Chapter 71

Gu Ci brought a horse to the Qu Zuo hunting grounds. It was a two-year-old mare in its prime, with a deep reddish-brown coat that shone like silk. Its long neck and strong legs marked it as a rare steed, and its relatively small frame made it perfect for a lady to ride.

The moment Gu Ci laid eyes on the horse, he knew Nianxi would love it. This was a fine horse he had commissioned someone to find long ago. Not long ago, his second brother had come across such a horse in the northern frontier and sent it to him. Along with the horse came numerous bright-colored furs suited for a young lady.

In a letter, his two brothers mentioned that once they decisively defeated the forces of Northern Liang and drove them north of the Tai Tan mountain range, their family might no longer have to stay stationed at the northern border for years on end, and the Duke Zhen’s family could finally be reunited. His second brother also wrote that upon his return, he wanted to personally attend Gu Ci’s wedding and watch his new bride step into their household.

Gu Ci knew that Nianxi had always been concerned about the war in the northern frontier. From time to time, she would ask if all was well. Although he didn’t understand the reason for her concern, he simply took it as a sign of her caring for her family. He could hardly wait to share the good news about his family with her. And this horse—she rode every day at the hunting grounds, and having such an excellent horse would undoubtedly make her happy.

So, he came full of joy.

Nianxi truly loved the red horse. Compared to the previous horse, Ta Xue, this one was even smarter. After feeding it a few handfuls of tender wheat, it recognized her as its master and became very affectionate with her.

“Did you bring it just for me?” Nianxi tilted her head and looked at Gu Ci.

Gu Ci was unusually quiet today. The brilliance that usually shone in his eyes like stars was dimmed by a layer of melancholy, and his smile seemed rather forced. But in the end, he couldn’t bear to ignore her, so he nodded in affirmation.

Nianxi let out a quiet sigh in her heart, handed the horse over to a nearby servant, and walked up to Gu Ci, looking up at him.

“Are you upset?” she asked.

Gu Ci avoided her gaze, turning his head to the side, his voice muffled, “No.”

Nianxi stepped sideways, following him, and stepped back into his line of sight. She continued, “You won’t even smile at me—clearly, you’re upset.”

Gu Ci couldn’t help but pull a half-hearted smile, one that was more forced than genuine.

Nianxi burst out laughing, “Ugly!”

Gu Ci glanced at her, closed his mouth, and refused to try smiling again.

Nianxi stepped closer, shortening the distance between them. She tilted her head and spoke softly, “When I was coming to the hunting grounds, you begged me to think of you, and I did. But you seem like you’ve gone back on your word—you don’t seem to think of me at all.”

Nianxi had mastered the art of playful reproach with skill.

Gu Ci, unable to withstand provocation, dropped his cold and solemn façade, replying in a hurried tone, “If I didn’t think of you, I wouldn’t have been so intent on bringing you the horse, nor would I have traded shifts with my subordinates just to accompany you for two days. But you…”

But you don’t seem to need my company at all.

Nianxi: “Are you scolding me?”

Gu Ci was flustered by her look of innocent grievance and immediately replied, “When did I ever scold you? I didn’t…”

But as his eyes met Nianxi’s mischievous gaze, he realized she was teasing him again and refused to continue coaxing her.

Nianxi reached out, gently cupping Gu Ci’s cheek, her fingers brushing lightly against his skin. Her eyes glimmered with warmth, and her tone was soft, “What I said earlier was just to tease you. But I do miss you—truly.”

Gu Ci’s heart trembled violently, almost drowning in the tender and flowing affection in her words.

The young girl, in the prime of her youth, was so vibrant, clear, and lovely. As she looked up at him, her snow-white neck stretched like the tender shoot of a budding narcissus. A land of tenderness, a hero’s resting place—he was already intoxicated, unwilling to awaken.

Gu Ci thought, as long as she was willing to smile at him and be close to him, as long as he could hold her hand whenever he wanted, what else could possibly matter?

