Thus, the barrier between Gu Hongjian and Lin Size just disappeared because of a single incidence
of drunkenness.
of drunkenness.
When GuHongjian awoke, she found herself inside Lin Size's Zhang Gan Palace.
And Lin Size was already awake, gazing at her, with a soft gaze.
Even though Gu Hongjian still had a earth shattering secret, one that she could not help but think
about, but at this moment, Lin Size gave her a soft kiss. she felt that she should first get through the
present situation.
about, but at this moment, Lin Size gave her a soft kiss. she felt that she should first get through the
present situation.
She would need to cover her eyes to face what would come next.
Gu Hongjian managed to demonstrate a rare sense of a little girl's embarrassment, curling herself up
tightly in the blanket, not letting him mention a single thing that happened last night, while hurriedly
rushing Lin Size to groom himself. Only after LinSize had finished, did she go to bathe.
tightly in the blanket, not letting him mention a single thing that happened last night, while hurriedly
rushing Lin Size to groom himself. Only after LinSize had finished, did she go to bathe.
And upon seeing JiangHaifu, Gu Hongjian demonstrated a rare sense of utter awkwardness, while
JiangHaifu acted absolutely oblivious, only knowing that the two could have been counted as having
consummated their relationship. Wholly happily looking at Gu Hongjian, it was as if the words of
Happiness and Joy were etched across his face.
JiangHaifu acted absolutely oblivious, only knowing that the two could have been counted as having
consummated their relationship. Wholly happily looking at Gu Hongjian, it was as if the words of
Happiness and Joy were etched across his face.
This ended up upsetting Gu Hongjian, who interrogated: "What's there to look at?"
JiangHaifu: "Ehh.... Congratulations to official Gu."
Gu Hongjian stared, her eyes agape, as her ears slowly tinged with red, and said: "Congratulations
for what! Speaking rubbish..."
for what! Speaking rubbish..."
JiangHaifu said: "Ah? But, you and the emperor... speaking of this, what should this little one call
you in the future? Censor Gu? Assistant Gu? Official Gu? Or... Consort?"
you in the future? Censor Gu? Assistant Gu? Official Gu? Or... Consort?"
LinSize happened to enter, hearing Jiang Haifu's question, he answered with a slight smile, "It's
actually a good question."
actually a good question."
Gu Hongjian: "...."
Gu Hongjian spared Lin Size a slightly uncomfortable glance, saying, "How come you're here? It's
not a holiday today...."
not a holiday today...."
She originally thought Lin Size would have to attend court, and that's why she didn't rise from bed.
A moment ago, when JiangHaifu arrived, she was still a little suspicious-- how come Lin Size went to
attend court, but Jiang Haifu was still here?
attend court, but Jiang Haifu was still here?
Turns out he didn't leave.
Lin Size stated: "Not attending today."
Gu Hongjian didn't think there was much of a problem, only muttering a single "Oh." Then calmly
bullying Jiang Haifu with the words: "How about you shut up."
bullying Jiang Haifu with the words: "How about you shut up."
But LinSize ended up standing on Jiang Haifu's side: "The question he just asked isn't wrong. What
imperial name do you want?"
imperial name do you want?"
This was making her make the decision.
Gu Hongjian pondered for a moment, then calmly replied: "Let's just call me Official Gu as in the past."
".....Ah?" JiangHaifu stared blankly.
LinSize lightly said, "You leave first."
JianHaifu understood that the two were probably going to fight again, so wiping his sweat, he
acknowledged the command, and retreated.
acknowledged the command, and retreated.
LinSize sincerely asked, "Why?"
"Ah? What why?" Gu Hongjian pretended to be clueless.
LinSize said: "Enter the palace, become the empress."
Although Gu Hongjian knew that Lin Size wanted to let her enter the harem, but she didn't think that
he would actually want her to become empress, so she was slightly shocked, before repeating:
"Empress?"
he would actually want her to become empress, so she was slightly shocked, before repeating:
"Empress?"
"Otherwise, what?" LinSize glanced at her, "I've said it before, I want you to always stand by my side.
Although back in the day, when I originally said this, I hadn't thought that it would be this meaning,
but now, the position of empress, other than you, I haven't thought of anyone else."
Although back in the day, when I originally said this, I hadn't thought that it would be this meaning,
but now, the position of empress, other than you, I haven't thought of anyone else."
Gu Hongjian couldn't but admit that she had been deeply touched, but she still shook her head,
saying "Let's just cancel this arrangement. What an empress needs is to mother the world.
Look at me, do you think I am fit for such a role?"
saying "Let's just cancel this arrangement. What an empress needs is to mother the world.
Look at me, do you think I am fit for such a role?"
"Fit." LinSize answered firmly.
Gu Hongjian "....."
Really. Only this guy can say those words out of his mouth.
Gu Hongjian was a little bit impatient, saying: "No way.... I don't want to enter the harem."
"Why?" LinSize, although a little bit unhappy, still asked while holding back his emotions.
Gu Hongjian was a little tempted to reveal the real reason, but she managed to control herself,
saying: "It doesn't matter how you think, I'm not fit for staying in the harem, to obediently be your
consort.... or even the empress for that matter? You understand my personality, I don't like that
lifestyle."
saying: "It doesn't matter how you think, I'm not fit for staying in the harem, to obediently be your
consort.... or even the empress for that matter? You understand my personality, I don't like that
lifestyle."
