The Young Marquis Regrets Too Late - Chapter 73 [END]
Jiang Nan’s death sentence was ultimately issued by the emperor himself.
Emperor Taihe upheld his agreement with Wang Shun. Jiang Nan was convicted of dereliction of duty and bribery, and his death sentence was easily determined.
However, in another sense, Emperor Taihe also showed some leniency. Though Jiang Nan was executed, the rest of the Jiang family was spared from further punishment.
As for the Song family, Song He was suspended from duty for six months and had his salary docked for a year.
Song Xuan’an, who had been inexplicably dragged into the matter, naturally lost the official position that Jiang Nan had arranged for him.
For the emperor, this move killed two birds with one stone. On one hand, it severely punished the crimes of corruption and bribery, and on the other, it sent a clear message to all: the imperial examination was now the true path forward, and relying on family connections for official positions was no longer viable.
Jiang Nan’s execution date was set for the twentieth of the second month.
He was to be hanged.
By the late second month, the snow that had fallen for two consecutive months finally stopped. However, one thing remained unchanged—the wind in the air was still bitterly cold.
The final days of the second month were far from warm. On the day of Jiang Nan’s execution, the sky was overcast and drizzling. The damp and cold air stung the skin like needles.
By midday, a sizable crowd had gathered to witness the execution. Among them, blending into the sea of onlookers, was Wang Shun.
He had waited a long time for this day.
He had given up nearly everything he had to bring about this outcome for Jiang Nan.
And yet, now that the moment had come, he realised that revenge was not as satisfying as he had imagined.
As he watched Jiang Nan’s life fade away, Wang Shun felt… nothing.
A vendetta that had lasted more than a decade had finally come to an end, yet his heart remained as still as an ancient well.
Perhaps he had been numb for a long time. His heart, his body—both had long been worn down.
The price he had paid was simply too great.
Wang Shun’s fate had been sealed the day Qiongzhang died.
The rest of his life was destined to be a long, unending rainy season—damp, and dreary. He was fated to never see a clear sky again, not until the end of his days.
At the back of the crowd, Jiang Jingchun and Gu Huaisheng stood in silence, watching until it was over.
Gu Huaisheng’s injuries had nearly healed, and he was now able to go out again.
Before this, Madame Gu had urged him repeatedly to save Jiang Nan, but once the emperor issued his decree, there was no longer anything that he could do.
After witnessing the execution, neither Jiang Jingchun nor Gu Huaisheng spoke. They simply turned to leave.
The bitter cold wind cut to the bone, and Jiang Jingchun instinctively leaned closer to Gu Huaisheng to seek warmth from him. He knew that after watching an execution, she was bound to feel unsettled, so he reached out and pulled her into his arms.
“It’s over now. Let’s go home.”
He held the umbrella over them and hugged her tightly.
Jiang Jingchun looked up at him. “I want some candied hawthorn.”
Her mouth tasted bitter. She wanted something sweet.
Gu Huaisheng smiled and said, “Alright, let’s go buy some.”
As the two walked back, they unexpectedly ran into Wang Shun, who was just leaving.
Wang Shun looked much older now. Compared to a few years ago, he was practically unrecognisable. His head was covered by a fur-lined hood, and only his ageing eyes gave away his identity.
Jiang Jingchun was startled. She still remembered seeing him during the autumn hunt. Hadn’t he looked perfectly fine back then?
It had only been three or four months since then, yet he looked as if his very soul had been drained from him.
Before she or Gu Huaisheng could say anything, Wang Shun’s expression changed. His gaze flickered with unease, and without a word, he turned and walked away.
His pace was hurried, almost frantic, as if he were fleeing. He even nearly stumbled.
What was wrong with him?
Why did he look like he was avoiding them?
Jiang Jingchun and Gu Huaisheng exchanged puzzled glances.
Still, neither of them dwelled on it. After all, it was no surprise that Wang Shun was here. Wasn’t he the one most responsible for Jiang Nan’s downfall?
Without another word, they continued on their way.
On the day of Jiang Nan’s death, Jiang Jinghui packed her belongings and left the Jiang family residence.
Before leaving, she made a trip to the Song family residence to see Song Xuanjing.
There were fresh wounds on Song Xuanjing’s face. It was clear that after the incident was exposed, he had been punished by Secretary Elder Song.
