Gu Wuyou took out the note she had just hidden in her sleeve. The small crumpled piece of paper was already wrinkled beyond recognition. She lowered her head and carefully smoothed it out bit by bit, ensuring even the four corners were not overlooked.
On the not-too-big, not-too-small piece of paper, there was just one sentence:
“Be good, go home and rest well. I will find time to visit you.”
The writer must have penned it in haste. The handwriting was not particularly clear, even somewhat sloppy, yet the strength and vigor of the strokes remained, firm and powerful.
The ink on the note had long since dried.
As Gu Wuyou stared at the words, she pressed her lips together and smiled, her eyes curving with joy. She reached out and traced the characters again and again, feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness.
Though she was unsure how the great general would come to visit her at home—
She believed him.
Since he said he would, then he surely would come.
The gloom of recuperating at home instantly lifted. Gu Wuyou leaned her elbow against the tea table, resting her chin in one hand while holding the note in the other, smiling with uncontainable delight.
Now that she had some free time, and no one was disturbing her—
Her thoughts drifted back to the events that had taken place at the racecourse.
The fear of facing death had already faded somewhat in her memory. What remained most vividly was the sensation of being held in Li Qinyuan’s embrace—
And his confession.
It had been heart-stopping.
It felt as though her heartbeat and breath had simultaneously come to a halt. She had simply stared at him in a daze, unable to utter a single word.
Gu Wuyou had never expected Li Qinyuan to confess to her. When she had spoken those words, she had done so with the mindset of, Even if you don’t like me, that’s okay. I will wait—wait for the day you finally do.
But she had not anticipated that the young man she had given her heart to had no intention of making her wait long.
Instead, he had returned her feelings with the same fiery passion.
Images flooded her mind—
Li Qinyuan, with his warm and earnest voice, telling her, “I like you.”
The young man holding her as they rode on horseback, tilting his head with a playful smile, asking, “Would you like big brother to take you riding?”
And—
The way he had gripped her arm, disregarding the presence of others, his worry plain as he insisted on finding a doctor for her.
The more she thought about it—
The brighter Gu Wuyou’s smile became. Her lips curled higher and higher, and if there were a mirror in front of her right now, she probably wouldn’t even dare to look at herself…
Though even without looking, she knew she must be grinning like a fool.
“Thud!”
Lost in her happiness, Gu Wuyou’s head suddenly smacked against the inside of the carriage.
Before she could even let out a small cry of pain, a concerned voice came from outside—
“What happened?” It was Gu Jiufei.
Then came the sound of hooves stopping, followed by Gu Wuji leading his horse closer, his worry unconcealed—
“Manman, what’s wrong? Does something hurt?”
Gu Wuyou rubbed the back of her head while lifting the carriage curtain. She looked at the two men who were worried about her and shook her head with a smile.
“I’m fine. I just wasn’t sitting properly and hit my head on the carriage.”
Only then did Gu Wuji sigh in relief. “Be careful.”
Gu Wuyou nodded with a smile and was about to lower the curtain when she caught a glimpse of Gu Jiufei from the corner of her eye and paused.
She wasn’t particularly meticulous, but she still noticed the tightly furrowed brows of Gu Jiufei.
The young boy pursed his lips, as if holding something back.
Her gaze shifted downward—
Sure enough, his legs were trembling slightly.
Gu Wuyou held onto the carriage curtain, her voice filled with concern. “Is your leg hurting again?”
Hearing this, Gu Wuji, who had been about to turn away, stopped in his tracks. His gaze shifted toward Gu Jiufei. Having spent years wielding weapons and training in martial arts, Gu Wuji had suffered his fair share of injuries. Just one look at Gu Jiufei’s state, and he knew what was going on. He frowned and asked, “How is it?”
“It’s nothing.”
Gu Jiufei held the reins and shook his head, his voice calm—almost indifferent.
His leg did hurt, but it wasn’t to the point of being unbearable. If he clenched his teeth, he could endure it. He had suffered many injuries since childhood. Though he was the legitimate son of the Duke of Ding, his mother was not favored, and people often used this as an excuse to mock him.
When he was younger—
He hadn’t been as good at controlling his emotions.
When he got angry or upset, he would throw punches, trying to fight back. But with his small frame, how could he possibly be a match for those people? After being beaten up a few times and worrying his mother on multiple occasions, he gradually learned to conceal his feelings.
Now—
No matter how much pain he was in, no matter how uncomfortable he felt, he had long gotten used to not showing it. It wasn’t that he was trying to act tough; it had simply become a habit.