"The harem will only have you. The way you want it to be will be the way it will be. It won't be any
different from the past." Lin Size replied.
different from the past." Lin Size replied.
GuHongjian looked at LinSize, the more her heart was moved by his words, the more she felt a sliver
of pain in the depths of her heart.
of pain in the depths of her heart.
She moved her lips, saying: "But I don't like it that way. Right now, I'm in the imperial court, at least I
have many things to do. In the harem, I can only stare off into space. You don't need to say anything
for me to do things that I want to do. You know that things can't entirely stay the same."
have many things to do. In the harem, I can only stare off into space. You don't need to say anything
for me to do things that I want to do. You know that things can't entirely stay the same."
LinSize thought for a moment, before respond: "This reason is a bit too forced, I don't approve."
GuHongjian answered: "Zuo Ning Yan"
These three words were really convenient to use. Right after she had said them, LinSize's
countenance quickly changed, before answering: "What?"
countenance quickly changed, before answering: "What?"
"She's the one who originally was supposed to be the empress in your heart, right?" Gu Hongjian
looked at him, saying, "Except she passed away, thus I have the opportunity to take her position, right?
But unfortunately, I don't want things this way."
looked at him, saying, "Except she passed away, thus I have the opportunity to take her position, right?
But unfortunately, I don't want things this way."
LinSize answered with a blackened face: "Why did you need to mention her? I've already said, that
event is already passed. Right now it's your decision, and has nothing to do with her."
event is already passed. Right now it's your decision, and has nothing to do with her."
Gu Hongjian said: "Then let me ask you-- if she didn't die, and she wanted to marry you, then what
should happen? The position of empress, who do you want to give it to?"
should happen? The position of empress, who do you want to give it to?"
"....." LinSize was deep in though without answering.
Pondering was always the best, it was always the answer that wouldn't lie.
Gu Hongjian smiled before continuing: "Haven't I said it? You don't need to feel guilt towards me.
This is also my decision...... Maybe I won't win against her this entire lifetime, I also don't want to
compete with her over anything. Only you, you need to see yourself clearly. Right now, if you bring
me into your harem, with an emotional state you can't even describe, being nice to me, what would
be the point of that? LinSize, we both need to be more conscientious."
This is also my decision...... Maybe I won't win against her this entire lifetime, I also don't want to
compete with her over anything. Only you, you need to see yourself clearly. Right now, if you bring
me into your harem, with an emotional state you can't even describe, being nice to me, what would
be the point of that? LinSize, we both need to be more conscientious."
LinSize looked at her, a bit surprised.
At this moment, Gu Hongjian had entirely demonstrated what is called: "Faking smiles in the face of
harsh words."
harsh words."
Rather, Lin Size finally ended up nodding his head.
"Okay, I'll respect your decision." Lin Size responded, "but if your thinking ever changes, tell me at
any time."
any time."
Gu Hongjian nodded, a bit depressed.
Although because of Gu Hongjian's "stubbornness", the two's relationship didn't have any changes
on the surface, but in reality, they already had the consummation of husband and wife, all the past
could be counted as cancelled, other than Zuo Ning Yan, which was still like a thorn, sticking
between the two of them without pain or itch. The two's relationship could be counted as having
maintained a loving level of stability.
on the surface, but in reality, they already had the consummation of husband and wife, all the past
could be counted as cancelled, other than Zuo Ning Yan, which was still like a thorn, sticking
between the two of them without pain or itch. The two's relationship could be counted as having
maintained a loving level of stability.
Everyday, Gu Hongjian would continue attending court as usual, except afterwards, she would
always use the excuse that she had news to report to enter Lin Size's study, while not necessarily
having anything, only she would carry some books, secretively telling LinSize recent things that were
happening. LinSize would affirm memorandums on one hand, sometimes making notes, and
sometimes would call her directly to ask for her opinion.
always use the excuse that she had news to report to enter Lin Size's study, while not necessarily
having anything, only she would carry some books, secretively telling LinSize recent things that were
happening. LinSize would affirm memorandums on one hand, sometimes making notes, and
sometimes would call her directly to ask for her opinion.
It was as if the two of them had returned to many years ago, the mood between them was optimistic
and filled with joy, bringing with it a sweet understanding between the two.
and filled with joy, bringing with it a sweet understanding between the two.
Including later on, when Gu Hongjian began living in Zhao Hongdian, there was also Xiang Jun, a
small assistant..... Maybe because the process was so relaxed and sweet, to Gu Hongjian, it passed
in the blink of an eye.
small assistant..... Maybe because the process was so relaxed and sweet, to Gu Hongjian, it passed
in the blink of an eye.
And amidst this, there was no lack of big officials submitting suggestions that Lin Size should name
consorts. Lin Size always used the excuse of the previous emperor's passing and the need to fulfill
the three-year mourning period as an excuse to reject the proposals. Every day that Gu Hongjian
would think of this event, if the three years are up, what Lin Size would do then.
consorts. Lin Size always used the excuse of the previous emperor's passing and the need to fulfill
the three-year mourning period as an excuse to reject the proposals. Every day that Gu Hongjian
would think of this event, if the three years are up, what Lin Size would do then.
