The Whole Family is Reborn, But I Transmigrated into a Book - Chapter 24

Liu Qingyue’s ears were burning like fire. Gritting her teeth, she finally managed to pull off Gu Qingjia’s outer robe. This was her first time undressing a man, and the experience left her nerves frayed. Her hands, still clutching the silk garment, trembled slightly.

Seeing her intense bashfulness, Gu Qingjia decided not to push her further, fearing she might become so embarrassed that she’d refuse to speak to him for the rest of the day. He gently took the robe from her hands and smiled.

“My wife’s service skills still need practice. Since I am truly exhausted, we shall stop here for today.”

Liu Qingyue breathed a sigh of relief. He had given her an out. She made a mental note: Never tease Gu Qingjia so casually again. This ‘honest man’ has learned some bad tricks.

Oddly, a tiny spark of disappointment flickered in her heart. She found the pure, innocent version of Gu Qingjia more endearing; today’s version was proving difficult to handle.

In truth, Liu Qingyue was a classic case of “big talk, small courage.” Before her rebirth, she had spent ten years bedridden in a hospital, seeing nothing but doctors and nurses. In this life, her status was so precarious that she trusted no one except the seemingly steady Gu Qingjia. Teasing him was her only outlet for playfulness.

Gu Qingjia settled on the bed and called to her. “Wife, rest with me for a while.”

This time, she didn’t refuse, giving a muffled “Alright.” Though they had traveled by carriage, the excitement of her first trip had worn off, leaving behind a heavy exhaustion. She lay down beside him, pulling the quilt up to cover her cheeks, refusing to say another word. Gu Qingjia, familiar with her habits, knew this was her “shame mode.” He didn’t pressure her and simply lay quietly by her side.

Perhaps the bed was too soft, or the journey too taxing; before long, Liu Qingyue fell into a deep sleep. Gu Qingjia turned to look at her, a hint of tenderness flickering in his eyes. Since their wedding, he had viewed her as a responsibility, but he couldn’t deny that her liveliness brought a sliver of joy to his otherwise dull existence.

Having lived every day in fear until now, he had never felt as relaxed as he did at this moment. Even though he knew Liu Qingyue’s ideas were somewhat reckless, he had agreed to them. If he was destined to die in the struggle for the throne, perhaps he should indulge in this consequence-free wander through the mortal world.

Liu Qingyue had no idea she was being watched. She whimpered softly in her sleep, sounding like she was acting spoiled. Gu Qingjia instinctively patted her shoulder to soothe her back into a deeper slumber. Eventually, sleep claimed him as well.

When Liu Qingyue woke up, she found herself tucked into his embrace again. Her face flushed; his broad chest seemed to encircle her entirely. She had never noticed before how well their bodies fit together. But this was no time to be dazed by a handsome face. She began to wiggle cautiously, trying to retreat to her side of the bed.

“Be good… don’t move. Sleep a bit longer,” Gu Qingjia murmured, his voice hoarse with sleep as his hot hand rested on her waist.

Liu Qingyue’s face turned bright red instantly. But she quickly calmed down. In his waking moments, Gu Qingjia never speaks to me like this. Is he so sleepy he’s mistaken me for someone else?

She took a deep breath and pulled away from him. “I’ve slept enough. Sleep by yourself.”

She got dressed and left the bed. Gu Qingjia, who was usually a light sleeper, couldn’t drift back off. He propped himself up on one arm, watching her with a smile. “Where is my wife planning to go?”

“Nowhere. I just don’t want to lie down anymore.”

Having spent years in a hospital bed in her previous life, she hated being horizontal while awake; it reminded her of the agonizing years of struggling to survive. She was terrified of death, but she had always wanted to see the world. That wish was finally coming true in this different world.

She was so lost in thought that she didn’t notice Gu Qingjia had approached her. “What are you thinking about?”

Gu Qingjia’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. He sensed Liu Qingyue had many secrets he didn’t know. He used to not care, but now, a trace of curiosity had taken root.

“Nothing! Just wondering what’s delicious or fun in Jiangzhou. Why don’t we go out tonight?” She quickly fabricated an excuse. She could never tell him she was a transmigrator—in a feudal dynasty, they’d probably burn her as a demon.

The excuse fit her “foodie” personality, so Gu Qingjia didn’t press her. “Going out at night might be dangerous. Let’s wait until tomorrow. If there’s something you want to eat, I’ll have someone buy it for you.”

They had just arrived, and people were likely already trailing them. He needed to know who sent the assassins before he could feel safe taking her out.

“Never mind. Let’s eat when we explore tomorrow. It tastes better when it’s fresh and hot.”

Gu Qingjia smiled at her obedience. “There are pastries in the kitchen. Go have some to tide you over.”

Guessing he had business to discuss and wanted her out of the way, Liu Qingyue complied.

Once she left, a secret guard entered the room. “Master, we’ve identified them. They are the Sixth Prince’s men.”

Gu Qingjia wasn’t surprised. The Sixth Prince’s mother was of low birth, much like his own. “Old Six” wanting him dead was expected in the race for power.

“Also,” the guard continued, “there is another group following us in secret. They are dead-cell soldiers from the Liu family.”

The Liu family.

Gu Qingjia’s fingers tapped the rosewood table. He had used the Liu family’s influence to stay safe for years, but he knew they were ambitious. They hadn’t married Liu Qingyue to him out of kindness. They were powerful; marrying her to another prince would spark resentment, but he was the “useless” prince who had been sent out of the palace early.

To the Liu family, a “waste” was the easiest to control. He had to wonder: What is their true conspiracy? And what role does Liu Qingyue play in it?

“Find a way to let the Princess know this, and see how she reacts,” Gu Qingjia ordered. Internally, he hoped she wouldn’t disappoint him.

“Yes,” the guard replied, not daring to look up. Gu Qingjia’s voice was chillingly cold. The guard couldn’t tell if the affection the Master had shown the Princess lately was real or a ruse.

When the guard left, Gu Qingjia closed his eyes. They were a political marriage. They were respectful, even harmonious at times. But when it came down to a choice between her family and him… the answer seemed obvious.

When she calls me ‘Husband,’ is any of it sincere? He let out a self-deprecating laugh. Why am I obsessed with sincerity? It’s all just a game before death.

When Liu Qingyue returned, she saw him looking gloomy. “Do you want something to eat?”

“Sure,” he replied instantly, sitting across from her.

Liu Qingyue was speechless; she was just being polite, but he was being quite literal.

“My wife’s pastries taste different… much sweeter than usual,” Gu Qingjia said, his tone turning flirtatious again.

Liu Qingyue glared at him, her ears flushing. “Just eat. Not even pastries can shut your mouth.”

“If my wife fed me by hand, that might shut it…”

Gu Qingjia watched her with interest. Through their time together, he had realized that beneath her bold talk, she was incredibly shy.

In response, Liu Qingyue stuffed a whole pastry into his mouth, nearly choking him. He had to gulp down several cups of tea to clear his throat.

“It seems my wife hasn’t learned how to serve her husband. When I have time, I’ll have to have a long talk with my father-in-law about this.”

He was just teasing, but Liu Qingyue’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What is there to talk about with that old geezer? I didn’t mean to choke you. If you’re so unhappy, just feed me back!”