He returned to his usual gentleness, covering Nianxi’s hand on his cheek, and earnestly said, “I miss you too.”

Today, Gu Ci wore a pale blue robe. His tall stature and handsome, upright figure radiated elegance. The pristine blue robe reflected his gentle, compassionate eyes as if spring flowers had fallen into rippling water, carrying the power to melt the coldest ice.

Nianxi looked at him, “How long were you standing on the platform earlier?”

Gu Ci’s movements stiffened as he attempted to withdraw his hand. “I was waiting for you there all along, standing higher so I could see you sooner.”

Nianxi was quick and caught his hand. “You saw everything?”

Gu Ci gazed at the rolling plains and forests in the distance. “…Yes.”

Nianxi continued to press him, “Do you have nothing to ask me?”

Gu Ci remained silent for a long while before finally turning to look into Nianxi’s eyes. “At first, I had many questions, but then I decided I no longer wanted to ask them.”

He even regretted his recklessness. Perhaps he should have told Nianxi beforehand instead of surprising her.

The scene earlier—Pei Jian standing close to her—he wished he had never seen it.

Tears slowly welled up in Nianxi’s large eyes. “Why are you so foolish?”

“Perhaps so. Since meeting you, I’ve done every foolish thing in the world,” Gu Ci said with a soft, helpless smile. “As long as you’re willing, I would happily be a fool for a lifetime.”

Yet, he feared that one day, she might no longer want him, and he would no longer have the chance to do anything for her.

Nianxi stood in a daze for a moment. What woman wouldn’t want to be cherished? Especially with such unconditional and boundless devotion.

At first, she had only hoped to use him to heal past wounds, fill the emptiness in her heart, and prove to herself that she wasn’t worthless—that she still deserved to be loved. But Gu Ci was too good and gave her far too much love.

“Why are you crying out of the blue?” he asked gently.

Gu Ci gently wiped away the tears that continued to streak down the corners of her eyes. Seeing her unable to stop crying, he let out a soft sigh, pulled her into his arms, and cradled her delicate back and waist, rocking her gently as if soothing an innocent child.

In a tender voice, he murmured in her ear, “Who wouldn’t love a girl like you? Being loved isn’t your fault. Please stop crying. I’m not angry, and I don’t blame you.”

In that moment, the world seemed to fall silent. Only the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves could be heard, mingling with the overflowing warmth of his affection.

“Gu Ci…” Her voice buzzed faintly from within his embrace, and he couldn’t quite hear her. He pulled her slightly away from his arms, lowered his gaze, and responded, “Yes?”

Nianxi spoke with solemnity, “I will never, ever abandon you for Pei Jian.”

If they were ever to part ways one day, it would never be because of anyone else—it would only be because of themselves.

Her eyes, as clear and bright as if washed by water, glistened with clarity. Having just cried, the corners of her eyes were tinged with red, yet they sparkled like a sea of stars, almost overwhelming in their brilliance.

Gu Ci gave another soft “yes” in reply and pulled her tightly back into his embrace. He buried his head in the curve of her neck, his arms encircling her willowy waist with an almost unyielding grip.

In this moment of tender intimacy, there was no need for further words. An unspoken bond resonated deeply in the silent exchange of emotions.

Until—

“Gu Ci?”

“Mm.”

“You’re hurting me.”

“…Alright.”

He loosened his embrace slightly, but only just. Nianxi could still feel his arms, like iron bands, holding her as if he wanted to embed her into his very being.

Only at this moment did she realize Gu Ci wasn’t as composed as he appeared. Deep down, he was clearly consumed by jealousy and overwhelmed with uncertainty.

Nianxi decided she should be magnanimous for once and forgive his momentary “lack of consideration.”

Imitating his usual manner, she gently patted his shoulder and back. Initially, she had intended to ruffle his hair, but his tight hold made it impossible to reach.

“Be good,” she said softly, her tone teasing yet affectionate. “Elder sister cares for you.”