Appreciating New Tea with an Inkstone - Chapter 25

After discussing with Gu Ye, Gu Xiyan began preparing to leave. The Gu family’s businesses were mostly concentrated in Danyang, while those in other regions were organized by Xie Wan, who would take them along.

As for the Gu family’s servants, Gu Xiyan provided them with generous severance and let them find their own way.

Ah Qi and the others watched as Gu Xiyan instructed the steward to return the servants’ indentures. The atmosphere in the residence grew heavy with sorrow.

Some of the bondservants who had grown up in the Gu family were unwilling to leave. From the beginning, Gu Xiyan made it clear: those who chose to leave would receive a generous settlement, while those who wished to stay could remain to take care of Gu Ye and his wife.

Ah Da and Ah Qi refused to leave. The steward looked at the property deeds Gu Xiyan handed him, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “My lady, I have served Master for nearly thirty years. I cannot leave.”

Gu Xiyan offered a bitter smile. “Uncle Chen, I understand. But if we leave all these businesses behind, they will be completely ruined. You have dedicated yourself to the Gu family. With these, you can manage everything on your own. Father trusted you, and I respect you. Entrusting the family’s businesses to you is the best choice—it means the Gu family is not entirely lost.”

Uncle Chen remained silent for a long time before finally accepting the property deeds, tears streaming down his aged face. “My lady, I understand. No matter where you or Master go, please let me know. I will safeguard everything for you. If one day you can return, all of this will still belong to the Gu family.”

After making all the necessary arrangements, Gu Xiyan sat in the courtyard, silent for a long time. Since discussing her plans with Ye Qinming the day before, she had not seen her again.

Meanwhile, Ah Da brought back news—there were signs that the Yang family and the government office were making moves. Moreover, suspicious individuals had been lurking around the Gu residence. Gu Xiyan knew that this temporary peace was merely the calm before the storm—she couldn’t afford to wait any longer.

The doctor treating Gu Ye’s injuries had arrived. As Gu Xiyan walked him out, she asked, “Doctor Hua, when will my father be able to move? Will it be harmful to him if he has to travel?”

Doctor Hua was someone close to the Gu family and trustworthy. He pondered for a moment before replying, “Given his condition, he will need at least five or six days of rest before he can withstand the hardships of travel. Otherwise, he will suffer greatly.”

Gu Xiyan felt a chill in her heart but still nodded. “Thank you, Doctor Hua. Ah Da, see the doctor out.”

She stood there, rubbing her temples. Five or six days was too long—by then, it might be too late.

She remained standing for a long time before finally returning to the courtyard. She didn’t notice the pair of eyes watching her from behind, filled with helplessness and sorrow.

Gu Xiyan sat motionless in the courtyard for half the day. Ah Qi and Xiao Wu stood watch in the corridor, their eyes full of concern.

Gu Xiyan finally came back to her senses and beckoned them over. “Ah Qi, Xiao Wu, bring Zhuo Lang to me. I need to talk to him—bring him to my study.”

When Ah Qi brought Zhuo Lang over, Gu Xiyan was just sealing a letter in an envelope. She looked up and spoke softly, “Ah Qi, leave me alone with Ah Lang for a moment.”

Though Zhuo Lang was young, he was perceptive. Looking at the ethereal Gu Xiyan, an uneasy feeling settled in his heart.

“Ah Lang, have you decided not to leave?”

“Sister Gu, you took us in and arranged a burial for my parents. You are our great benefactor. No matter what happens, I will not leave at a time like this. Besides, I dislike Danyang City, and Ling’er and Qiao’er are still young. Staying here is not a good choice.” His expression was serious—he wasn’t just staying out of gratitude but also out of rational judgment.

Gu Xiyan smiled. “You are a good child and a smart one. I asked you here today because I have something very important to ask of you.”

Zhuo Lang straightened his posture. “Sister Gu, please tell me.”

But after listening to her, the boy’s face flushed red, his eyes welled up with tears, and he stammered in disbelief, “You’re not leaving?! They say you’ve colluded with demons—if you stay, isn’t that… isn’t that a death sentence? Sister, you can’t do this! There must be another way! We’ll find a solution together. I can’t—can’t watch you suffer the same fate as my parents, betrayed by heartless people.”

Gu Xiyan sighed softly. “Ah Lang, they are coming for me. Only if I stay behind will you all have a chance to escape. If I try to leave, they won’t let a single one of you go—do you understand?”

