"Gu Yao, don’t blame Xinxin," Gu Qingheng said, as if he could read Gu Yao’s mind, accurately voicing his thoughts, "I did this willingly for her... Besides, given my status, being able to hide here for two years and enjoy some peace is already a fortunate thing. Do you really think I could hide for twenty years? What’s more, the dowry from our mother included this, and it’s not a secret to others, so why should I keep it and let others covet it?"
Gu Yao understood as well. Since the Prince could find it, so could anyone else. If he had to choose sides sooner or later, then it would be better to do it earlier rather than later to avoid difficulties when both sides approached. After all, the Crown Prince was virtuous, and it was his divine destiny. To serve the Crown Prince was also justifiable. However, he just felt uncomfortable in his heart, feeling that his elder brother should not have to make such a huge sacrifice for a peasant girl like Yang Ruxin.
"But, big brother, without this, you will have no support..." Gu Yao still looked troubled.
"Ayao," Gu Qingheng laughed, "Do you think that if someone really wanted to harm us, this would actually provide any guarantee? It could very well become a death warrant instead."
"But..."
"Ayao, do you know? If I hadn’t met her, I might really not have been able to carry on. She filled my heart with light..." A small smile played at the corners of Gu Qingheng’s mouth, "These days, I’ve come to believe that everyone’s path is predetermined by the heavens, fortune and misfortune go hand in hand..." He paused, "Look at her, how confused was she before? How difficult were her past days? But she never gave up. Now she’s managed to move out with her siblings and even plans to break ties with those vampiric relatives. How much perseverance does that take?"
Gu Yao sighed.
"I know you can’t understand. That’s because you haven’t yet met someone who can make you throw caution to the wind. When you do, you’ll understand..." Gu Qingheng exhaled, "Also, this item, sometimes being in possession of a treasure is no crime, but hiding it is... Moreover, the Crown Prince is not a fool. If I offer this up to him, he’ll surely protect me. Otherwise, it would dishearten those who wish to align themselves with him..."
"Big brother, I understand what you’re saying, and I know that this thing must be given away sooner or later. But I’m just worried. You haven’t even seen what she looks like; what if..." Gu Yao understood his elder brother’s meaning and knew it was reasonable, but he just felt it wasn’t worth it.
"What does appearance matter?" Gu Qingheng laughed as he interrupted Gu Yao’s words, "One should use the heart to see people. Only those who can be truly seen with the heart are worth committing a lifetime to..."
"Alright, anyway, big brother is always right." Gu Yao pouted, dissatisfied, "I can’t argue with you... Whatever you say, I’ll just do it."
Gu Qingheng’s smile grew even wider.
"However, if Yang Dani can keep a smile on your face, I won’t blame her..." Gu Yao added, "I’ll treat her like my sister-in-law..." He would help his brother watch over his sister-in-law and ensure that no one else could take her away.
The smile on Gu Qingheng’s face stiffened for a moment as he subconsciously raised his hand to touch the corner of his mouth. Indeed, he seemed to enjoy smiling a lot lately. And the term "sister-in-law" sounded so fitting to his ears. In fact, he couldn’t explain to Gu Yao more clearly. Maybe he thought he was the one helping out recklessly, but in truth, she was the one helping him overcome his inner demons.