Chapter 276: Why do People Change?

Chapter 276: Chapter 276: Why do People Change?

Gu Qingli and Xiao Yunjing listened, their entire worldview shaken. How could Xiao Yunfeng be so shameless? He was incompetent himself, yet he pushed all the blame onto Ms. Yang.

What wrong had Ms. Yang done?

They hadn’t perceived him as this kind of person before. He had seemed quite wise, but now that his status had changed, his true nature was revealed.

Gu Qingli glanced at Xiao Yunjing meaningfully.

I hope this guy won’t change in the future.

Xiao Yunjing turned his head and met Gu Qingli’s gaze. Reading her expression, he instantly knew what she was thinking.

“Li’er, don’t look at your husband like that,” Xiao Yunjing said. “It takes all sorts to make a world. Though we grew up under the same roof, but…”

He didn’t finish his sentence.

With the Xiao Han brothers present, how could I speak of my past life? Having lived through two lives, how could I not understand human nature? Otherwise, I wouldn’t have stepped out to take this most difficult path. But no matter what, I would never be like Xiao Yunfeng and kill my wife. Everything I do is for my wife and children. To kill one’s wife… it’s simply unbelievable. I would kill myself before I could ever kill my wife.

Gu Qingli glared at him.

It’s inappropriate to discuss such matters in front of the two children.

She looked at the dejected Xiao Han and comforted him, “Now that things have come to this, you and your brother must face it bravely. First, attend to your mother’s affairs. We can discuss your future plans after that.”

Xiao Han nodded. “Thank you, Third Uncle and Third Aunt. Now that we’re back, we don’t plan to return there. We’ll stay with you. You won’t mind us brothers staying, will you?”

When they left, he had explicitly told Xiao Yunfeng that he and his brother would not go back.

What good was there in that place? Living unhappily and even facing the danger of being killed by their own father.

The brothers were genuinely terrified.

“You silly child,” Xiao Yunjing said, patting Xiao Han’s head. “No matter where you are, Third Uncle and Third Aunt are still the same Third Uncle and Third Aunt as before. How could we possibly mind?”

Sadness welled up in Xiao Han’s heart again. He turned his face away, blinking hard.

If only their father were still the man he used to be. Then Mother wouldn’t have died. Why do people change? Even though he was already the Crown Prince and understood many things his peers didn’t, he still couldn’t comprehend how a person could transform so drastically.

Seeing Xiao Han’s sorrowful expression, Gu Qingli realized Xiao Yunjing had touched a raw nerve. She shot Xiao Yunjing a glare.

If you can’t comfort someone, then don’t even try!

Xiao Yunjing rubbed his nose. “You two must be tired as well,” he said. “Go get some rest. There are still things to do tomorrow.”

He and Li’er would keep watch over the spirit. The two children had rushed to bring Ms. Yang back and hadn’t rested properly; they looked completely worn out.

Xiao Han understood their current condition. He nodded, took his younger brother’s hand, and after expressing their gratitude and bowing to Gu Qingli and Xiao Yunjing, they returned to their room.

Gu Qingli sighed heavily.

Life is truly unpredictable.

“Yunjing, are you sure keeping the brothers here won’t cause trouble from Big Brother?” Gu Qingli asked.

“Let him dare!” Xiao Yunjing said, his voice cold. “If he comes, it’ll be the perfect chance to settle accounts with him. Does he even remember his own surname anymore? He’s capable of something as unconscionable as killing his own wife!”

Gu Qingli frowned.

Keeping Xiao Han and his brother here will undoubtedly lead to significant trouble in the future.

However, seeing the utterly heartbroken expressions on the brothers’ faces, Gu Qingli couldn’t bring herself to suggest they return to Beijiang.

I can only let them stay for now and worry about the future later.

Xiao Yunjing reached out and gently smoothed Gu Qingli’s knitted brows. “Don’t dwell on it,” he said softly. “Let things take their natural course. Worrying about it now will only add to your troubles. Let’s go check on our son. You should rest; I’ll keep the vigil.”

