The next day, as soon as Gu Mingshan opened his eyes, he was met with a little face sound asleep.
Gu Mingshan’s mind was already foggy, and now he was even more bewildered: Could it be that he had been unconscious for too long? Had Eldest Brother or Second Brother had another child?
The slight movement startled Gu Yi awake. Seeing her father staring blankly at An’an, Gu Yi, now in a relaxed mood, couldn’t help but laugh softly. She gently picked An’an up and cradled her in her arms.
Gu Tingjun rarely saw his father in such a state and also chuckled, helping Gu Mingshan sit up as he did so. “Father, you’re awake? The physician said that although you’re still weak, at least you’re no longer in mortal danger.”
Gu Mingshan, reminded by Gu Tingjun’s words, suddenly recalled the events of the previous night. Looking at the baby in Gu Yi’s arms, he asked hoarsely, “Yi’er, whose child is this?”
Watching Xihua hand water to Gu Mingshan, Gu Yi waited until he had taken a sip before recounting the entire story of how she had found An’an.
Gu Mingshan stretched out his hands. “Yi’er, let me hold An’an.”
Gu Tingjun immediately stopped him. “Father, you’re still weak. It’s not too late to hold An’an once you’ve recovered.”
“That’s right, Father. Yesterday, little An’an insisted on staying in your arms. When we tried to take her, she cried so urgently—she really likes you. Just wait until you’re fully recovered; she won’t run away.” Gu Tingjun now had the leisure to joke.
Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Gu Mingshan became even more convinced that what he had experienced the previous night was not a dream. He extended his hands again. “Let me hold her.”
The three siblings sighed inwardly simultaneously: their father, stubborn as ever.
Gu Yi handed An’an over. Gu Mingshan cradled the little baby in his arms, gazing at An’an’s peaceful expression. He kissed her forehead and spoke solemnly, “An’an, thank you for saving Grandfather’s life. The Gu family will forever honor you above all else.”
These words left everyone in the room deeply shocked.
Gu Mingshan dismissed all the servants, leaving only his three children.
Upon hearing Gu Mingshan’s “dream,” all three wore expressions of disbelief.
“This… is it just a coincidence?” Gu Tingjun found it hard to believe, though his tone suggested he was already convinced.
Gu Tingjun looked at little An’an, sound asleep in Gu Mingshan’s arms, and nodded, affirming his father’s words. “I think Father is right. In yesterday’s situation, even the Imperial Physician said there was no cure. The only variable was An’an.”
Gu Yi, hearing her father and brother’s words, was already convinced but still felt somewhat dazed: Could it be that the little baby she had picked up on the road had quite a significant background?
Gu Mingshan, still not fully recovered, held An’an for a while before handing her back to Gu Yi. “Once I’m better, I’ll personally add An’an to the family registry.”
The Gu family was simple in structure. Gu Mingshan had started as a commoner, following the previous emperor to conquer the realm. He continued to serve under the current emperor, Emperor Qianheng, after the New Emperor ascended the throne.
All of this, An’an, fast asleep, knew nothing about.
When she woke up, she opened her eyes to three faces staring at her, startling her so much that her little face trembled, making her look even more adorable with her chubby cheeks.
“Eldest Brother, I told you not to make a sound. See? You’ve disturbed An’an,” Gu Tingjun shamelessly shifted the blame.
Gu Tingjun: …This brother of mine truly doesn’t live up to his name, behaving nothing like a gentleman.
Gu Yi paid no mind to the silent exchange between her two brothers. Smiling warmly at An’an, she said, “An’an’s awake? Come, Mother will take you to meet your brothers and sisters.”
Little An’an wrapped her chubby, lotus-root-like arms around Gu Yi’s neck, burying her face in her mother’s embrace: So comfy~
Mother is still the best!
Judging by Mother’s mood, Grandpa must be better now, right?
As expected of me.jpg
Gu Yi watched as the little one in her arms suddenly took on an expression of immense pride, wondering what exactly was going through that tiny head.
“Auntie, Auntie, is this the little sister? She’s so cute!”
An’an was still basking in her private pride when a large face suddenly appeared right in front of her.
“Eek!” An’an was so startled she swatted a tiny hand at it.
An infant’s strength was naturally not great. The one who got hit was the youngest son of Eldest Uncle Gu Tingzhou, named Gu Yue. At five years old, he was precisely at that age of chasing cats, teasing dogs, and being a general nuisance.
