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墨書 Inktalez
From this point on, it all began here. Ziyan looked at the familiar place she hadn't seen in a long time; the river water was still so clear.
Fish swam continuously in the water, and in the distance, countless wild ducks played on the riverbed, rising and falling.
Besides the wild ducks, there were also white herons. Perhaps since her family moved away, no one dared to come into this Mountain Valley. Even in the middle of winter, she could still see many small animals like wild chickens and hares darting around among the withered grass.
Ziyan couldn't help but linger here, feeling an inexplicable reluctance to leave.
"Girl, why do you miss this place so much today?" Ling Yuxuan naturally noticed her lingering feelings.
"Well, this used to be my home, of course I miss it. Also, Future Husband, I want to have someone come to rebuild that home soon. When we have some free time in the future, how about we occasionally come back here to stay for a while?" Ziyan expressed her thoughts and wishes honestly.
"Of course, as long as my Future Wife likes it, I will always accompany you to do what you enjoy," Ling Yuxuan smiled slightly.
"That's great!" Ziyan happily returned a sweet smile to the Demonically Charming Man.
"Let's go up!" Ling Yuxuan took Ziyan's small hand and pointed toward their home with his chin.
"Okay!" Ziyan obediently and joyfully followed her Demon Prince toward the direction of their former home.
Soon, they arrived at what had become almost a ruin after a great fire—the front of their old home.
After so many years and through the trials of wind and rain, it was almost unrecognizable from its former appearance.
Suddenly, Ziyan felt a pang of pain in her heart as she remembered those so-called relatives from the old house—her cruel grandfather, her heartless uncles, and her cousin—each one so cold and selfish.
She wondered what kind of retribution those people had faced now. Were they exiled to the northern frontier? Their lives must not be easy either.
"Hey! Future Wife, what are you thinking about?" The Demon Prince teased as he waved his hand in front of the distracted Ziyan.
Ziyan quickly came to her senses and replied, "Yes, I remembered many past events from when I lived here with my parents. And those troublesome relatives from the old house, how nice it would be if my father were still alive! Then my mother wouldn't have to be all alone."
"Yes! But your father has already passed away. Little one, haven't you always believed that good people will be rewarded? I think your father must have ascended to the Pure Land long ago. As for those who are still alive, we should look forward. Don't you think my words make sense, Future Husband?"
The Demon Prince cleared his throat and continued to comfort Ziyan, saying, "As for those so-called relatives from the old house, you don't need to think about them anymore. They will have their own fate in the future; we just need to live our lives well from now on. Do you understand?"
"Oh! Yes!" Ziyan let out a long sigh and then said, "I will build a bigger and better house here."
"That's fine, as long as Future Wife likes it and is happy," the Demon Prince immediately raised both hands in unconditional agreement.
"Now let's go back to the city; the day after tomorrow is New Year's Eve. Without you arranging things, they will surely be in a panic," the Demon Prince reminded Ziyan.
"Okay! Then let's head back first. We can find someone to come build it after the New Year. Also, I want to invite the master down from the mountain to live in the new house once it's completed. Do you think he would be willing to come down?" Ziyan tried to ask.
"I believe that as long as his most beloved disciple persuades him, he shouldn't refuse," Ling Yuxuan said calmly.
"Yes, that's true," Ziyan nodded at her Demon Prince.
Then the two of them left hand in hand, leaping through the forest along the same path. After about fifteen minutes, they exited the small grove and arrived at the Official Road, where they saw Li Yutong, an old guard from the Zi Family Spiced Braise restaurant, waiting for them with a carriage.
Once Ziyan and Ling Yuxuan got into the carriage, guard Li Yu raised his whip forcefully, and the carriage immediately sped towards the city.
When they returned to the Zi Family Spiced Braise restaurant, they found their two mothers sitting by the Stone Table chatting happily.
As soon as they saw Ziyan and Xuan Wang, both mothers almost simultaneously scolded playfully, "Did you two go out of town again last night for some sightseeing?"
"Yes, I didn't expect you both to guess that. Isn't this too boring?" Before Ziyan could speak, her companion Prince preemptively responded, fearing that Ziyan might feel shy dealing with their teasing.
