Chapter 428: Watching the Stars Together

Shitou's innocent question reminded Zhang Shen again.

Zhang Shen's affectionate gaze instantly turned sharp, aimed at Mu Nan Zhao: "After all this time, the Mu family's affairs should be mostly settled, right?"

It seemed that if Mu Nan Zhao dared to say no, blood would spill on the spot.

Gu Xixi knew Mu Nan Zhao couldn't stay here, and she quickly smiled, saying, "He is no longer a criminal."

It's rare to reunite with family and also regain his former position.

I've told you this, Aunt—have you forgotten?

Zhang Shen certainly remembered, but what of it?

A son-in-law who has long married into the family, instead of staying home to care for his wife and children, is always out and never seen.

How improper!

Zhang Shen said, "I'm just a rustic old woman; I've never seen much of the world in my life and don't understand officialdom."

I only know that no matter how capable he is outside, when he returns he's just this family's not-yet-married son-in-law.

Gu Xixi secretly groaned, glanced at Mu Nan Zhao, and found he wasn't angry at all—he could even smile.

Besides," Zhang Shen said matter-of-factly, "no matter how high Mu Nan Zhao's official rank, could it surpass the Regent Prince?"

The Regent Prince could even proclaim to the world his consent to marry into another Miss Gu's family.

Would they just not live their lives?

Everywhere is just like you two—long-term separation between two places!

Mu Nan Zhao's smile deepened: "Yes, yes, yes, I think Aunt is absolutely right."

Gu Xixi sighed silently.

Let the gossip stop when it reaches the person concerned.

In the end, it was unavoidable that the reprimand aimed at Mu Nan Zhao alone expanded to include her accompanying him.

Sure enough, Zhang Shen immediately turned her criticism toward Gu Xixi.

I know this isn't entirely Mu Nan Zhao's fault.

You don't want to marry, so you'd rather Mu Nan Zhao stay away and not come back.

Gu Xixi noticed Mu Nan Zhao gazing at her with a playful look, and inexplicably felt guilty.

Although she had done nothing wrong, she now felt like a deceitful person full of scheming thoughts, being publicly judged.

Gu Xixi shifted uncomfortably in her seat, "I..."

Actually, I do have some of that thought.

Faced with everyone's meaningful stares, she hurriedly said, "But I can explain!"

Zhang Shen let out a heavy sigh, even glancing apologetically at Mu Nan Zhao.

You ought to give Mu Nan Zhao an explanation.

Mu Nan Zhao lowered his eyelids halfway, his expression indifferent.

He seemed full of grievances yet endured them in silence.

Without words, it only made people feel more pity for him.

Gu Xixi, while Zhang Shen wasn't looking, glared fiercely at Mu Nan Zhao.

How come I never noticed before—this young man is quite good at acting?!

Zhang Shen said guiltily, "Mu Nan Zhao, I'm sorry; I just said your words were too harsh—our family will definitely take responsibility for you."

Mu Nan Zhao said, "Please, Aunt, decide more for me."

But I believe Xixi certainly has her reasons.

All of Zhang Shen's previously accumulated dissatisfaction was completely cleared away, leaving only affection and pity for the son-in-law.

You know this child is the most sensible; you just indulge Xixi too much.

Gu Xixi has now lost the ability to make expressions.

She said with a wooden face, "I've always planned to establish a career before starting a family."

Even if I reluctantly stay with someone, I cannot balance family duties, ultimately wronging the other.

But I don't mind supporting an extra mouth.

Aunt, go ahead and ask him: would he be willing to stay in this courtyard, rely on me for a lifetime, and help me manage household affairs?

Lv Jing narrowed her eyes, secretly applauded in her heart, turned the tables! Well done!

Zhang Shen looked at Mu Nan Zhao: "You now have official duties outside, big or small."

I'm afraid you can't just abandon all of these, can you?

Mu Nan Zhao's eyes held a smile, he did not avoid: "For now, indeed I cannot."

Although Zhang Shen had the answer in her heart, she still couldn't help feeling deflated.

Forget it, forget it—I think I've figured it out.

You two are evenly matched; neither of you is a fuel-saving lamp!

She rose to collect the empty bowls after eating, saying, "From now on I will completely not care or inquire."

You two just keep being all sticky and sweet,

Anyway, you can't be apart, yet neither of you wants to marry.

Young people these days—this old woman really can't understand!

Zhang Shen walked away holding her bowl.

Gu Xixi and Mu Nan Zhao stared blankly at each other.

"Anyway, you can't be apart"—a seemingly offhand, common phrase—yet it sank into the hearts of lovers.

If two people are destined for each other in this lifetime.

What does it matter if we can't be together for a moment?

Lv Jing sensed the subtle atmosphere, picked up Shitou, and said, "Yesterday I practiced two sheets of characters; help me see how they look."

Only the two of them remained in the courtyard, sitting opposite each other.

After a moment of silence, they laughed in unison.

Mu Nan Zhao let out a relieved sigh, gazing at the night sky and said, "The village is still better; you can't see so many stars in the capital."

Gu Xixi also looked up and said, "Indeed, worldly affairs are hard to have both."

A double entendre.

Mu Nan Zhao's lips curled as he said, "I've long decided not to force you anymore."

"I was just teasing you, following Aunt Zhang's words."

"I know." Gu Xixi paused, then turned to look at him.

"But are you just teasing me? You're clearly taking revenge on purpose!"

Mu Nan Zhao let out a light laugh.

The two continued gazing at the starry sky; at this moment, no words were needed, only their hearts understood each other.

Tonight Mu Nan Zhao will temporarily stay in Doctor Lao's house.

Before bed, the young couple found it hard to part; though it was just a few steps away, Mu Nan Zhao still escorted Gu Xixi to the door of her chambers.

Gu Xixi asked, "Will you be gone when I wake up tomorrow morning?"

Mu Nan Zhao smiled, his eyes full of indulgence, "Rest assured, I will never leave without saying goodbye again."

Gu Xixi nodded, hesitating as she pushed the door; just as she was about to enter, she heard Mu Nan Zhao say:

"His Majesty ordered me to assist the Northwest Army in stabilizing the borders, and incidentally handle affairs across the regions."

"So for a long time to come, I will travel back and forth between the capital and the Northwest, and I will still spend many days there."

After a flash of joy, Gu Xixi glared angrily, "How could you not tell me something so important sooner!"

Mu Nan Zhao gave an innocent smile, "I forgot; it just came to me."

"Liar!" Gu Xixi grew more indignant, "You deliberately didn't say it, just to see if I'd be reluctant to let you go!"

"Big liar!"

With a bang, the door shut.

"Ah!" Mu Nan Zhao had no chance to argue, helplessly shaking his head.

"Never mind, we have plenty of time; I'll think of a way to coax you slowly."

Inside the room, Gu Xixi leaned against the door panel, listening to the footsteps outside heading toward the backyard.

The corners of her mouth rose uncontrollably, and she finally laughed happily.

The site for the tea garden has been decided; early the next morning, Gu Xixi will go to the farmstead with Lv Jing.

At breakfast, Mu Nan Zhao learned of this, was about to speak, but Gu Xixi cut him off.

"You're not allowed to come along."

"Why?" Mu Nan Zhao asked.

Gu Xixi gave a sufficient reason, "During the wheat harvest I fear something might happen; you need to stay home and hold things down for me."

If my guess is correct, today's return journey will be the moment Gu Tiezhu makes his move.

If Mu Nan Zhao comes along, that coward Gu Tiezhu wouldn't dare show his face.