“Gu Yue, you scared An’an.” A clear, cool voice came from behind Gu Yue.
Gu Yue turned and, seeing who it was, complained, “But the little sister really is cute! It’s not my fault.”
Gu Chen, seated in a wheelchair, first bowed respectfully to Gu Yi. “Greetings, Auntie.”
Gu Yi nodded. This nephew of hers was the eldest son of her eldest brother Gu Tingzhou, named Gu Chen. The child was excellent in every way, except for his legs—injured by a horse while saving someone. Despite years of seeking medical treatment and remedies, there had been no improvement.
An’an blinked her big eyes, staring at Gu Chen. Seeing the aura of decay emanating from both his legs, she thought of her grandfather, who had been on the brink of death earlier. Little An’an’s mouth fell open: Goodness, this whole family is full of sickly people!
But it’s okay, with An’an here, there will be no mishaps!
An’an puffed out her little chest: The confidence of a Celestial Herb.jpg
“Ah-woo ah-woo~” Brother, hold me~
An’an stretched out her little hands toward Gu Chen.
Gu Yi, thinking of An’an’s abilities, felt a stir in her heart: Since An’an could pull Father back from the brink of death, perhaps she could also heal Gu Chen’s legs?
Gu Chen looked at the soft, cuddly little baby reaching out her tiny hands for him to hold, his heart melting with tenderness. He took An’an from Gu Yi’s arms and gently pinched her chubby little cheek.
The youth in the wheelchair smiled gently. “An’an, two of your other brothers are out, and one of your sisters is still sleeping. I’ll introduce you to them next time, okay?”
“Hai-ya~” Okay~
An’an stretched out her little arms and legs, sprawling comfortably on Gu Chen’s lap.
Back in the heavens, those fairy sisters always told her to spread out her leaves so more fairy sisters could pet her!
So, the fully spread-out little An’an yawned and closed her eyes again.
Gu Chen, holding this soft, warm bundle in his arms, suddenly felt at a loss for what to do with his hands and feet, even though his legs had long lost all sensation.
Gu Yue laughed heartily beside them. “Hahaha, Big Brother, little An’an really seems to like you!”
Gu Chen looked at Gu Yue, and the familiar expression made Gu Yue shudder all over. He immediately made himself scarce.
“Big Brother, the tutor left me some homework. See you next time!”
Gu Yi, who had witnessed the entire scene, rarely saw her usually stoic eldest nephew display a hint of youthful fluster. Covering her mouth with a handkerchief, she laughed. “Since An’an likes Chen’er so much, Chen’er, you’ll have to work a little harder today and let your little sister sleep with you.”
With that, she left.
“Madam, although the Eldest Young Master is mature and steady, he has never taken care of a baby before. Perhaps…” Xihua expressed some concern.
Gu Yi smiled. “It’s fine. Later, have Ruhua follow along and keep an eye on things.”
Both Ruhua and Xihua were Gu Yi’s maids who had accompanied her as part of her dowry. They were usually very attentive to Gu Yi, with Ruhua being more meticulous and Xihua more quick-witted.
“By the way,” Gu Yi suddenly thought of something and instructed Xihua, “Father narrowly escaping death is a joyous occasion. Have someone arrange to distribute some porridge. Make plenty of honey cakes as well, to add to the festive atmosphere.”
At the same time, it would also accumulate blessings for An’an.
Xihua quickly went down to handle the arrangements.
At the entrance of the General’s Manor.
“The Gu family has joyous news and specially invites everyone to share in the happiness!”
Porridge, honey cakes, and copper coins were all prepared in generous quantities.
A crowd of beggars swarmed forward, their mouths never ceasing to offer praises.
“Ah, truly worthy of the General’s Manor!”
“The Madam is truly a great benefactor!”
Not far away, a carriage had stopped.
Compared to the sedan chairs of the high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital, this carriage appeared much plainer.
The woman sitting inside the carriage heard the commotion and lifted the curtain, staring at the two characters “Gu Manor” for a long time.
“Miss, the Gu family has an upright and honorable reputation. I imagine the Eldest Young Master must be a refined and elegant gentleman!” The little maid Zhe Zhi, seeing her young lady gazing toward the Gu Manor, chimed in with a flattering smile.
Song Qingxi lowered the curtain, her expression revealing nothing, but she thought to herself: If that were truly the case, it probably wouldn’t be her turn—a mute like her.