Seeing Jiang Jinghui carrying several bags of luggage, he was momentarily stunned before asking, “You’re leaving?”
Jiang Jinghui nodded. She glanced at the injuries on his face and asked, “Did they bully you again?”
The Song family had always treated him poorly. From childhood to adulthood, he had been beaten and scorned. His father’s legitimate wife did not favour him, and because of his mother’s status as a concubine, his half-siblings often made things difficult for him.
Aside from his father, no one truly valued him. He was looked down upon as a concubine’s son.
When he started coming to the Wang residence, Jiang Jinghui often saw him covered in bruises.
Wang Shun had once shown him kindness. At a banquet, he noticed Song Xuanjing’s predicament and took him under his wing. With the senior grand secretary’s support, Song Xuanjing’s career in the Ministry of War flourished, and life gradually improved for him.
When Wang Shun gave orders, he dared not disobey. But after helping Wang Shun with that matter, he knew he could no longer remain in the Song family.
After everything came to light, Secretariat Elder Song immediately suspected his ulterior motives.
Besides, Song Xuan’an was no longer the naive fool he once was.
Competing for a place in the family now would be an uphill battle.
His gaze lingered on Jiang Jinghui’s luggage, and something flickered in his eyes. With a smile, he asked, “Traveling alone isn’t safe. How about some company?”
Jiang Jinghui was taken aback. Then, she realised what he meant, and a smile appeared on her face. “Are you serious?”
Song Xuanjing responded at once. “Wait for me.”
With that, he turned and began packing his belongings.
That evening, after returning home, Jiang Jingchun still felt unbearably cold. She clung to Gu Huaisheng, urging him to come to bed early and sleep with her.
Gu Huaisheng didn’t say much. He knew she was still shaken by what had happened earlier that day.
She was such a timid thing.
He wrapped her in his arms. Her body was soft and warm. As they nestled together, the blankets quickly warmed up.
Jiang Jingchun buried her face in his chest and asked, “Are you going back to work tomorrow?”
His injury had healed, and it was time for him to return to the Censorate. Gu Huaisheng gave a quiet ‘Mm.’ His voice sounded somewhat muffled.
She fell silent.
Gu Huaisheng chuckled lightly and asked, “What’s wrong? Can’t bear for me to leave?”
Jiang Jingchun immediately denied it. “Of course not.”
But even though she said that, she had already grown accustomed to having him around. Now that he was suddenly going back to work, she did feel a little reluctant, a little unaccustomed to it.
Hearing her response, Gu Huaisheng didn’t tease her any further. He said, “It’s not like I’m traveling far. I’m just going to work.”
Jiang Jingchun didn’t reply. She simply burrowed deeper into his embrace. Sleep slowly overtook her. His arms were warm and comfortable, and before long, she drifted off.
It wasn’t until later in the night, after Jiang Jingchun had fallen asleep, that a maid came to the door and called for Gu Huaisheng, saying that Shuliang had arrived with urgent news.
It was about Cen Yin.
Shuliang had been so shaken by the news that he had rushed over immediately.
After tracking down Director Li, they had interrogated him about Cen Yin’s whereabouts. To their shock, they discovered that she had been given to Wang Yu, the son of Wang Shun.
Gu Huaisheng’s eyebrows knitted tightly at Shuliang’s words.
Wang Yu?
Qiongzhang…
Qiongzhang—such a name indeed was indeed fitting for someone of Wang Yu’s status.
Before, he would never have connected these two names. But now, hearing them mentioned together, the realisation struck him with absolute certainty.
Qiongzhang was Wang Yu.
Jiang Jingchun’s father was Wang Yu?
Gu Huaisheng knew of Wang Yu.
He was Wang Shun’s son… but he had supposedly died long ago.
As Gu Huaisheng sorted through his thoughts, everything suddenly became clear.
Wang Yu…
He had gone south with Jiang Nan back then to oversee the mulberry field conversion project.
Later, Jiang Nan and the Song faction won control of that land.
And Wang Yu… had died there.
So Wang Shun’s grudge against Jiang Nan—was it because of Wang Yu?
Wang Yu had died in Jiangnan, never able to return, leaving Cen Yin and her daughter behind.