Ling Size would only smile, without giving Gu Hongjian an answer.
And when it really arrived at the third year of Ping Chang, Lin Size used that painting to give Gu
Hongjian an answer.
Hongjian an answer.
That was something that even the Gu Hongjian who had become a restless spirit, upon thinking of,
would recall as a sweet time. Rather, as that painting had been thrown into the fire pit by Lin Size,
burned into ash, from the autumn of the second year of Ping Chang, the three sweet years of time,
by the fifth year of Ping Chang, was utterly destroyed.
would recall as a sweet time. Rather, as that painting had been thrown into the fire pit by Lin Size,
burned into ash, from the autumn of the second year of Ping Chang, the three sweet years of time,
by the fifth year of Ping Chang, was utterly destroyed.
That day, Gu Hongjian, as usual, spent the night at Zhao Hong palace, and while enjoying a
meditation, there arrived a bed.
meditation, there arrived a bed.
LinSize left early in the morning. Seeing this, Gu Hongjian just treated it as if he had an errand, and
didn't think too much on it. It was Jiang Haifu that let XiangJun inform her, waking Gu Hongjian.
Gu Hongjian thus muddle-headedly learned that the reason Lin Size hurriedly left was because
Yao Tian Ao was finally captured.
didn't think too much on it. It was Jiang Haifu that let XiangJun inform her, waking Gu Hongjian.
Gu Hongjian thus muddle-headedly learned that the reason Lin Size hurriedly left was because
Yao Tian Ao was finally captured.
That Yao Tian Ao, who when the Yao family was being executed to the ninth generation, escaped,
and from whom there was no news, who had disappeared for many years, had once again appeared
in the capital, and was quickly arrested.
and from whom there was no news, who had disappeared for many years, had once again appeared
in the capital, and was quickly arrested.
Even though Jiang Haifu didn't know too much about their previous history, but he knew that the
person of Zuo Ning Yan was in Lin Size's heart, in an irreplaceable place. Perhaps, even the famed
"Separated from heaven by three feet", three foot censor Gu Hongjian would not be able to reach.
person of Zuo Ning Yan was in Lin Size's heart, in an irreplaceable place. Perhaps, even the famed
"Separated from heaven by three feet", three foot censor Gu Hongjian would not be able to reach.
Thus, JiangHaifu worried whether the emperor would be able to control his emotional state, losing
control, while also fearing Yao Tian Ao's appearance would have an unforeseen effect on Lin Size
and Gu Hongjian's relationship. Thus after pondering it back and forth, he decided to come and call
Gu Hongjian.
control, while also fearing Yao Tian Ao's appearance would have an unforeseen effect on Lin Size
and Gu Hongjian's relationship. Thus after pondering it back and forth, he decided to come and call
Gu Hongjian.
Gu Hongjian, upon knowing that Yao Tian Ao had been captured, was a bit shocked, her body
shaking slightly, before asking: "When was he captured? Where is he now? How long has the
emperor been gone? Tell me quickly!"
shaking slightly, before asking: "When was he captured? Where is he now? How long has the
emperor been gone? Tell me quickly!"
"Tell you? And then what will you do, kill him?" LinSize had unknowingly appeared at the doorway,
with an ugly expression.
with an ugly expression.
Gu Hongjian's eyes widened, worriedly looking at Lin Size.
The expression on his face was more horrid than any visit before, in his eyes, there was even the
expression of a mixture of annoyance, hatred, and sorrow.
expression of a mixture of annoyance, hatred, and sorrow.
The last time she had been looked at by these types of eyes had been many years ago, when Lin
Size had just received news of Zuo Ning Yan's death.
Size had just received news of Zuo Ning Yan's death.
And this time, his eyes filled Gu Hongjian with even more despair than last time.
Because she clearly saw the disappointment Lin Size had towards her.
He already knew, he knew everything.
Why that year Yao Tian Ao would suddenly fall for Zuo Ning Yan, choosing to wed only her.
Why Gu Hongjian would suddenly disappear for more than a year.
Why after Gu Hongjian returned, even though her interactions with Lin Size went that well, but not
matter what, she was unwilling to enter the harem.
matter what, she was unwilling to enter the harem.
Why it seemed like she always had her own secret, why she was adamant about not enjoying the
luxuries of life, always seeming like she was searching for someone.
luxuries of life, always seeming like she was searching for someone.
There were many other suspicions, but the real reasons behind them, Lin Size already knew their
ins and outs.
ins and outs.
"If it wasn't for Zuo Ning Hao capturing Yao Tian Ao, until now, I would have been deceived." Lin Size
said, walking closer step by step.
said, walking closer step by step.
And then he stopped his steps, waving to dismiss Xiang Jun and Jiang Haifu.
Xiang Jun was actually fiercely loyal, seeing the atmosphere between the two, was a bit unwilling to
leave, only muttering "Official Gu...."
leave, only muttering "Official Gu...."
Gu Hongjian shook her head, "The emperor lets you leave, so you should leave."
Jiang Haifu quickly grabbed Xiang Jun, retreating. Within Zhao Hong palace and outside of it, the
atmosphere had already turned cold, although always warm, but Gu Hong Jian seeing the
approaching Lin Size, could only feel coldness.
atmosphere had already turned cold, although always warm, but Gu Hong Jian seeing the
approaching Lin Size, could only feel coldness.
