Chapter 5: Pain, Farewell to Jiang Mubai

The morning light broke, and the day was already bright.

Gu Nanshu had not slept all night. Finally, she set down her brush and rubbed her weary brow, looking at the "Revenge Plan" she had drafted. Given her current status, it would be easy to kill Jiang Mubai, but she lacked a justification. Moreover, she was currently weak and isolated, with no real backing; if she killed him, there would be no one to protect her from the consequences, and Feng Yuxi would never let her go.

Feng Yuxi’s father was the Chief Councilor of the Imperial Court, and her mother was a Grand Princess. To cross her would be to invite the destruction of the entire Gu family. The Prince of Beichen would not help her either, as he was the Grand Princess’s own brother.

Still, it was not entirely hopeless. For now, her only path was to slowly cultivate her own influence and grow her strength, so that she might one day leverage her power to bring Jiang Mubai down completely. She already had ideas on how to build this influence, but she needed time to deliberate and ensure there were no flaws in her plan.

"My Lady?" Huantao, who had entered the hall with a basin of water, looked at the person lost in deep thought at the desk and grew anxious. She stepped closer, asking, "My Lady, surely you haven't been awake all night? What are you writing?"

She set down the basin and approached Gu Nanshu. Gu Nanshu hurriedly covered the small notebook with a book, replying calmly, "It is nothing. Go find me a change of clothes—something simple. I need to go out later."

Huantao hesitated, her eyes fixed on the object hidden beneath the book. She wondered to herself what could be hidden there. Was she writing letters to Feng Zhinian? Was the Lady planning to run away again? That couldn't be right; the Prince was so handsome. Bound by their roles as mistress and maid, Huantao dared not pry, so she turned to find the clothes.

Gu Nanshu took the opportunity to scramble and tuck the "Revenge Plan" away on her person, regaining her composure.

As Huantao rummaged through the cabinet, she said, "My Lady, I fear you won't be able to go out later. The Prince just sent word that many of the younger generation are coming to pay their respects today. He wants me to help you wash and dress so you can receive the guests."

Gu Nanshu frowned. In her past life, she disliked receiving guests, and in this life, she still despised the noise. But now that she was the Princess of Beichen, she could not act as freely as before. "Guests? Who is coming?" she asked.

"My Lady, you are the Imperial Aunt now! You and the Prince are newlyweds, so of course, the younger members of the Imperial family must come to pay their respects!"

The old Emperor had passed away years ago, and the Empress Dowager was also gone. Lu Heng was the last of the royal princes to marry. Since he had wed, the younger relatives of the imperial clan naturally wanted to see their Imperial Aunt and familiarize themselves with her.

After washing and dressing, Gu Nanshu followed Lu Heng’s personal guard, Yun Feng, to the martial arts arena in the manor.

The Prince of Beichen held two fiefs: one was the current Beichen Manor in the capital, and the other was in Wangbei City, located on the border of Beiliang. Whenever war broke out, the Prince would raise his army and head to Wangbei to hold the front lines.

Among the noble clans, there was not a single youth who did not admire the martial prowess of the Prince of Beichen. He had never lost a battle. His young admirers, both boys and girls, had flocked to the manor to see him. Beyond the gifts they brought, they had nearly trampled the threshold of the manor flat.

The Beichen Manor was exceptionally lively that day. The young men were clamoring for the Prince to teach them archery or show off his swordsmanship. Lu Heng had no choice but to order a small banquet set up in the arena, complete with fruit and wine, to host them properly.

When Gu Nanshu arrived, she heard cheers erupting from the arena. From a distance, she saw Lu Heng in white robes, holding a long sword in the center of the yard. His swordsmanship was sharp, his movements graceful yet powerful like a soaring dragon, and his techniques were so imposing that the crowd was energized, shouting their approval repeatedly.

For a moment, Gu Nanshu was completely captivated. The Prince was not only handsome but also a master of martial arts—this man was nearly perfect. However, the feeling lasted only a moment, and she continued her slow walk toward the head table.

As she scanned the crowd, her gaze suddenly locked onto a familiar figure.

It was Jiang Mubai... He was here!

Gu Nanshu froze. Her pupils dilated, and her feet felt as if they were rooted to the ground with lead. A crushing weight descended upon her chest, as if a boulder had fallen on her. The scene of that night—the night Jiang Mubai had killed her—played out vividly in her mind. She gasped for air, clutching her chest, and nearly collapsed.

"My Lady!"
"Princess!"

Huantao and Yun Feng, who were following her, rushed to support her. Huantao asked urgently, "My Lady, what is wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Feeling the support of their arms, Gu Nanshu steadied herself. She suppressed her inner turmoil, took a deep breath, and shook her head, her face pale. "I am fine. Huantao, help me over there."

"Yes, My Lady."

As she walked, Gu Nanshu kept her eyes on Jiang Mubai. Feng Yuxi sat beside him, refusing to leave his side even for a moment. She clung to his arm, whispering and laughing in his ear. Jiang Mubai smiled back at her, and the two looked inseparable.

The sight stung her heart. Gu Nanshu gripped her hands tightly, hatred surging within her. Unable to do anything, she looked away and closed her eyes, breathing deeply.

All the while, another pair of eyes had been fixed on her since she appeared, never leaving her form. The gaze was deep, intense, and unable to look away. Yet, that man could do nothing, and could only bow his head and drink in silence. That man was Feng Zhinian.

After Huantao carefully helped Gu Nanshu sit, Lu Heng finished his display, sheathing his sword with a flourish. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.

"Imperial Uncle, you are truly magnificent! This swordsmanship is divine; it’s even more beautiful than anything the immortals could perform!"

"That’s right, Uncle! When I grow up, I want to go to Wangbei with you to defend the city and be a hero!"

*Smack!*

A hand landed on Lu Yuting’s head. Someone mocked, "With your chubby frame, you want to follow the Imperial Uncle to war? First, you’d better give up those pork belly, chicken legs, and pig trotters you love so much."

Lu Yuting rubbed his head and replied, "Well, then... I suppose I won't go. I can't give those up."

"Hahaha..."

The scene drew laughter from the crowd. Lu Heng laughed as well, his smile as warm as the spring breeze, bright enough to melt hearts and heal all burdens. He sheathed his sword and tossed it to his guard, Lieyan. "Very well! When you grow up, Uncle will take you to Wangbei City."

"Thank you, Imperial Uncle!" Lu Yuting was so happy he nearly jumped.

Gu Nanshu watched this, feeling strangely infected by the warmth. It was so cozy and healing that her previously anxious and troubled heart finally calmed. But the moment her gaze shifted back to Jiang Mubai and Feng Yuxi, her emotions plummeted, as if she had been cast into the depths of the sea.

Lu Heng walked over and sat beside Gu Nanshu. No sooner had he sat down than Yun Feng leaned in and whispered a few words in his ear.

The smile vanished from Lu Heng's face. He turned to Gu Nanshu, his expression serious. "Princess, are you feeling unwell? Shall I have a palace physician examine you?"

Gu Nanshu was surprised by his concern and felt a bit overwhelmed. She smiled graciously and said, "Thank you for your concern, my Lord. I am fine; there is no need for a physician."

She had promised not to be a burden, so how could she dare to have him summon a doctor for her?