According to local custom, Ms. Yang, having died away from home, could not be brought into the house. Thus, the mourning shed was set up in the courtyard. It was very cold, and Xiao Yunjing couldn’t let his wife endure the chill with him.

Gu Qingli nodded. “After we check on our son, I’ll keep vigil with you for Sister-in-law.”

I also want to accompany Ms. Yang during these last few nights. Truthfully, it’s still hard for me to accept Ms. Yang’s death. Every time I recall the past, I can’t believe that young Ms. Yang is gone, and at the hands of her own husband. My assessment of Xiao Yunfeng’s ruthlessness has reached a new height.

Xiao Yunjing understood Gu Qingli’s feelings and acquiesced. Besides, there was a brazier with burning charcoal, so it wasn’t excessively cold.

Even if it did get cold, I’m here. I can just transfer some internal energy to her. It’s all to fulfill Li’er’s heartfelt sentiments for her sister-in-law.

After checking on their three little ones, the couple returned to the mourning shed.

「Ms. Yang’s funeral rites lasted for three days before she was buried on the uncultivated land next to the greenhouse on the mountain behind the village.」

This way, she could look upon Qinghe Village, the place she had always longed for.

「Three days after Ms. Yang’s burial, Xiao Ce finally arrived.」

Upon hearing the news, Xiao Yunjing hurried out to greet him. Brushing the snow from his father’s shoulders and taking the bundle he carried, Xiao Yunjing asked, “Father, why didn’t you send word that you were returning?”

He had only just received word from Yun No. 20 that Xiao Ce had been seen entering the village.

Xiao Ce looked travel-worn, as if he had aged ten years during his journey. When he received news that Ms. Yang had passed away, he had been stunned. He rushed back to the Imperial Palace, only to learn that Xiao Han and his brother had already escorted Ms. Yang’s body back to Qinghe Village.

Xiao Ce had only spared a glance for Xiao Yunfeng, who lay ill in bed, attended by only two palace attendants and an Imperial Physician. Sighing helplessly, Xiao Ce had then hurriedly set off to catch up with Xiao Han and his brother.

Those two children were so young, yet they had to transport Ms. Yang’s body thousands of miles. Only someone like Xiao Yunfeng could have been at ease letting them do so.

Xiao Ce waved his hand dismissively. “It’s nothing. Where are Han’er and his brother?”

Xiao Yunjing replied, “They’re in the backyard practicing martial arts with Dashuang. By the way, Father, my mother is here too.”

“Your mother?” Xiao Ce was startled, momentarily thinking Xiao Yunjing meant Ms. Jiang.

“Yes, my biological mother. Your younger sister, Xiao Yuling.”

“What?” Xiao Ce’s eyes widened, and he bolted straight into the house. Xiao Yunjing, momentarily stunned, quickly followed him inside.

“Father, Mother is in this room,” Xiao Yunjing said as he caught up, guiding him to the door of Xiao Yuling’s room.

Xiao Yuling’s door was ajar. She was inside, cooing at the little one on the bed. Hearing voices, she looked up and saw Xiao Ce standing at the doorway, his mouth agape.

Placing the little one gently on the bed, she slowly walked towards Xiao Ce, her eyes brimming with tears as she gazed at him.

“Big Brother…”

“Ling’er!” Seeing Xiao Yuling standing before him, alive and well, tears streamed down Xiao Ce’s aged face. He grasped her hand, his voice choked with emotion, “It’s really you! You’re not dead!”

Xiao Yuling, who had been overcome with the joy of their reunion, shot Xiao Ce an exasperated look at his words.

“Big Brother, were you hoping I was dead?”

Xiao Ce knew his words had sounded off, but he didn’t bother to explain. He knew his sister was too straightforward to take genuine offense.

He quickly pulled Xiao Yuling to sit down. “Ling’er, tell your Big Brother what exactly happened all those years ago.”

“What happened…” Xiao Yuling pursed her lips and began to recount the events of that year.

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