flstandardbreds Chapter 435 The Playboy's Divorced Woman 31
Chapter 435 The Playboy's Divorced Woman 31
The burial took place three days later.
Before that, Lord Gu invited Lord Xie to his home.
Lord Xie had lost a daughter, and his eyes were still red when he arrived at the Gu family home.
He arrived on the first day, and Xie Qingyu was placed into the coffin by his own hands.
Even now, you can tell he hasn't had a good rest these past few days; his eyes are bloodshot.
At this point, neither of them intended to exchange pleasantries; they went straight to the point.
Before Lord Xie could react, Lord Gu produced the divorce agreement.
When Lord Xie picked it up and saw the three large characters on it, his eyes widened. When he saw the two handprints below, his heart sank.
“Brother Xie, Qingyu is a woman of deep affection and loyalty. We didn’t even know this divorce letter existed before. It was Qingyu who gave it to us after she woke up.” Lord Gu rubbed his forehead; he hadn’t had a good rest these past few days.
Lord Gu explained Xie Qingyu's last words during her final moments of lucidity to this divorce agreement.
Lord Xie never expected this to happen, and Xie Qingyu even thought about arranging for Gu Shenbai to take a concubine before she died.
His daughter was ultimately raised too well by her grandmother; how could she have lost her life in vain?
"The reason I invited you here is to discuss this," said Lord Gu.
"Although there is this divorce agreement, Shen Bai is still not awake, so we don't know if it is real or just something that came out when the two were angry."
Lord Gu was referring to the previous discord between Gu Shenbai and Xie Qingyu, suggesting that the divorce agreement might have been written around that time.
Everyone has seen the changes in the two of them these past few days. They are getting better, and Xie Qingyu even risked her life to save Gu Shenbai.
"So what I mean is, just pretend this never happened and quietly and normally enter my Gu family cemetery."
Lord Xie remained silent for a long time.
From a father's perspective, upon seeing this divorce agreement, he should understand that Xie Qingyu was unwilling. He should welcome Xie Qingyu back to the Xie family at this time, as the Xie family's ancestral graves wouldn't be short of a place for her.
But if other factors are taken into account, there is nothing he can do.
This marriage was bestowed by the Emperor, and the divorce agreement was signed less than three months after the marriage, signifying dissatisfaction with the Emperor's decree.
Because of this matter, His Majesty posthumously conferred upon Xie Qingyu the title of Lady of the Imperial Decree yesterday. If the divorce papers were made public, it would be a mockery of His Majesty.
Moreover, Xie Qingyu has now raised the level of education for Xie family women to a new level. After this incident, the Xie family is truly seeking out a hundred families for their daughter.
Therefore, from any perspective, he cannot bring Xie Qingyu back.
"Qingyu is dead. As a father, I don't want her to suffer any more criticism." Lord Xie slowly put down the divorce papers.
“That makes sense. Even if you and I both know she’s a good child, if we let you take her back, people will inevitably gossip about her.” Lord Gu was not surprised by this outcome at all; in fact, he had expected it.
"In that case, I'll trouble you." Lord Xie bowed deeply to Lord Gu.
......................................
On the day Xie Qingyu was buried, many people gathered on the street.
From the moment it left the Gu family's gate, the coffin could barely move, with people spontaneously coming to pay their respects to Xie Qingyu along every road.
The commotion her actions caused in the capital city earned her a greater sense of respect from everyone.
Those who knew about Gu Shenbai's unreliable behavior beforehand all sighed that Xie Qingyu, such a good woman, did not have a good ending after marrying someone like Gu Shenbai.
So everyone was willing to come and see her off on their own initiative.
For the past three days, the First Madam has barely been able to eat anything, clinging to life only with nourishing medicinal soups.
She didn't go to Xie Qingyu's funeral. There was a farewell banquet at home, and the guests would stay for dinner when the people returned.
She leaned against the couch, listening to the nanny report on the progress of the front hall.
In just eight or nine days, she seemed to have lost a lot of weight.
The loudspeakers outside were blaring, but her heart was filled with utter desolation.
"Mother..." A faint voice rang out, sounding rather weak amidst the commotion outside, so faint that even the maid standing nearby didn't hear it.
But the First Madam, who was sitting on a slightly farther couch, seemed to sense something and glanced in Gu Shenbai's direction.
With just one glance, her eyes reddened, and she staggered off the bed.
Her sudden movement startled the maid beside her, who quickly stepped forward to support her.
The First Madam stared intently at Gu Shenbai, confirming that he had indeed opened his eyes.
"Imperial doctor!"
The imperial physician, who was waiting in the side room, rushed over upon hearing the noise.
"Quick, he's opened his eyes, treat him..." The First Madam's voice was soft, as if she was afraid of frightening Gu Shenbai, or perhaps afraid of startling him.
This scene was all too familiar; it had just happened a few days ago, and the First Madam had even covered her mouth, afraid to cry out.
The imperial physicians have been living in constant fear these past few days.
Xie Qingyu's death made them afraid to speak, and if Gu Shenbai were to suffer any further mishaps, they would likely be unable to explain themselves.