Everything made sense now.
Wang Yu hadn’t abandoned them. He had never made it back.
But Wang Yu was dead now… That meant Jiang Jingchun’s only remaining family was Wang Shun.
And they were still political enemies. Still adversaries.
That didn’t matter.
Gu Huaisheng didn’t care.
If Jiang Jingchun wanted to acknowledge Wang Shun, he wouldn’t stop her.
After all, that was her only living family.
But how was he supposed to tell her?
For the first time, Gu Huaisheng faced a dilemma he didn’t know how to resolve.
Just as he was thinking this, Jiang Jingchun woke up. She stepped out from the inner room and called softly, “Cousin.”
Her voice was still hazy from sleep. For some reason, she also sounded tearful.
The room was dimly lit. The only light in it was the moonlight spilling in from outside.
Shuliang saw Jiang Jingchun and immediately lowered his head. She stepped out and closed the door behind him.
Gu Huaisheng stopped thinking and walked towards her. He saw that she was only wearing her inner garments, with only a thin outer robe draped over her shoulders, so he immediately took her hand and led her back to bed.
“Aren’t you cold?” He had heard the faint sob in her voice earlier. She stroked her hair and asked, “What’s wrong? Did you have a bad dream?”
Jiang Jingchun had indeed been frightened that day, and her nightmares had been troubling. Without Gu Huaisheng by her side, she had felt colder and colder. The bad dream, combined with the chill and fear, had startled her awake.
She had heard voices outside—faint but distinct. And in those voices, she had caught two words, ‘Wang Yu.’
After that, Gu Huaisheng had gone silent.
Jiang Jingchun was freezing and couldn’t bear to wait any longer. So she had called out to him.
Now, back in the warm blankets, she gradually felt the warmth return.
But instead of answering his question, she simply said, “I heard you.”
Gu Huaisheng’s heart skipped a beat.
He asked, “What did you hear?”
Jiang Jingchun said, “Wang Yu.”
She had heard that name.
Jiang Jingchun asked him, “Is he my father?”
Since she had already heard, Gu Huaisheng no longer tried to conceal it.
“Mm.”
He was silent for a moment before adding, “He… was Wang Shun’s son.”
Gu Huaisheng felt her body stiffen in his arms.
Wang Shun’s son…
How could he be Wang Shun’s son?
Jiang Jingchun didn’t speak for a long time. When she finally did, her voice trembled. “Then why did he abandon us? Did he not love us?”
Gu Huaisheng sighed and held her tighter.
“He didn’t abandon you. He passed away a long, long time ago.”
Wang Yu had been Wang Shun’s son. But Wang Shun had no sons now.
Which meant that everything Gu Huaisheng was telling her was true.
Wang Yu had died a long, long time ago.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Jingchun couldn’t hold back her sobs any longer. She buried her face in his chest. Her cries were muffled but deeply sorrowful.
As Gu Huaisheng listened to her, he could feel his heart shatter.
After all this time, she had finally found her father, only to learn that he had already passed away. And her grandfather… was none other than Wang Shun, their sworn adversary.
Even Gu Huaisheng didn’t know how to face this truth—how could Jiang Jingchun?
He held her close and rested his forehead against hers. One of his hands gently patted her back as he whispered, “Cry, Cousin… Don’t hold it in. If it hurts, just let it out.”
Jiang Jingchun sobbed even harder.
Her father hadn’t abandoned them. He had died.
The long-awaited answer left her unable to breathe.
It would have been better if he had simply abandoned them.
At least then, she wouldn’t be shedding tears for him now.
Wang Shun…
Wang Shun was her grandfather…
Did he know?
Jiang Jingchun recalled how not long ago, Wang Shun had scolded her for being ill-mannered. He had despised her. He had always despised her.
But today, when he ran into her, why did he react as if he had seen a ghost?
But Wang Shun himself looked as if he was about to die.
She had truly… gone around in circles and finally found her own family, but every last one of them had already drifted far away from her.
They had no fate, no bond together—what a bitter, agonising thing.
Jiang Jingchun cried for a long, long time before her sobs gradually quieted.
Gu Huaisheng asked her, “Do you want to see him?”
Jiang Jingchun knew who he meant.
Did she want to see Wang Shun?
