Gu Yunci gazed distantly at the lantern lights of Hou Manor, letting out a self-mocking laugh. “Why go back? No one in Hou Manor cares whether I live or die.”
Yun Qi looked at his master in this state, his heart aching. His baby face scrunched up with worry.
“Nonsense! Lord Marquis and the Marquis’ Wife must care about you…” After saying this, he suddenly remembered that since Lord Marquis was injured and lost the use of his legs, he had become increasingly harsh and unapproachable, especially toward his master.
Meanwhile, the Marquis’ Wife had consistently favored the Shizi for twenty years, neglecting their master.
Noticing his master’s gaze turning cold, Yun Qi quickly tried to make amends, continuing to comfort him: “Even without them, there’s the wife you just married. She must care about you…”
At this point, Yun Qi faltered again.
Because his master had never liked Third Miss Su in the first place—the marriage had been arranged by the Marquis’ Wife. With no affection between them, how could Third Miss Su possibly care about his master?
Not to mention that after Gu Yunrui returned, he actually assumed their master’s identity, publicly claiming that the one who died was the Shizi of Zhongyong Hou. Gu Yunrui then naturally took Third Miss Su as his wife, even inheriting two family lines!
This matter was truly bullying and baffling.
His master was truly suffering.
Yun Qi couldn’t continue comforting him, only muttering: “I really don’t understand the Shizi. He already receives all the favoritism and married such a perfect wife in the Eldest Daughter of the Su Family. Why does he need to impersonate your identity? What does he gain from it?”
Although his elder brother had taken his wife, Gu Yunci felt no ripple of emotion in his heart. However, when he thought of that ‘Eldest Daughter of the Su Family,’ a flicker of emotion passed over his usually cold and indifferent handsome face.
That wedding night felt as beautiful as a dream.
The moment he stepped out of the bridal chamber, the dream ended, meaning he remained someone no one could ever care about.
“Let’s go.”
Perhaps because he had lost too much, he had long grown accustomed to losing things, his entire being numb.
Gu Yunci turned around, his figure quickly disappearing into the darkness as if he had never returned.
**
After the New Year, although the northern wind still howled through the capital, spring’s warmth gradually seeped in. The ice and snow in Hou Manor’s courtyard began to melt, and soon, the green grass and leaves beneath would eagerly emerge, displaying vibrant vitality.
Previously, Zhongyong Hou had used the excuse that Gu Yunrui’s body was not yet cold and that it was still the New Year period to reject the Gu family elders’ proposal about adoption.
But once the New Year passed, just after the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the Gu family elders came calling again.
Sitting in his wheelchair, Zhongyong Hou addressed the several white-haired elders: “There’s no need to mention the adoption matter for now, because I plan to enter the palace tomorrow to see His Majesty and request the title of Shizi for A-Ci.”
The elders exchanged glances. The eldest among them, Third Uncle, spoke: “Lord Marquis, didn’t you always say before that although A-Ci is quite skilled in martial arts, he’s usually quiet and withdrawn, lacking social grace, far inferior to A-Rui?”
Although the two children were twins, under the Marquis’ Wife Feng Shi’s longstanding favoritism, coupled with Gu Yunci’s reticence and Gu Yunrui’s knack for pleasing elders, Zhongyong Hou—who had always paid little attention to rear courtyard matters—had gradually become biased as well.
But now things were different.
Zhongyong Hou, who had lost his most outstanding son, sighed deeply. In just a few short months, he seemed to have aged over a decade.
“But since A-Rui is no longer with us, and although A-Ci isn’t as capable as him, they are after all twin brothers. Moreover, I will continue to support A-Ci in the future. I believe Hou Manor won’t fare poorly under his management.”
If worse came to worst, they could always cultivate the next generation.
Though his health was frail and he could no longer father more sons, he wasn’t going to die immediately—he still had at least ten more years to live.
Seeing that Zhongyong Hou had made his stance final, those from the Gu family branches who had been scheming had no choice but to temporarily abandon their plans.
After these people left, Feng Shi was quite pleased. Although A-Rui had caused quite a stir, things had ultimately turned out as intended—the Hou Manor would still belong to her son in the end.
Beaming with joy, Feng Shi said, “Tell the kitchen to prepare extra dishes today. Let’s celebrate in advance.”
Zhongyong Hou replied helplessly, “I haven’t even gone to the palace to request the title yet. What’s the point of celebrating early?”
Feng Shi retorted, “Isn’t it a foregone conclusion? There’s no harm in celebrating a little early. The main thing is, those clan elders keep trying to pull strings behind our backs, thinking our Hou Manor lacks heirs. But we still have A-Ci, and A-Ci will have many children in the future. Let those restless branch families choke on their envy!”
Zhongyong Hou shot her a glare but ultimately didn’t stop her celebratory plans.
Su Xiyue was also delighted. Deliberately in front of Su Qingwan, she clung to Gu Yunrui’s arm and said, “A-Ci, when you become the Shizi, I’ll be the Heir’s Wife, right?”
Gu Yunrui smiled and nodded, but when he lifted his head, he instinctively glanced at Su Qingwan’s expression.
Su Qingwan remained as composed as ever, seemingly unbothered that her title of “Heir’s Wife” was about to be handed over to someone else.
