Gu Jiao didn’t notice Jun Heng’s sudden dimming expression and smiled at the two servants.
“Don’t go to the kitchen. Just leave the swing by my place.”
The two servants exchanged a glance, bowed their heads in acknowledgment, and carried the swing toward her courtyard.
“I should be going back.”
Jun Heng spoke suddenly.
Still staring at the servants’ backs, Gu Jiao came back to her senses and looked at him, raising her brows in surprise.
“This place is still a bit far from the North Garden. Perhaps I—”
“No need to trouble yourself.”
Perhaps sensing her tone was a little stiff, Jun Heng paused, then said, “We don’t share the same path anyway. I can return on my own.”
Gu Jiao felt something had shifted in him just now, though she couldn’t quite pinpoint what.
But since he had politely declined, it would be improper for her to insist.
She nodded: “Then rest well. If anything happens, let Huai An inform Steward Xu.”
Jun Heng pressed his lips together and looked away: “Mm.”
He had just taken a step when he suddenly stopped again.
“Don’t worry about the Fu family. Everything will… settle itself.”
The words fell, and before Gu Jiao could respond, he had already walked away.
Gu Jiao stood quietly in place. When he had walked far enough, she rubbed her temples in slight frustration.
Although she knew she should maintain distance from Jun Heng, she had long grown accustomed to accommodating his moods.
In fact… over these days of being together, she had subtly noticed something unusual about him.
Even earlier, three years ago, she had felt something similar.
She had witnessed plenty of youthful hearts awakening. If she had been a little naïve then, she could no longer pretend ignorance now.
But… perhaps she was overthinking.
So much time had passed. Xie Chongyu had almost married her. Jun Heng should have let go by now.
Even if he still harbored something, she didn’t have the mental energy to dwell on it.
Seven years of acquaintance, and with Xie Chongyu gone, perhaps she had lost something too.
Or perhaps, as Ning Fei Zhi said, choosing the palace truly meant she had no other lingering feelings—
Like cutting off the last possible thread between her and Xie Chongyu.
The words Xie Chongyu had said that day still remained vividly in her memory. Gu Jiao couldn’t help but wonder what mood he had been in, guarding that place that day.
The snow at night… it must have been so cold.
She admitted that she could not feel completely without resentment toward Xie Chongyu. But if she were to say hatred…
It was far less than what she had shown in front of him.
She did not hate him, but she would no longer love him. The once passionate feelings would naturally fade with time.
He was destined not to stay in the capital. There was no need to create more lingering regrets.
The best outcome was for them to remain unrelated, so that even if they went their separate ways in the future, there would be no confusion or entanglement. She could do this and hoped he could too.
Jun Heng… she just hoped she was overthinking.
…
Returning to her residence, Gu Jiao immediately noticed the swing in the corner of the wall.
It had clearly been cleaned. Although it still wasn’t much to look at, it was far better than before.
Lost in thought, she reached out and tugged at the ropes of the swing.
Given its current state, if she actually sat on it, the end result would probably be that it would have to serve as firewood for the kitchen.
Feeling a little regretful, she clicked her tongue and patted her hands. A certain memory gradually became clearer.
The moment she first saw the swing by the servants, she understood why Mu Wan had seemed so familiar.
If there truly had been such a connection between them, it would be extraordinary.
But to confirm it… it wouldn’t be difficult.
…
Gu Qingxing, regarding matters that were already set, no longer fussed—whether it was Jun Heng’s feelings or the Fu family’s funeral three days later.
When Gu Jiao arrived at the study, he had changed into a loose long robe and was focused on painting a picture.
Gu Jiao leaned over and recognized it at a glance.
“Again ‘A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains’? Don’t you ever get bored?”
Gu Qingxing’s skill was excellent, but even the finest painting over a decade could get tiresome.
He ignored her, finished the final stroke, picked up a nearby seal, stamped it, and finally set down his brush.
“It’s rare to see you here. Aren’t you afraid I’ll force you to practice calligraphy?”
In the entire Gu residence, Gu Jiao least wanted to visit Gu Qingxing’s study.
Though he cared for her, when she was young, his teaching was meticulous. Even after so many years, she still disliked staying here.
“Not at all. To have the great lord personally teaching me—so few could ever hope for that.” She blinked and smiled, reaching for his brush, then noticed a chessboard nearby.
Changing the topic, she said: “These chess pieces are exquisite.”
She picked up a piece and gently tilted her chin toward him: “Shall we play a game?”
Although Gu Jiao’s chess skills weren’t quite up to her father’s standards, under his indulgent play, she could still match him move for move.
