Chapter 79: Farewell

As their gazes met, Xia Tong’s face flushed. She suddenly pulled out a few candied fruits wrapped in a handkerchief from her bosom and slowly opened her hand. “If you like them, they’re all yours.”

Seeing her actions, Gu Qin chuckled softly, took one of the candied fruits from her palm, and gently placed it between her lips. Then, he immediately leaned down to capture every bit of its sweetness.

As their lips met, Xia Tong felt a rush of warmth and struggled to catch her breath, instinctively shrinking back. However, a large hand at her back held her firmly in place, and only when the last bit of air had vanished did he gradually release her.

“If you always behave this well, I’d wake up laughing from my dreams,” he said, gently tracing her rosy, moist lips with his fingers, his gaze burning with intensity.

Xia Tong shot him a glance, surprised. She had never seen Gu Qin joke around before. Was she really that disobedient?

“Master, Lord Liu requests to see you.”

The sound of Xifeng’s voice broke the moment, reminding Xia Tong that Gu Qin was likely very busy these days. She adjusted her clothing, her cheeks flushed, and glanced at him. “I’ll be on my way then.”

Gu Qin frowned, clearly irritated at the interruption, feeling burdened by the state affairs that weighed heavily on his mind.

Xia Tong had always thought Gu Qin was the kind of man focused solely on his career, but after spending so much time together, she realized he was quite the opposite. Though he had a bad temper, he was incredibly patient. If it weren’t for her, he might have gained a significant advantage effortlessly, yet he never showed any displeasure toward her. To him, the court seemed like just a side matter; what he truly desired was never this kingdom.

“Let Xifeng take you back,” he instructed, still looking concerned.

Outside, the ground was indeed slippery with snow, but the distance from the study to her room was short. She wasn’t heavily pregnant yet and could manage it herself.

“It’s just a few steps. It’s not that exaggerated,” she mumbled, straightening up and putting on her fox fur hat. As she saw the table piled high with documents, she felt a pang of sympathy for Gu Qin. Suddenly, she leaned down and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before hastily leaving the room.

Left alone, Gu Qin couldn’t help but chuckle, his previously cold demeanor softening. No one understood this woman better than he did. In a few days, she would surely become restless again. She could only be obedient for so long.

*

Once outside the study, a gust of cold wind greeted Xia Tong. Xifeng was loyal to Gu Qin for a reason. Without waiting for orders, he took the initiative to escort her back to the courtyard, almost as if he were a parasite living in his master’s body.

“Have you found any trace of the Fifth Prince?” she asked casually as they walked.

Xifeng shook his head slightly. “Princess, you need not concern yourself with this matter. Knowing too much will only burden you.”

Continuing seriously, he added, “However, there is something you must be cautious about. Princess Changyang has gone missing. The Emperor claimed she was merely placed under house arrest at Changle Palace, but in reality, no one knows where she is.”

Xia Tong slowed her pace, surprised by the news. It seemed the princess must have known she couldn’t hide forever, which explained why she had spoken so much with her the night before. Now suddenly gone, she was certainly plotting something.

“Don’t worry, Princess. The regent’s residence isn’t easily accessible to just anyone. I’ll ensure you don’t encounter any unexpected situations,” Xifeng assured her with a serious expression.

She chuckled softly and said nothing further, deciding to arrange a marriage for Xifeng and Fang Yu once this storm passed. She believed Gu Qin would have no objections. Although Xifeng was a bit rigid, he was trustworthy and would treat Fang Yu well.

Back in the courtyard, she spotted Qing’er and several maids playing in the snow, having built a decent snowman. However, as she entered the small hall, she saw a familiar figure.

Fang Yu rushed over, saying, “Miss Shen has been waiting for you for quite some time.”

Xia Tong had never imagined the heroine would come to the palace to find her. Remembering Xiao Ming, she felt that Shen Xin must also be feeling down, so she instructed Fang Yu to prepare tea.

“How dare you come to the regent’s residence? Aren’t you afraid Gu Qin will cause trouble for you?” she asked with a smile as she approached and sat down.

Dressed in a dazzling snow-white satin dress, Shen Xin looked just as radiant as the first time they met. She only smiled lightly at Xia Tong’s concern. “You’re right, some people seem villainous, yet they can be much more open and sincere than those who appear to be upright.”

Over the past few days, Shen Xin has come to understand many things. If Gu Qin truly wanted her dead, how could she escape with her strength? Perhaps he didn’t even care about her life. Meanwhile, she had always scrutinized his intentions, only to discover that the person who had deceived her was someone she trusted the most, which was rather ridiculous.

Seeing the flicker of self-mockery on Shen Xin’s face, Xia Tong gently patted her shoulder in comfort. Everyone goes through a phase of confusion, and as long as one can turn back, it’s never too late. She was glad to see the heroine finding clarity, as it meant there would be no more conflict between her and Gu Qin.

