Chapter 40

Upon her return to the Marquisate, he would likely have regained his customary composure.

……

Over in another part of the palace, Sun Daoping couldn't help but impart a few words of concern to Rong Shu as he took his leave from Songsi Courtyard. He urged her to ensure that Gu Changjin took his medicine diligently.

In her previous life, Rong Shu, mindful of Sun Daoping's request, woke up early and went to bed late for over a month, all to ensure that Gu Changjin could drink his warm medicinal soup every day.

There were times when he was unable to return home while attending to cases at the Ministry of Punishments, and she would personally deliver the medicine to him.

In this very life, she intends to return to the Marquisate, but alas, there is no time for such an indulgence.

In the evening, after finishing her dinner, Rong Shu carried a delicate plum blossom-shaped lacquer box and made her way to the study.

It had been several days since she last laid eyes on Gu Changjin, and her purpose in coming here today was specifically to mention tomorrow's return to the Marquis's Residence to him.

Little did she expect that Gu Changjin would bring it up himself before she could.

"I shall return to the Ministry of Punishment for my duties tomorrow. Having been convalescing these past few days, a considerable number of cases have piled up on my desk. It seems I will be occupied for quite a lengthy period. If Madam has her own affairs to attend to, please feel free to do so."

His words were like offering a pillow to someone who was already sleepy. Rong Shu readily followed his lead and said,

"I was just about to broach this matter with my lord husband," said the concubine, her words laced with grace and propriety. "Since tomorrow you must return to the yamen for your official duties, I have been considering paying a visit to my mother and father at the Marquisate. Should my lord have no objections, I shall make my way to Liùmiǎo Hall on the morrow to inform our mother of my intentions."

How could Gu Changjin possibly disagree?

Nodding gently, she said, "If you wish, you can stay for a longer period. I'll speak to your mother about it."

Known for his unwavering commitment to his words, as soon as night fell, he lit a lantern and made his way to the Six Vast Hall.

Xu Fu had yet to retire for the night; her migraines had flared up again recently, and Nanny An was massaging her temples with a homemade medicinal oil.

When Gu Changjin entered the room, Xu Fu glanced at him sidelong and asked, "Are you going back to the Ministry of Justice tomorrow?"

Gu Changjin replied, "Xu Li'er's case has been reopened, and two vice ministers are personally overseeing it. Right now is the best opportunity for me to return."

Xu Fu understood that if Gu Changjin didn't go now, all his previous efforts would end up benefiting someone else. She waved Nanny An away to prepare tea.

"Tan Siyuan isn't one to steal credit, but Vice Minister Yuan Zhou loves to bask in glory. After you return to the Ministry of Justice, don't do anything except focus on other cases. Wait until Tan Siyuan comes looking for you himself."

Gu Changjin shared the same thoughts and nodded in agreement.

Xu Fu glanced at him and continued, "When you were endangered on Changan Avenue, Nanny An thought it was not worth it for someone of your noble status to get injured for a couple of lowly women. But fortune favors the brave. Your actions were right. The fact that Xiao Yan personally sent Sun family members to heal you indicates that you have thoroughly captured his attention. When I didn't allow Doctor Wang to treat you and even prescribed medicine that worsened your internal injuries, did you hold a grudge against me?"

Chapter 19

After Gu Changjin returned from Changan Avenue with injuries, Nanny An and Doctor Wang had examined him. Although his wounds were severe, they were not fatal.

Upon Xu Fu's immediate order, his injuries were forbidden to be treated.

Chang Ji and Heng Ping were unaware that the medicinal soup prescribed by Doctor Wang would exacerbate Gu Changjin's condition. They diligently prepared every dose without missing one.

After consuming the second batch of the medicinal soup, Gu Changjin sensed something amiss.

Doctor Wang had prescribed the medicine, and he was under Xu Fu's command. Therefore, the medicine must have been instructed by Xu Fu.

However, Xu Fu wouldn't kill him—at least not yet.

In an instant, Gu Changjin grasped Xu Fu's intention. She probably wanted him to stage a melodramatic sacrifice before the entire world.

Sure enough, the next day, in front of Emperor Jia You in the Throne Room, he spit out two mouthfuls of blood and fainted.

He lifted his gaze and said calmly, "Auntie only had good intentions; she didn't want my injuries to be in vain." There was not a hint of resentment in his tone.

A deeper smile graced Xu Fu's face. Gu Changjin's words indicated that he truly understood her motives.

"Ai Nai scolds me for not worrying about you, but she doesn't understand. These wounds of yours will only have meaning if Xiao Yan sees them, if the court officials see them, and if the common folk see them. Only then will they not have been suffered for nothing. Yan'er, hardship forges character. You've always known this principle, and you've done very well this time."

Nanny An entered, lifting the curtain, and upon hearing this, she served tea to the pair with a smile. "Our mistress has never been one to lavish praise easily. For her to genuinely commend you like this, Young Master must have brought her great comfort."

Gu Changjin had always been exceptionally sharp-witted since childhood. There was no way he could be oblivious to the matters that Third Miss had instructed Doctor Wang to attend to. Nurse An had initially feared that this would create a rift between Gu Changjin and Third Miss. Now, it seemed her concern was unfounded.

Xu Fu lowered her head and smiled, gently sipping her tea with leisurely grace.

Gu Changjin waited until Xu Fu had set down her teacup before speaking again, "There is one more matter I must discuss with Aunt. Upon my return to the Ministry of Punishment, I shall likely be occupied for an extended period. Thus, I have granted Rong-shi permission to spend several days at the Marquisate."

Xu Fu lifted her gaze. "Why? Is she sulking with you? That young lady is well-mannered and shouldn't behave so unreasonably."

Gu Changjin said, "It was I who first broached this matter earlier, to which she did not initially consent. Today, I revisited the topic and mentioned my imminent return to the Ministry of Punishment; only then did she agree. On the day of Madam Rong's homecoming visit, she stayed but half a day before hastening back, leaving much to be desired. Given this, let her return to the Marquis's residence for a few days, thereby affording me some respite as well."

Xu Fu pondered for a moment before she said, "After you return to the Ministry of Justice, you must focus solely on your work. It's better for her to go back for a while so that you won't be distracted or troubled."

She knew Gu Changjin's personality well; he would never lower his guard against anyone forcefully given to him. Thus, Rong Shu's return to the Cheng'an Marquis Estate would actually allow him to concentrate on his own affairs without any distractions.

With this understanding, Xu Fu was particularly amiable when Rong Shu came to Liumo Hall the following day.

"Yunzhi mentioned this to me last night. It's unfortunate that this injury happened at such an inopportune time, spoiling your visit back home. Now that he's returning to the Ministry of Justice, he'll undoubtedly be burning the midnight oil. It's common for him to spend nights at the office. You should take this opportunity to relax at the marquis estate for a few days. Don't hold it against him; once he finishes dealing with the backlog of cases, he should have more time to accompany you."