Chapter 95

Gu Chengye didn’t expect Nianxi to say such a thing. Having spent his life on the battlefield, he carried a strong aura of decisiveness and ferocity. It wasn’t just young ladies in their chambers—even ordinary civil officials would tremble in his presence. However, this young lady from the Wen family displayed a surprising amount of courage.

“For a general, having a kind heart is hardly a virtue.”

Gu Chengye looked at Nianxi, his eyes sharp like a hawk’s, cold and chilling. “In the battle of encircling Chi City, my son Gu Yan was wounded by a poisoned arrow, and his entire right arm is now useless.”

Startled, Nianxi sharply raised her head to look at the man with a somber expression sitting opposite her.

Gu Chengye let out a bitter laugh, and his usually resolute and decisive face revealed a hint of sorrow. “A swift report came from a messenger. Gu Ci doesn’t know about it yet.”

Nianxi felt a heavy sorrow. She had heard many things about Gu Ci’s two elder brothers.

Gu Ci deeply admired and respected his two elder brothers. Whenever he mentioned them, it was always with gratitude, saying, “If it weren’t for my two brothers shouldering the responsibilities of Duke Zhen’s household, I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy such prosperity in the capital.”

Now, one was injured, and the other had died.

“No need to comfort me,” Gu Chengye waved his hand and said, “‘A warrior’s duty is to die on the battlefield; there’s no need to return wrapped in a horse’s hide.’ That’s not why I’ve come to speak to you.”

Nianxi’s heart grew solemn. She straightened her expression and said, “Please, Duke Zhen, speak.”

“Gu Ci is very reluctant to part with you and feels conflicted. My wife told me that on his birthday, you were the only one in the entire household who remembered. Frankly, I’m ashamed. As his father, I haven’t been able to support this family. During this time, thanks to you, he managed to persevere.”

“Even without me, Gu Ci is strong enough,” Nianxi replied modestly. She refused to take credit because, in her past life, even when Gu Ci was left all alone, he stood his ground and became the new war god of the northern border.

“Duke Zhen, are you here to ask me to persuade Gu Ci?” she asked.

Gu Chengye’s gaze hardened as he countered, “Would you?”

Nianxi thought carefully for a moment before shaking her head resolutely. “I wouldn’t.”

Gu Chengye seemed a bit surprised. “My wife has often praised you in front of me. I thought you were someone who valued the bigger picture and understood the importance of sacrifices.”

To value the bigger picture and understand the importance of sacrifices.

Nianxi mulled over those words, her expression calm and composed. “Duke Zhen, you overpraise me. I am but a simple woman of the mortal world, with modest hopes and desires—nothing more than to find someone who truly cares for me, grow old together in peace and safety.”

“But I also understand that the great lands of Great Jing and the safety of its people need generals like you to protect them. Though I lack the magnanimous spirit of Duke Zhen to sacrifice the small family for the greater good, I hold deep admiration for it.”

Gu Chengye remained silent for a long while.

The two sat quietly for some time before Nianxi looked up at Duke Zhen with a gentle smile. “As I said earlier, Gu Ci is a kind-hearted person.”

“Since childhood, he has borne deep guilt toward his two elder brothers. Now that the Duke Zhen’s household is in dire straits, he will surely step forward to shoulder the responsibility.”

“Not just for you, but for his two elder brothers and his three married sisters. He will rebuild the sky above you. In the past, you protected him. In the future, he will do the same for you.”

“I understand him.”

Among all the people she knew, Gu Ci was the kindest at heart.

At that time, Nianxi asked Pei Jian about the possible fate of Duke Zhen’s household. When Pei Jian told her there was a chance the dukedom might be revoked, Nianxi already knew what Gu Ci’s choice would be.

The northern border—was the responsibility and the glory of Duke Zhen’s household. If it were lost, the blood, sweat, and tears of generations of the Gu family would all be in vain. Without the protection of Duke Zhen, Gu Ci’s three sisters, who had married into influential families, would also face serious repercussions.

Gu Ci, of course, could choose not to go. He was the top martial scholar with his own official post. If he stayed in the capital, Nianxi would be able to remain by his side for a long time, building a deep and enduring relationship. Over time, perhaps they really could grow old together in peace and happiness.

