Chapter 238: There Are No Do-Overs in Life

Chapter 238: Chapter 238: There Are No Do-Overs in Life

The next day, Gu Qingping went to the Jingbei Prefecture office as usual. The people there had little patience for the former Senior Grand Secretary’s eldest son and dismissed him after a few words.

As Gu Qingping walked further away, he shook his head.

These past few days, I had truly experienced how quickly people turn cold once power is lost.

「Qing Royal Palace.」

A Secret Guard was reporting Gu Qingping’s whereabouts to Qingchen.

After the report, Qingchen asked, “Is it still impossible to enter Beijing?”

The Secret Guard replied, “Yes, Master. The roads into Beijing are being fortified with new city walls.”

Qingchen nodded.

I figured as much. Knowing Xiao Yunjing’s cunning, he wouldn’t just wait for my men to enter Beijing again.

“Then, Yanshan Pass, Blue Clouds Mountain, and Black Tiger Mountain are the same?”

“Yes, Master. Our men are no match for theirs. Even with an imperial decree, they completely ignore us.”

“Understood. You may leave. Continue surveillance and report immediately if anything arises.”

“Yes, Master,” the Secret Guard affirmed.

After the Secret Guard withdrew, another servant rushed in to report, “Your Highness, the madam… she’s had a miscarriage!”

“What?!” Before the words had fully left Qingchen’s lips, he shot off like a gust of wind.

「Ya Garden.」

Xi Chenqing lay on the bed, surprisingly serene. Suddenly, the door was slammed open with a BANG! Qingchen stormed in, enraged, yanked her up, and roared, “Why did you abort my child?”

Xi Chenqing wasn’t frightened in the slightest. She looked at Qingchen with utter disdain. “You? You think you’re worthy of me bearing your child? Don’t you adore Gu Qingli? Go ask her to bear you children.”

“You court death!” Xi Chenqing’s dismissive gaze infuriated him.

How dare she look down on me?

Qingchen’s grip tightened, his large hand closing around Xi Chenqing’s throat.

Xi Chenqing didn’t resist in the slightest. Instead, she closed her eyes, awaiting death.

I’ve lived long enough. This existence, worse than death itself—it’s better to die and be done with it. When I first learned I was pregnant, a part of me was happy. But the moment I remembered it was Qingchen’s child, I knew I couldn’t keep it. In fact, this was an opportunity—an opportunity to seek death. If I aborted this child, Qingchen would undoubtedly kill me. Heh, just as I expected. Now, as I feel the Grim Reaper’s call, a sense of liberation washes over me. If there is a next life, I will live peacefully and quietly. I won’t blindly chase after a man I desire, only to act out so foolishly and bring about my own ruin when I can’t have him. What a fool I was. When you chase after a man you desire, you must first consider if he’s worth pursuing, and if he desires you in return. Alas, life offers no second chances. Only now, at death’s door, do I finally understand this.

Gazing at Xi Chenqing, so intent on dying, Qingchen felt a flicker of bewilderment.

Why is it that not a single woman I desire is willing to be with me?

His grip loosened, and he flung Xi Chenqing aside before storming out.

Once freed, Xi Chenqing felt no joy, only a profound regret.

Regret that Qingchen hadn’t finished her off.

「June, Beijing.」

The land was vibrant with the essence of spring, caressed by gentle, warm breezes. Bathed in this spring air, everyone felt invigorated and refreshed.

Gu Qingli felt fortunate; her decision to stay had been the right one.

It’s already summer, and while other regions are sweltering, here it feels like spring. My due date is next month. The weather then will be neither too cold nor too hot—just perfect for giving birth.

Xiao Yunjing handled his official duties indoors. He had just finished managing the construction of the city walls. However, the situation wasn’t entirely rosy.

We’re short on silver again. Looks like I’ll have to ask my dear wife for more funds again.

