Chapter 267: The World Has Changed

Su Wan’s words were not without basis. Mother Gu had waited for Gu Qingsong all this time because, at the height of their love, he had suddenly disappeared. Back then, he was everything to her.

Now, after so many years, learning of his existence and his circumstances shattered the idealized image she had of him. Forced to confront reality, she would feel sorrow, bitterness, and heartbreak. But eventually, she would come to terms with it, realizing that he was, after all, just an ordinary man.

The person she had thought about for most of her life had his own path to follow. She would likely have nothing to offer but her blessings.

Compared to Gu Qingsong, Mother Gu cared far more about her children.

If the children did not accept Gu Qingsong, she would not give him the slightest chance.

Gu Huaizhi was momentarily stunned, then pressed a light kiss on Su Wan’s forehead. “We’ll have to put in a bit more effort.”

Su Wan’s face flushed red. “I’m only sixteen.”

In modern times, that would still be underage.

Gu Huaizhi chuckled softly. “Not that young.”

He lifted Su Wan’s chin, his deep eyes studying her for a moment before curling his lips into a smile. “But I could wait a little longer.”

A ripple stirred in Su Wan’s heart. “If you’re not going to rest, we can go see the Empress Dowager now.”

“Let’s go.” Gu Huaizhi kissed the corner of her lips before releasing her from his embrace.

The two of them stepped out of Yaoguang Hall together, and a palace maid came forward to deliver a message. “Young Lady Su, Prince Changxing wishes to see you.”

“Tell him that he will not get any answers or help from me. If he wants to know something, he should investigate it himself,” Su Wan paused, her tone turning serious. “Also, pass along one more message to him: not everyone remains unchanged in the same place. He must understand that things change, and so do people.”

In the novel’s storyline, Mother Gu died, and Gu Qingsong never returned to Great Zhou until the end.

Since that was the case, Gu Qingsong’s existence or absence no longer mattered.

The palace maid was momentarily stunned but quickly responded, “I will relay the message to Prince Changxing immediately.”

Su Wan held Gu Huaizhi’s hand and walked forward. It seemed as though she was comforting him, or perhaps simply expressing her thoughts. “Some waiting is done merely for the sake of closure.”

Gu Huaizhi remained silent.

The female official at the entrance of Jing’an Hall saw the two of them approaching and bowed respectfully. “Please wait here for a moment. I will go announce your arrival.”

“Thank you,” Su Wan replied.

The female official went inside and returned shortly after. “The Empress Dowager invites both of you to enter.”

Su Wan and Gu Huaizhi entered the hall, where the Empress Dowager sat upright on a huanghuali chair^[1]A huanghuali chair refers to a type of furniture crafted from huanghuali wood, a rare and valuable hardwood from the rosewood family, specifically Dalbergia odorifera.. After the two paid their respects, Su Wan directly stated their purpose: “Empress Dowager, we have come today to bid you farewell. We will be returning to Great Zhou tomorrow.”

The Empress Dowager’s sharp gaze fell on Su Wan’s face, showing no trace of surprise. “I thought you’d stay until after the New Year. Can’t bear to remain even a few more days?”

Su Wan noticed the regret and disappointment in the Empress Dowager’s eyes but chose to remain silent.

“You needn’t worry about how I will treat you both,” the Empress Dowager said. “Qi Min has agreed to stay on as Empress and will continue guiding Wei Liuyin.”

“You are a promising talent, but while Wei Liuyin may not surpass you in many ways, she has one thing you lack—her heart is with the people of Xiliang.”

The Empress Dowager closed her eyes, her fingers gently rotating the prayer beads in her hand. “Whether you admit it or not, half of your bloodline belongs to Xiliang. You are a princess of Xiliang. Even if you cast it aside like an old shoe, it will always be your foundation.”

Su Wan was momentarily stunned.

“Go now. I’m tired,” the Empress Dowager said, issuing a clear dismissal.

Su Wan and Gu Huaizhi knelt down and kowtowed to the Empress Dowager. “Thank you,” they said.

The Empress Dowager listened as the sound of their footsteps gradually faded into the distance. Only then did she open her eyes, catching a fleeting glimpse of their figures disappearing through the doorway.

After a long silence, she turned to the female official beside her and asked, “Does this mean Su Wan hasn’t forgiven me for what I’ve done? She didn’t even call me Imperial Grandmother.”