As the two imperial physicians took turns taking her pulse, the First Madam's expression became increasingly unfocused.
"Your Highness, Young Master Gu has woken up and is in good health. He only needs to rest and take his medicine as prescribed."
Gu Shenbai's injuries were less severe than Xie Qingyu's, and he didn't have any fatal wounds. As long as he woke up, his life would be saved.
The First Madam seemed to come back to life upon hearing these words, "My Shen-ge'er!"
When Gu Shenbai woke up, he felt pain all over his body, so much so that he could hardly move.
In reality, he was indeed unable to move. Seeing the First Madam shedding tears in front of him, he could only slowly raise his arm, and it was quite difficult for him.
The First Madam grabbed his hand tightly, "Are you hungry? Are you still feeling unwell?"
Even though Gu Shenbai was in excruciating pain all over his body, he knew from seeing the First Madam's condition that she was terrified. He dared not provoke her any further and shook his head to indicate that he was in good condition.
"I'll have the kitchen bring you some porridge, have a little bit first," the First Madam instructed, and a maid had already gone out to make the arrangements as soon as she finished speaking.
"I...I'm fine, don't worry," Gu Shen said, his efforts futile.
The First Madam's condition was so bad that he was worried about her.
Little did people know that his condition was even worse now; he was completely bloodless, and when he raised his hand tremblingly, it evoked a feeling of heartache.
"Alright, alright, I'll send someone to your grandmother to tell her the good news. She was worried about you; you've been unconscious for nine days..." the First Madam said, choking back tears.
Gu Shenbai couldn't eat anything. For the past nine days, he had relied on ginseng soup and some sugar water to replenish his energy. If he didn't wake up soon, his chances of survival were slim.
Gu Shenbai was still a little groggy when he woke up, and it took him a moment to realize what the nine days meant.
He's been unconscious for so long.
He thought it was only the next day.
All he remembered was the look in Xie Qingyu's eyes when he finally grabbed her hand and fell off the cliff.
He immediately remembered.
“Qingyu…” Gu Shenbai turned his head to look to the side. He had a feeling that Xie Qingyu was by his side.
To his left was only a clean bed.
He stared at the bed for a while before turning around, his eyes seeming to ask where Xie Qingyu had gone and whether she was able to get out of bed.
The First Madam had already been holding back her tears when she heard him utter those two words, but she couldn't hold back any longer when Gu Shenbai looked over.
Two lines of tears were about to fall, but they had to be held back.
Gu Shenbai had just woken up and was afraid of upsetting her.
"She's not here right now. We'll talk after you finish eating."
At this moment, Gu Shenbai could only think that Xie Qingyu was not here, but would probably come over soon. He knew that her injuries must be very serious, and he wondered where she was recuperating.
Gu Shenbai was now treating the empty bed as if it were where he would sleep when someone was watching over him at night.
"I'll go see her," Gu Shenbai said with difficulty.
Gu Shenbai thought Xie Qingyu might not have woken up yet.
The First Madam stepped back. "Eat your food first, and we'll talk after you finish eating."
Gu Shenbai thought about it and agreed, so he gave up.
He lay in bed looking at the ceiling. The angle was so similar to the angle from which he fell off the cliff. He could almost feel the drop of blood falling on his face.
The blood was dripping from Xie Qingyu's body.
Gu Shenbai suddenly opened his eyes wide as he thought about it—the blood!
That was from Xie Qingyu's injury; she was injured and fell off a cliff!
"Qingyu! I want to see Qingyu!" Gu Shenbai struggled.
Those around him dared not touch him, for fear of hurting his wounds.
"Don't get excited, eat something first." Only the First Madam dared to step forward. You eat first, and I'll take you there.
The First Madam's words were like coaxing a child, and Gu Shenbai didn't believe her at all. Moreover, it was only then that he realized he was in Xie Qingyu's courtyard, in Xie Qingyu's room.
He was recuperating here, but where should Xie Qingyu be recuperating? At this moment, his gaze finally turned to the bed next to him.
There's nothing on the bed now, it's completely bare, as if they hadn't had time to carry it out.
He looked around and then at the First Madam.
The First Lady, who usually loved to dress up, had no ornaments on her head at this moment. She only used a very simple hairpin to hold up her hair, and there was not a single bright color on her body.
The maids beside them were also dressed in plain clothes.
Gu Shenbai was stunned for a long time before he opened his mouth, his voice muffled and calm, as if he was trying his best to suppress it, "What's that sound outside?"
The sound of the suona, growing ever more distant, was very penetrating and could be heard clearly even inside the house.
Even those who have never experienced a funeral can understand the meaning behind it.
Gu Shenbai struggled to get out of bed, but his limbs were too weak. He collapsed to the ground as soon as he got out of bed. The First Madam came forward to help him and tried to get out, but she couldn't stand up. At this moment, he felt an overwhelming hatred, and tears welled up in his red eyes. "Is she still alive?"
He looked blankly at the First Madam, hoping to get a positive answer.