Rebirth and Rewriting Fate

After tidying up the chessboard, Gu Ruoxiao's smile faded, and she said seriously, "Yun Chu, come with me to see my imperial brother?"

"See the Emperor? Hasn't the Emperor already seen me?" Yun Chu said without looking up. At that moment, she was picking out some preserved plums from the food box. The preserved plums from Xuejiabao were really good.

“That’s different,” the person on the other end said.

"What's the difference? Aren't you all me?" Yun Chu asked, looking up at Gu Ruoxiao. She suddenly realized what he meant. Was he going to introduce her to his elders?

Yun Chu suddenly felt a little uneasy. She dropped her joking expression and asked cautiously, "Are you sure it's me?"

Gu Ruoxiao frowned slightly, her face full of confusion.

Yun Chu weakly added, "What I mean is, if after a while you find that I'm not the person you like, and all my flaws and shortcomings are exposed, will you...?"

"What could it be?" Gu Ruoxiao asked, his voice cold and tinged with anger.

Yun Chu lowered her eyes, her eyes slightly moist. Her hands unconsciously gripped her clothes. Yes, what if? What if he didn't want her anymore? But could she bear that outcome? She dared not ask. Although she had been happy with Gu Ruoxiao these past few days, a sense of uncertainty remained deep within her. She feared that Gu Ruoxiao's actions were merely a momentary impulse. Moreover, Gu Ruoxiao's cold voice made her feel inexplicably wronged.

The atmosphere froze for a moment.

"Master, Miss Yun Chu, we've arrived in the capital!" Cheng Feng, riding a horse outside the carriage, shouted loudly.

Chengfeng turned his head and suddenly saw two sharp gazes staring at him. He touched his head, not understanding why Chiwu and Mohan on the carriage were looking at him like that.

Yun Chu quickly turned around, lifted the carriage curtain, looked outside, gently exhaled, and then said, "We've arrived in the capital."

Gu Ruoxiao watched Yun Chu's retreating figure, his eyes filled with uncertainty, worry, and anger. He knew what Yun Chu hadn't said aloud—would she abandon him?

He was actually angry, angry that Yun Chu still wasn't sure about his feelings for her. He suddenly remembered that Grandma Xi Yanshan and Mo Han had both told him about Yun Chu's insecurity. What was it that made her so insecure, even preparing to withdraw before anything had even happened? What should I do? He asked himself inwardly.

Yun Chu rested her hand on the carriage window, gazing at the scenery outside to calm herself. Behind her came Gu Ruoxiao's resolute voice, "I'm certain it's you, and it can only be you."

Yun Chu tightened her grip on the windowpane, closed her eyes. It was her problem; Gu Ruoxiao had no problem at all. How could she be so cowardly? What was she afraid of? She'd always been like this, prone to worrying unnecessarily. She didn't know why, but the farther she got from the Ice Marsh, the more hazy the events that had occurred there seemed, like a dream.

The carriage entered the capital city, which remained bustling and vibrant. It was already evening, and busy people were packing up to go home. The carriage stopped in front of Qingfeng Courtyard.

Gu Ruoxiao stood up, took Yun Chu's hand, and got off the carriage. His grip on her hand was firm and unwavering. Gu Ruoxiao thought that if she didn't feel secure enough, he would keep building that sense of security until she trusted him enough to be unafraid.

Gu Ruoxiao led Yun Chu and pushed open the gate of Qingfeng Courtyard. Yun Chu tried to pull her hand away, but he held on even tighter.

The courtyard, which I left almost half a month ago, is still the same as before.

Nan Rao was cooking in the kitchen when she saw Yun Chu and rushed out, calling out, "Miss!"

Feng Xing was playing with Ping An in the courtyard when he saw the two people who suddenly appeared. Seeing their tightly clasped hands, he couldn't help but point at them and stammer, "You...you..."

"What about us?" Gu Ruoxiao asked, raising an eyebrow.

Perhaps recalling the scene of his master punishing him, Feng Xing immediately changed to a smile and said obsequiously, "Then can I come to Qingfeng Courtyard openly from now on?"

Yun Chu chuckled, instantly feeling relieved.

Feng Xing hurriedly turned and rushed to his good buddy to congratulate him. Nan Rao and Zhu Ling were hugging each other and crying tears of joy in front of the kitchen door. Xu Li, on the other hand, was standing in front of the storeroom carrying a bag of corn, grinning foolishly.

Gu Ruoxiao held Yun Chu's hand and said, "I've been away from the capital for too long. I have to go to the palace later, so I probably won't be able to come out tonight. I'll come to see you again tomorrow. If you need anything, just have Mo Han look for me."

Yun Chu nodded.

"I won't force you to see my brother. We have plenty of time in the future." Gu Ruoxiao smoothed the stray hairs from Yun Chu's forehead.

"And also..." Gu Ruoxiao paused. Yun Chu looked at him, puzzled.

"Go and return the jade bracelet."

Yun Chu couldn't help but smile, "Okay."

"Let's go tomorrow!"

"Okay," Yun Chu said helplessly.

After seeing Gu Ruoxiao off, the gate to Qingfeng Courtyard was locked, and everyone gathered around, chattering and making quite a scene.

At night, after Yun Chu finished washing up, she sat in front of her dressing table, looking at the jade bracelet in front of her and thinking that she should really return it. She couldn't keep keeping it to herself.

The next morning, Yun Chu took Mo Han to Luo Yan's residence.

This was Yun Chu's first time visiting Luo Yan's residence; she had declined Luo Yan's invitations before.

Luo Yan's mansion, like the man himself, is fresh and natural. The interior decoration is simple and not luxurious, but it gives people a sense of tranquility.

Upon hearing the servant's report that Yun Chu had arrived, Luo Yan hurried over.

"Why are you here? If you need anything, just let someone know and I'll come see you," Luo Yan said, sweating profusely as she ran.

"Have some tea first, you're covered in sweat," Yun Chu said, unable to bear it.

"Please sit down, please sit down," Luo Yan hurriedly invited, and the servant quickly handed his master some water.

"I went to Qingfeng Courtyard a few days ago and heard that you went on a long trip. Are you doing well?" Luo Yan asked with concern.

“It’s fine.” Yun Chu decided to get straight to the point. “I came today to return this to you.” Yun Chu took out the jade bracelet and placed it on the table.

Upon seeing the jade bracelet, Luo Yan felt a void in his heart. He smiled bitterly and said, "Have you made a decision so quickly? Won't you reconsider?"

"I'm sorry, Luo Yan." Yun Chu lowered her head.

Luo Yan smiled wryly, then after a moment, he asked, "Have you chosen him?"

Yun Chu looked up at him.

"After you left, I sent people to keep an eye on you. Yesterday someone told me that they saw the Prince leading you down from the carriage and escorting you back to Qingfeng Courtyard."

Yun Chuyi didn't know what to say for a moment.

"Can't you give me a chance?" Luo Yan asked, her voice pleading. "I will treat you better than the prince did."

Yun Chu looked at him, her face full of apology, "I'm sorry, Luo Yan."

Luo Yan smiled wryly, "I'm late, aren't I?"

"Luo Yan, you will meet someone better in the future."

“But that person isn’t you.” Luo Yan’s words were filled with sorrow.

Yun Chu didn't know what to say to make up for her apology.

"Yun Chu, I respect your choice. But liking someone is my own business, and you don't need to feel sorry for me," Luo Yan said with a smile. "We're still friends, right?"

Yun Chu looked up at him and nodded heavily.