“What do you mean ‘it’s nothing’? You’re already in so much pain. You should have let the physician take a look at you back at the academy.” Gu Wuyou frowned. It was her fault, too—she hadn’t paid much attention to Gu Jiufei’s leg earlier.
Thinking back, the physician had clearly instructed that he needed proper rest to recover.
Yet today, Gu Jiufei had been riding and walking around. How could his injury not hurt? She sighed. There was no point in dwelling on it now, so she said instead, “Stop riding. Get in the carriage.”
Gu Jiufei was momentarily stunned, his grip on the reins loosening slightly.
He turned to look at Gu Wuyou. The girl in red, wrapped in a cloak, was staring at him with clear displeasure. Seeing him remain motionless, she frowned deeper. “What are you looking at? Hurry up and get in!”
She was truly angry now.
How could this fool not know how to take care of himself at all?
Gu Wuji, standing beside them, also spoke. “Listen to your sister. Get in the carriage.”
Perhaps it was Gu Wuyou’s firm and unquestionable tone, or perhaps it was the rare gentleness in his father’s words, but for the first time, Gu Jiufei seemed to lose his usual composure. He stood there in a daze for a while, until his father’s voice reached his ears again.
“What’s wrong? Can’t dismount?”
Only then did he snap out of it and reply hoarsely, “…I can.”
Gu Wuji watched as he boarded the carriage, then saw Manman pull down the curtain before signaling for the guards to take the horse away. Gripping his own reins, he resumed the journey toward the Duke’s residence.
Beside him, Changshan chuckled. “The relationship between Fifth Miss and Ninth Young Master is getting better and better.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, a lively yet sharp voice could be heard coming from inside the carriage.
Though it sounded like a scolding, it was clear from the tone that it was full of concern. She was probably blaming Gu Jiufei for not taking care of himself.
“You’re this badly injured, and you’re still holding it in? Who are you trying to impress? You’re just a ten-year-old child. Even if you cried from the pain, no one would laugh at you!”
“…Eleven.”
“Hmm?”
“I already had my birthday. I’m eleven.”
“…You’re still a child!”
“…”
Gu Wuji listened to their conversation, and for some reason, a faint smile appeared on his lips. The expression in his eyes softened considerably. “It’s good.”
After a moment of thought, he held back his laughter and said, “When we get back, personally teach him some martial arts.”
Then, as if dissatisfied, he clicked his tongue. “Getting beaten up by a bunch of street thugs like this—what a disgrace to my name.”
Changshan listened to Gu Wuji’s seemingly indifferent words, yet every syllable carried a deep sense of concern.
He couldn’t help but smile as well. “Yes.”
—
When they arrived home, Gu Wuyou was immediately ushered to Zhaixing Tower. This place was usually quiet with little foot traffic, but today it was unusually crowded. Not only were Fu Jiang, Madam Liu, and her second sister present, but even her grandmother was there.
As soon as she stepped inside, Gu Tiao took hold of her hand.
Gu Tiao’s delicate brows furrowed as she looked her up and down, only exhaling in relief after confirming she was unharmed. “How could such a thing happen out of nowhere?” She had been resting at home today, not expecting an incident to occur at the academy.
Upon hearing the news, she had wanted to rush to the academy immediately.
But their grandmother had stopped her, reminding her that her health did not allow for horseback riding. Following along would only add to the chaos. No matter how much she worried, she could only endure it.
“Does it still hurt?”
A gentle female voice reached Gu Wuyou’s ears. She curved her eyes in a smile and shook her head. “It stopped hurting a long time ago.”
Seeing her still smiling so cheerfully, Gu Tiao finally let go of her worries. She held Gu Wuyou’s hand and led her inside, speaking as they walked, “Grandmother, Aunt, and Third Aunt were all deeply worried about you. As soon as they heard about the incident, they rushed here to wait for you.”
Hearing this—
A wave of warmth surged through Gu Wuyou’s heart.
She looked around the room at the gathered people. Some were seated, others standing, their expressions varied, but their gazes were all fixed on her, filled with concern and worry.
Before this, although she had returned to this household, her relationship with her grandmother and the others had remained somewhat distant.
She hadn’t known how to interact with them, nor had she tried to nurture their bond.
But now—
It felt as if a warm current had melted through the walls around her heart, bringing warmth to her entire being. Family was called family because, no matter how many disagreements or conflicts there had been in the past, when something truly happened, they were always the ones who cared the most.
Her voice was soft as she greeted them with respect.
“Rise.”
