RPAGF Chapter 175 If I go back, the condition is that I leave you.
Chapter 175 If I go back, the condition is that I leave you.
As Gu Cheng'an watched Gu Chengyan's figure disappear into the mansion gate, a wave of bitterness welled up in his heart.
The slowly closing vermilion gate kept him outside.
He slowly turned around, the moonlight shining on him, casting a long shadow that made him appear exceptionally lonely.
Exhausted, Gu Cheng'an returned to his home with Du Ruoling.
The room was dimly lit, with only a lone lamp casting a faint glow that illuminated his haggard face.
Upon hearing the commotion, Du Ruoling immediately ran out from the inner room.
Seeing Gu Cheng'an's distraught appearance, she threw herself into his arms without hesitation, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.
"Cheng'an, I was wrong. What I just said was all a lie, not from the heart."
Gu Cheng'an froze, a complex emotion flashing in his previously empty eyes.
He did not respond to Du Ruoling's embrace, but simply stood quietly, letting her cry in his arms.
Recalling the days when they had a major argument every five days and a minor argument every three days, Gu Cheng'an felt bitter.
Just half an hour ago, Du Ruoling became emotional and spoke recklessly.
"You're nothing but a piece of trash! You can't even lift a sword or carry a weapon; you only get by because of your birth. Now that you're no longer with the Marquis's mansion, you're nothing, you can't even support a woman!"
Those words were like sharp blades, piercing straight into his heart.
"Do you like me, or your status as a young master of a marquis's family?" Gu Cheng'an asked the question he had kept hidden for so long.
"Of course I love you. You know I'm different from those young ladies from wealthy families. I don't care about status or position; I only care about you as a person."
Du Ruoling raised her head and gently stroked Gu Cheng'an's face, trying to smooth away the worry between his brows.
"All those hurtful things I said before were lies."
Du Ruoling's voice trembled slightly, choked with sobs, "I worry about daily necessities and live hand to mouth. I'm anxious and angry, which is why I said those awful things without thinking."
"Don't take it to heart, okay?"
Gu Cheng'an looked at her with a complicated expression, the disappointment in his eyes not completely gone: "Ling'er, the arguments these days have made me start to doubt whether our relationship is really as strong as I thought."
He sighed softly, his voice low and weary, "I gave up the comfortable life in the Marquis's mansion for you, but all I got in return was endless arguments and accusations."
"I know I was wrong, Cheng'an, I really know I was wrong, please forgive me for a little while."
Gu Cheng'an remained silent, recalling the moments they had shared and fallen in love.
The sweetness and beauty of the past are now intertwined with the arguments and conflicts of today, leaving him somewhat dazed.
After a long while, Gu Cheng'an slowly raised his hand and gently patted Du Ruoling's back, his voice still slightly hoarse: "Ling'er, I hope you will keep your word."
This is the last time...
Du Ruoling nestled in his arms and gently asked, "Where did you go? Why are you back so late?"
Gu Cheng'an was slightly taken aback, and after a moment of silence, he said, "I went to the Marquis's residence."
When the Marquis of Anyang's residence was mentioned, his voice unconsciously lowered.
"Do you want to go back?"
Gu Cheng'an slowly lowered his head, his wisps of hair falling across his forehead and obscuring his eyes. "You want me to go back."
Du Ruoling sighed softly, "The Marquis's mansion is full of your family. Family ties cannot be severed. If you apologize to the Marquis and admit your mistake, he will definitely forgive you."
These days they are living worse than when they were nameless and without status in the Marquis's mansion.
She failed in several business ventures; those ancient people had no foresight...
"If I go back, the condition is that I leave you."
Upon hearing this, Du Ruoling stiffened abruptly. "Cheng'an, will you abandon me?"
"Won't……"
Chu Ruohan had just returned to Hongmeng Academy when Zheng Lin followed her there.
"Brother!" The childish voice broke the tranquility of the courtyard. Gu Yun, like a joyful little deer, rushed out of the house and threw himself into Zheng Lin's arms.
Zheng Lin caught Gu Yun steadily, a doting smile on his face, and gently patted his head.
"Nan'er, I've missed my brother so much..."
Chu Ruohan then learned that Gu Yun's real name was Zheng Huainan.
Zheng Lin looked at Chu Ruohan, his eyes full of gratitude: "Princess Consort, thank you for taking such good care of my brother these days. I am deeply grateful."
"His Majesty already expressed his gratitude at the palace banquet just now." Gu Junze's tone was not friendly.
"That may be true, but my brother has been bothering your household for quite some time. If it weren't for the kindness and gentle care of the Crown Prince's wife, I really can't imagine what kind of situation it would have been."
Chu Ruohan bowed slightly, "Your Majesty is too kind. Yun'er is well-behaved and clever, and we get along very well. It's nothing to ask for any great favor."
Zheng Lin smiled knowingly. "The Crown Prince's wife is indeed kind-hearted and beautiful."
He took a small step forward, a hint of frivolity flashing in his eyes. "If my lady could visit Zheng, I would personally accompany her and let her experience the customs and culture of Zheng. Would my lady be willing to do me the honor?"
Upon hearing this, Gu Junze's face instantly darkened, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes. He was doing this on purpose.
"Your Majesty, please be careful with your words. My wife's status is special, and it may not be appropriate for her to go to Zheng."
Chu Ruohan was startled, but remained calm on the surface. "Thank you for your kind invitation, Your Majesty. I am used to staying at home and may find it difficult to adapt to a long journey. I hope Your Majesty will understand."
Zheng Lin seemed not to hear him, and chuckled lightly, his laughter carrying a hint of amusement: "Madam, there's no need to be so reserved. I was just joking."
"It's just that the Lady and the Emperor get along very well, which I really envy. If the Lady could go to Zheng, the Emperor would surely be even happier."
As he spoke, he fiddled with the jade pendant at his waist, but his eyes darted down to examine Gu Junze's legs.
"I have long heard that the Crown Prince is ill and has difficulty walking. Our Zheng Kingdom has many talented people who can surely cure the Crown Prince's leg."
"No need," Gu Junze coldly refused.
Even the little guy noticed that his father was unhappy.
She peeked out from Zheng Lin's embrace and tugged at his sleeve, "Royal brother..."
Zheng Lin lowered his head, his expression softening. "Nan'er, pack your things and come back to the country with your brother."
Upon hearing this, Gu Yun's smile vanished instantly, her brows furrowed tightly, and she gripped Zheng Lin's sleeves tightly with both hands, shrinking back.
"Brother, I don't want to leave. I want to stay here a few more days."
The little guy's eyes gradually reddened, and his voice trembled with a hint of crying.
He couldn't bear to part with his mother, his father, or even with Xuan-ge and Sister Haitang...
After he went back, he never saw them again...