As Gong Xiaohua and Su Hao departed from the Qin Residence last night, they headed straight to the private residence bestowed upon her by His Majesty, also located in the Chongren District. It took them roughly a quarter of an hour to walk there.
During these days of rest, she spent two days taking Su Hao to find a school. Education was not something to be neglected. Finally, they settled on a suitable institution. Riding on horseback from the Chongren District, it took about a quarter of an hour, making it somewhat close to the Li family.
Since Su Hao's return from the border, he had been living with her family, enjoying good meals and practicing martial arts under her guidance. His physique became sturdier than the average person's. At his request, Gong Xiaohua helped him purchase a small horse. He now rode to and from school on his own horse, saving the need for someone to accompany him.
On the third day, ChunYun arrived at Gong Xiaohua's private residence, expressing concern that the Lady might not be accustomed to others serving her. She had specifically sought permission from the Young Miss to come and attend to the Lady.
"I am no longer the Lady of the Qin Residence, and you have always been a part of the Qin Residence. It might not be appropriate for you to serve me here. You should return," Gong Xiaohua said.
Seeing the Lady about to dismiss her, ChunYun became desperate, tears welling up in her eyes. With a quivering voice, she pleaded, "Lady, wherever you go, I'll go. I won't go anywhere else. I just want to stay by your side. Please let me stay."
After speaking, she even attempted to kneel down, but Gong Xiaohua stopped her. "If you wish to stay, then stay."
ChunYun finally smiled through her tears.
On the third day since Qin Chuyuan and Gong Xiaohua left the palace, King Ye announced the alliance between the states of Liang and Ye, as well as the proposal for marriage to solidify the alliance.
However, there was no mention of Gong Xiaohua's resignation from the Qin Residence. This was considered a matter between the couple, and King Ye had no intention of intervening. He would let the young couple resolve it themselves.
The announcement spread throughout the capital by the afternoon.
Upon hearing the news, Madam Gong, Dad Gong, and Gong Xiaonan hurried to the Qin Residence to find Gong Xiaohua, only to be informed that she was at her own private residence.
A sense of foreboding gripped them as they rushed to Gong Xiaohua's residence.
When they arrived, Gong Xiaohua was practicing martial arts. Since her return from Liang, she hadn't visited her family. With the entire family coming to her doorstep, rumors must have already begun circulating outside.
Seeing her daughter's increasingly slender figure, Madam Gong's voice choked with emotion as she looked at her.
"Xiaohua, why didn't you give us any news about such a big matter? And how did you end up living in this private residence? Is the Qin family trying to sever ties with you?"
Gong Xiaonan couldn't contain her temper any longer and blurted out, "Sis, was it that Qin guy who kicked you out? I'll go give him a piece of my mind right away!" She stormed towards the door, ready to pick a fight at any moment.
But Gong Xiaohua stopped her, smiling, "With your skills, any random guard by his side could easily take you down. Besides, he's a high-ranking official. You'd be in prison before even laying a finger on him. Just stay put and listen, things aren't as you heard."
Reluctantly, Gong Xiaonan simmered down, stubbornly keeping silent but waiting for her sister to explain the situation.
Seeing her calm down, Gong Xiaohua turned to their parents, "I'm sorry, Father, Mother. I thought it was my own business and didn't want to worry you by telling. And regarding the marriage alliance with Liang, I could have stayed at the Qin Residence as a concubine, but I refuse to share a husband with another woman. I insisted on leaving, so I've already left the Qin Residence. Don't blame them."
Knowing that the Qin family didn't mistreat Xiaohua, the Gong family felt relieved.
Still, Madam Gong couldn't help but feel sorry for her daughter, choking up, "You child, with such a big matter, you didn't even inform us, just silently bearing it alone. You're making us worry to death."
"Mother, stop crying. It's better this way. Their aristocratic families have many rules. Xiaohua would have to deal with their ways besides her regular duties. Leaving is the best choice. But there are rumors outside now, all sorts of things being said. Xiaohua, you need to be prepared."
"Father, Mother, don't worry. I can handle enemies on the battlefield; I'm not afraid of a few words from others!"
"As long as you're not afraid."
"Father, Mother, look, this big yard, just a few of us living here feels desolate. Why don't you move in with me? We can live together as a family."
Madam Gong looked at Dad Gong, letting him decide. So Dad Gong made the decision, "Alright, we'll listen to you. We'll live as we used to, peacefully."
Originally, he thought of having Xiaohua return to their smaller residence, but considering Xiaohua's entourage and the small size of the courtyard, it wouldn't do. More importantly, their residence was surrounded by neighbors, and there would be much gossip if Xiaohua returned, causing her much distress.
Thus, instead of leaving Xiaohua in her private residence, they decided to move the whole family away from trouble.
In the afternoon, after finishing his duties, Qin Chuyuan's attendant led him to the vicinity of Gong Xiaohua's residence. He stared at the gate from afar; the plaque now read "Gong Residence."
Not knowing what his young master was thinking, Qin Yi was solely focused on the gate of the Gong Residence.
"Young Master, shall I knock?"
"No need."
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Qin Chuyuan hurriedly hid in the nearby corner, signaling Qin Yi.
"Young Master, it's Madam and the two elders from the Gong family, along with Young Master's uncle."
Qin Yi, hiding, stole a glance and informed Qin Chuyuan.
Qin Chuyuan tightly clasped his hands, releasing and gripping them again. Finally, he resisted the urge to go upstairs. This time, let him protect her, and then take Qin Yi away.
After Dad Gong and the others returned, they began moving the next day. Both the Gong and Li families came over to help.
On this rare day, with all relatives gathered together, everyone intentionally avoided discussing the Qin family's marriage alliance. They chatted about their interesting life stories, trying to amuse Gong Xiaohua.
Gong Xiaohua looked at this group of people. In her past life, she had no parents and devoted her entire life to the country. Now, in this life, she had so many relatives who loved her. She felt a responsibility to protect them. As for Qin Chuyuan, everything would unfold as fate allowed.
Unexpectedly, on moving day, Qin Chuqin actually came to deliver gifts. She congratulated the Gong family on their relocation. As the saying goes, one should not bite the hand that feeds them. The Gong family naturally invited Qin Chuqin into the house, only for Gong Xiaohua to discover her uncle's secret.
