They hurried to Fourth Old Master's residence, only to find Fifth Old Master and the couple Gu Tingdi and his wife already seated inside, speaking to the bewildered Fourth Old Madam. "Fourth Sister-in-law, don't worry. Set your heart at ease. At our age, life and death are fated..."
Gu Tingye led Minglan forward to pay respects and apologized for their late arrival. Fifth Old Master waved his hand slowly, his expression kind. "We live nearby, so naturally we arrived sooner. You're still early... Go in first to see your Fourth Uncle."
First Wife of Gu Tingxuan led them into the inner chamber. Gu Tingying and several maids and elderly servants were attending to the medicine by the bedside. Seeing Minglan and Tingye arrive, they slightly stepped aside. She kept sighing, "...The physician said his life isn't in danger, but he's paralyzed. Now he can't move at all, and can't even speak..." Her voice choked up at this point.
Minglan leaned in to look and saw Fourth Old Master lying stiffly on the bed, his eyes half-open and half-closed as if he could neither fully open nor close them. His limbs were rigid, his face contorted, and the corner of his mouth twisted at a strange angle. For every spoonful of medicine fed to him, about half would spill out.
In such a situation, there was little to say. Minglan uttered a few meaningless phrases like "Fourth Uncle, rest well and recover," while Gu Tingye expressionlessly added two similar sentences. Then both withdrew with First Wife of Gu Tingxuan.
After settling in the central hall, everyone began to converse.
Gu Tingye asked first, "What exactly happened? He was fine—how could he collapse so suddenly?"
It was a simple question, but Tingxuan hemmed and hawed for a long time: "...This afternoon, a letter arrived saying... saying Second Brother has caused trouble again in the northwest... Father became so anxious upon hearing it that he fell ill."
Minglan turned to First Wife of Gu Tingxuan: "Didn't Eldest Sister-in-law say after the New Year that Brother Bing had some minor issues? Is this the same matter? Could the local authorities still be pursuing it?"
First Wife of Gu Tingxuan smiled bitterly repeatedly: "It's two different matters. The previous issue was almost resolved, but who knew Second Brother would be so restless? Before he was even cleared, he caused more trouble. They say he got into a fight at night, killed someone, and had one of his own legs broken! Old accounts unsettled, new ones added—the person killed was a commoner, and the commander was furious, saying he'd never let Second Brother return!"
Minglan silently turned her head back. At this point, Second Wife of Gu Tingbing's sobs escalated from low to high pitches as she tearfully addressed Fifth Old Master: "I've long said the northwest is desolate and dangerous, its people mostly fierce. Your nephew is honest and simple—if he hadn't been severely bullied, how would he have gotten into a dispute..."
Before she could finish, Gu Tingye interrupted: "Second Brother Bing lives in the exile quarters. Thanks to silver and connections, he doesn't even need to do daily labor—food, clothing, and everything are handled by servants. Even if he goes out to stroll during the day, he should return at night. How could he have killed someone at night?!"
Once this reasoning was pointed out, Fifth Old Master, who had just opened his mouth, closed it again and shook his head while stroking his beard. Second Wife of Gu Tingbing, unable to refute, said awkwardly, "Perhaps there was some urgent matter that required him to go out..."Fourth Old Madam suddenly snorted coldly: "He's being exiled, what important matters could he possibly have? His family worries themselves sick over him, yet he only knows how to cause trouble, even implicating his father!" The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She had finally arranged a quite decent marriage for her daughter, and negotiations were nearly complete. If the old man were to die now, Tingying would have to observe three years of mourning - wouldn't she practically become an old maid by then? Never mind whether the other party would be willing to wait, even if they were, by the time her daughter married over, there would probably already be illegitimate eldest sons and daughters born.
She had always been gentle and non-confrontational, but at this moment she felt like wringing Gu Tingbing's neck.
Pressed by filial piety obligations, Second Wife of Gu Tingbing grew anxious and blurted out: "This can't all be blamed on him! Father's health hasn't been good lately anyway, it's all because of that newly taken..."
Gu Tingxuan coughed loudly, his face flushing red. Only then did Second Wife of Gu Tingbing realize she had spoken inappropriately and quickly shut her mouth.
"That's true," Gu Tingye said slowly. "I also found it strange earlier. Fourth Uncle has always been in robust health, and Second Brother Bing's matter isn't something that would cause immediate death. Why would he become so critically ill?"