She knew he was letting her win, so she relaxed and played more freely. After several rounds, Gu Qingxing furrowed his brows, slightly unsure of his next move.
“Father, how are things with the Mu family?” Gu Jiao suddenly asked while he was focused on the board.
Gu Qingxing paused mid-move and looked up: “Fine. Why do you ask?”
“Nothing, I just ran into Mu Wan at the palace a few days ago,” Gu Jiao said with a sigh. “I didn’t expect the commander of the Mu family to be such a handsome young man.”
“He is not much older than you. But in temperament, he surpasses those of you who were born and raised in the capital.” Gu Qingxing placed his white piece down slowly.
Gu Jiao nodded approvingly: “Truly unforgettable. But to think such an outstanding person, I only meet him now—what a pity.”
“Speaking of which, the Mu family doesn’t return to the capital. I wonder if General Mu still has any heirs?”
He looked at her, his gaze flickering slightly, but remained calm: “Only Mu Wan.”
Gu Jiao raised her brows.
“Father, didn’t you ever consider arranging a suitable match for me?”
“Nonsense.” Gu Qingxing looked down at the board again.
Casually choosing a spot, he placed a black piece, ignoring his own furrowed brow. Gu Jiao continued casually: “Well, if I had chosen Mu Wan back then, I would now be General Mu’s wife. How grand that would be.”
Gu Qingxing glanced at her lightly, picked up the piece she just placed, and put it elsewhere before saying, “Speak plainly. Don’t try to test me indirectly.”
Caught, Gu Jiao was unsurprised. She boldly said: “What, even casual chatter isn’t allowed?”
By now, Gu Qingxing knew her invitation to play chess was just an excuse. He simply brought the black pieces closer to himself.
Holding black in one hand and white in the other, he moved faster than when playing against her.
“Before you were born, your mother considered finding a suitable match for you.”
As he placed his pieces, he continued: “But every time I brought it up, you would fuss in her arms. She assumed you were unwilling and abandoned the idea.”
Mentioning Gu Jiao’s mother, his gaze softened slightly.
“But if you wanted to marry into the Mu family, that likely wouldn’t have worked anyway.”
“Oh? Why?” Gu Jiao asked, feigning curiosity.
Gu Qingxing placed another piece on the board. The situation on the chessboard became clear, and he smiled lightly as he collected the pieces one by one.
“Haven’t you already guessed most of it?”
Gu Jiao thought for a long moment, then yawned and stood up. “Chess still takes too much concentration. I should rest for a while.”
Gu Qingxing didn’t look at her, casually waving his hand backward. “Since you weren’t here on New Year’s Eve, there were a lot of sugar pastries and preserved fruits left untouched. Uncle Xu saved them for you.”
“Ah!” Gu Jiao instantly perked up and hurried out in a few steps.
“Don’t cause trouble,” Gu Qingxing reminded her helplessly.
“I know!” she called back loudly even after walking a good distance.
…
On the day of Fu Shian’s funeral, a group of four arrived at the mansion quietly.
“Judging by the scene, it feels like half the court is here?”
The courtyard in front of the Fu residence was packed with sedan chairs. Had Gu Qingxing not anticipated this in advance and arrived early, they might not have found a spot to even set foot.
Gu Jiao glanced at Jun Heng. He lowered his gaze slightly, seemingly indifferent to the bustling scene before him.
Since a few days ago, she hadn’t seen him. Even during meals, Huai An arranged for him to dine at the North Garden.
On the way to the Fu residence, he looked disinterested, as if something weighed on his mind.
She subtly signaled Huai An, but he just shook his head.
Even Huai An didn’t know the reason?
“The crowd today is rather large. Should I go ahead first? Will His Majesty enter through the side gate?” Gu Qingxing frowned and asked softly.
Jun Heng shook his head and stepped toward the Fu residence.
Seeing this, Gu Qingxing and Huai An quickly followed.
Gu Jiao deliberately slowed her pace, staying behind.
She wanted to remain low-profile; with them taking the lead, it was enough.
Before she could get closer, the noisy crowd suddenly fell silent.
The young servants tasked with reception hadn’t recognized them yet. Several ministers quickly straightened, bowing respectfully.
Jun Heng’s eyes swept over the crowd. Huai An hurried to intercept a few people ahead, quietly whispering instructions, and the others stepped back to clear the path.
Amid the deathly quiet, a figure in black emerged from the crowd before them.
Right Chancellor Yan Chenyan.
Yan Chenyan was often compared to Gu Qingxing. Not only did he match him in literary and strategic skill, but his demeanor and appearance were equally impressive.
