Rebirth and Rewriting Fate

Gu Ruoxiao looked at Dongfang Yunche as if he had become a different person. His eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a deep and complex scrutiny.

“Tell us about the Crown Prince’s conspiracy in Da Jin, and we’ll help you develop trade routes to aid your succession,” Yun Chu said, glancing at Gu Ruoxiao.

In truth, Yun Chu felt a little guilty. By doing this, she had dragged Gu Ruoxiao into the mess, onto her pirate ship, and tied the three of them together. But now she couldn't care less. She didn't want to leave Kyoto. With Gu Ruoxiao around, Dongfang Yunche shouldn't be able to take her away so easily.

“Half,” Dongfang Yunche said slowly and deliberately.

"Half of what?" Yun Chu asked, puzzled.

"You only answered half of my suggestion." Dongfang Yunche stared intently at Yun Chu, as if he wouldn't give up until he got an answer.

Yun Chu looked away; she knew what he was asking.

There was no going back, Yun Chu sighed inwardly. Subconsciously, as if drawn by an invisible force, she involuntarily grabbed Gu Ruoxiao's hand, which was placed under the table.

At that moment, the icy touch on his wrist startled Gu Ruoxiao, as if he had been gently touched by a sudden chill. He subconsciously looked down, his gaze falling on his wrist, where slender fingers were unconsciously resting on his. However, what puzzled him even more was that Yun Chu's fingertips were unusually cold, exuding a chill that didn't belong to this season. He couldn't help but frown slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of concern and confusion.

"I've already said, I won't go to Dongchi. I am the Regent's Consort." Yun Chu mustered her courage to say this in front of Gu Ruoxiao, using this identity as a pretext. After all, she was the one who didn't want the position of consort, yet now she had to use him. She hoped that even if Gu Ruoxiao didn't remember her, he would not expose her because she was once his wife.

"Is that so?" Dongfang Yunche said with a half-smile.

His words made Yun Chu swallow nervously, feeling guilty. Dongfang Yunche knew that he and Gu Ruoxiao were not on good terms. Feeling the warmth of his touch, Yun Chu realized she was holding Gu Ruoxiao's hand. She was somewhat flustered. She was the one who wanted a divorce, and now she would likely have to deflect Dongfang Yunche's questions. Gu Ruoxiao just needed to remain silent.

Just as Yun Chu was about to withdraw her hand and speak, she found her hand being grasped in a large palm. The warm palm instantly enveloped her cold fingertips, carrying a silent comfort and strength. Then she heard the voice beside her, "My queen will not go anywhere; she will only stay by my side." Gu Ruoxiao's tone was firm and left no room for argument.

Gu Ruoxiao felt his hand being gently squeezed. He was slightly startled, then turned to look at his side, only to see Yun Chu's grateful expression. Looking into her bright eyes, a complex emotion welled up in his heart. He was somewhat taken aback; this girl was too easy to please. After what he had done that night, she was still grateful to him.

After a moment of silence, Dongfang Yunche looked at Yun Chu and asked, "Yun Chu, have you made up your mind?"

Although she didn't quite understand why Dongfang Yunche kept asking her this question, Yun Chu continued, "I've said it several times, I won't go to Dongchi."

Dongfang Yunche nodded and said, "Alright, I'll let you off this time. I'll come back to question you when I'm in power." With that, Dongfang Yunche raised an eyebrow at Gu Ruoxiao in a provocative manner.

Yun Chu felt Gu Ruoxiao's grip on her hand tighten, so she gently patted it to comfort him. A short while later, his hand finally loosened, and Yun Chu pulled her hand away.

"Now let's talk about... how you plan to help me?" Dongfang Yunche paused for a moment, then looked at the two people opposite him and smiled.

For the next hour, Gu Ruoxiao and Dongfang Yunche did most of the talking. Their conversation was like a battle of wits, every word sharp and to the point. However, Yun Chu felt quite capable that the two could coexist peacefully at the same table. Fortunately, she only needed to help find business people; she could leave everything else to Gu Ruoxiao. With him around, she didn't need to worry about so much.

Therefore, as they discussed, Yun Chu's gaze lingered between the two men. Both were outstanding individuals, talented young men, handsome and elegant, not only exceptionally gifted but also strikingly good-looking, unforgettable at first glance. The more Yun Chu looked at them, the more she liked them, and the more she felt like an outsider. Stop! She pinched herself, stopping her chaotic thoughts.

But when Yun Chu pinched herself hard, her exclamation of "Ouch!" interrupted the two people who were talking, and they both turned to look at her. Seeing them looking at her, Yun Chu smiled awkwardly, "You two continue, you two continue, there were mosquitoes just now."

After a brief silence, Dongfang Yunche chuckled, "Little Yun Chu, little Yun Chu, you still lie without thinking, just like when you were little." With that, he reached out to touch Yun Chu's head.

The next second, Gu Ruoxiao put her arm around Yun Chu's shoulder and stepped back, avoiding Dongfang Yunche's hand.

Gu Ruoxiao's eyes were full of warning, "I urge the Seventh Prince to have some self-respect."

"It's alright." Dongfang Yunche wasn't annoyed at all, and had a smiling face, which was completely different from his ruthless image in the eyes of outsiders.

"Since today's matter has been settled, we will not disturb you any longer. We hope that the Seventh Prince will make arrangements as soon as possible after returning." Gu Ruoxiao cupped his hands, stood up, and prepared to leave.

"Are you going back?" Yun Chu was a little surprised. She hadn't listened carefully to their conversation; she was lost in her own thoughts.

"Well, we're going back now, leaving tomorrow. What's wrong? Little Yun Chu, you're reluctant to leave?" Dongfang Yun Che teased. "If you're reluctant, come with me, how about it?"

"Dongfang Yunche!" Seeing his grinning face, Yun Chu said angrily, stood up and left.

Yun Chu, who was following Gu Ruoxiao to the door, suddenly stopped. She looked at Gu Ruoxiao and said, "Could you wait for me downstairs for a while? I have something to say to Dongfang Yunche."

Gu Ruoxiao looked up and saw Dongfang Yunche leaning lazily against the back of his chair, one arm casually draped over the armrest, his fingers lightly tapping the wooden surface, making a rhythmic sound. Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing him in a soft golden glow, but it couldn't conceal the defiant glint in his deep eyes, and a playful smile curled at the corner of his lips.

His eyes flickered, but he finally said, "Okay." Then he turned and left.

Yun Chu did indeed have things to say and questions to ask. Dongfang Yunche's mention of their childhood, and his calling her "Little Yun Chu," made her feel that she had some connection with him in the past. But she couldn't remember anything about it. His inexplicable feelings for her also confused Yun Chu. And since he was going back to Dongchi, not understanding this situation made Yun Chu restless and unable to eat or sleep.