This question made everyone in the fourth branch hang their heads. Fourth Old Madam looked weary and disheartened, while the Tingxuan couple appeared ashamed and embarrassed. Second Wife of Gu Tingbing, shrinking in her seat nearby, kept rolling her eyes.
After a long silence, Fifth Old Master stroked his beard and said: "They say family ugliness shouldn't be aired in public, but today we're all family here, so there's nothing that can't be said." He sighed and continued: "When Eldest Brother and his wife were still around, Fourth Brother could still be somewhat restrained. But since the family division, he's become increasingly reckless. Recently, Fourth Brother actually took in a Yangzhou slim horse, amusing himself with her day and night. The eldest nephew was worried and begged me to advise him, but Fourth Brother wouldn't listen, leading to this situation."
Though his words were subtle, everyone in the room understood their meaning.
Minglan lowered her head, mentally translating it into a sarcastic version: A man of his age, still thinking he's virile, engaging in sexual activities day and night. If he had just fooled around with household maids, that would be one thing - after all, they're decent women with limited tricks. Who would have thought he'd bring in a professional? Probably even used aphrodisiacs - after several consecutive days of exertion that had already drained his body, perhaps he had just completed three hundred rounds last night, added overtime at noon, then heard the bad news about his beloved son in the afternoon. Of course he couldn't withstand it.
Gu Tingxuan might have wanted to cover for his father, but First Wife of Gu Tingxuan showed no intention of protecting this disgraceful old father-in-law.
Fifth Old Master turned to the couple and comforted them kindly: "Fourth Brother has been foolish, but what can you children do about it? If you don't indulge him, you'll be accused of being unfilial. Eldest nephew and niece, we're all clear-sighted people here - no one will blame you."
Gu Tingxuan said with tears: "Thank you for your understanding, Fifth Uncle. I, I... we were truly at our wits' end..."
"Life and death are predetermined. At our age, the King of Hell has long had us on his mind," Fifth Old Master said with a slight smile. "Since the doctor says his life isn't in immediate danger for now, let him rest and recuperate properly. He'll gradually recover."
His words were gentle and philosophical, clear and detached. Minglan finally couldn't help but glance at Fifth Old Master.
After just a few months apart, Fifth Old Master seemed like a completely different person. The aloof and arrogant manner he had before was entirely gone. Though he remained just as aged, his spirit was excellent, his speech amiable and sincere, remarkably reasonable and understanding.Gu Tingye also seemed somewhat puzzled, casting a sidelong glance at Minglan before echoing, "Fifth Uncle speaks wisely. As long as there's hope for recovery, proper care is what matters." He then turned and added, "If anything is needed, Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law need only ask."
First Wife of Gu Tingxuan wiped her tears and smiled, "We thank Second Brother here first." Noticing this, Gu Tingdi on the other side also stood up and said, "If there's any way we can be of assistance, please don't hesitate to ask, Sister-in-law and Brother."
The Tingxuan couple were both moved and offered repeated thanks.
Seeing everyone exchanging remarks as if forgetting about Tingbing's matter, Second Wife of Gu Tingbing grew increasingly anxious. Her eyes darting, she whispered a few instructions to the maid beside her, who promptly nodded and left.
Gu Tingye turned back to Fifth Old Master with a slight smile, "It's been many days since I last saw Uncle. Seeing your vigor and demeanor surpassing the past fills your nephew with immense joy." Minglan inwardly scoffed—Aren't you just trying to ask, "Old Uncle, why the sudden transformation?"
Fifth Old Master laughed, "Even if you hadn't asked, I intended to speak of it." He paused, sighed, and continued, "Since that unfilial son passed, I've reflected day and night, suddenly realizing I've accomplished nothing in this life—it's all been wasted. My scholarship went nowhere, my official career failed, the family estate didn't prosper, and I didn't even raise my children properly. Ah, what a wasted life, what a wasted life..."
Gu Tingye fell silent. Privately, he had mocked this uncle who fancied himself a scholar countless times, likely with similar thoughts. He never expected the old man would come to this realization himself in his later years.
"Uncle, don't say that..." Gu Tingxuan interjected, then suddenly stopped, probably wanting to say "You're much better than my good-for-nothing father" but catching himself mid-sentence.
Fifth Old Master paid no mind to anyone's reaction, shaking his head magnanimously, "I've made up my mind. In a few months, when the weather cools, Tingdi and his wife will stay to watch the house in the capital. Your Fifth Aunt and I will take Xun Ge'er and his mother to Dingzhou."