"Turns out it was you." Lin Size continued slowly, "The one who gave Zuo Ning Yan's portrait to
Yao Tian Ao, and subsequently invited him out, letting him see the passing Zuo Ning Yan, thus
falling in love at first sight...... Turns out it was you. You actually did this."
Yao Tian Ao, and subsequently invited him out, letting him see the passing Zuo Ning Yan, thus
falling in love at first sight...... Turns out it was you. You actually did this."
LinSize actually usued a few "Turns out," one could tell that he was very shaken.
Gu Hongjian could only calm her nerves, saying "Yao Tian Ao said this? He doesn't even recognize
me...... how do you know the one he is speaking of is me, how do you know he did not lie?"
me...... how do you know the one he is speaking of is me, how do you know he did not lie?"
"You still want to deny it?" Lin Size's anger filled his whole body, even to the point that he swept a Ru
Yao set of tea on the table onto the floor.
Yao set of tea on the table onto the floor.
That was an imperial tribute, which was originally supposed to be placed in a more important place,
but Gu Hongjian only saw it by chance, and said that she liked it before Lin Size had someone send
it here, letting her treat it as the most ordinary tea set.
but Gu Hongjian only saw it by chance, and said that she liked it before Lin Size had someone send
it here, letting her treat it as the most ordinary tea set.
And now, it was also ruthlessly shattered across the ground by Lin Size.
"Originally, Yao Tian Ao truly did not know who you were, but rather it was because he didn't
recognize you, that he, when captured by Zuo Ning Hao, immediately said that everything was a
setup against him." Lin Size continued, "The first time you let him see the portrait, because there
was no one around to help you, you went by yourself, right? He remembered your face. Later when
Zuo Ning Yan... hanged herself, he was brought into the palace by his father to admit his crimes, and
coincidentally saw you. Only after inquiring did he learn that you were my companion servant. From
that time, he began believing that everything was my idea, that it was my scheme for this, to ruin the
Yao family!"
recognize you, that he, when captured by Zuo Ning Hao, immediately said that everything was a
setup against him." Lin Size continued, "The first time you let him see the portrait, because there
was no one around to help you, you went by yourself, right? He remembered your face. Later when
Zuo Ning Yan... hanged herself, he was brought into the palace by his father to admit his crimes, and
coincidentally saw you. Only after inquiring did he learn that you were my companion servant. From
that time, he began believing that everything was my idea, that it was my scheme for this, to ruin the
Yao family!"
Gu Hongjian didn't say anything.
"You- deny it, you keep denying it." Lin Size shook his head continuing, "Either you go to the imperial
prison with me right now, to let Yao Tian Ao take a look, if you were the one from back then!"
prison with me right now, to let Yao Tian Ao take a look, if you were the one from back then!"
Gu Hongjian said, "It turns out, this many years, you've never given up on searching for Yao Tian Ao."
LinSize replied, "You never gave up before, so how could I have given up? Originally, I thought you
kept having people search for him, because you felt guilty, and wanted to avenge Zuo Ning Yan, so
I always permitted you to go. I never thought that.... ha."
kept having people search for him, because you felt guilty, and wanted to avenge Zuo Ning Yan, so
I always permitted you to go. I never thought that.... ha."
"But you've never completely trusted me, otherwise, you wouldn't have arranged for Zuo Ning Hao
to search for Yao Tian Ao......" Gu Hongjian quietly replied.
to search for Yao Tian Ao......" Gu Hongjian quietly replied.
"I didn't trust you?!" Lin Size, seeming as though he had heard the wildest joke, stated, "You also
know that you're too reckless, within the imperial court, you don't have any close officials; Zuo Ning
Hao has never seen eye to eye with you-- of course, he's surnamed Zuo, and you've never seen eye
to eye with him. Therefore, I've never told him that you were also searching for Yao Tian Ao, as if you
two would have cooperated even if I said it. He wanted to search for the enemy who had killed his
elder sister, so I also permitted him, but I never thought that we would receive such a result from our
questioning! Until now, Gu Hongjian, you've lied to me and deceived me for so many years, and you
still blame me for not trusting you enough?"
know that you're too reckless, within the imperial court, you don't have any close officials; Zuo Ning
Hao has never seen eye to eye with you-- of course, he's surnamed Zuo, and you've never seen eye
to eye with him. Therefore, I've never told him that you were also searching for Yao Tian Ao, as if you
two would have cooperated even if I said it. He wanted to search for the enemy who had killed his
elder sister, so I also permitted him, but I never thought that we would receive such a result from our
questioning! Until now, Gu Hongjian, you've lied to me and deceived me for so many years, and you
still blame me for not trusting you enough?"
Gu Hongjian lowered her face, answering after a while, "Yes, it was me. Back then, the reason Yao
Tian Ao would fall in love with Zuo Ning Yan, indeed was caused entirely by me......"
Tian Ao would fall in love with Zuo Ning Yan, indeed was caused entirely by me......"
Lin Size took a deep breath, and tightly gripped his hand into a fist.