Madam Wang hoped Gu Ci would choose this latter path. But for Gu Ci, having grown up surrounded by the care and love of his father, brothers, and sisters, being such a considerate person, his answer could only be one. Choosing his parents, family, and duty to the greater good was a decision beyond reproach.

Nianxi, more than anyone, understood how difficult this was for him.

Gu Chengye sighed lightly. Nianxi’s clarity and perceptiveness exceeded his expectations, and it only made him feel more regretful. “You and Gu Ci—it’s truly a pity.”

A pity? Certainly.

They had known each other for less than a year and parted during the peak of their affection. This, of course, left one with a sense of regret. But sometimes, regret itself can be a form of beauty. At the very least, when she searched her memories, the image of Gu Ci remained vibrant, cheerful, sweet, and wonderful.

Nianxi had experienced a failed relationship and marriage before. Yet, in the beginning, she and Pei Jian also shared good times together. But one year, two years, five years, ten years—time changed everything.

In this relationship, Nianxi was initially the one who took and drew nourishment from the love Gu Ci gave her. Later, she was healed and comforted by his gentleness, and she returned the same intense and sincere love to him. Every single day, she lived earnestly, cherishing everyone worth her love. She and Gu Ci—together, they enjoyed every moment worth remembering.

The next day, Gu Ci came to the Wen household to pick her up. Unlike before, he didn’t just exchange a few words and leave in a rush. The two shared an unspoken understanding—neither said anything to spoil the mood. They ate fish sashimi, watched performances, played cuju in the eastern market, and even visited the Treasure Pavilion.

For an entire day, they had a delightful time together.

Until the moment of parting, Nianxi took out a treasured sword and a Mohe doll to gift to Gu Ci.

“A treasured sword for a hero.” Nianxi smiled, her voice as sweet and gentle as when they first met. “This was originally your birthday gift. I had prepared it a long time ago.”

“Why did you change it?” Nianxi eventually gave Gu Ci a white jade amulet for peace.

“Being a hero is too hard. I just want you to be safe.” Tears gradually filled Nianxi’s eyes, shimmering as they welled up, but she kept smiling, incredibly gentle. “This Mohe doll is something you gave me. I made a wish before Lady Weaver’s altar for it to protect and watch over you.”

Gu Ci took it and gently stroked the four characters he had engraved by hand: “My dear Nianxi.” A teardrop fell on it, blurring his vision as he tried to find the uneven stroke he had mistakenly carved.

Gu Ci lowered his head to wipe the moisture from his eyes, his voice bright and clear. “What a coincidence, I’ve also repaired Sixth Brother for you. Look, are you satisfied?”

He choked up a little but insisted on finishing with a smile.

Nianxi also reached out and took it.

Apart from “Little Sixth Brother’s” slightly damaged arm, there were no traces of repair elsewhere. Gu Ci had restored it very well.

Nianxi hugged “Little Sixth Brother” tightly and nodded firmly. “I’m very satisfied.”

Gu Ci then took out the gold and jade hairpin he had just bought from the Treasure Pavilion and carefully placed it on Nianxi’s head. As he looked at Nianxi’s radiant and delicate face, Gu Ci felt a searing pain in his heart. He didn’t know how long it would take before he could return from the northern border.

She was so gentle, so good. Many in the capital admired her, not to mention Pei Jian, who watched her like a hawk.

How could he ask her to wait for him for years?

He had chosen his family.

He even somewhat understood Pei Jian’s feelings. As long as her gaze could rest on him, it didn’t matter whose side she was by.

Gu Ci never told Nianxi the exact date of his departure, even if it meant deceiving himself. Perhaps tomorrow, he would show up at the familiar gate on Yiqiao Street, waiting for that spirited figure to appear. He would smile and help her onto the carriage, then take her to any place that brought joy.

Perhaps regret is the norm in life. Only then could it leave an indelible mark, forever unforgettable.

Gu Ci watched Nianxi return to her residence for the last time. In his heart, he told himself: One day, I will set foot on the road home. I will do everything I can to return to your side.