This announcement surprised everyone in the hall.
First Wife of Gu Tingxuan, being impatient, spoke first, "Dingzhou? That's quite far. What would Uncle do there?"
Gu Tingxuan was completely baffled, utterly confused. Gu Tingye remained deep in thought without speaking. Minglan pondered briefly before saying softly, "I've long heard Dingzhou is renowned for its beautiful mountains and waters, and its strong literary traditions. The Moni Mountain Academy there is famous throughout the land. Could Uncle be..."
Zhuang Xiansheng had once studied there extensively.
Fifth Old Master nodded with a smile, "My in-laws are much more capable than I—not only are all their sons accomplished, but their daughter is also well-educated and knowledgeable." After laughing, he continued, "I have an old classmate who now teaches at Moni Mountain Academy. I plan to seek him out. With my limited learning, I can't produce imperial scholars, but I can still teach children their basics. This would also help find a renowned teacher for Xun Ge'er. It serves both purposes well."
"But, but Uncle is advanced in years..." Gu Tingxuan stammered. Gu Tingdi, who had remained silent until now, also spoke up, "Cousin is right. Father, please reconsider."
"Say no more," Fifth Old Master waved his hand while smiling, "I've achieved nothing in this lifetime. If I don't act now, it would truly be wasting my entire life."
The suddenness of this matter left everyone speechless. In contrast, Fifth Old Master seemed in high spirits, talking and laughing as if he had regained ten years of his youth.At that very moment, a heart-wrenching wail suddenly pierced the air. Consort Liu appeared at the doorway, disheveled and weeping bitterly: "I beg you, uncles and brothers, save my Bing'er!" With these words, she knelt on the ground.
Consort Liu's aged appearance was fully exposed, but she paid it no mind: "I know Bing'er has caused trouble, but please, for the sake of our shared lineage, don't abandon him!"
Abruptly interrupted, everyone was taken aback. Fifth Old Master, who had always disliked Consort Liu, frowned: "Stop this disgraceful display and get up at once. Tingbing is, after all, a son of the Gu family. We will naturally do what we can. But given his stubbornness, he ought to suffer some hardship!"
Consort Liu kowtowed repeatedly to Gu Tingye: "Bing'er was foolish in the past and offended the Marquis. I beg Your Lordship to be magnanimous and spare him. For the sake of the late Old Marquis, please save him!"
—Why should they consider the Old Marquis? Was Gu Tingbing born of Gu Yankai? Minglan nearly laughed aloud.
The words were utterly inappropriate, and the same old pleas were becoming tiresome. Just as First Wife of Gu Tingxuan was about to order someone to drag Consort Liu away, Gu Tingye spoke coldly: "Since when do servants have a say in Fifth Uncle's household?"
From the moment Consort Liu entered the household, she had been treated with respect due to Fourth Old Master's favor. Even the remarried Fourth Old Madam had suffered at her hands, and she had never been spoken to like this before. She froze on the spot.
"What happens to Brother Bing is for Fifth Uncle and us brothers to decide. What concern is it of yours? Relying on Fourth Uncle's kindness, you dare to make a scene here?" Gu Tingye's gaze was cold as he subtly glanced at Fourth Old Madam.
Furious and unsteady, Consort Liu refused to relent. She sat cross-legged on the floor, wailing loudly: "Though I am lowly, I have endured in this household for thirty years and borne children for the Gu family. Now, before the Old Master has even breathed his last, someone dares to humiliate me like this! I don't want to live anymore, I won't live!"
Seeing the situation had gone too far, First Wife of Gu Tingxuan ordered someone to quickly remove Consort Liu.
At that moment, Fourth Old Madam suddenly stood up and sneered coldly: "Giving birth to such an unfilial son who defies both the law and his elders—wouldn't it have been better not to bear him at all? That troublemaker has brought nothing but disaster upon this family. What, should we now thank you, Consort Liu, for your contribution?! If you dare make another sound, I will ask the Marquis to expel him from the ancestral hall and be done with it."
Everyone was shocked, never expecting the usually gentle Fourth Old Madam to speak so harshly. However, the effect was immediate—Consort Liu immediately ceased her crying and lay trembling on the ground.
Seeing the situation turn against them, Second Wife of Gu Tingbing quickly stepped forward, weeping to First Wife of Gu Tingxuan: "Are you trying to drive us to our deaths? Do you intend to let Tingbing die outside and then manipulate us freely once the Old Master passes?"