The one who spoke was the Old Madam of the Gu family. She was the same as always, sitting in her chair with a string of prayer beads in hand. She glanced at Gu Wuyou before turning to Fu Jiang. “Where is the physician?”
“He has been waiting outside this whole time. I will call him in at once.” Fu Jiang hurriedly replied.
Upon hearing this, Gu Wuyou quickly interjected, “I already had a physician examine me at the academy. There’s no serious injury.”
Even though she said this, Fu Jiang remained worried, frowning as she insisted, “It’s better to have another examination. Who knows how skilled the academy’s physician is?”
“It’s just a scrape. Really, it’s nothing serious.” Gu Wuyou said helplessly. But seeing how concerned everyone was, she couldn’t bear to let them worry further, so she nodded in agreement.
Fortunately, the physician had been prepared in advance.
She was a female physician named Feng, specializing in treating noblewomen. After carefully examining Gu Wuyou and confirming that there was no major issue, the group finally relaxed.
After Gu Wuyou finished dressing and stepped out, the conversation outside had already shifted to discussing what had happened at the academy.
At this moment, the topic was Xiao Yi.
The most furious one among them was Madam Liu. She had a sharp tongue, and when she started scolding someone, she never repeated herself.
“She always looked so gentle and well-behaved before. Who would have thought she had such a vicious heart? Good thing she was caught in time! If we had kept such a person around, who knows what she might have done in the future?”
Thinking back to how she had often encouraged Ah Yu to associate with Xiao Yi and had even frequently invited her to the house, Madam Liu grew even more enraged.
Madam Liu was seething with anger, gritting her teeth as she said, “No, this matter can’t just be brushed aside. I’ll make sure to inform the other ladies about it. They must not be fooled by her pretty face.”
Hearing this, Gu Wuyou’s steps faltered for a moment.
If this matter spread among the noble ladies, Xiao Yi would have a hard time securing a good marriage in the future. After all, no reputable family would accept a daughter-in-law who was ruthless and callous toward human life.
Did she deserve pity?
There was nothing to pity.
When Xiao Yi chose to do such things, she should have considered the consequences. Gu Wuyou had already let her go once. This time… it was of her own making.
No one else was to blame.
Her thoughts shifted to Gu Yu. Earlier, she had mentioned having something to take care of, so she hadn’t come back with them. How is she now? Knowing that Xiao Yi was behind this, the person most affected would surely be her…
Sigh.
Fu Jiang noticed her hesitation and immediately stepped forward, supporting her into a chair. Thinking of the words passed down by the master earlier, she felt even more sympathy for Gu Wuyou. Though her tone was indignant, it was filled with protectiveness. “Manman, don’t worry. This matter won’t be so easily dismissed.”
“The Duke of Dai’s Residence can’t just brush this off.”
“Exactly! They dared to lay hands on our family—I think they must have a death wish!” Madam Liu, ever forthright, didn’t bother to hold back in the privacy of their home, her words sharp and unrestrained.
And indeed, she wasn’t wrong.
Although Xiao Yi held the title of a county princess, her father, Xiao Beiqin, was a mediocre man with little real power in court. If one were to compare, he was even less influential than some ordinary noble families—let alone a family with a century-old legacy like theirs.
But this—
Was something best understood but not spoken aloud.
The moment Madam Liu uttered the words, the Old Madam of the Gu Family suddenly paused in her prayer bead movements. Her sharp gaze cut toward Madam Liu like a blade, and her tone turned cold. “Silence. No matter what, she still bears the surname Xiao.”
Madam Liu’s face turned pale. Though unwilling, she dared not argue back. She could only mutter under her breath, “I was just speaking in private. It’s not like I was saying it outside.”
“Even in private, it is unacceptable.” The old madam’s voice was stern and resolute. “Disaster comes from careless words. How many prominent families have fallen because of reckless speech?”
“The Gu family has stood strong for a hundred years because we have never taken sides and have remained loyal only to His Majesty. We have also always conducted ourselves with caution and never spoken recklessly… Ruo Hua cherishes Xiao Wu dearly, yet when he learned that Changning was responsible, he made no comment.”
“Do you know why?”
Madam Liu’s complexion turned even paler, but she had no answer.
The old madam didn’t look at her any further. Instead, her gaze fell on Gu Wuyou. “Xiao Wu, do you understand why?”
Gu Wuyou pressed her lips together and replied, “Because she bears the surname Xiao. No matter what Xiao Yi has done, she is still part of the imperial family… If Father were to punish her, it would be overstepping his authority.”