That man had a sharp tongue, his character and conduct were both detestable, and he had never gotten along with Gu Huaisheng. She knew he had even nearly killed Gu Huaisheng…
But he was her grandfather.
The only person left in this world who shared her bloodline.
They had the same bl00d running through their veins—there was no questioning that.
If she did not see him, Jiang Jingchun felt she would surely regret it.
She said to Gu Huaisheng, “I want to see him… Will you be upset?”
She could not be so selfish as to think only of herself.
She knew well that Wang Shun and Gu Huaisheng were like fire and water. They were completely incompatible.
Gu Huaisheng lowered his head. His lips brushed against her forehead. He said, “If you want to see him, then we’ll go see him. It’s nothing. Even though he and I have never gotten along, even though he is my political enemy, even though he nearly killed me… It doesn’t matter.”
None of that mattered.
What mattered most was his cousin.
She was already so wretchedly unlucky that in front of her, nothing else seemed to hold any weight.
Love would magnify a person’s suffering. In Gu Huaisheng’s eyes, Jiang Jingchun was the most miserable child in the world.
No one, he thought, could be more unfortunate than her.
“Sleep… We’ll go see him tomorrow.”
Jiang Jingchun finally drifted to sleep as Gu Huaisheng patted her back, soothing her.
The next day, Gu Huaisheng was supposed to report for duty, but because of Wang Shun, he postponed it for a day.
The two of them went to the Wang residence.
When the servants heard it was them, they delivered a message inside, and soon, they were led in.
Wang Shun could barely get out of bed anymore—his illness was terminal. But upon hearing that Gu Huaisheng and Jiang Jingchun had come to visit, he still forced himself to sit up in the main hall and wait for their arrival.
Emperor Taihe had yet to decide how to deal with him. After all, Wang Shun had put on the facade of a venerable scholar for so many years, and there was no need to tear away that mask now, when he was on the verge of death.
In this dynasty, filial piety and respect for teachers were not mere slogans. Moreover, a good reputation could win the emperor many things.
Wang Shun sat inside the hall. The rain from yesterday had stopped, and the morning sun had come out. By now, the ground had completely dried.
With the sunlight streaming in, the house had grown noticeably warmer by noon and was much more comfortable than the days before.
But Wang Shun was still wrapped up tightly, like a cocoon. Even so, he still felt unbearably cold.
At that moment, he thought—before A-Yu died, he must have felt just as cold.
He had not been lost in thought for long when he saw the figures of Jiang Jingchun and Gu Huaisheng appear at the doorway.
Wang Shun looked up. They walked in against the sunlight like a pair of golden children, brimming with life and vitality.
In the past, he had despised Gu Huaisheng, because the man always opposed him. But now, seeing him standing next to Jiang Jingchun, he found him much more tolerable.
He could more or less guess what had brought them here today.
As they approached, his gaze fell on Jiang Jingchun.
She was looking at him as well.
For a moment, Wang Shun forgot how to speak.
It was only when Wang Fu beside him gave him a nudge that he finally came back to his senses.
“Sit down.”
Wang Shun pointed to a nearby chair. His movements were slow and heavy.
Jiang Jingchun did not know if it was just her imagination, but it seemed as though Wang Shun was deteriorating by the day. He looked even worse than he had yesterday.
After the two of them sat down, Jiang Jingchun kept her head lowered and said nothing. It was Gu Huaisheng who spoke first.
He asked, “Did you kill Jiang Nan?”
Wang Shun did not deny it. He nodded.
Gu Huaisheng continued, “Because he killed Wang Yu?”
At the mention of Wang Yu, Wang Shun was silent for a moment before nodding again.
Then, he let out a soft laugh and said, “There’s nothing complicated about it. Jiang Nan killed my son, so I had to destroy him. That’s all.”
But in destroying Jiang Nan, he also ruined many other people.
Including himself.
Fate was like a clepsydra flowing in an endless cycle. Everything followed its destined path—until someone gave it a shove, spilling its content and scattering it over people, so that it crushed them beneath its weight.
Jiang Nan had killed Wang Yu. He had been the one to push over the clepsydra.
Everything had been thrown into chaos.
Everyone caught in the aftermath had met a miserable end.
Wang Shun dared not look at Jiang Jingchun. Every time he did, he was reminded of the bleakness of her past life.