Zhuo Lang clenched his teeth, wanting to refute her but unable to find the words. Finally, his voice choked with emotion. “What about Master and Madam? You are their only daughter—how could they ever leave you behind?”

Gu Xiyan’s hands clenched tightly, faint blue veins visible beneath her skin. After a long silence, she finally spoke with difficulty, “That’s why I need your help. Zhuo Lang, my father and mother are very fond of you and your siblings. Once you leave, I want you to recognize them as your adoptive parents. Please, I’m asking you—take care of them for me, will you?”

Zhuo Lang lowered his head and remained silent for a long time before finally speaking in a low, strained voice, “Master and Madam will be heartbroken. They won’t agree to this.”

Gu Xiyan’s eyes reddened. She turned her head away, struggling to contain her emotions. “I know, but I have no other choice. I can’t let them lose both their daughter and their lives. Zhuo Lang, can you help me?”

Holding back his tears, Zhuo Lang answered, “The Gu family has shown me great kindness. As long as I live, I will take good care of Master and Madam.”

***

After making all the arrangements, Gu Xiyan prepared to have lunch with Gu Ye and Xie Wan. However, just as she entered Gu Ye’s courtyard, she was met with their panicked voices.

Her heart tightened, and she hurried forward. “Dad, Mom, what’s wrong?”

Gu Ye was sitting on the bed, touching his body in disbelief, while Xie Wan looked equally shocked and flustered. “This… what’s going on? His injuries are completely healed.” Seeing her daughter arrive, Xie Wan said in confusion, “Yan’er, your father’s wounds… they suddenly disappeared.”

Gu Xiyan was stunned. Gu Ye was equally baffled. “I couldn’t even get up this morning, but now, there isn’t a single wound left on my body.”

It took Gu Xiyan a moment to process what had happened. Then, as understanding dawned, she lowered her head and couldn’t help but smile. That person… really was gentle in her own way. When she looked up again, her expression was calm and composed. “Dad, Mom, don’t panic. This is a good thing for us. We must act quickly—start preparing to leave Danyang City quietly.”

Gu Ye and Xie Wan exchanged a complicated glance before looking at Gu Xiyan. Gu Ye let out a sigh. “Alright. I don’t know what happened, but the people from Dongzhou haven’t arrived yet. I will contact them again… Once we get through this ordeal, I’ll take you to Dongzhou. There are immortals there who can protect you. They won’t let those people harm you.”

It was difficult for him to say, and Xie Wan hesitated beside him, her eyes reddening but remaining silent. They didn’t want to leave their daughter behind, but more than keeping her by their side, they wished for her safety.

Hearing this, Gu Xiyan felt as if her heart was stuffed with cotton, heavy with sorrow. In her eighteen years of life, she had never wronged anyone—except her parents. To them, she owed the most, yet she had no way to repay them.

This lunch would likely be one of the last meals they had together as a family. Unlike her usual reserved self, Gu Xiyan made an effort to lighten the mood, trying to make her parents smile.

Gu Ye, utterly doting on his daughter, laughed heartily and teased Xie Wan. “Our Yan’er is different today—much livelier than usual. That’s good! This is how a young girl should be.”

Gu Xiyan simply smiled, while Xie Wan scolded him playfully, “What kind of father says that? Yan’er is wonderful just the way she is.”

“Yes, yes, Yan’er is perfect however she is. That makes me even happier. Hahaha.”

As was their custom, after the meal, Gu Xiyan brewed tea for her parents. She handed the teacups to Xie Wan and Gu Ye with both hands, then suddenly knelt before them.

Xie Wan and Gu Ye were stunned. They hurriedly stood up and tried to pull her up. “Yan’er, what are you doing? Get up, quickly!”

Gu Xiyan shook her head, refusing to rise. “Dad, Mom, much of what has happened to the Gu family is because of me. As your daughter, I have failed in my filial duty, caused you to abandon the family’s businesses, and made you live in fear. This is my greatest unfilial act.” She took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. “I won’t be able to care for you in your old age, nor see you off when your time comes. Instead, I am making you suffer the grief of outliving your child. That is my greatest sin as a daughter.”

Gu Ye’s face darkened with anger. “What nonsense are you saying? How have you burdened us? I won’t allow you to speak like this—get up, now!”

Xie Wan was equally distressed, her voice full of pain. “Silly child, how could you blame yourself? You have never been a burden to us.”