Gu Hongjian softly said, "This was the only way at the time that I could think of to not let Zuo family
join the crown prince's faction. I know what you want to say, you don't need to open your mouth. I
admit, this scheme also had my personal interest within it...... but, I want to say two things. First, I
never thought that Zuo family would have accepted this marriage arrangement, within my plot, Zuo
family was supposed to reject it, resulting in the Yao family becoming unhappy, ending up with the
two families becoming irreconcilable. Secondly, after Zuo family accepted the marriage, I was very
shocked, but there was already no way to reverse course, and I couldn't have realized that Zuo Ning
Yan would hang herself......"
join the crown prince's faction. I know what you want to say, you don't need to open your mouth. I
admit, this scheme also had my personal interest within it...... but, I want to say two things. First, I
never thought that Zuo family would have accepted this marriage arrangement, within my plot, Zuo
family was supposed to reject it, resulting in the Yao family becoming unhappy, ending up with the
two families becoming irreconcilable. Secondly, after Zuo family accepted the marriage, I was very
shocked, but there was already no way to reverse course, and I couldn't have realized that Zuo Ning
Yan would hang herself......"
LinSize stated: "You didn't know? How could you not have known. Zuo Ning Hao's disease needed
snow lotus from Tianshan, you truly didn't know this? Additionally, before Yao Tian Ao saw Zuo Ning
Yan's portrait, I don't know how many times you had already visity Zuo family and Yao family,
something as important as this, how could you not have known?"
snow lotus from Tianshan, you truly didn't know this? Additionally, before Yao Tian Ao saw Zuo Ning
Yan's portrait, I don't know how many times you had already visity Zuo family and Yao family,
something as important as this, how could you not have known?"
Gu Hongjian looked at him, saying, "I swear I truly didn't know! I swear!"
"Your oath, does it have any meaning?" Lin Size coldly smiled, uttering: "Gu Hongjian, I already have
no way to trust you anymore."
no way to trust you anymore."
Gu Hongjian tightly pursed her lips, whispering: "I really didn't... know."
"This many years, from the moment Zuo Ning Yan died, you have already had countless opportunities
to tell me this. But you hid it from me, all the way until today." Lin Size shook his head, "Gu Hongjian,
you are truly too scary. How many things have you truly hid from me, and how long can you hide them
from me?"
to tell me this. But you hid it from me, all the way until today." Lin Size shook his head, "Gu Hongjian,
you are truly too scary. How many things have you truly hid from me, and how long can you hide them
from me?"
"I swear, this is the last thing." Gu Hongjian, almost beggingly responded: "Lin Size, believe me one
more time, okay? I never said it only because I was afraid to say it; I know you would definitely
mistaken me... so I....."
more time, okay? I never said it only because I was afraid to say it; I know you would definitely
mistaken me... so I....."
"Your unwillingness to enter the harem, is because you're afraid that one day I would discover this,
right? Your wanting to be an official is also to leave yourself an escape route, right? You continuously
work for me, only to let me think that without you, I wouldn't be able to continue on, right? If you were
only a consort, you wouldn't give me this insecurity-- this is the way you think, right?" Lin Size coldly
said, "Gu Hongjian, you always say that I'm manipulating you, but in reality, who is manipulating
whom?"
right? Your wanting to be an official is also to leave yourself an escape route, right? You continuously
work for me, only to let me think that without you, I wouldn't be able to continue on, right? If you were
only a consort, you wouldn't give me this insecurity-- this is the way you think, right?" Lin Size coldly
said, "Gu Hongjian, you always say that I'm manipulating you, but in reality, who is manipulating
whom?"
"I've never manipulated you....." Gu Hongjian responded a bit listlessly, explaining,
"I was only afraid....."
"I was only afraid....."
She was afraid of losing him.
That was it.
Except, this statement, until the end, wasn't said out loud before it was unfeelingly cut off by Lin Size,
who stated, "I don't know what you're thinking at all, nor do I know what you've always been afraid of.
But-- Gu Hongjian, how could you have turned out this way?"
who stated, "I don't know what you're thinking at all, nor do I know what you've always been afraid of.
But-- Gu Hongjian, how could you have turned out this way?"
Gu Hongjian would never be able to forget Lin Size's tone and look at this moment.
Gu Hongjian, how could you have turned out this way?
At that moment, even Gu Hongjian would question whether she had changed, was she unscrupulous
and disgusting, making others feel disgust.
and disgusting, making others feel disgust.
But she quickly recovered, looking at Lin Size, said, "Changed? Lin Size, I've never changed.
The one who changed is you! Are still the Lin Size who accompanied me back then in Bai Fu palace?"
The one who changed is you! Are still the Lin Size who accompanied me back then in Bai Fu palace?"
Lin Size was not moved even a little bit by what she said, but rather coldly said,
"Since you don't even recognize your faults even a little bit, then I think between us there is no
longer anything more to say. Before tonight, leave Zhao Hong Palace, it's best if you leave the capital."
"Since you don't even recognize your faults even a little bit, then I think between us there is no
longer anything more to say. Before tonight, leave Zhao Hong Palace, it's best if you leave the capital."
“You’re letting me leave the capital?” Gu Hongjian incredulously looked at Lin Size.
“The future path, always take it together, assist each other, forever being by each other’s side.”
This was Lin Size and Gu Hongjian’s original thought and belief.