And he thought… he, too, had played a part in bringing her to this state.
It was too wretched.
At that thought, his eyes grew damp.
Then he heard Jiang Jingchun speak. From the corner of his eye, he saw her staring at him.
Jiang Jingchun looked at Wang Shun and asked, “Did you despise us?”
If Qiongzhang had not abandoned them, had it been Wang Shun who did not want them?
Had her own grandfather—the only family she had—rejected them?
Wang Shun’s reactions had grown slow, but upon hearing Jiang Jingchun’s words, he immediately responded, “I never despised you. I didn’t know you were A-Yu’s child…”
He knew Jiang Jingchun still held onto what he had said during the autumn hunt.
But he truly had not known she was Qiongzhang’s daughter.
If he had known sooner, he would have brought them back immediately. How could he have let them suffer such mistreatment out there?
He had to admit—he was a man of deep-seated favouritism.
He was cold-blooded and ruthless, devoid of loyalty and righteousness, yet his partiality knew no bounds.
As long as she was A-Yu’s child, as long as she was his granddaughter, Wang Shun would not despise her, dislike her, or look down on her, even if she were missing a leg or an arm, even if she were ugly, even if she were a disgrace.
If only he had known earlier, he would have given her everything good in this world. He could endure suffering himself, but he would never have let her suffer…
But there was no such thing as ‘if only.’
They’d recognised each other now, but he was already nearing the end of his life.
He finally realised the wrongs that he’d done, but he was also about to die.
Fate was as fragile as gauze, tearing at the slightest touch.
They finally had their reunion, but he was going to leave soon.
Hearing Wang Shun’s words, Jiang Jingchun’s nose stung with emotion. She wanted so badly to ask him—if he truly did not despise them, why hadn’t he taken them back earlier? Why had he let her mother die so pitifully? Why had he allowed her to suffer for so many years in the Jiang family…
But seeing Wang Shun in this state, she dared not voice such harsh words. She was terrified—that he, too, was about to leave.
He had suffered as well.
He had lost his son so many years ago and had been living alone for over a decade.
Jiang Jingchun did not want to think about anything else anymore. She really didn’t. Because the truth was right in front of her—this was her only remaining grandfather. If she kept dwelling on the past, he would also leave her.
She had to admit, at this moment, she was selfish.
She did not spare a single thought for Gu Huaisheng.
How could she let Gu Huaisheng face Wang Shun?
That tormenting pain surged in her heart once again.
She couldn’t stop herself from crying.
Gu Huaisheng knew what she was thinking. He held her hand gently and stroked it as he reassured her over and over again, “I’m fine. You really don’t have to worry about me. Cousin, this is your only family left. Don’t let this moment slip away.”
He did not want her to miss out on him either.
It was difficult to clasp hands with an enemy of the past.
But could he really let Jiang Jingchun watch as her last living relative died before her eyes without first reconciling with him?
That was impossible.
At that moment, Wang Shun suddenly spoke. He lowered his head. His eyes were closed, and his face was etched with pain.
“Your teacher… I wronged him. He was my political enemy. I had no choice. If he had lived, his reforms would have gone through, and I would not have survived…”
Political rivals were destined to oppose each other—to the death. Either Shen Changqing died, or he did.
But killing was still killing. The way he had eliminated Shen Changqing was indeed despicable.
Why did it have to be Shen Changqing?
Wang Shun now felt regret. Of all people, why did it have to be Shen Changqing?
Shen Changqing had been dead for a year, yet Wang Shun had never once apologised to Gu Huaisheng. But now, if he did not speak, he felt he would not be able to face Jiang Jingchun.
If he still wished for her to look at him, he had to bear the consequences of his past sins.
Wang Shun said, “I will submit a memorial to the throne, confessing every single one of my wrongdoings…”
Whether he lived or died, he would leave it to fate.
Neither of them spoke again.
They were in no position to discuss Shen Changqing.
Shen Changqing had died a miserable death. If Wang Shun intended to confess, they would not stop him.
Jiang Jingchun asked, “Will you die?”
Wang Shun smiled. “Xiaochun, that no longer matters.
“I just want to hear you call me ‘Grandfather’—would that be too much to ask…?”
