Rebirth and Rewriting Fate

On the morning after Gu Yijing's fourth birthday celebration, sunlight streamed through the window and gently fell on his little face, gilding his tender features with a golden glow.

He was wearing the new clothes his parents had carefully chosen and given him the day before. The embroidery on the clothes was exquisite and delicate, and every stitch contained his parents' endless love and blessings for him. He excitedly ran to Jingxuan Courtyard, looking forward to sharing this joy, but found the courtyard quiet. The usually lively scene was now deserted, leaving only a desolate place.

A sense of unease and loss welled up in his young heart. Then, a loud cry, like that of a pig being slaughtered, shattered the tranquility of the palace. It was his childish and helpless outburst, as if he wanted to turn all his grievances and confusion into this cry.

"Stop crying!" Gu Yiyao strode in, whip in one hand and apple in the other. Her face showed a hint of impatience, but her eyes held a subtle concern.

Hearing Gu Yiyao's voice, Gu Yijing cried even harder, wiping away his tears as he complained, "Second sister, Father and Mother abandoned us and went off to play!" His voice was full of grievance, and his small body trembled slightly from crying.

Seeing her younger brother's heartbroken appearance, Gu Yiyao's heart softened, but she still felt that her brother was crying too much. "What's there to cry about? You have to go to school, and your parents don't need to."

"Big brother!" As soon as Gu Yichen stepped across the threshold, Gu Yijing rushed forward as if he had found a savior, seeking comfort.

"Stop crying." Gu Yichen picked at his ear; his younger brother's voice was too loud. "Have you done the homework the teacher assigned the other day?"

"Wow!" Gu Yijing cried even harder upon hearing this.

Meanwhile, the parents of the three children were standing on the bow of a boat, enjoying the gentle breeze on their faces, and the shimmering river surface sparkling with golden light under the sunlight.

"Are you scared?" Gu Ruoxiao asked, her arms around Yun Chu.

Yun Chu shook his head.

"You're afraid of water, yet you still insist on taking a boat." Gu Ruoxiao was a little annoyed.

"Waterway is faster," Yun Chu said with an embarrassed smile.

"Do you think things will happen at home if we just leave like this? Jing'er will definitely make a scene, and I wonder if Chen'er and Yao'er will be angry?" Yun Chu asked with some concern.

"Don't worry. It's only been a few hours since we came out, and you've already mentioned the children five times."

I already told Chen'er last night that he will take good care of his younger siblings. He can handle Yao'er and Jing'er.

Besides, Xiheng is with Chen'er, and both of them are quite skilled in martial arts, so they'll be fine. Yao'er's whip skills are so good that no child under ten in the capital can beat her; she's currently pestering Chiwu to teach her a new whip technique. As for Jing'er, needless to say, it's good enough if he doesn't bully others.

Don't worry, Chengfeng and Chiwu are here to keep things under control; the children will be fine.

"Hmm." Thinking of Chiwu and Chengfeng staying behind, Yun Chu felt a little more at ease. She turned her head slightly to look at Jingzhe and Mangzhong, which were facing away from them, while Mo Han was standing at the stern guarding them.

Mo Han has been feeling inexplicably irritable lately. Sui Bo has been hanging around her a lot lately, and he brought her something again when he returned from his mission, something that young girls like.

While cursing whoever liked this stuff, she carefully packed it into the box, secretly pleased. She hadn't played with these girly trinkets when she was younger, and sometimes she was so captivated by them that they seemed to fill a void from her youth. Then she realized with a start that Sui Bo had been bringing her things on every mission over the past few years, and before she knew it, she had almost filled a whole box.

She was somewhat dazed, and vaguely felt that something was wrong. For example, when Sui Bo went on another mission a couple of days ago, she actually started to expect him to bring her something back.

She felt things were getting out of her control, so she became agitated. She could have chosen not to go on this trip with the prince and princess, but she wanted to get away from those chaotic thoughts. Besides, Sui Bo would be back in a couple of days, and she was somewhat reluctant and afraid to see him. At this moment, she stood at the stern of the boat, her face expressionless, staring blankly at the river.

Yun Chu knew all this, but she smiled without saying a word. Although she hoped Mo Han could be happy and loved, she didn't want to pressure her. She wanted Mo Han to think things through herself. If Mo Han was willing to talk to her, she would be completely open with her. If Mo Han was willing to marry, she would prepare a generous dowry for her; if not, she would keep her by her side for life, regardless of what others said.

Seeing the way Yun Chuchao looked back, Gu Ruoxiao said in a low voice, "Don't worry, Suibo is reliable."

Yun Chu's eyes lit up with surprise, "You figured it out?"

“Well, a few days ago, Sui Bo came to ask me to marry Mo Han. I told him that he had to get Mo Han’s consent first.” Gu Ruoxiao said, resting her chin on Yun Chu’s shoulder.

"Hmm, I think Mo Han might not have thought it through yet, or she might not have realized it."

“She may have realized it, but she just hasn’t figured it out yet,” Gu Ruoxiao said. “Don’t worry, let nature take its course, I’ll take care of everything.”

Yun Chu leaned against Gu Ruoxiao's chest, feeling his solid and warm presence, like a mountain she could rely on, making her feel incredibly safe and content. The setting sun was slowly sinking in the distance, its golden rays filling the entire sky and dyeing the clouds a vibrant orange-red, a breathtakingly beautiful sight.

"You brought out the Awakening of Insects and Grain in Ear this time?"

"Yes, they are both quite young and need more experience. The Black Rider Guard should also train new recruits."

"Life is so good now," Yun Chu thought. She tilted her head slightly, her gaze falling gently on the man bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun.

His face appeared exceptionally soft in the sunset's glow, his deep eyes seemingly holding the stars and the sea, sparkling with dazzling light. A slight upturn at the corners of his lips formed a captivating smile, a smile as warm as the sun, illuminating every corner of her heart.

With him around, she felt truly at ease. Looking at him, a surge of emotion and sweetness welled up within her. He was the person she loved, the person she was willing to spend her life protecting and accompanying. By his side, she felt an unprecedented happiness and contentment, as if the whole world had become a better place because of him.

Yun Chu thought to herself, it's so wonderful that she was able to meet Gu Ruoxiao and be with her in this second life. She subconsciously said, "Ruoxiao, it's so good to have you."

"Mmm," he responded gently, pulling her closer.

After hesitating for a moment, Yun Chu said, "I want to kiss you."

"Hmm?" Gu Ruoxiao looked down at her.

Yun Chu tiptoed and lightly pecked Gu Ruoxiao's lips, smiling gently, "Just one peck."

"Yun Chu, I want to kiss you too." A magnetic voice came from beside me.

Yun Chu turned to look at him.

“But I want more than just one.” As soon as she finished speaking, Gu Ruoxiao covered Yun Chu’s lips with hers.

They kissed in the afterglow of the setting sun.

It sprinkled a shimmering, romantic light that was breathtaking.

【End of text】

[Side Story Begins]