Gu Qingli, dozing on the recliner, was awakened by Xiao Yunjing’s kiss.

“Finished with your work?” Gu Qingli asked, her eyes still heavy with sleep.

“Mhm, all settled,” Xiao Yunjing replied, standing up to stretch his back and limbs.

Handling these official matters is truly mind-numbing, even more exhausting than waging war. I’d rather face an army of thousands than sift through these endless stacks of documents.

“How are our little rascals today? Behaving themselves?” Xiao Yunjing crouched down, pressing his ear to Gu Qingli’s belly.

“Behaving? Not a chance! They’re most active around now, trying to turn over.”

Sometimes, several large bulges appear on my belly simultaneously. If I gently pat one, it subsides, only for another to pop up elsewhere. It’s like playing whack-a-mole. My belly really aches then, though.

“You’ve been through a lot, Li’er.” Xiao Yunjing stood, fetched a small stool, sat down, and began to massage her legs.

Her legs were swollen like steamed buns; just looking at them was distressing. Every day, Xiao Yunjing would massage them for an hour, using his internal energy, which made her feel much better.

Gu Qingli remained silent. She was indeed exhausted. Closing her eyes, she savored Xiao Yunjing’s massage.

“Li’er, how much silver do you have left?”

Gu Qingli opened her eyes. “Are we short of silver again?”

“Mhm,” Xiao Yunjing nodded. “You know, Li’er, Beijing only has expenditures and no income right now. With the city walls half-built, we’ve run out of silver.”

Gu Qingli gritted her teeth and kicked him.

This man is more voracious than a gold-swallowing beast! One million taels of silver, gone in just ten days! There’s only a little over one million taels of gold left in the Space. Gold! Thinking of all that silver before—a good ten million taels in total, all gone! My heart aches just thinking about it!

Xiao Yunjing caught her foot, carefully placing it on his lap.

What choice do I have? The expenses are enormous. I can only turn to my wife.

Currently, his army numbered 400,000. This figure didn’t even include the over one thousand members of the Secret Sect or the five-thousand-strong elite unit. Military expenses alone flowed like water. For now, they had no income, only expenditures.

But things should improve after this year. Beijing is vast and sparsely populated. I’ve already had ten thousand acres of greenhouses built and planted with fruit trees transplanted from Li’er’s Space. They should bear fruit next year. There are also rice, wheat, and other crops, not to mention medicinal materials.

Gu Qingli sulked for a moment, then shot Xiao Yunjing a sidelong glance.

Forget it. I’ve already given so much; what’s a little more? He’s my man, after all. I’ll provide!

“Tomorrow, have your men take some wine and fruit from the Space to sell. Also, I’ll give you one hundred thousand taels of gold. Will that be enough?”

“More than enough, more than enough! Li’er, you’re the best! Heh-heh…” Xiao Yunjing’s eyes crinkled with a grin.

My wife is the easiest to persuade. If it’s not enough, I’ll just ask again later. Still, any gold mines we discover in the future, once smelted, I must use to repay my wife. I’m sure good news will arrive soon.

A few days ago, men from the Secret Sect sent word: they had discovered Wind Eye Orchids in a large canyon bordering the Icefield. Such plants often indicate gold deposits beneath them.

Gu Qingli shot him an exasperated look.

He always has that same expression every time he wheedles something out of me.

That night, members of the Secret Sect transported cartloads of fruit and wine jars out of the county seat. Along with one hundred thousand taels of glittering gold.

Watching the goods being taken away, Gu Qingli felt a pang in her heart.

The wine and fruit didn’t cost much to produce, at least. The wine came about because the Space had accumulated far too many fruits to eat, so I simply had Wuyou brew them. Although Beijing County is poor, even the poorest places have wealthy individuals. Most of them are concentrated in the county seat. Surely, they can afford these fruits and wines. Besides, with products from the Space, anyone who buys them once is sure to come back for more. I’m not worried about them not selling.

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