The old madam seemed somewhat surprised that this once spoiled and willful granddaughter could be so perceptive. A faint smile appeared on her face, and her tone softened. “Since you understand, do you feel resentment?”
Gu Wuyou shook her head. “No.”
After a slight pause, she added softly, “Even if the imperial family does not intervene, Xiao Yi’s actions will not remain hidden from others. I believe in the saying that ‘evil will be met with retribution.’”
Besides—
With Xiao Yi’s father’s temperament, it wouldn’t be long before he personally brought her to apologize.
The old madam nodded in satisfaction and resumed rolling her prayer beads between her fingers. Her voice was warm yet firm. “You have suffered injustice this time. Even if the imperial family remains silent, the Duke of Dai’s Residence will surely have to give an explanation. Our task is simply to wait.”
Arrogance and recklessness have never been the best course of action.
The old madam did not say anything further. As she rose to leave, she only added one more instruction: “Since you are unharmed, rest well. You need not go to the academy for the next few days.”
Gu Wuyou naturally agreed.
As Gu Tiao supported the old madam out of the room, they passed by Madam Liu. The old madam’s voice was calm yet firm as she said, “Go back and copy the family rules properly. If you speak out of turn again, you will kneel in the ancestral hall for punishment.”
Madam Liu, though somewhat impulsive, was still clear-headed when it came to important matters. Earlier, she had spoken thoughtlessly, but now that she understood the implications, she dared not hold any resentment. Bowing her head, she quickly replied, “Yes, Mother.”
However, she had lost face in front of the younger generation. As soon as the old madam left, she departed as well, leaving only Fu Jiang behind.
Fu Jiang rarely had private moments alone with Gu Wuyou, so she appeared somewhat ill at ease.
But Gu Wuyou was calm. Seeing that Fu Jiang seemed unsure of what to say, she took the initiative. “Thank you for today. I troubled you.”
“Ah, it was no trouble…” Fu Jiang was momentarily startled before murmuring, “This was my duty to begin with.”
Gu Wuyou smiled faintly. In this world, what is truly a duty and what is not? Fu Jiang had never owed her anything.
“You may go about your tasks. I’m fine here.” After a pause, she added, “Jiufei’s leg is probably hurting again. If you have time, you should check on him.”
Fu Jiang was taken aback. “What?!”
Gu Wuyou explained, “He rode a horse today. He’s likely strained his injury.”
“That child…” Fu Jiang sighed. “I’ll go check on him now. You rest well.” With that, she quickly left.
Once everyone had gone, Bai Lu helped Gu Wuyou inside to rest. Naturally, she couldn’t help but bring up Xiao Yi.
“That girl has caused you so much trouble before, and now she’s gotten even worse—she’s even resorting to harming others.”
In noble families, true ladies of high status rarely resorted to such underhanded tactics. Only those from questionable backgrounds, whose status was unsteady, resorted to such schemes.
But Gu Wuyou had no interest in discussing Xiao Yi further. She merely responded indifferently, “Forget about her.”
She and Xiao Yi had never been on the same path, and after what had happened today, there would be even less reason for them to cross paths again.
“I want to rest for a while. You may go.”
She was truly exhausted. From the events at the racetrack to investigating the real culprit, then spending so much time speaking with her grandmother and the others—her mind felt foggy, as if she couldn’t think clearly anymore. Half-asleep, she kicked off her shoes, climbed into bed, and closed her eyes.
Even as she drifted into slumber, she still remembered one thing.
With her eyes closed, she murmured, “Go check on Jiufei later.”
Her voice grew softer and softer. “Mn… bring the ointment my grandmother gave me. That one works well.”
Bai Lu couldn’t help but chuckle, both amused and helpless. Even when she was this exhausted, she still remembered to care for others. She wiped Gu Wuyou’s face gently with a cloth before replying, “Alright, I’ll remember. I’ll go now.”
After tucking Gu Wuyou in properly and changing the room’s incense to one that promoted relaxation, Bai Lu finally left.
—
Once alone, Gu Wuyou turned over, as if trying to find a more comfortable position.
But suddenly, a thought flashed through her mind.
She had nearly fallen into deep sleep, but at that moment, her eyes snapped open.
She sat up slightly, reaching toward the pillow’s edge. Her fingers brushed against the sachet, and upon feeling the small slip of paper still inside, she let out a soft sigh of relief.
Then, after a moment’s thought, she grasped the sachet tightly and placed it over her heart.
This time, she was finally at ease.
A bright smile curled at her lips as she drifted into sleep.