Chapter 289: Chapter 289: Preparing to Enter the Capital

“Yun No. 14, what should we do with Xi Chenqing?”

An No. 60 brought in a woman, tossing her at Yun No. 14’s feet.

Yun No. 14 looked at the disfigured woman. This was the woman who once forced their Lady to jump into the Heavenly Pit and caused tremendous suffering for their Master. He kicked her. He had been one of the ten men who jumped into the Heavenly Pit with Xiao Yunjing back then; he knew the whole story very well. Their Lady was such a good person; thankfully, the heavens protected her. They had healed their injuries in the Space, and later, all ten of them had consumed lotus seeds from the Lady’s Space. Their powers had increased by more than just a little. Afterward, they returned to Qiyang County with their Master and Lady and fought alongside their Master.

The ten of them had long regarded Xiao Yunjing and Gu Qingli as family, not merely as master and subordinates. This was especially true for Yun No. 300 and Yun No. 301. Those two had already stopped breathing, but the Lady had stubbornly refused to give up on them, soaking them in a pool in the Space and ultimately snatching their lives back. From then on, the two of them were absolutely devoted to their Master and Lady. No one could show the slightest disrespect towards their Master and Lady, or those two would kill them on the spot. This time, the two of them had not come out, staying behind in Qinghe Village to protect the Lady.

Yun No. 14 scoffed, “I never thought you’d see a day like this, you venomous woman!”

Xi Chenqing struggled to lift her head and look at Yun No. 14. She gave a bitter smile and said, “Actually, I never expected it either. This must be my retribution.”

“So you know it’s your retribution. The heavens see all.”

Xi Chenqing chuckled derisively and asked, “How are the people of the Baiyue Clan?”

Yun No. 14 replied, “Of course, they are doing well. Did you think everyone is like your father and your master—beasts, not even human?”

Xi Chenqing was taken aback. She had thought Xiao Yunjing would kill the people of the Baiyue Clan. She lowered her gaze and whispered, “My father… he should be gone by now, right?”

“Him? That beast! Not killing him would have been an injustice to those villagers they used for raising Gu insects. It was truly barbaric.” Even though they were accustomed to slaughter, the inhuman methods of raising Gu still made their hearts pound with fear.

“You know what you need to know. Be on your way.” Yun No. 14 waved his hand, and Yun No. 60 took the woman away.

Xi Chenqing died with a smile on her face. She was finally free. Before her death, she had thought, How wonderful it would have been if I had never met Xiao Yunjing. I hope I’m not reborn as a human in my next life. Being human is too painful.

In the imperial court, after Qingchen was covered from head to toe in wounds, Xiao Yunjing swung his sword at Qingchen’s neck, but he didn’t cut all the way through.

“I… I have lost!” Qingchen declared, sinking to one knee and supporting himself with his sword, using every last bit of his strength to speak.

The next day, Chu Xiong issued an edict deposing the King of Qing, causing an uproar in the Capital City. The day after, Chu Xiong issued another imperial edict, passing the throne to the late Emperor’s Ninth Prince, Xiao Yunjing—no, he was now Chu Yunjing. The Capital City was in an uproar once more.

The letter stated that Chu Yunjing had not ascended the throne immediately; he was waiting for her arrival to choose an auspicious day. Gu Qingli’s heart swelled with sweetness as she read the letter. Xiao Yunjing wanted her to witness such a momentous occasion with him.

Thinking of going to the Capital City, Gu Qingli went to Ms. Wu’s place to ask if she wanted to go back for a visit.

“Li’er, you’re here! Come, sit,” Ms. Wu said, moving the brazier a little closer to her.

“Alright, Mother. Where’s Father?” Gu Qingli asked as she sat down.

Ms. Wu let Gu Qingyu go off to play by herself and sat opposite Gu Qingli before saying, “He went to your second grand-uncle’s house. He said he wants to buy some more farmland.”

