Chapter 328 Forgiving You

Mother Gu’s thoughts were complicated. He feared she might feel compelled to accept him again out of gratitude for saving their lives, even if it went against her true wishes. That was why he brought up returning to his hometown, with no intention of mending their relationship.

This was exactly what she had hoped for, yet when he actually spoke the words, she couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sorrow.

“It’s good that you’ve thought it through,” Mother Gu said, her gaze falling on his dry, peeling lips. “Are you thirsty?”

Even though Gu Qingsong felt deeply reluctant, Mother Gu’s rare calmness made him not want to disturb the peaceful atmosphere. He nodded lightly.

Mother Gu mixed some warm water and used a spoon to moisten his lips before slowly feeding him two spoonfuls, careful not to let him drink too much.

“You have no family left in Xinghua Village. You’ve earned honor and status in Xiliang—staying in Great Zhou would be a waste. Once you’re healed, go back to Xiliang and continue being a general.”

Mother Gu pulled at the corners of her lips and spoke earnestly, “Everyone has their own fate. That place is where you truly belong. The children and I are doing well—you can devote yourself to your career without worry. If you ever feel lonely, find someone new to share your life with.”

Gu Qingsong’s throat tightened.

“Life in the countryside has always been hard. We couldn’t even fill our bellies. Those who’ve never married would never look twice at a woman like me, already past my prime.”

“As for widowers who’ve been married before, most have children of their own. I’m raising three kids by myself—who could afford so many mouths to feed?” Mother Gu smiled. “I wasn’t waiting for you. I just couldn’t find someone willing to accept the three of us.”

Gu Qingsong felt as though a ball of cotton was stuck in his throat—sore, swollen, and suffocating. He couldn’t utter a single word. His deep eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

“I’ve finally made it through. Life is comfortable now, better than most. I’ve been fierce and strong for nearly ten years—I can’t go back to being gentle and meek. I’ve become someone with a fiery temper. If one day I grow lonely, I’ll find someone whose temperament suits mine, and we’ll spend the rest of our lives together as companions.” Her eyes, misted with tears, glowed with a gentle warmth.

Gu Qingsong slowly moved his hand and grasped hers, which was resting beside the bed. In a strained voice, he said, “Go find someone—someone who will truly cherish you. And if he doesn’t treat you well, then come back to Xinghua Village.”

This time, I’ll be the one waiting for you.

Mother Gu broke into a tearful smile. “My sons have all made something of themselves. Who would dare treat me poorly now?”

Gu Qingsong looked at her, at her tearful yet smiling face, and a slow smile tugged at his lips. He tightened his grip on her hand.

Mother Gu turned her face away.

Gu Qingsong gradually let go of her hand. “Go get some rest.”

Mother Gu gave a small nod, stood up, and quietly left the room.

Only father and son remained.

Gu Qingsong’s lips moved slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but when he met Gu Huaizhi’s indifferent gaze, the words caught in his throat.

“Focus on recovering,” Gu Huaizhi said flatly, his voice calm and unreadable. “Once you’re healed, whether you choose to return to Xiliang or Xinghua Village, I’ll arrange someone to escort you. You are still our father. If there’s anything you need, you can come to me.”

The pain in Gu Qingsong’s wound felt like it was tearing him apart. A single wrong choice in his life had left him with a shattered family.

“No need. Just take good care of your mother…” Gu Qingsong gave a self-deprecating smile. “Though even without me saying it, you’ve already done well.”

He paused to gather his strength, his voice growing weaker. “Xiliang has a few agents placed in the court. If you ever need them, you can contact them.”

Gu Huaizhi listened as he listed a few names and their respective positions, frowning slightly. “Understood. Get some rest.”

Gu Qingsong couldn’t hold on any longer and slipped into unconsciousness.

Gu Huaizhi’s hand brushed against Gu Qingsong’s forehead—there was no fever. He lay down fully clothed on the soft couch and fell asleep.

The next time he became aware, someone was gently shaking his shoulder.

“Huaizhi, wake up.”

Gu Huaizhi opened his eyes and saw Su Wan’s fair face close to his. He blinked.

Su Wan saw the traces of sleep still lingering in his expression. He looked dazed, unsure of where he was. She reached out and brushed aside the strands of hair stuck to his forehead, her lips curving into a faint smile. “Don’t you have to attend morning court?”

Gu Huaizhi took her hand and pressed it to his forehead. “What time is it?”

“Just after dawn,” Su Wan replied. Seeing the redness in his eyes, she began massaging his head gently. “Is there anything urgent in the palace?”

“There is,” Gu Huaizhi said as he removed her hand, sat up, and shook his head as if trying to clear it. He seemed to regain his focus and looked toward Gu Qingsong lying on the opposite bed. “How is he?”

“He has a bit of a fever. The wound was re-dressed, and so far there’s no sign of infection.” Su Wan’s expression was somewhat grim. “I won’t go to the Regent’s Residence today. I’ve asked Mo Yuan to invite them here instead. We have to monitor his condition closely.”

This wasn’t the modern era—open-chest surgery was a major operation, and with limited resources, whether Gu Qingsong survived would ultimately depend on his fate.

“All right.” Gu Huaizhi walked to the bedside and noticed that Gu Qingsong’s face was flushed an abnormal red. He reached out to touch his forehead—it was burning hot.

“Go take care of your work. I’m here,” Su Wan said, having seen how much Gu Huaizhi cared about Gu Qingsong. “I’ll do everything I can to treat him.”

Gu Huaizhi quietly looked at her serious expression, then pulled her into his arms and gently ruffled her hair. “Just do your best. If you can’t save him, don’t carry the burden on yourself.”

He pressed a kiss to her forehead and said in a hoarse voice, “If there’s anything you need, have Mo Yuan tell me.”

“Mm.” Su Wan walked him to the door. “There’s breakfast inside—eat before you go.”

Gu Huaizhi nodded and left quickly.

Doctor Chen came hurrying over, carrying several packets of medicine. He presented them to Su Wan like treasures. “Young Lady, I found all the herbs you mentioned.”

Su Wan opened the packets, inspecting the quality of each herb. She gave them a sniff, and a smile appeared on her face. “These are of very good quality. Decoct them and feed it to him.”

Doctor Chen took the herbs back, then suddenly remembered something. “Before the fever rose in the second half of the night, he had some night sweats.”

Su Wan paused in thought. “If the sweating continues after the fever breaks, add a prescription of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang^[1]Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (補中益氣湯) is a classic formula in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used to strengthen the spleen and stomach (considered the “middle burner”) and to raise … Continue reading.”

“All right,” Doctor Chen replied and went next door to brew the medicine over a small stove.

After Gu Qingsong took the decoction, his fever subsided half an hour later.

Su Wan didn’t dare to relax, afraid the fever might return or other complications might arise.

Just before noon, Gu Baozhu came running in, drenched in sweat.

“Sister-in-law, how… how is he? Will he be all right?”

She was clutching a scented sachet tightly in her hand, her eyes wide and anxious as she looked at Su Wan. “I went to the temple to ask for a protective talisman. Can I give it to him to wear?”

“You can place it under his pillow,” Su Wan said, using a handkerchief to gently wipe the sweat from her forehead, her voice soft and reassuring. “He’s going to be fine.”

If something happened to Gu Qingsong, it would likely become a shadow that haunted Gu Baozhu for the rest of her life.

So… he would get better.

Gu Baozhu moved closer to the bedside and quietly looked at Gu Qingsong for a long while. She touched the sachet in her hand, then carefully tucked it beneath his pillow.

In her heart, she silently said: The Bodhisattva will protect you. Please get well soon. I’m willing to forgive you.