Chapter 780: Even in Death, Must Be Buried in the Chu Family's Tomb
"Brother, it's fortunate we withdrew early." Xiao Changying, who had just recovered enough from his injuries to move about, couldn't help but sigh with emotion upon seeing his elder brother.
Within two consecutive days, their second brother had died and their eighth brother had been deposed—the struggle for the imperial heir was becoming increasingly clear.
Xiao Changying's words made Xiao Changqing pause, as fragmented memories unexpectedly surfaced in his mind.
"Your Highness, imperial power is paved with blood; the path to the throne is cleared by forsaking conscience."
Her cool voice echoed in his ears. Between husband and wife, he had never guarded himself against her. While he concealed his ambitions from everyone else, he had never hidden them from her in the slightest.
"Does Qingqing wish for me to abandon this path?"
In that moment, he had instinctively asked this question, his heart filled with an unknown anticipation—whether he hoped she would confide in him and speak more, or whether he wished she would make demands of him. He didn't know if, on that day, had she said "yes," he would have truly given up years of painstaking effort for her sake, content to live as an idle prince, sharing a lifetime of wealth and longevity with her...
Yet, she never gave him that chance. She said, "I merely remind Your Highness that indulging in romantic sentiments may cause you to falter at the final step on the path to emperorship."
Like a bucket of cold water, her words doused his restless, hopeful heart.
She was always like this. Whenever he treated her a little better or delayed official matters for her, she would respond with such cold remarks, shattering his heart.
In his youthful pride, he too had his temper. Having offered his heart only to be met with rejection, he couldn't suppress his anger. He couldn't recall how many times they had parted on bad terms, with him storming off in a huff once again.
All those past events remained vivid in his mind.
Xiao Changqing's heart felt as if pierced by fine, dense needles again. The stinging pain made him take a deep breath to suppress it.
Looking down at his worried and remorseful younger brother, he finally felt a trace of warmth in his heart. He knew his brother was concerned for him and regretted inadvertently reopening his old wounds—reminding him that his withdrawal had come only after losing his beloved forever.
Gently patting Xiao Changying's shoulder, Xiao Changqing gave it a light squeeze before speaking after a moment's thought, "Little Brother, I came to tell you that the Eastern Palace has joyous news."
After the court session today, a eunuch from the Eastern Palace had waited outside the main hall. In front of all the civil and military officials, he informed Xiao Huayong that the Crown Princess had fainted. The Crown Prince, his face pale, had stumbled and rushed toward the Eastern Palace. Everyone watched with bated breath, and the outcome was as expected: the Crown Princess was pregnant, already three months along, with the pregnancy stable.
Xiao Changqing had immediately turned to observe the Emperor's expression. Though tightly controlled, the fury and suppressed rage had not escaped his notice.
Just recalling the Emperor's expression filled Xiao Changqing with a sense of satisfaction.
He hoped Shen Xihe would give birth to a son. He would spare no effort to help that child ascend the throne.
Not because of the Crown Prince's threats, nor due to the constraints of the current situation, and not even out of fear of opposing the Eastern Palace.
But solely to make His Majesty die with everlasting regret!
How deeply did the Emperor despise the Shen clan? How much did he dread an imperial heir with Shen blood sitting on the Xiao family's Dragon Throne? That was precisely how fervently Xiao Changqing wished for this child to become emperor.
Best of all, to deliver this "good news" to the Emperor just before he breathed his last. The mere thought of that scene made Xiao Changqing's blood boil with excitement!Xiao Changqing knew he was "ill," but he refused to be cured. A person must cling to some hope and longing to live. Since her departure, he felt he had lost everything, yet he would not become a coward who ended his own life, nor would he sink into despondency.
For if he did, he would be too ashamed to face her in the afterlife, and she would only despise him more.
His sole conviction was to witness the one who held the power of life and death—who never saw them as flesh-and-blood beings capable of pain and suffering—plunge into boundless despair and agony!
The Crown Prince and Crown Princess were lawfully wedded. Whether they truly loved each other or it was merely the Crown Prince's one-sided affection, Shen Xihe's path required an heir—a fact Xiao Changying had long understood.
Yet, knowing was one thing; hearing it confirmed still left him dazed and heart-heavy.
With his head bowed in silence, Xiao Changying failed to notice the obsession and madness in his brother's eyes.
An unusual silence hung between the two brothers, broken only by a sharp cry: "If any of you dare stop me, I'll die right here!"
Both Xiao Changqing and Xiao Changying snapped back to reality, their gazes turning toward the moon gate. Gu Qingshu stood there, a dagger pressed to her neck, forcing the guards blocking her path to retreat as she barged in.
At the sight of Xiao Changqing, clad in snow-white robes, Gu Qingshu's tears burst forth. Her bloodshot eyes fixed on him with profound resentment. "Your Highness, I refuse to marry into the Chu family!"
The Chu clan of Jiangnan was an esteemed lineage, though most were devoted to scholarship. While many served in office, they shunned power struggles, valuing purity and nobility instead.
Xiao Changqing regarded her coldly. "Even in death, you will be buried in the Chu family tomb!"
Gu Qingshu had not committed any grave offense, but she had crossed Xiao Changqing's bottom line. Keeping her in the capital would only lead her to ruin herself sooner or later.
Moreover, her feelings for him unsettled him, reminding him of the cousin whom Gu Qingzhi had pushed into his arms.
Were it not for her status as the last surviving bloodline of the Gu family, and out of respect for his father-in-law—who had been both mentor and father figure to him—he would have disposed of Gu Qingshu long ago!
Back then, he could only save Gu Qingshu. The Gu men had been too closely guarded, and the only one who seized the opportunity was his father-in-law. Reflecting on it now, he realized it had all been under the Emperor's control—the Emperor knew his father-in-law would not allow him to intervene.
Whether it was a test of him or his father-in-law, the thought chilled him to the bone whenever he pondered it deeply.
Tears streaming down her face, Gu Qingshu stood frozen in disbelief. She never imagined Xiao Changqing could be so ruthless!
She refused to believe it!
He had risked everything to save her alone when the Gu family was executed!
He had tirelessly worked to clear the Gu family's name of treason, allowing her to regain her freedom and luxuries!
He was merely testing her! Yes, that had to be it!
Clutching this delusion, Gu Qingshu slit her throat without hesitation.
Blood sprayed as she collapsed, writhing in agony. Xiao Changqing remained on the steps, watching her with an icy, detached gaze.
He did not stop her, nor did he panic and call for a physician. Meeting his cold, unfeeling eyes—a void of darkness and frost—she was struck with unprecedented clarity: he did not care whether she lived or died.
Tears flooded from the corners of her eyes. The pain in her heart made the wound on her neck feel trivial in comparison.She had no idea how much time had passed—perhaps only a moment—when Gu Qingshu’s vision darkened, and she finally heard his icy voice: “Summon the physician. Send for the imperial doctor from the palace.”
Before losing consciousness, Gu Qingshu felt no joy. The only thought that crossed her mind was that phrase: Even in death, I must be buried in the Chu family’s tomb!
(End of Chapter)
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