A jade-like face, refined bearing.
He wore a solemn, wide-sleeved black robe, with a white hairband keeping his black hair perfectly in place. There were no other adornments. He looked less like a high-ranking minister and more like a recluse in the world.
He showed no surprise at Jun Heng’s presence. Yan Chenyan walked calmly, stopping three steps in front of him, and slowly bowed.
“I, Yan Chenyan, pay respects to His Majesty and the Noble Consort.”
Jun Heng reached out to steady him: “No need for formalities, Minister Yan.”
Gu Jiao observed Yan Chenyan closely, realizing she had been rather uninformed until now.
Though she had heard of him, this was her first time meeting him in person.
Yan Chenyan straightened and nodded slightly toward Gu Qingxing. “Left Chancellor.”
Gu Qingxing had worked with him for a long time and was not unfamiliar, smiling in return.
“If Lord Fu were aware that His Majesty and the Left Chancellor came, he would have been overjoyed,” Yan Chenyan said, seemingly ignoring the ministers’ scrutinizing gazes.
No wonder he could become Right Chancellor, Gu Jiao thought, secretly admiring him.
“Lord Fu has long devoted himself to Tianyu. Hearing of his death, I am deeply grieved.”
Jun Heng appeared unfazed by the subtle tension around him. “This trip should have been the Left Chancellor’s on my behalf. But I could not rest easy, so I came myself to pay respects to the departed.”
Gu Jiao glanced at him in surprise. When did he start sounding so composed and proper with such ceremonial words?
Moreover—
“Left Chancellor coming on my behalf”—Jun Heng was clearly showing Gu Qingxing some respect.
“Then, Lord Fu’s spirit tablet is in the front hall. Your Majesty, please.”
Yan Chenyan stepped aside to guide them.
Gu Jiao, standing behind Jun Heng, cast her eyes around, quietly observing everyone’s reactions.
Her sleeve was tugged gently, making her look up in surprise.
Jun Heng’s sleeve moved slightly. He did not look back, nor did he intend to leave, as if waiting for something.
Gu Jiao noticed an empty spot to his right.
She hesitated. Moving forward under everyone’s gaze might draw attention.
But Jun Heng’s refusal to move made staying put seem even more conspicuous.
…On second thought, few in the hall wouldn’t recognize her. One more step wouldn’t matter.
She stepped forward and stood beside Jun Heng.
Someone coughed softly.
Yan Chenyan remained on the side, showing no confusion at Jun Heng’s silence. When Jun Heng took a step, Yan paused slightly, half a step behind him.
In the hall, Lord Fu Shian’s spirit tablet rested on the table. The incense burner was filled with ashes, clearly many had paid respects.
Jun Heng received the incense from Yan Chenyan, slightly bowed, and placed it in the burner. Gu Jiao and Gu Qingxing followed suit.
“Where is the Fu family?” Jun Heng asked after offering incense.
Gu Jiao was puzzled. Why was Yan Chenyan handling Fu’s funeral?
“Fu Xi is in the back hall receiving the other dignitaries,” Yan Chenyan replied respectfully.
Jun Heng frowned.
“The head of the household passed away. As the legitimate son, why isn’t he in the front hall?”
Yan Chenyan paused briefly, then looked at Gu Qingxing: “He did not act appropriately and was neglectful to Chancellor Gu. I advised him to stay out of the way.”
“This is also my oversight. I haven’t had a chance to apologize to Chancellor Gu yet.”
“You are too formal, Minister Yan. How could I hold it against a junior?” Gu Qingxing shook his head with a smile.
He didn’t want to dwell on the matter and changed the topic: “Speaking of which, Minister Yan, has Miss Fu’s wedding been postponed again?”
Fu Shian’s passing meant his daughter, Fu Ling, had to observe mourning.
But from Yan Chenyan’s demeanor, he seemed to have taken over all matters concerning the Fu family.
Yet he appeared somewhat lost in thought.
“Minister Yan?” Gu Qingxing called, bringing him back to focus. Yan smiled gently: “Naturally, we must wait for the mourning period to pass. Since it has already been so long, there is no rush at this moment.”
Gu Jiao studied him thoughtfully. So, Minister Yan is… sentimental?
“Since Your Majesty has come, shall we go to the back hall to see Young Master Fu?” Huai An spoke up.
Gu Jiao turned at the sound, catching Jun Heng’s gaze fixed on her.
Cold, piercing.
Their eyes met briefly before he quickly looked away. “Then let’s go.”
With that, he took a few steps forward, as if testing someone.
Gu Jiao blinked: …What’s wrong with him this time?