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墨書 Inktalez
Locked in a room by Gu Rong, Liu Susu cried as she tossed and turned, reflecting on the events of the past years.
The more she recalled, the more she felt that Gu Bei was a rare gem, and it was truly a pity that she had missed out on such a good match.
She spent her days weeping, with her meals secretly passed to her by a maid through the cracks of the window.
To prevent Liu Susu from escaping through the window, Gu Rong had even stationed guards outside. The maid could only sneak in food when there was no one around to watch.
As Liu Susu nibbled on snacks to stave off hunger, her resentment towards Gu Rong deepened. At the same time, she couldn't help but think about the wealth and glory she would have enjoyed as a general's wife, which only added to her frustration.
This continued amidst Liu Susu's intermittent sobs.
The next morning, Liu Susu groggily heard a voice and woke up to see her maid standing at the foot of her bed.
"Miss, the guards outside are gone. I've been watching for a while, and it doesn't seem like anyone is coming. I also checked in Son-in-law's courtyard and heard he left early this morning without ordering me to keep you locked up!"
The maid relayed what she had discovered. She had been terrified the night before; Son-in-law's anger was truly frightening, and even now, recalling it sent shivers down her spine.
Liu Susu jolted awake and quickly got up. "No one outside? Hurry, let's get ready and go home!"
"Yes!" The maid quickly fetched water to help Liu Susu wash up. Under Liu Susu's urging, she gathered some soft belongings and gently pushed open the door.
The maid peeked outside first and then quietly reported back to Liu Susu, "Miss, you can come out now; there's no one!"
Liu Susu stepped out right after her, nervously glancing around, afraid someone might suddenly appear and lock her away again.
The two of them moved stealthily outside. Fortunately, they were familiar with their surroundings; they walked at a steady pace without rushing.
After they had covered some distance from the estate, both let out a sigh of relief. They were finally safe.
"Quickly, let's go home!" This was Liu Susu's first time walking on the streets of the capital without a sedan chair or carriage. Now mingling among the commoners she once looked down upon felt surreal.
It’s all Gu Rong’s fault! As Liu Susu walked, she cursed Gu Rong in her heart, tearing him apart. If it weren’t for him, when would she, the daughter of the Minister's Residence, ever need to walk?
Returning to the Liu Family, Liu Susu cried and complained about her grievances. Unfortunately, over the past year, she had quarreled with Gu Rong and returned to her family so many times that her family had grown accustomed to it.
“Dear, since you’ve married into the Gu Family, you must prioritize your husband’s family. In our lives, we women have always lived by these principles: obeying our fathers at home, following our husbands after marriage, and serving our sons after our husbands pass away. Isn’t that how it has always been?”
Lady Liu comforted her daughter, feeling exasperated. This daughter was truly a handful. One problem after another, there were hardly any peaceful days.
Liu Susu was unconvinced. She sat up from Lady Liu’s embrace and said, “Why should it be like that? This time he was clearly in the wrong; shouldn’t he be the one apologizing to me?”
“In matters between husband and wife, there’s no clear right or wrong. You are his wife; naturally, you should respect him and ensure his satisfaction. That is what you ought to do.”
Lady Liu poked Liu Susu gently on the forehead: “You need to temper your temper a bit. Look at you; how old are you now? You still act like a child, running back home whenever you’re upset. This will only make it difficult for your Son-in-law outside.”
A man’s pride is paramount. If Son-in-law were ridiculed outside, he would surely come back and blame her daughter for it. How could this foolish child not see that?
“I don’t care! This time I won’t go back first!” Liu Susu threw herself back into her mother’s arms and pouted, “Mother, you love me the most; you can’t let me be bullied for nothing!”
Lady Liu sighed, wondering how she ended up with such an ungrateful child. Well, considering that she had indeed been wronged this time, perhaps it was best to let her stay home for a few days.
As for the specifics, they could discuss them in detail when Son-in-law came to pick her up.
