The day before Gu Qinghuai set off, he secretly sneaked into the Lin residence and spent most of the day playing with his daughter.
Tang Bao was naturally outgoing and friendly, perhaps due to a strange connection of blood. She was especially affectionate towards Gu Qinghuai, and her laughter echoed in the room like silver bells.
"Why were you sent there so early? Is there some kind of commotion over there?" Lin Xihe's voice, tinged with worry, broke the cozy atmosphere in the room.
"I'm just going to scout out the situation first. General Song has been guarding the area for many years, so there shouldn't be any war this time. His Majesty is in a hurry to send me out, but he doesn't want me to expand my power in the capital. However, I'm afraid that if I go, I won't be able to make it in time for your wedding."
Gu Qinghuai's expression was calm, but his tone was regretful. His love for Lin Xihe had long been ingrained in his bones, but he cherished her choice even more and cared more about her and the safety of their child.
"Your safety is the most important thing. It's okay if you can't come to the wedding. Qinghuai, can I see you off tomorrow?"
In the past, Lin Xihe would always go to see Gu Qinghuai off when he went to war, and she didn't want to be an exception this time.
"To outsiders, we are now like strangers. It would be inappropriate for you to see me off."
As Gu Qinghuai spoke, he squatted down behind Tang Bao, stretching out his long arm to protect Tang Bao, who was still unsteady on her feet, for fear that she would fall.
Lin Xihe held a rattle drum and stayed beside the two of them, shaking it gently from time to time, making a crisp sound that made Tang Bao giggle.
As Ji Zhuo stepped into the room, he was greeted by this heartwarming yet jarring scene.
His previously upturned lips instantly fell, his displeasure unable to be expressed, since they had come to see the child and he couldn't find a reason to criticize them.
"cough……"
Ji Zhuo coughed lightly, trying to break the delicate atmosphere.
Gu Qinghuai had already noticed Ji Zhuo's arrival, but deliberately ignored it.
Lin Xihe only looked up when Ji Zhuo spoke.
"Huh? Didn't you say you weren't coming today?" Lin Xihe asked, somewhat surprised.
"I was just passing by, so I thought I'd come in and take a look."
As Ji Zhuo spoke, he lifted his long robe and sat down, a barely perceptible hint of gloom flashing in his eyes.
Lin Xihe gestured for Ling Xue to serve tea to Ji Zhuo, while she continued to tease Tang Bao.
When Gu Qinghuai saw Ji Zhuo arrive, he slowly stood up and said, "I should go back now. I still have some things to take care of. Don't come to see me off tomorrow. If you need anything, go to Hanyuanzhai in the west of the city. You can send me letters from there. I will write a letter there every month, and you can pick it up then."
"Um."
Lin Xihe also stood up and handed the rattle drum to Ji Zhuo, indicating that he should continue playing with the child.
She then quickly ran out, wanting to see Gu Qinghuai off.
Upon entering the courtyard, the two stopped. Lin Xihe's eyes were full of concern: "You must come back safely. Tangbao is waiting for you. Being alive is more important than anything else."
Gu Qinghuai subconsciously raised his hand, wanting to ruffle Lin Xihe's hair, but hesitated for a moment in mid-air.
In the end, he gently rubbed her skin, thinking that she wasn't married yet, and this might be the last time they could be so intimate.
Gu Qinghuai had a thousand words in his heart, but they were stuck in his throat, and he couldn't say a single one.
Finally, he tugged at the corners of his mouth, trying to force a smile, but ultimately failed and could only stride away from Lin Xihe's courtyard.
Lin Xihe stared blankly in the direction Gu Qinghuai had left, and sighed softly.
As soon as she turned around, she found that Ji Zhuo had come to her side at some point, which startled her.
"How come you walk without making a sound!" Lin Xihe scolded playfully.
"Heh... You were just lost in thought, and now you're blaming me." Ji Zhuo's voice carried a hint of jealousy. Now he had a status; he was her fiancé, so of course he could be jealous.
Seeing this, Lin Xihe suddenly became playful and wanted to tease him: "Azhuo, is polyandry allowed here?"
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