days had never happened. She had regained her former gentle and understanding demeanor.
However, upon closer inspection, a hint of melancholy still lingers between his brows and eyes, fleeting yet easily concealed.
Zhou Jingxuan took some time to compose herself and tidy up her appearance before cooking some delicate dishes and warming a pot of wine.
"Ju'er, go to the study in the front yard and invite the master over."
study.
"Sir, our aunt invites you over. She has personally cooked a meal for you today."
Gu Hongjian originally didn't want to pay attention to it or go over there, but when he heard from the servants that Zhou Jingxuan wasn't acting crazy today, but was actually dressed neatly and said that she was going back to her parents' home to ask for help, Gu Hongjian had no choice but to go over and see for himself.
He straightened his robes and entered Shuyuxuan as if bestowing a favor upon her. He had also carefully decorated this courtyard, just to welcome his beloved little sweetheart.
Now this courtyard is in a terrible state of disrepair, and my beloved is no longer the same as before.
“Gu Lang”.
Zhou Jingxuan quickly stepped forward, tears welling up before she could speak. Her voice was so soft it seemed to drip with water. For a moment, Gu Hongjian felt as if he were seeing Zhou Jingxuan from when they first met.
"I was mistaken before."
The sudden loss of her child was like a knife to her heart, and she lost her composure for a moment, which is why she acted so erratically.
These days, alone, I often think of the loving times we spent reciting poetry under the moon and admiring flowers in the garden, and my heart is filled with regret.
As she spoke, she picked up a handkerchief and gently wiped away her tears, but out of the corner of her eye, she kept staring at Gu Hongjian's expression, wanting nothing more than to kill him.
Seeing her humble attitude and hearing about their past relationship and promotion, Gu Hongjian's doubts dissipated, and his vanity was greatly satisfied.
He sat down and took the wine glass from Zhou Jingxuan, his tone softening considerably.
"It's good that you can figure it out."
Ultimately, our connection with our child is short-lived. Don't be sad anymore. Take good care of yourself, and we will have many more children in the future.
As long as your uncle is willing to help me return to the Hanlin Academy, or even go further, why should we worry about not having a good life?
"Then, I will make sure you are officially recognized as Mrs. Gu, in a grand and glorious way!"
He finished his drink and began to make empty promises. Zhou Jingxuan was almost immune to such talk; he always said it, but never once did he deliver on his promises.
Now that things have come to this, he still keeps calling her Madam Gu, it's laughable!
Does he think he's a fool?
These empty promises made Zhou Jingxuan sneer inwardly, but her face showed a look of emotion and longing, as if she was truly moved by the future he described, and she obediently served him food and wine.
Seeing how sensible she was, Gu Hongjian became even more smug, thinking that women could indeed not escape his grasp, and that all his previous tantrums were just that—tantrums.
In this way, Zhou Jingxuan gradually calmed Gu Hongjian down. Gentleness was always her weapon and disguise. Although Gu Hongjian still did not get intimate with her, their relationship had improved a lot.
Zhou Jingxuan usually goes to see Shen Ci after dark. Firstly, it's less likely to be seen by others, and secondly, even if someone does see her, she can use the excuse of paying her respects.
Ostensibly, it was a greeting, but in reality, it was to tell Shen Ci the information she had secretly been observing. The two women, who had once been bitter enemies, reached an agreement in the face of a common enemy.
Once a person stops being obsessed with romance, all their intelligence returns.
As evidence was slowly being gathered, Shen Ci's long-awaited family members finally arrived in the capital.
Shen Ci had already received the letter and had been sending people to guard the dock every day.
The Shen family traveled by water, which was much faster than by land. After picking up the person, Shen Ci immediately suspended the children's studies and ordered them to be taken directly to the Shen residence on Zhuque Street.
That morning, Dan Gui practically stumbled into the room, so excited she was incoherent.
"Miss! They're here! The boat has arrived! We've picked up the people, and they're heading this way to the house!"
Shen Ci's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately understood what she meant. She quickly gave the instructions.
"Quickly! Change Mingzhu and Mingzhang into that newly made red brocade cotton robe!"
As the year draws to a close and the weather turns cold, the two children are dressed up like two lucky dolls from a New Year's painting. They are round and cute, and their red clothes make their little faces look even whiter and more delicate, like two little glutinous rice balls.
Shen Ci quickly tidied herself up, took the child and got into the carriage, and excitedly headed to the house on Zhuque Street.
As soon as the carriage came to a stop in front of the house, Shen Ci led the child down, and the three people who had been waiting in the courtyard eagerly came to greet them.
"My son!"
When Shen's mother saw that her daughter had become noticeably thinner, the longing, worry, and heartache that had been building up for years burst forth instantly, and tears streamed down her face. She hugged Shen Ci tightly and cried uncontrollably.
Although Mr. Shen tried to remain calm, his slightly red eyes and trembling hands could not hide his excitement. He looked at his daughter and his lips moved.
In the end, it all turned into a heavy sigh, and he pressed his large hand firmly on Shen Ci's shoulder.
Shen's father and mother both looked very young and had dignified appearances. Having lived a life of luxury for many years, they possessed an aura that set them apart from ordinary people, giving them an air of elegance and nobility.
Beside her, the imposing elder brother Shen Zheng also had tears in his eyes, his fists clenched tightly, feeling both heartache for his sister and intense hatred for Gu Hongjian.
The family gathered together, embracing and weeping.
Years of estrangement and pent-up resentment seemed to vanish the moment they met. All the grievances were forgiven at that moment.
If family members can't be a support system, then who can?
After crying for a long time, Shen Ci finally calmed them down and held her relatives' hands.
"Father, Mother, Eldest Brother, it's cold outside. Come inside and talk. It's warm inside."
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