“I’m here to say goodbye today,” Shen Xin suddenly said, gazing earnestly at Xia Tong. “I plan to explore the outside world. The world is vast, far better than being confined to this capital.”

Xia Tong felt a twinge of sadness at her words. After all, she had only Shen Xin as a friend in this world. Yet, it was her choice, and she nodded in agreement. “As long as you’re happy. The capital is indeed a mess. Gu Qin said he would take me to Jiangnan in three months when the baby arrives, or I’d be stuck dealing with those scheming people here, which would be quite troublesome.”

Seeing the joy in Xia Tong’s eyes, Shen Xin couldn’t help but smile back. “Though Gu Qin acts ruthlessly, he treats you well. However, you should prepare yourself; following him will undoubtedly lead to many dangers. Still, meeting a sincere man in life is a blessing. Above all, you must take good care of yourself.”

As she spoke, Shen Xin seemed ready to leave. Xia Tong, feeling more emotional than usual, quickly went to her room and brought back a small box.

“Traveling alone as a woman can be inconvenient. I don’t have much to give you, but these silver notes should be enough for you to explore wherever you like. I hope that when we meet again, you’ll have found someone you can trust.”

Although Xia Tong knew the heroine was wealthy, she couldn’t help but want to express her own thoughts. She was quite practical and believed that money was the most useful thing.

Outside, heavy snow fell, and the cold wind howled. As their eyes met, Shen Xin smiled slightly and stepped forward to embrace her, his voice calm, “I hope we can meet again.”

Receiving the small box, the heroine left without hesitation, the vivid red of her dress trailing behind her as she quickly disappeared from sight. When Fang Yu entered with tea, she was surprised to find that Shen Xin had left so quickly.

Xia Tong sighed softly. Perhaps leaving was the best choice for the heroine. If she stayed, her father would inevitably arrange her marriage to someone else, which she would surely refuse. There was a vast world outside, enough for her to live freely.

Yet, Xia Tong felt a twinge of sadness and suddenly worried about the people around her. She feared that Gu Qin might leave her, and she was concerned for her parents. Her mother might feel that she was the cause of their troubles, which could lead her back to her father. Xia Tong knew her mother must be feeling guilty, so she decided to have Qing’er send some nourishing medicine and a note to let them know she was safe.

That evening, when Gu Qin arrived, the room was still lit by candlelight. Xia Tong, dressed in a thin, plain silk gown, sat on the soft couch with her long hair cascading down her back, revealing her delicate feet. She was focused on embroidering a child’s hat.

“Your Highness.” Seeing him, Fang Yu immediately bowed and stepped back.

Surprised that he had free time so early in the day, Xia Tong handed him the hat, her brows arching with a smile. “Do you think it’s pretty?”

Her bright eyes sparkled like stars, and the candlelight softened her features. Gu Qin, momentarily taken aback, noticed the hat’s simple embroidery and frowned. The rough craftsmanship of his nightgown contrasted sharply with the care she had put into the child’s hat, indicating that her heart was indeed with someone else.

“You hardly ate anything for dinner today,” he said, his brow furrowing.

Xia Tong responded with a puzzled silence.

Her smile gradually faded. Wasn’t he busy? Why was he concerned about how much she had eaten? It was normal to have a poor appetite during pregnancy.

“I’ve been drinking a lot of soup lately. Don’t you notice I’ve gained some weight?” She lifted her sleeve slightly, revealing her delicate white arm.

Gu Qin looked her up and down, his brows twitching slightly as he slowly sat opposite her. “You have put on quite a bit of weight.”

Xia Tong was about to reply, but suddenly realized there was a hidden meaning in his words. Her face flushed with embarrassment, she tossed the hat at him. “You rogue!”

He deftly caught the hat and set it aside, suddenly pulling her into his embrace, gently rubbing her abdomen as if communicating silently with the child.

“Having one child is enough, too many can be troublesome,” he said seriously.

Xia Tong pouted. Now he thought raising children was troublesome? Wasn’t he always talking about having children with her mother?

“By the way, did Xiao Ming run away? Will he come back?” She asked suddenly, expressing her deep aversion toward him.

At her words, Gu Qin frowned, pinching her cheek as his voice deepened. “I don’t like hearing other men’s names come out of your mouth.”

Seemingly reminded of the ill-intentioned Xiao Jing, his expression darkened further. Xia Tong felt she was in a verbal trap but obediently wrapped her arms around his neck, whispering, “Why are you being so petty? Do you see me as the kind of woman who would change her mind so easily?”

Their eyes met, and Gu Qin casually held the hat in front of him, his tone icy. “Did you ever put such effort into the nightgown you embroidered for me?”

**

Author’s Note: The Regent is very unhappy.