Just then, Gu Tingye suddenly said, "I will intervene in Brother Bing's matter."
Second Wife of Gu Tingbing, forgetting to wipe her tears, exclaimed joyfully, "Truly?"
"But let me be clear. Brother Bing is a convicted criminal and has killed an innocent commoner. Even with the greatest influence, he cannot escape over a decade of punishment. If you and Consort Liu hope for a lighter sentence, you must seek help elsewhere." Gu Tingye said leisurely. "But Brother Bing repeatedly causes trouble—even the heavens cannot help him. I suggest sending someone to the northwest to accompany him, both to care for him and to keep him in check."Upon hearing Gu Tingye's willingness to help, the crowd reacted with a mix of shock and delight. When they learned it would take at least ten years and required someone to accompany him, their gazes gradually settled on Consort Liu and Second Wife of Gu Tingbing, making the two women uneasy.
Second Wife of Gu Tingbing, who had been so assertive earlier, now shrank back timidly. "They say an elder brother is like a father," she stammered. "Tingbing will listen to his elder brother. Why doesn't Big Brother go instead?"
First Wife of Gu Tingxuan nearly laughed in disbelief. Stepping forward, she retorted, "Sister-in-law, think clearly before you speak! With the elders aged or ill, and only women and children left at home, if even Tingxuan goes to the northwest, who will support this family? Husband and wife are one—since we'll care for the parents, you should pack up and accompany Second Brother to the northwest!"
Second Wife of Gu Tingbing waved her hands frantically, her face pale with fear. "The children are still young. The northwest is barren and harsh—how could we live there? We wouldn't find good tutors either, and their studies would suffer."
"Filial piety comes first among all virtues!" Fourth Old Master's wife scolded with contempt. "Officials of the first and second ranks resign their posts to observe mourning. Which matters more: fame or duty? Hmph, it's mothers like you, ignorant of propriety, who ruin good children!" Her eyes shifted to Consort Liu. "Since that's the case, as mother and son share a bond, why not have Consort Liu go?"
Consort Liu showed some courage. Clenching her teeth, she declared, "Fine! We'll go—we'll take the children with us. But since we don't know when we'll return, why not divide the family assets first?" The Fourth Branch's finances and businesses, once controlled by Gu Tingbing, had largely been taken over by Gu Tingxuan and his wife since Tingbing's exile. She wanted to settle the division while she still knew the details, lest she be left in the dark later.
"Outrageous!" Fourth Old Master's wife was unusually fierce today, seemingly intent on suppressing them. "The Old Master is still well, and you dare mention dividing the family? Are you cursing him to die soon?!"
Fifth Old Master also berated her, "You lowly woman! When is it your place to speak on such matters? Dividing the family twice in three years—do you want people to scorn the Gu family?!"
Fourth Old Master's wife added, "After the Old Master passes, you may divide the family then. Either when Tingbing returns or when Brother De (Gu Tingbing's eldest son) comes of age, I'll authorize it! Otherwise..." She sneered, her gaze piercing with disdain as it swept over Second Wife of Gu Tingbing. "The child is too young to decide for himself. With a mother unwilling to endure hardship with her husband, who knows what would happen if the assets were divided?"
The words were harsh, barely stopping short of calling her 'fickle'. Second Wife of Gu Tingbing burst into tears. Fourth Old Master's wife watched coldly, leaving the implication hanging for future use.
Gu Tingxuan, kind-hearted, seemed moved to intervene, but his wife tugged his sleeve and stopped him with a look. Second Wife of Gu Tingbing wept helplessly, unsure what to do. Consort Liu knelt on the floor, surveying the room, and gradually understood—with Fourth Old Master fallen ill, she and her grandchildren were now at others' mercy.
Having lived most of her life as a formidable concubine, she faced hardship in old age. Consort Liu felt utterly lost.
...
Minglan watched the scene silently, then followed Gu Tingye back to their residence without a word. By then, the moon had risen over the lanterns. They changed clothes, bathed, dismissed the servants, and closed the door to their room.The carved square bedside table was originally ebony black, but under the dim candlelight, it faintly revealed a dark reddish hue. On it sat a small white porcelain pot with blue floral patterns, its delicate spout slightly upturned. As the candle flame flickered gently, it cast undulating shadows across the table surface. Minglan, wrapped in a thin satin inner garment, sat at the edge of the bed, quietly observing for a long while before finally lifting her head.
