Little Pink Starfish

A Morning of Farewell

“Princess,” just as Yu Xiaoxiao was still wracking her brain for words, Gu Xinglang called to her softly and shook his head slightly. Pampering one’s wife didn’t mean the Third Young Master Gu would ignore filial piety toward his elders.

“Let’s go,” the old general stood up and strode out of the hall. His wife clearly didn’t like their little granddaughter-in-law, but the princess didn’t look like someone who’d suffer in silence. That was enough to put his mind at ease.

Walking beside him, Yu Xiaoxiao whispered, “Grandpa, Grandma’s angry.”

The old general glanced back at his wife still seated in the hall, and replied as they walked out, “Aren’t you upset too?”

Yu Xiaoxiao was puzzled and asked, “Why would I be?”

The old general lowered his voice. “Princess, would you ever hit your grandmother?”

Yu Xiaoxiao jumped. She was busy protecting humanity; why would she beat up her own grandma? “Of course not,” she shook her head earnestly. Though her face was deadpan, her eyes were full of confusion. “Isn’t filial piety important here? Do you hit the elderly in this world?”

“Of course not!” the old general quickly said.

Yu Xiaoxiao was relieved. “Then this world’s not that barbaric.”

The old general walked beside her and said, “Your grandmother’s getting on in years. Sometimes she says unpleasant things. Don’t take them to heart—just treat it as caring for the elderly.”

Yu Xiaoxiao thought for a bit, then said seriously, “Don’t worry, Grandpa. Grandma’s a good person.”

The old general was sure that wasn’t Yu Xiaoxiao’s true opinion.

After a moment’s thought, Yu Xiaoxiao added, “Even if Grandma beats me in the future, I’ll stand still and let her hit me.”

“That won’t do,” the old general said quickly.

“It’s fine,” Yu Xiaoxiao patted her small chest. “She can’t hurt me anyway.”

The old general… well, that was true, at least.

As they talked, the two walked out. Back in the hall, the old madam sat glaring at Gu Xinglang, her eyes sharp as blades. “Trying to make this old woman die of anger, are you?”

Gu Xinglang bowed. “Grandmother, the princess surely didn’t mean it.”

The old madam gave a cold laugh. “Of course not. She’s high and mighty. She didn’t even bother to know her grandmother-in-law’s maiden name.”

“Grandmother…”

“A royal princess who doesn’t know the Hundred Family Surnames?” the old madam cut him off.

Well, Gu Xinglang really wasn’t sure. It was quite possible his wife had never studied that.

Seeing him fall silent, the old madam grew even more upset. In her eyes, no matter what happened, her grandson couldn’t be at fault. It had to be Yu Xiaoxiao’s rudeness and arrogance. Thinking of how her grandson had to spend a lifetime with such a wild, impolite woman, her heart ached.

Gu Xingnuo sighed to himself. He’d never understand a woman’s mind. The princess had saved the entire Gu family—why was his grandmother still so hostile toward her?

“Let’s go,” he said to Gu Xingyan.

The whole family followed outside.

Mounted on his horse, Gu Xingyan called down to Yu Xiaoxiao, “Princess, I’ll wait for you and Xinglang at Wangxiang Pass.”

“Okay,” Yu Xiaoxiao nodded. “It’s settled then!”

Gu Xingyan laughed loudly and galloped off toward the north gate.

Gu Xingnuo turned to his grandmother. “I’ll go see them off.”

The old madam nodded. Now that the departure was truly happening, sadness welled up in her heart. She looked at her husband with trembling lips. “Take care.” On the battlefield, blades showed no mercy—who knew if this would be their final farewell?

“You take care too,” the old general replied with a wave.

“Depart!”

With that order, the traveling party left the Gu estate and headed north out of the capital.

Yu Xiaoxiao placed her hand on Gu Xinglang’s shoulder and whispered, “Don’t be sad. We’ll see Grandpa and Second Brother again soon.”

Gu Xinglang looked toward the retreating figures and gripped Yu Xiaoxiao’s hand tightly.

Gu Xingnuo personally escorted the old general and Gu Xingyan to the north gate. Officials from the Ministry of Rites and Ministry of War awaited them by imperial order, to formally see off the Gu family. Officers from the Ministry of Revenue brought carts of provisions and silver, personally allocated by the emperor, to be handed over outside the city.

While the old general spoke with the officials, Gu Xingnuo pulled Gu Xingyan aside. “You know about Yongsheng Temple. Once you reach the frontier, be wary of them.”

“I understand,” Gu Xingyan replied.

“As soon as I’m better, I’ll come to the pass,” Gu Xingnuo said. “Until I arrive, don’t act rashly, no matter what happens.”

“What if we’re attacked?” Gu Xingyan asked seriously.

“Then you must convince Grandfather to hold the city and close the gates. Do not engage,” Gu Xingnuo emphasized. “Remember, we’re playing for stability now.”

“Got it,” Gu Xingyan said. “You’re in charge. I’ll wait for you, Xinglang, and the princess at the pass.”

“Be careful.”

“Oh come on,” Gu Xingyan chuckled. “It’s not my first time out there. Why are you so tense? You know I’m not reckless. Don’t worry—even if I have to turtle up and bear it, I’ll do it.”

“You rascal!” Gu Xingnuo burst out laughing and smacked him. “Watch that foul mouth of yours.”

“Alright, alright,” Gu Xingyan grinned. “As long as you smile, big bro. You’ve been so grim lately. The sky hasn’t fallen yet, has it? We’ll deal with whatever comes.”

Gu Xingnuo looked at his brother’s carefree face and felt a twinge of envy. “Just be careful,” he warned again.

After a parting toast with the officials, they watched the old general and Gu Xingyan ride into the distance.

Just then, a captain of the Imperial Guard approached Gu Xingnuo’s carriage and said quietly, “His Majesty commands that you report to the palace after the send-off.”

Gu Xingnuo acknowledged the order and returned to the capital with the officer.

Watching his carriage leave, several officials exchanged looks. With the Zhao family fallen, the Gu family’s power was on the rise.

Meanwhile, Gu Xinglang and Yu Xiaoxiao were sitting beside Master Chengguan’s bed.

“Master,” Gu Xinglang asked, “why did you seal off my five senses? Can you tell me now?”