And even when the two’s relationship was in its worst states, when Gu Hongjian had disappeared,
Lin Size had never given up on searching for Gu Hongjian.
Lin Size had never given up on searching for Gu Hongjian.
Gu Hongjian had also never considered truly leaving Lin Size.
But now, he had reached the end, saying that phrase.
Letting her leave, letting her truly leave.
This time, he was truly completely disappointed, and he really didn’t plan on giving her a chance,
wanting to end the relationship between them.
wanting to end the relationship between them.
Perhaps in the depths of Lin Size’s heart, letting her leave, and not letting her die, was his grace.
“Yes. Leave the capital. The further the better.” Lin Size said, “henceforth, to never see each other
again.”
again.”
After saying this, he fluttered his robe, and turned to leave.
Gu Hongjian watched his back, sitting in despair by the bedside.
He used his back to tell her that there was no turning back.
And, “Henceforth, to never see each other again.” was the last phrase Lin Size would say to
Gu Hongjian.
Gu Hongjian.
After that, Gu Hongjian didn’t leave the capital, but stubbornly attended court, but Lin Size kept
ignoring her, everyone discovered that Gu official was starting to lose imperial favor.
ignoring her, everyone discovered that Gu official was starting to lose imperial favor.
A few months later, during the hour of Qingming in the sixth year of Ping Chang, perhaps because
the encounter with Yao Tian Ao raised Lin Size’s memory of Zuo Ning Yan, he went on an imperial
tour to memorialize Zuo Ning Yan, coincidentally running into a woman who looked just like
Zuo Ning Yan from back then, He Fangning.
the encounter with Yao Tian Ao raised Lin Size’s memory of Zuo Ning Yan, he went on an imperial
tour to memorialize Zuo Ning Yan, coincidentally running into a woman who looked just like
Zuo Ning Yan from back then, He Fangning.
Lin Size was greatly shocked, at the same time, he finally named a consort, in the imperial court
officials were finally relieved-- although they more or less knew of the relationship between
Gu Hongjian and the emperor, but because Gu Hongjian’s situation was peculiar, they continually
believed this person could not become a consort, moreover she could not continue the imperial line
with him, and she even obstructed the emperor naming consorts, truly hateful.
officials were finally relieved-- although they more or less knew of the relationship between
Gu Hongjian and the emperor, but because Gu Hongjian’s situation was peculiar, they continually
believed this person could not become a consort, moreover she could not continue the imperial line
with him, and she even obstructed the emperor naming consorts, truly hateful.
And the moment Gu Hongjian “lost favor,” the emperor immediately named a consort,
further proving that previously the emperor didn’t name a consort, entirely because this person’s
methods were complex, so the many court officials had more complicated feelings.
further proving that previously the emperor didn’t name a consort, entirely because this person’s
methods were complex, so the many court officials had more complicated feelings.
And afterwards, a month later, perhaps because Lin Size saw that Gu Hongjian was unwilling to
leave the capital, he waved the mighty hand of imperial might, sending her to Hu prefecture.
leave the capital, he waved the mighty hand of imperial might, sending her to Hu prefecture.
Three months later, Gu Hongjian turned into a restless spirit, returning to the capital.
Whether it was the ten-plus years of mutual protection or accompaniment, or the three years of
sweetness, or the hatred that arose from a moment, everything was as if it were a dream.
sweetness, or the hatred that arose from a moment, everything was as if it were a dream.
And after people are gathered, they must scatter, Gu Hongjian still abided by this dream, unwilling
to wake up.
to wake up.
The sixth year of Pingchang, on the nineteenth of the ninth month.
Gu Hongjian quickly spun around Lin Size.
Because she was truly bored, on one hand she would recall everything that happened with Lin Size,
when thinking towards the last statement “Henceforth, to never meet again,” she found herself unable
to stop herself from smiling.
when thinking towards the last statement “Henceforth, to never meet again,” she found herself unable
to stop herself from smiling.
Because for Lin Size, this phrase was probably just a simple phrase.
Except for her, this phrase didn’t have effect.
During the morning court, there was no news from the front line, so news of Gu Hongjian would
probably arrive tomorrow, Gu Hongjian was almost a bit impatient, but she could only suppress the
ripples in her heart.
probably arrive tomorrow, Gu Hongjian was almost a bit impatient, but she could only suppress the
ripples in her heart.
Zhao Yun Yuan was promoted, which no one had any objection to, he had a righteous personality;
even though he never joined a faction, he didn’t have many enemies, whatever, it was ten thousand
times better than Gu Hongjian.
even though he never joined a faction, he didn’t have many enemies, whatever, it was ten thousand
times better than Gu Hongjian.
After court, Zuo Ning Hao walked by Zhao Yun Yuan. With a single glance, Gu Hongjian understood
Zuo Ning Hao was probably going to say something regarding herself, so she floated over to
eavesdrop, only hearing Zuo Ning Hao state: “Brother Zhao, congratulations.”
Zuo Ning Hao was probably going to say something regarding herself, so she floated over to
eavesdrop, only hearing Zuo Ning Hao state: “Brother Zhao, congratulations.”
Zhao Yun Yuan humbly and respectfully responded, “Many thanks.”