Gu Tingye reclined against the headboard, his moon-white silk robe loosely draped over the bedside, his jet-black hair cascading down to his bare chest. Tonight, he didn’t use a book as a pretense but stared directly at her, watching her struggle with unspoken doubts. Normally, he would have volunteered explanations, but today… he wanted to see if she would ask.
A faint, almost imperceptible smirk of self-mockery tugged at the man’s lips.
He watched her silently, observing her internal conflict between speaking and remaining silent, waiting.
"Yu… Yanhong…" Minglan felt as if breathing had become difficult. Under the shadowy canopy opposite, the man’s profound gaze felt like chains binding her. "…Was it Gu Tingbing?"
A terrifying, prolonged silence ensued.
The man shed his casual demeanor, his voice cold and hard as ice: "He won’t be back for at least thirty years."
Minglan’s mind went blank, stammering, "But… why?" She had imagined many possibilities, assuming it would involve romantic entanglements or reckless lust, but never expected it to be Gu Tingbing, who was always scheming for power and wealth?!
"For money," Gu Tingye replied with eerie calmness.
Minglan’s heart sank. The truth was far uglier than she had anticipated—the motive wasn’t even a fleeting affair.
"The Yu family’s dowry was substantial. Besides land estates and shops, Yanhong held at least twenty thousand taels in silver. After her death, when the dowry was returned to the Yu family, this sum had vanished. Of course, given the circumstances then, the Yu family wouldn’t press the matter."
"…Gu Tingbing had long coveted Yanhong’s dowry but lacked a pretext. After I left, when everyone assumed I wouldn’t return, he seized the opportunity."
"Unfortunately for him, the scheme was exposed too early. He only managed to embezzle the silver—the shops and estates remained untouched…"
His calm narration made it sound like a cruel farce.
Minglan felt a suffocating tightness in her chest. "Did Fourth Old Master know about this? What about Consort Liu?"
Gu Tingye spoke slowly: "They were the masterminds from the start. After the first sum was taken, the old man found out too."
"Fourth Uncle didn’t stop it?" Minglan struggled to contain her anger.
Gu Tingye didn’t answer, only smiled mockingly.
A sudden thought flashed through Minglan’s mind, and she blurted out, "Does Fourth Uncle’s illness have anything to do with you?"
"Both yes and no," the man replied with a half-smile. "I sent word to those so-called friends: though Fourth Uncle and I have separated households, we’re still family. They’d better not neglect my elder."
After a long pause, Minglan asked again, "Fourth Aunt… why was she willing to help you?"
"She wasn’t helping me—she was helping herself and her daughter."
"Sister Tingying’s marriage…?!" Minglan gasped in realization.
"I arranged that match."
Seeing Minglan’s shocked and worried expression, the man chuckled. "Don’t worry, it’s a good family. Frankly, given the Fourth Branch’s situation after the household division, Tingying married above her station."
—So that explained Old Madam’s unusual behavior today."Since your sister's wedding is imminent, you still, you still... Fourth Uncle..." Minglan was too flustered to continue.
Gu Tingye frowned slightly: "This is indeed unexpected. Fourth Uncle has gone too far in his absurdity. Fortunately, no lives were lost."
The original plan was for Fourth Old Master to gradually 'fall ill' after Tingying's wedding, accumulating symptoms day by day. Who would have thought that old lecher would be too impatient and cause trouble ahead of schedule? Fourth Old Madam must have been badly frightened.
"After my sister's wedding, I imagine Fourth Aunt will have more time to properly 'care for' Fourth Uncle." The man smiled with keen interest.
Minglan knew that, like patients paralyzed for over a decade, Fourth Old Master would likely never recover and would remain so until his death.
From today’s events, it was clear that Gu Tingxuan and his wife were initially unaware, but as the situation unfolded, First Wife of Gu Tingxuan quickly grasped the crux: once Fourth Old Master became immobile, the highest-ranking elder in the fourth branch would be Fourth Old Madam. If Gu Tingxuan and his wife wanted to fully suppress Gu Tingbing’s side of the family, they had to ally with Fourth Old Madam.
A son could not easily deal with his father’s long-serving concubine, but the principal wife had every right to take action. Though the half-brother was far away in the northwest, the elder brother and his wife had to show compassion for the lonely sister-in-law and her children, but Fourth Old Madam could discipline them as a senior elder. Similarly, Fourth Old Madam, who had no sons, and the married-off Tingying also needed Gu Tingxuan and his wife for support.
