The Whole Family is Reborn, But I Transmigrated into a Book - Chapter 39

Upon returning from the military camp, Gu Qingjia went straight to see Liu Qingyue. This was the first time since their marriage that they had been separated for such a duration. While they did not dwell on their longing for one another while occupied with their tasks, the moment he stepped back into the manor, his first priority was to find her. Only then could his heart truly be at ease. After all, this was the Second Brother’s residence, not their own territory.

Liu Qingyue, naturally, was perfectly fine. Unlike Gu Qingjia, her day had consisted of wandering the streets, sampling local food and drink, and spending silver.

“My husband has returned. You’ve worked hard,” she greeted him with a smile. She maintained her usual playful demeanor, yet there was a trace of genuine concern hidden in her voice.

If she hadn’t been so presumptuous, believing this was still the world within the book and urging Gu Qingjia to run away with her, they might not have reached this complicated stage.

“It wasn’t hard at all. Did my lady have a pleasant day?” Gu Qingjia asked with a smile. Any information he truly needed could be gathered from Shuanghua in private; when facing Liu Qingyue, he simply wanted her to remain happy.

He knew that once they returned to the Imperial City, the future would be uncertain. His ambitious brothers would no longer underestimate him, and the predatory Liu family would be watching them from the shadows. Their situation would only grow more difficult. Gu Qingjia himself wasn’t entirely sure how to navigate the coming storm. He had spent years cultivating the persona of a “useless” man, never intending to ascend the throne, yet every event seemed to be pushing him upward.

“I was very happy,” Liu Qingyue said, counting off on her fingers. “I feel Yu City isn’t much different from the other places we’ve visited. Aside from the local customs and the different food, everything else feels familiar.” She had adapted well; to her, whether it was Yu City or the capital, it was all a foreign land.

“Husband, I brought some pastries back for you. I know you don’t care for sweets, but the local specialty here is quite fresh and has a savory-sweet flavor.” She smiled. They hadn’t encountered anything like it in Ruzhou. In truth, the taste reminded her of the pine-nut crisps she used to eat in her past life—savory and sweet—but she didn’t mention that to him, as it would be impossible to explain.

Gu Qingjia didn’t mind. He nodded and smiled. “Then I shall have a taste.” He picked up a piece and placed it in his mouth. Indeed, it was much better than the cloyingly sweet treats found elsewhere. “The flavor is excellent. You were very thoughtful to keep me in mind while you were out enjoying yourself.”

He didn’t eat much, instead sitting down to chat about the day’s events. He didn’t divulge much regarding the military camp; he was no fool. Even though he trusted his wife, he would not speak carelessly of military matters.

Liu Qingyue didn’t press him. She had shed the arrogance of a “traveler” and begun to recognize her true position. In this world, she was simply a common person who happened to be born into the Liu family and married to Gu Qingjia. Had her circumstances been different, she might not even be living this comfortably.

She had spent the last two days shifting her mindset. Fortunately, she lacked grand ambitions, making the transition easy. Her life was still centered around leisure and comfort. In contrast, ever since arriving in Yu City, Gu Qingjia could no longer afford to be as relaxed as before.

This was his first day in the camp. Though he didn’t complain, she could see the toll it took. His clothes, which had been perfectly pressed when he left, were now wrinkled and worn.

She let out a soft sigh. She had once bartered with him as a “transmigrator,” but in reality, Gu Qingjia had simply been humoring her.

“Your Highness should rest well in the room,” she said. “I’ve been here for days and haven’t explored the General’s Manor yet. I’d like to walk around with Shuanghua.”

It was an excuse; she wanted to give him some private space. She knew he wouldn’t let her wander alone, but Shuanghua was his most trusted and capable confidante.

“You should stay here and keep me company instead,” Gu Qingjia said with a chuckle. “The Second Brother’s manor isn’t a place for casual strolling. When I have a free day, I’ll take you around myself.” Although the Second Prince was an upright man, the political stakes had risen. It was better to remain low-profile.

Liu Qingyue didn’t argue. “Fine, then rest for a bit. I’ll call you when it’s time for dinner.”

“I’m not tired,” Gu Qingjia replied. “Instead, let’s talk about Jiang Fu. He followed us all the way to Yu City and has been perfectly well-behaved. What do you think his purpose is?” He still couldn’t understand the intentions of “Young Master Jiang.”

“I am certain I don’t know him,” he continued, “yet he acts as if he knows me.” Even in his recovering memories of his past life, there was no trace of a man named Jiang.

“Perhaps he truly is here to protect us,” Liu Qingyue frowned. “Though his motives are unclear, as you said, he seems to know you.”

There was no mention of such a person in the original book. Gu Qingjia’s character had been so minor, written only to contrast the brilliance of his brothers. Even the short story dedicated to him had been plain and simple. Among the brothers, only Gu Qingjia had never been Emperor; even the annoying Sixth Prince had taken a turn on the throne. Liu Qingyue didn’t understand why the “author” had written it that way. In her eyes, if Gu Qingjia were Emperor, he would be a benevolent and virtuous ruler.

“Regardless of whether he is reliable, since we have kept him with us, we have no reason to dismiss him without cause,” she said.

“Then we shall continue to observe him,” Gu Qingjia agreed, though he kept his secret guards focused on the man. This was Yu City—a vital barrier. If Jiang Fu was a threat that led to the city falling, Gu Qingjia would never forgive himself. Despite his reputation, as a member of the Imperial family, he carried the weight of the people’s safety on his shoulders.

Liu Qingyue looked at him with watery, earnest eyes. “Your Highness, do you think… this journey of ours was the right choice?”

No one could know the answer until the very end. But Gu Qingjia nodded nonetheless.

“I never regret the decisions I make. Whether right or wrong, as the people walking this path, we only need to keep moving forward without looking back. Let time handle the rest.”

He looked at her with an intensity they had never shared before. Both had secrets; both were holding things back. Even as Gu Qingjia’s memories of his past life returned, he harbored dark, protective thoughts toward the woman who had been his wife in two lifetimes. Only those who have died know how precious life is. He wanted to live, and he refused to watch her die.

If one of them had to walk the treacherous path of power, he wanted it to be him. He wanted her to remain the innocent, sheltered lady of his memories.

“Do not overthink things,” he comforted her. “Behind you, there is me, there is the Liu family, and there is the Consort Mother. Even if something happens to me, the Liu family will ensure your safety.”

They both knew the Liu family’s motives for “protecting” her were anything but pure, but the sentiment remained.

“I believe in you,” Liu Qingyue whispered, her gaze steadfast.