Su Xiyue’s provocation fell flat, leaving her with a sense of powerlessness, as if she had punched cotton. Annoyed, she deliberately said to Su Qingwan, “Oh, sister-in-law, you won’t be angry when I become the Heir’s Wife, will you?”
Su Qingwan replied, “What does it matter if I’m angry or not? It’s not like Gu Yunrui is still alive.”
Su Xiyue pressed, “But you look upset to me. Honestly, it’s not my fault, but who could have predicted A-Ci would become the Shizi? Don’t worry, though. When I become the Heir’s Wife, I’ll make sure to look after you properly. After all, we’re still sisters.”
Feng Shi had seen enough. She said coldly, “Su Xiyue, are you quite finished? Qingwan is still your sister-in-law for now—show her some respect! And another thing, you’ve been clinging to A-Ci in your courtyard almost constantly lately. How is it that after all this time, there’s still no sign of a pregnancy? Can you even bear children?”
“Tomorrow, I’ll request an imperial physician to examine you! If it turns out you can’t conceive, don’t even think about becoming the Heir’s Wife!”
Su Xiyue turned pale at her words, her face full of grievance. “I was just joking with sister-in-law. It’s not like I deliberately sought to become the Heir’s Wife—I was just worried she might hold a grudge against me. A-Ci, please explain to Mother for me. My health is fine. We haven’t been married long, so it’s normal that I haven’t conceived yet. When the time is right, I’m sure I’ll get pregnant.”
Gu Yunci nodded. “Mother, Xi Yue is straightforward by nature. Look, Qing Wan isn’t even angry—they’re just joking as sisters do, so please don’t be upset either. Xi Yue is young, so her health is certainly fine. However, we could summon the imperial physician to check your Peace Pulse, and incidentally have him examine Xi Yue and Qing Wan as well.”
Gu Yunrui was skilled at comforting others, and with just a few words, he managed to soothe both Feng Shi and Su Xiyue.
Su Qingwan sat nearby, watching their harmonious scene with a mocking smile curling at the corners of her lips.
When had she ever agreed that Su Xiyue could conceive?
But if the imperial physician were to visit the estate tomorrow, her own condition would likely be impossible to conceal. Moreover, the Lord Marquis was about to enter the palace to request the Bestowing the Title of Shizi…
That evening, the family enjoyed a harmonious dinner together. Unsurprisingly, Su Xiyue later pulled Gu Yunci away again. Having been married for several months, their affection had grown deeper, becoming increasingly inseparable.
Su Qingwan strolled alone in the garden to aid her digestion when she soon encountered Zhongyong Hou being pushed in his wheelchair by an attendant.
“Greetings, Father,” she said with a slight curtsy.
Zhongyong Hou was a military man, rough around the edges by nature, but he always respected Grand Tutor Su and held a special tenderness for Su Qingwan. Whenever he interacted with her, he showed more tolerance and patience than with others.
Zhongyong Hou said gently, “Qingwan, why are you still walking in the courtyard so late? Be careful not to catch a chill.”
Su Qingwan had just begun to respond when she suddenly covered her mouth and retched twice.
This startled Zhongyong Hou, who immediately exclaimed, “Qingwan, are you ill? Quickly, summon the estate physician to examine Qingwan!”
Su Qingwan hurriedly replied, “Father, I’m not ill. I believe I’m with child, but because I’ve been overwhelmed with grief lately, my pulse has been unstable. I didn’t dare tell you earlier, fearing it would raise false hopes.”
Upon hearing this, Zhongyong Hou was momentarily stunned, then his typically stern face broke into ecstatic joy.
How could he not be overjoyed that his deceased eldest son had left a posthumous child?
But then he thought of something, and his smile faded slightly.
“This child…”
Su Qingwan, ever perceptive, quickly added, “By the way, I had a physician examine me two days ago—I’m already over three months pregnant.”
The implication was clear: this child was undoubtedly Gu Yunrui’s posthumous offspring.
Such matters shouldn’t normally be discussed with one’s father-in-law.
But since learning that Zhongyong Hou had also been kept in the dark by Gu Yunrui and Feng Shi, Su Qingwan had devised a plan. Besides, with the imperial physician coming to check pulses tomorrow, everything would be revealed anyway.
Sure enough, after hearing this, Zhongyong Hou’s expression showed only excitement and nostalgia for his departed son.
He murmured, “Good, truly wonderful.”
Observing Zhongyong Hou’s reaction, Su Qingwan said with emotional tremors, “Father, since A-Rui left, I haven’t been able to sleep at night or eat properly. Overwhelmed by sorrow, I’ve kept myself busy with household affairs to avoid thinking of him. I nearly couldn’t go on, but then I discovered I was pregnant, and suddenly life felt meaningful again.”
Zhongyong Hou was deeply moved. He sighed, “A-Rui’s spirit in heaven couldn’t bear to see you and us all suffering in loneliness, missing him so. Qingwan, I don’t even know how to thank you!”
Su Qingwan: “Father, we are all family, there’s no need for such formalities. I only hope this child can grow up healthy and strong, to comfort the late Shizi’s spirit in heaven.”
Seeing how dearly she cherished this child, the Zhongyong Hou was deeply moved, and suddenly thought of petitioning for the second son’s succession to the title…
The next day, the Zhongyong Hou went to the palace. When he returned in the afternoon, Feng Shi greeted him with deep concern: “My Lord, has His Majesty approved A-Ci’s succession as Shizi?”