“Actually, originally you and Gu censor were both assigned highest scholar, which was already
unfair to you, and these years she ascended faster than you, was truly the emperor being biased.”
Zuo Ning Hao stated, “but luckily now the emperor has thought things through.”
unfair to you, and these years she ascended faster than you, was truly the emperor being biased.”
Zuo Ning Hao stated, “but luckily now the emperor has thought things through.”
Zuo Ning Hao, this slut, indeed he had come over to badmouth her……
Gu Hongjian could only smile bitterly.
The reason Zuo Ning Hao could hate Gu Hongjian this much, other than being present when
interrogating Yao Tian Ao, realizing that his elder sister’s death had Gu Hongjian’s involvement,
was moreso because the day after Gu Hongjian and Lin Size had truly ended their relationship,
Gu Hongjian attended court as usual, but after court, was waylaid by Zuo Ning Hao.
When Zuo Ninghao approached her, he was enraged, only wanting to fight with her.
interrogating Yao Tian Ao, realizing that his elder sister’s death had Gu Hongjian’s involvement,
was moreso because the day after Gu Hongjian and Lin Size had truly ended their relationship,
Gu Hongjian attended court as usual, but after court, was waylaid by Zuo Ning Hao.
When Zuo Ninghao approached her, he was enraged, only wanting to fight with her.
And Gu Hongjian’s mood just happened to be low, so she naturally had no attention to spare him,
but seeing that he seemed as though he was going to gamble his life, coldly stated,
“Looks like you still don’t know-- why your father wanted to accept the wedding with Yao family
back then.”
but seeing that he seemed as though he was going to gamble his life, coldly stated,
“Looks like you still don’t know-- why your father wanted to accept the wedding with Yao family
back then.”
Zuo Ning Hao didn’t think that Gu Hongjian would talk about this, shocked, he responded, “What?
Wasn’t it because back then, Yao family forced us too harshly…..”
Wasn’t it because back then, Yao family forced us too harshly…..”
“Heh, with these brains, you can still become a high justice of the justice department.” Gu Hongjian
mercilessly mocked, “Zuo family and Yao family’s strength was similar back then, how could they be
that forceful? Have you ever thought, from your youth, you would commonly get sick, but right after
your sister’s death, you suddenly recovered?”
mercilessly mocked, “Zuo family and Yao family’s strength was similar back then, how could they be
that forceful? Have you ever thought, from your youth, you would commonly get sick, but right after
your sister’s death, you suddenly recovered?”
Zuo Ning Hao incredulously looked at Gu Hongjian, saying, “You’re lying!”
“Heh. You can go back and ask your father, that year, the snow lotus that saved your life, who it was
given by. And what was it exchanged with?”
given by. And what was it exchanged with?”
Zuo Ning Hao was shocked and retreated two steps.
Gu Hongjian harrumphed coldly and left, not sparing him any more attention.
And the hatred Zuo Ning Hao had towards Gu Hong Jian, after he recovered his senses, rose another
level, to a new height.
level, to a new height.
Therefore, now that Zuo Ning Hao was so…. Elementarily coming to tell Zhao Yun Yan these things,
Gu Hongjian found it to be pretty natural.
Gu Hongjian found it to be pretty natural.
But, Zhao Yun Yuan still had his own integrity, “The emperor has his own considerations,
I don’t have many objections.”
I don’t have many objections.”
Zuo Ninghao grimaced a bit, continuing, “Mmm, I know your character. But, since you’ve become
Grand Secretariat, in the future, criticizing Gu Hongjian, you must continue doing it well.
Back then, when Gu Hongjian was above everyone, when nobody could criticize her, there was only
you who was willing to, but unfortunately at that time my father was still in court, unwilling to let me
participate. Now that my father can’t attend court due to illness, I will definitely help you.”
Grand Secretariat, in the future, criticizing Gu Hongjian, you must continue doing it well.
Back then, when Gu Hongjian was above everyone, when nobody could criticize her, there was only
you who was willing to, but unfortunately at that time my father was still in court, unwilling to let me
participate. Now that my father can’t attend court due to illness, I will definitely help you.”
Zhao Yun Yuan could only remark a bit helplessly, “If Gu censorate’s behavior is a bit unbecoming,
I would naturally speak out, but things she has not done wrong, how could I criticize her out of
nowhere.”
I would naturally speak out, but things she has not done wrong, how could I criticize her out of
nowhere.”
Zuo Ning Hao uttered an “Eh.” before continuing, “Mmm, I just wanted to…. Mention it a bit.”
Gu Hongjian coldly looked at Zuo Ning Hao, thinking to herself, really sorry, but you guys won’t have
a chance in the future to do so.
a chance in the future to do so.
After going over to eavesdrop on their secretive conversation for a bit, Gu Hongjian rather naturally
returned to Lin Size’s side. After attending court, Lin Size, as usual, immediately returned to his study
to approve memorandums. Gu Hongjian found things boring, but was also something she was
extremely used to, after all, the interaction between the two was always like so.
returned to Lin Size’s side. After attending court, Lin Size, as usual, immediately returned to his study
to approve memorandums. Gu Hongjian found things boring, but was also something she was
extremely used to, after all, the interaction between the two was always like so.