It was an excessive request. He had never fulfilled his duty to shield her from the wind and rain, yet now he wanted to steal a ‘Grandfather’ from her.
Jiang Jingchun’s tears fell uncontrollably.
She looked at him and, in the end, she called out—
“Grandfather…”
She no longer had the right to be stubborn.
She did not want to leave him with regrets.
Hearing her call him that, Wang Shun finally looked alive again. He laughed heartily. His voice was filled with gratitude as he said, “Thank you, Xiaochun.”
To treat a man like him with such kindness.
Wang Shun said, “Let’s leave it at that. Just hearing you call me that—it makes death worthwhile. You should go now. I am tainted. It is not good for you to be near me. Go.”
Anyone who had ties to a man like him would also be stained by filth and disgrace.
“Go now…” Wang Shun waved at them with a smile. “If I have the chance to live, you can come see me again. For now, leave…”
Seeing him like this, Jiang Jingchun and Gu Huaisheng said no more.
They turned and walked away.
Jiang Jingchun hesitated. She was reluctant to leave. She looked back at Wang Shun again and again—until she could see him no more.
Once they stepped out of the Wang residence, Jiang Jingchun’s sorrow only deepened. She threw herself into Gu Huaisheng’s embrace.
“Will he die?” Jiang Jingchun asked him.
In truth, Gu Huaisheng did not know the answer either.
He did not know if Wang Shun would die.
But he looked as though he were already on the verge of death.
Gu Huaisheng said, “The emperor will at least show some leniency for his former teacher’s sake. Don’t be afraid. He will be fine. Besides, he is already over sixty. If he passes, it will be of old age.”
Jiang Jingchun’s father, her mother, and now her grandfather—everyone who had loved her was leaving her.
But he would not.
He would always love her.
He would always stay by her side.
He would never leave her again.
After that day, Wang Shun kept his word—he restored Shen Changqing’s honour.
Shen Changqing’s wrongful accusations were overturned.
The emperor not only cleared his name but also posthumously bestowed him with a noble title and a place in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
However, in an unexpected turn, the emperor did not execute Wang Shun.
Perhaps it was because of the empress dowager’s influence, or perhaps it was because of Wang Shun’s status as his former teacher. In the end, the emperor chose to resolve the matter with mercy. He merely stripped Wang Shun of his official title, confiscated his wealth, and demoted him to a commoner.
At least, his life was spared.
The world praised the emperor for his benevolence.
That year, Secretariat Elder Song was appointed as the new senior grand secretary. A vacant seat in the Grand Secretariat remained, and the emperor personally selected Gu Huaisheng to join it.
The reforms that Shen Changqing had proposed became the foremost priority of the cabinet, and the cabinet was reorganised accordingly. However, remnants of the two former factions had not been completely purged.
The power that rightfully belonged to the emperor was finally reclaimed from Wang Shun’s hands and returned to its rightful place.
The crown prince’s teacher’s reforms were successfully implemented.
Joy and lasting peace finally arrived.
The war in the northern frontier had finally begun. Chen Muqing’s father was a formidable military commander and an equally capable governor. The situation at the front was favourable, and he was expected to return home before the New Year.
The harsh winter had finally passed. Life stirred once more, ushering in the arrival of spring.
By the fifth month, spring was in full bloom.
Jiang Jingchun had been preoccupied with managing her shops these past few days, to the point she nearly exhausted herself. Just then, Chen Muqing invited her to a polo match. She had been longing for a break, so she seized the opportunity and left at once.
That day, Gu Huaisheng was on leave. Seeing her about to head out, he asked, “Going out to have fun? I’m here, yet you still want to leave…”
Was the outside world truly more entertaining than he was?
Jiang Jingchun had just stepped past the threshold when she heard his words. Without hesitation, she turned back, stood on tiptoe, and planted a kiss on his cheek. “This is a rare polo match. Just wait for me to come back.”
Hearing her say this, Gu Huaisheng didn’t argue further.
Instead, he pulled her in for another kiss before letting her go.
Gu Huaisheng waited at home like an obedient husband, expecting Jiang Jingchun’s return. However, before she came back, one of the servant girls rushed in with panic written all over her face.
“Young Master, bad news! Young Madame has gotten into another fight outside!”
Gu Huaisheng had no idea what had happened, but he hurried out to check.