Gu Xiyan’s voice was quiet but firm. “I know you both love me and never thought of me as a burden. But the truth remains.” She then stepped back slightly while still kneeling and bowed deeply three times, knocking her forehead hard against the floor.

Xie Wan broke into sobs. “My child… why are you doing this? You’re bowing so hard! Enough, enough—get up! Let me see if you’ve hurt yourself.”

Gu Ye’s heart ached unbearably. “You are the most precious thing to us. Do you want to break your mother’s and my heart on purpose?”

Gu Xiyan clenched her teeth tightly, forcing herself to suppress the pain and guilt inside. She forced a smile and said, “It’s my fault… This will be the last time.”

With their emotions eased, the family sat together, sipping tea and chatting. Gu Xiyan couldn’t see her parents’ expressions, but she could feel their warmth and happiness through their words.

In this lifetime, she had never felt unfortunate. Everyone around her had treated her with kindness, and that was enough.

But this moment of peace was destined to be shattered. Suddenly, Ah Da rushed into the courtyard with his men. “Master! My lady! A large group of people has surrounded the Gu residence. They’re armed with wooden staffs and weapons, and they’re trying to break down the gate!”

Gu Ye’s face turned pale, but Gu Xiyan remained calm. “Ah Da, hold the front gate for now. Send another group to guard the side entrance. Quickly pack the essentials, change into coarse clothing, and leave through the back gate!”

“Yes, my lady!”

“Dad, Mom, hurry!”

Gu Ye and Xie Wan quickly went back inside. They had already made preparations, so within moments, they emerged with their belongings. Outside, Zhuo Lang was waiting with a wooden staff, flanked by Ah Er and Ah San, ready for battle.

Seeing them, Zhuo Lang said in a steady voice, “Master, we must leave now. The carriage is on its way—it’ll be here soon.”

“Alright, alright! Has your lady packed her things?”

“She’s waiting at the side entrance.”

The two of them rushed over, only to see Gu Xiyan standing at the door, still dressed as she had been. Alarmed, they quickly asked, “Yan’er, didn’t Ah Qi and the others help you change? Hurry, go now!”

Gu Xiyan nodded. “Alright. Dad, Mom, you both get on the carriage first.”

Ah Er and Ah San helped Gu Ye and Xie Wan onto the carriage. The couple anxiously looked around while urging Gu Xiyan to hurry.

But Gu Xiyan didn’t move. Instead, Ah Er and Ah San suddenly boarded the carriage as well—one on each side—firmly pressing Gu Ye down. Xie Wan panicked and turned to look at her daughter, only to see Gu Xiyan raise her hands and bow deeply. “Yan’er bids farewell to Father and Mother. Ah Er, I leave them in your care.”

“Yan’er! What are you doing?! Yan’er!” Gu Ye’s eyes were bloodshot as he struggled desperately, calling out her name.

The whip cracked hard against the horse, and in an instant, Gu Ye and Xie Wan’s heart-wrenching cries were drowned out as the carriage sped off, disappearing down a narrow alley.

Zhuo Lang, holding his younger sister in his arms, turned back for one last deep look at Gu Xiyan, his eyes red, before quickly following.

Gu Xiyan’s eyes were red as well. She lifted her gaze and turned to her right, where a small, winding alley lay, quiet and shadowed. Standing there, apart from her reddened eyes revealing her sorrow, she looked completely indifferent.

She turned back toward the residence. Inside, Ah Qi, Xiao Wu, and a few others were already arranging for the remaining servants to leave. Seeing that Gu Xiyan was still there, they were stunned. “My lady, why haven’t you left yet?!”

Gu Xiyan said nothing. She simply stepped forward and handed them an embroidered pouch. “Ah Qi, Xiao Wu, leave Danyang City with Ah Da and the others. Follow the instructions inside and find my father and mother. This place is no longer safe. You must go now—if you delay any longer, even the side gate will be blocked.”

“My lady, what do you mean? You’re staying behind?!” Ah Qi’s face changed dramatically as she stared at Gu Xiyan.

“Ah Qi, I can’t leave. Listen to me—go now. Once they arrive, none of you will survive.” Gu Xiyan’s brows furrowed tightly.

“My lady! Th-there’s a fire!” Xiao Wu suddenly pointed to the sky in horror. Thick smoke billowed from the front of the Gu residence. Unable to break through the gates, the attackers had begun setting fire to the house.