The only difference was that now he couldn’t see her, and wouldn’t while she was unconscious,
quietly walk by, covering her with a blanket, and afterwards, personally carrying her back to Zhao
Hong palace.
quietly walk by, covering her with a blanket, and afterwards, personally carrying her back to Zhao
Hong palace.
Gu Hong Jian lightly floated to sit by the bed, looking at Lin Size, and Lin Size just happened to turn
his face over, staring out blankly at the window.
his face over, staring out blankly at the window.
Lin Size would rarely stare blankly into space, or, you could say, he had never stared off into space
before, so in that moment, Gu Hongjian even believed that Lin Size was looking at herself, and
because of this, was stunned for a moment.
before, so in that moment, Gu Hongjian even believed that Lin Size was looking at herself, and
because of this, was stunned for a moment.
But she quickly recovered, because Lin Size was only looking in this direction, his eyesight not
crossing hers.
crossing hers.
Indeed, how could he suddenly see her.
Gu Hongjian nervously floated away from the window-side.
Lin Size looked intently at the window for a while, before suddenly coughing a few times, and then
swallowing a cup of tea. He then slowly shifted his gaze, and then summoned Jiang Haifu.
swallowing a cup of tea. He then slowly shifted his gaze, and then summoned Jiang Haifu.
“Hu prefecture…. Has there been any new news?” Lin Size inquired.
Jiang Haifu wiped his sweat, why did the emperor always ask this recently eh…..
But he could only honestly reply, “No…… if there is any news, this servant will inform your highness
immediately.”
immediately.”
Perhaps Lin Size also realized that he didn’t need to ask, so he muttered “Mmm.”
Afterwards, he rubbed his temple-- how come he would just constantly have a little bit of an
uncomfortable feeling?
uncomfortable feeling?
He glanced a bit at the newest news that arrived.
It was actually Jiang Haifu who noticed Lin Size’s coughing, saying, “Emperor, is your body feeling off? How about I summon the imperial doctor to take a look?”
Lin Size said, “No need.”
Gu Hongjian floated behind him, her mood a bit complicated. The man, he really. It’s obvious that he’s
started coughing, so why doesn’t he see the imperial doctor.
started coughing, so why doesn’t he see the imperial doctor.
He had obviously dismissed her far away, so why was he secretly still asking about the situation in Hu
prefecture.
prefecture.
But……
Gu Hongjian thought, very soon, Lin Size wouldn’t have to ask anymore.
And Gu Hongjian’s prediction turned out to be true, for on the second day, the newest war report
arrived, Hu prefecture was conquered, the army was reconstructing Hu prefecture, Assistant General
Wang was managing the internal affairs of Hu prefecture.
arrived, Hu prefecture was conquered, the army was reconstructing Hu prefecture, Assistant General
Wang was managing the internal affairs of Hu prefecture.
And Gu censorate, killed in action.
When the individual said this phrase, he was shaking, afraid his voice would be too loud, and in the
imperial court it was entirely silent, and exactly because of this phrase, it seemed to be more shocking.
imperial court it was entirely silent, and exactly because of this phrase, it seemed to be more shocking.
Lin Size, who was sitting in the imperial seat, after a long while, quietly asked, “What? Repeat it again.”
“Gu, Gu censorate, with enemy general Bai Li Cen, fought head to head, when the two were in
combat, Gu censorate could not defend, was knocked off the horse, and afterwards died……”
combat, Gu censorate could not defend, was knocked off the horse, and afterwards died……”
Up by the throne, no words came for half the day.
The messenger and the many high officials were too afraid to speak, only slowly raising their heads to
look at the emperor.
look at the emperor.
But they only saw Lin Size with his two eyes shut, his head resting against the back of the throne,
turns out he had fainted.
turns out he had fainted.
The imperial court devolved into a mess, everyone was shouting for the emperor, while also
summoning the imperial doctor. In the end, Gu Hongjian just watched Lin Size, such an emperor,
the son of heaven, the big chauvinistic man, carried out of court by his personal bodyguard……
summoning the imperial doctor. In the end, Gu Hongjian just watched Lin Size, such an emperor,
the son of heaven, the big chauvinistic man, carried out of court by his personal bodyguard……
Gu Hongjian wanted to laugh, but found herself unable to.
Originally, she really anticipated seeing Lin Size’s response.
Who would have thought, he would just go ahead and faint. Really…
Many years ago, that phrase, “Missy Lin,” seems like she hadn’t called it in vain after all.
But rather, was he sad?
He was probably sad.
His fainting, was because of the news of her death, right?
Gu Hongjian turned out to actually be a bit uncertain.
Translator Notes: This is just a quick and dirty translation of chapter 20 of a chinese E-Book called Unrepentant. Chapters 1-19 are at Radiant Translations, but it's been about four months since their last post and I was getting a bit impatient. This is just a side-side hobby, so there may be some errors in the translation above.
Thank You sooooo much! I was dying to read his reaction and checked it this morning only to see your update a few hours later! I really appreciate your hard work!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Thank you! Thank You!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have been banging my head on my desk every day for months now, every time i logged in to check for updates and there was none T-T So thank you sooo much!!!! The translation is GREAT btw :D
Thank you for the chapter~
ReplyDeleteThank you!!! Been dying to finish this heart wrenching novel!
ReplyDeleteThank you for translating!!!!
ReplyDelete