When he arrived at the polo field, he discovered that Jiang Jingchun was once again arguing with Lou Yanyan.
Even from a distance, he could hear their heated voices.
“You still haven’t changed that nasty habit of playing dirty? You used to be like this, and you still are!”
It was Jiang Jingchun’s voice.
Then, Lou Yanyan shot back. Her tone was mocking as she said, “If you can’t win, then don’t play! Blaming others for being underhanded—what kind of excuse is that?”
“You keep spouting nonsense—believe it or not, I’ll beat you up!”
Back in the day, whenever these two were together, they would argue nonstop. Even now, when they were both married, they were still the same. They were even still quarrelling over the same things.
Gu Huaisheng arrived, and upon confirming that nothing serious had happened, he finally let out a breath of relief.
Seeing Jiang Jingchun rolling up her sleeves, looking all fierce and combative, he couldn’t help but smile.
She was still the same as ever.
The crowd gradually fell silent—because they had all noticed Gu Huaisheng’s arrival.
That was just how he was. The moment he appeared, people naturally quieted down, as if by unspoken agreement.
The moment Jiang Jingchun saw Gu Huaisheng, she immediately ran towards him with an aggrieved look. “Cousin, she bullied me again!”
Lou Yanyan knew things were going south for her. Just as she was about to open her mouth to argue, her husband arrived, swiftly covering her mouth before she could utter a word. He leaned close to her ear and whispered, “My dear wife, my lady, we can’t afford to provoke him. Let’s not make a fuss, alright? When we get home, you can hit me, scold me, whatever you want—just don’t stir up trouble with them…”
Before Lou Yanyan could say anything, her husband had already half-dragged, half-carried her away.
Jiang Jingchun triumphantly stuck out her tongue and made faces at Lou Yanyan’s retreating figure.
Gu Huaisheng watched her, then asked with a smile, “Are you satisfied now?”
She was such a smug little troublemaker.
Jiang Jingchun was unabashed. “Of course.”
How could she not be?
With her husband stepping in to back her up, of course, she was proud and satisfied.
Seeing that Lou Yanyan had been taken away and that there was no more spectacle to enjoy, the surrounding onlookers gradually dispersed.
Jiang Jingchun waved goodbye to Chen Muqing before heading home with Gu Huaisheng.
As they walked toward their carriage, she took advantage of a moment when Gu Huaisheng wasn’t paying attention and leapt onto his back.
Gu Huaisheng caught her securely and asked, “You didn’t actually hit someone, did you?”
After all, the first thing he had heard was her threatening to hit someone.
“How could I really hit her? If I did, she’d probably scream the whole city down. I was just scaring her a little.”
Gu Huaisheng chuckled and teased, “You’ve grown quite clever now.”
Jiang Jingchun laughed as well. She buried her face against his neck and rubbed against him affectionately.
“You’re all sweaty, and you just love rubbing against me.” Gu Huaisheng sounded exasperated, but he adjusted his grip and held her even more securely.
Jiang Jingchun shamelessly nuzzled against his cheek. “I’ll keep doing it, I’ll keep doing it.”
Gu Huaisheng couldn’t help but laugh at her antics, his laughter clear and pleasant, ringing like jade beads in the open air.
Then, he deliberately turned his face toward hers. Jiang Jingchun was caught off guard and accidentally brushed her lips against his.
Seeing her startled expression only made Gu Huaisheng laugh harder.
The warm sunlight bathed them, tender willows swayed on either side of their path, and the vast landscape stretched beautifully before them.
Even the light seemed to favour them, making them shine a little brighter.
Through all the trials of life, they were still the same as before.
Hardships were difficult to endure, but they would always have someone willing to reach out and guide them out of the darkness.
The sky was bright, and a new chapter was beginning.
Translator’s Note
The main story is done! Months (nearly half a year, even) after first starting to translate this novel, I’m finally done with the main story~
Up next is the extras! This story has 6 extra chapters, and for free readers, they’ll all be released on the same day to make up for the 1 chapter/week early release chapter.
Then, after the extras, FINALLY it’ll be the footnotes’ turn. The footnotes definitely coming; I’ve just been finding it hard to write them and add them to the chapters. If you want to check on my progress, you can see the docx document here: Google Docs.
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