It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.
From then on, Fourth Old Madam could "care" for Fourth Old Master however she pleased. After today’s events, she even had leverage to control Gu Tingbing’s wife—if she acted out of line, she would be sent to the northwest to join her husband. As for Consort Liu… with her son gone and her man paralyzed, Fourth Old Madam could vent her grievances freely.
A chill ran down Minglan’s spine: "Nothing will go wrong in the northwest, will it? If anyone finds out it was you…"
"What do you think I did?" Gu Tingye burst into laughter.
"When Gu Tingbing was exiled to the northwest, his elder brother arranged for four servants and two matrons to accompany him. I added two guards. Lately, I’ve often sent people to remind those servants and matrons to serve their master diligently, obey his every command without neglect or defiance, and ensure his comfort—promising generous rewards upon their return. I also instructed the two guards that since the northwest is a place of fierce customs, they must protect their master well and not let anyone harm him. That’s all."
Minglan stared blankly at Gu Tingye for a long moment.
Yes, he had truly done nothing. He had merely woven a spider’s web slowly, tailored to each person’s nature.
Fourth Old Master was lustful, dissolute, and foolish, spending his days in the company of like-minded people. After Gu Tingye’s message, those eager to curry favor with Marquis Gu naturally presented the finest "offerings" to entertain Fourth Old Master—but what was wrong with that message?
Once Fourth Old Madam stepped into her role, she had no choice but to follow Gu Tingye’s script. She could say nothing—it was merely an elder cousin caring for his younger sister, arranging a marriage for her, nothing more.
As for Gu Tingbing, Gu Tingye understood him all too well. He was the type of greedy, unscrupulous villain who, once his life was no longer in danger and surrounded by attendants catering to his every whim, would never content himself with staying meekly in the exile quarters.
No, he would inevitably grow restless. Given Gu Tingbing’s past behavior in the capital—seizing ancestral properties, coveting others’ businesses, driving people to their deaths—would he suddenly become law-abiding in the northwest? Old habits die hard. With two skilled guards ensuring he could bully others without fear of retaliation, it was only natural he would throw his weight around.
With the spider’s web in place, Gu Tingye only needed to drop a few ambiguous hints and wait patiently for the desired outcome to unfold.
"When I was down and out, they showed no regard for kinship, insulting and bullying me at will. Now, they must face the consequences," Gu Tingye said darkly, the ferocity in his eyes unconcealed."Killing a man is nothing compared to this humiliation. Betrayed by his own kin—what shame and fury must he have felt back then?"
Minglan realized the man before her had concealed his intentions so thoroughly. Though fully aware of what the Fourth House father and son had done to him, he hadn't revealed the slightest hint over these past two or three years, quietly making preparations all along. A chill ran down Minglan's spine. Clutching the quilt, she trembled, "I-I haven't... never..." Her chin was seized.
Gu Tingye leaned down, cradling her face, casting a shadow over her features.
"Since marrying me, you've treated me exceedingly well—considerate, thorough, clever. Everything within your duties, you've executed flawlessly. Whatever you shouldn't ask, or whatever you thought might displease me, you never breathed a word."
In the dim light, the sharp angles of his brows and bones appeared even more severe. For some reason, Minglan felt an inexplicable fear.
"No matter how many difficulties you faced, you kept them to yourself. However many doubts you had, you stubbornly bore them alone, never bringing them up voluntarily. How long have you kept Yanhong's matter hidden in your heart? Hmm... Speak! The day you gave birth to Tuan Ge'er, it was so perilous, yet after waking, you still didn't ask a single question... You were afraid of embarrassing me, weren't you? But in my heart, what could be more important than you and Tuan Ge'er? What does a little embarrassment matter?"
The man's breathing grew heavier, as if he were gradually losing control of his anger.
"All these years, is there anything you wanted to do or know that I haven't granted you? Yet you still don't trust me—guarding against me, suspecting me, analyzing my every word and action without allowing the slightest mistake! Fine, fine! I truly married a remarkable wife!" A heavy fist struck the bed, making Minglan feel as if heaven and earth were shaking. Warm tears streamed from the corners of her eyes.
Seeing her tear-streaked face and frightened expression, Gu Tingye gradually calmed. He wiped her tears away, then gathered her—quilt and all—into his arms, holding her so tightly she could barely breathe.
Minglan tilted her head slightly. From this angle, she could only see the tightly clenched line of his jaw, bulging slightly as if he were gritting his teeth.
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