Gu Qingli nodded. “Mother, we’re planning to go to the Capital City in a few days. Would you like to go back?”

Ms. Wu was taken aback. She hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. “I’m living very well here, so I won’t go back.”

She hadn’t been back for so many years. Where would she even go? In the eyes of those relatives, she was a dead person. Returning so abruptly would be truly awkward. It would have been one thing if she hadn’t remarried, but now, with a son and daughter, how would she face Huan’er and her other relatives if she went back? It would mean worries on both sides. It’s better to make a clean break than to prolong the pain. I won’t go back.

“When are you leaving, Li’er?” Although she wasn’t going back to the Capital City, she wanted to talk to Gu Qingli about Li Huan’er and ask for her help to check on her.

As for my parents… best to forget it. They probably aren’t around anymore; their health was already poor back then. Twenty years have passed; the chances of them still being alive are slim. In any case, I’ve been unfilial for nearly twenty years. If I were to go back and they were still alive, that would be one thing; I could atone a little and see them one last time. But if they’re gone, it would only add to the sorrow. Not being filial while they were alive, and then trying to be filial after they’re dead—that’s just laughable.

“I’m not sure yet,” Gu Qingli replied. She could understand Ms. Wu’s reluctance to return to the Capital City. For someone who had been missing for almost twenty years to suddenly return—so much would have changed, things and people alike. Going back would only bring fresh sorrow.

“Oh. Li’er, when you get back to the Capital City, if… if you have time, could you please go and see Huan’er?” Ms. Wu asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.

Should I tell her that Li Huan’er has already passed away? Gu Qingli hesitated.

“What’s wrong?” Ms. Wu noticed her hesitation, thinking she was unwilling.

“Mother, do you miss Li Huan’er very much?” Gu Qingli wanted to gauge how much affection Ms. Wu still held for Li Huan’er before deciding whether to break the news.

Ms. Wu nodded. “She is my daughter too. She was so young when she lost her mother; life must not have been easy for her. If her father remarried and brought home a stepmother, things would have been even harder for her.”

Gu Qingli understood. “Alright. She’s older than me, so she’s probably married by now. When I arrive in the Capital City, I’ll ask around and then write to let you know.”

Ms. Wu smiled. “Then I’ll have to trouble you, Li’er. Also, when you see your mother, please tell her I’m sorry on my behalf.”

“Okay, I’ll be sure to pass on the message.” Gu Qingli pursed her lips. Knowing her own mother’s nature, forgiving Ms. Wu would be impossible.

Before Gu Qingli left, she prepared a dowry for Gu Qingyu. Now that she was going to the Capital City, there was no telling when she would have time to return. Girls in the village married young, so she decided to give it to her in advance.

Afterward, Gu Qingli paid another visit to the Village Chief’s house, explaining the method for constructing greenhouses and leaving some chili pepper seeds. The sweet potato vines had already been delivered by members of the Secret Sect the previous year. The village was now cultivating medicinal materials, rice, and sweet potatoes. With the addition of greenhouses and chili peppers, as long as the people of Qinghe Village weren’t lazy, they were sure to prosper.

Once these matters and her family affairs were settled, the people from the Secret Sect arrived. Wuqing, Wushuang, and Wuxin, the three women, had also been recalled by Xiao Yunjing. In total, there were as many as sixty people, both overt and covert, assigned to protect her. Gu Qingli chided Xiao Yunjing for making such a fuss, bringing so many people just to protect her. As for the three little ones, it went without saying they were safely tucked away in the Space.

“Miss, please don’t think it’s too many,” Wuqing pouted while packing. “The Young Master is just worried about you. It’s a long journey, and who knows what kinds of wicked creatures we might encounter on the road.”

“You sure have a way with words,” Gu Qingli said, pinching Wuqing’s cheek.

“It’s true! It’s better to be safe than sorry,” Wushuang added.

“Yes, yes, you’re both right. By the way, Wuxin, please go and call Gu Qingmei for me.”

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