After staying at home for two days, Gu Rong did not come to fetch her nor did he send anyone to do so.
“Hmph! What’s so great about him? I don’t even want to go back!” Liu Susu twisted her handkerchief into a ball and angrily tossed it on the ground.
She had relaxed well at the Liu Family, but now she felt bored again.
It was just as well that Gu Rong didn’t come to get her; she had things to do anyway.
Liu Susu had prepared a gift and arranged for a carriage to head to the General's residence.
Last time, she had been driven away by Gu Bei, and now she hesitated about how to present herself. After some thought, she realized that since Gu Bei had regained his official position, she could go to congratulate him.
This was a good idea! Liu Susu nodded with satisfaction; with a reasonable excuse, her visit wouldn’t seem so embarrassing.
This time, she would be gentler, making Brother Gu Bei understand that there had been misunderstandings before and that she had no ill intentions.
No matter what, she needed to win back Brother Gu Bei's favor.
The Brother Gu Bei who had once treated her so well would not truly sever ties with her. Their relationship had only been marred by misunderstandings, and once clarified, they could return to the happy days they once shared.
Upon arriving at the General's residence, Liu Susu did not barge in as before. Instead, she politely presented her invitation and waited for the guards to announce her.
When Gu Bei received the guard's announcement, he was somewhat surprised.
He genuinely hadn’t expected Liu Susu to come back after everything that had happened. Did he not make himself clear enough at the time, leading Liu Susu to misunderstand his rejection?
"Understood. I will see her."
This time, Gu Bei didn’t even allow Liu Susu into the side hall; he met her directly in the front courtyard.
As Liu Susu waited, she smoothly entered the General's residence and felt a surge of pride. Clearly, Gu Bei still cared about her; otherwise, he wouldn’t have let her in so easily.
Seeing Gu Bei approach, Liu Susu hurried forward.
"Brother Gu Bei, congratulations on clearing your name and regaining your honor! I brought a small gift specifically to congratulate you!"
Liu Susu beamed as she took the gift from her maid and personally presented it to Gu Bei.
However, Gu Bei did not go to greet her; instead, he maintained a stern expression and stared directly at Liu Susu.
"Madam Gu, perhaps I was not clear before, which led to your misunderstanding," Gu Bei emphasized this time. "There is no special relationship between us. The playful banter of our childhood has long become a thing of the past, and I hope we do not dwell on it."
His demeanor was cold, so much so that even Liu Susu could not comfort herself with the thought that he was joking.
"Now that Madam Gu is someone else's wife, I hope you will consider your position and avoid any misunderstandings. I kindly ask that you do not set foot in the General's residence again, and I will not meet with you anymore."
With each mention of "Madam Gu," he clearly delineated their respective identities, making it abundantly clear to Liu Susu that she should cease any meaningless pursuits.
Liu Susu was unwilling to believe this. In her imagination, things were not unfolding this way; Gu Bei would not be so heartless.
"Brother Gu Bei, have you misunderstood again?" Liu Susu hurriedly said. "I truly came only to congratulate you this time; there are no other intentions. Why are you so eager to send me away?"
This must be a misunderstanding; yes, it had to be! Liu Susu repeatedly reassured herself in her mind.
Gu Bei replied coldly, "Thank you for your congratulations, Madam Gu. I am very grateful. I hope this is the last time; there will be no next time. I will not accept your gifts; please take them back. From now on, whatever happens is my concern alone, and you need not trouble yourself."
At this point, even if Liu Susu continued to deceive herself, she could no longer ignore reality.
"I don't believe it! I don't believe it!" Liu Susu exclaimed excitedly. "If you truly did not wish to see me, why not simply refuse me at the door? Since you are willing to meet me, it means there is still some affection between us!"
Gu Bei ruthlessly severed Liu Susu's last shred of hope: "I let you in because I did not want to see you embarrassed in front of others. Liu Chancellor is an old acquaintance of my father and has gone to great lengths for my case; I hold great respect for Liu Chancellor."
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