Winter gripped the capital in the second year of the new emperor's reign. Inside the Gu residence, Mr. Gu, his hair a stark white, coughed relentlessly, each spasm wracking his body as if threatening to expel his very lungs. Gu Chengye, whose own hair had begun to silver, rushed to his side with a small bowl of loquat paste.
"Dad, drink this quickly," he urged, scooping a spoonful and holding it near his father's lips. "It will soothe your throat."
Mr. Gu initially attempted to push the bowl away, but a sudden itch in his throat forced him to relent. He drank the paste obediently and laid back, hoping to catch his breath. However, a persistent rattle echoed in his throat, a sound that sent shivers down their spines.
Gu Chengye sighed, setting down the empty bowl. He turned and left the room, his worry evident. "Is Butler Liu still not back?" he inquired of the servant guarding the door.