"Well, how can I make it interesting for you two?" Miao'er knew that her son was answering so eagerly because he was helping the little girl. So she asked again. "Uh!" Ling Yuxuan was momentarily stunned but quickly continued, "Both mothers, being with you is what makes it interesting. Last night, we left the city because Yan'er missed her old home, so we sneaked out without disturbing you two mothers. However, we returned early because we were worried about you."
"Oh! I see. It seems the children are truly filial," Lin Miao smiled and exchanged glances with Zhou, who was silent at the moment.
"Alright, in-laws, stop teasing them. We still don't know if they have had breakfast," Zhou finally spoke up.
"Mother, it's because we wanted to come back early to avoid worrying you and Elderly Couple that we haven't had breakfast yet!" Ziyan pouted playfully as she spoke.
"Then, Xiaoshuang, hurry and go get some breakfast with Die'er," Zhou immediately instructed Yang Xiaoshuang, who was beside her.
"Yes, my lady, I'll find my sister right away," Yang Xiaoshuang replied respectfully before turning to leave.
"Mother, I want to discuss something with you," Ziyan said as she turned to her mother.
"Uh? What is it? Go ahead," Zhou responded, momentarily surprised but quickly recovering.
"This morning we went back to our old house from Hot Spring Valley. The fire has turned it into a sea of flames. However, I've been thinking about rebuilding a large courtyard on that site. What do you think?" Ziyan expressed her thoughts directly.
"About this? Sigh, I visited last month and actually had the same idea. I just worried that you all are too busy to take care of it. Since you also have this plan now, it aligns perfectly with my thoughts," Zhou said. Upon hearing that Ziyan wanted to rebuild the house, she felt immensely happy; after all, that place held so many of her memories and attachments.
"Does that mean you're agreeing?" Ziyan's face lit up with joy.
"How could I oppose? Having such a capable daughter and son-in-law is a blessing I don't know how many lifetimes I've earned," Zhou said sincerely.
"Mother, in the future, I will make sure you live even happier. Please don't dwell on those bad memories from the past anymore. You're still young!" Ziyan moved closer to Zhou and snuggled into her embrace.
"Oh dear in-laws, as the saying goes, daughters are like warm little quilts. I'm really envious of you for having two such thoughtful little quilts," Miao'er said enviously.
"Ha ha, well, in the past in the village, because I didn't have a son with my child's father, they always looked down on me. I never expected that now my daughter alone could outshine their many sons. To be honest, sister-in-law, I am very content with my life up to this day," Zhou said, her eyes welling up with tears again.
"Mother, what are you doing? The New Year is just two days away; you should be happier. I just told you not to dwell on those unhappy memories. Why are you bringing it up again? From now on, you must stop this; my life will definitely get better. You should also be happier and not frown anymore."
Ziyan said seriously as she wiped away the two uncontrollable tears from Zhou's eyes.
"Sister-in-law, Yan'er is right. Everyone has some unpleasant memories to varying degrees; you need to learn to let go. In life, you must look forward and not keep looking back; otherwise, you will only waste our beautiful lives."
Miao'er couldn't help but persuade Zhou as well.
"Yes, yes! Alright, I will listen to my daughter and sister-in-law. From now on, I will look forward and live life well!" Zhou nodded in understanding.
This made Ziyan feel relieved; as long as her mother was someone who could accept advice, everything would be easier from then on. For instance, she could arrange for her mother to meet her master Qin Ming after some time.
As they chatted, breakfast was served one by one. Ziyan and her Demon Prince quietly sat down and began to eat slowly.
The two mothers sitting beside them looked at Ziyan with affection and love while glancing at Ling Yuxuan. It was a rare moment of true familial joy that was so ordinary yet precious in the world.
Ziyan understood the feelings of both mothers: one hoped for her daughter to have a good home; the other cherished the reunion after a long separation.
After finishing breakfast, Ziyan took her sister Ziying into her Spice Factory room.
To prevent anyone from discovering the true ingredients of her spices, all of Ziyan's spices were ground into fine powder according to specific ratios and then placed into cotton bags labeled with names like Purple Family Spices. This became her proof of intellectual property.
As she organized everything, Ziyan finally realized that she needed to build a larger Spice Factory. She could no longer operate on a small scale like before; all the spices were only enough for the shops under her name. If she wanted to truly distribute them to the market for sale, there would definitely be a shortage.
However, this factory could not be built in Hengfeng County Town; it was remote, and if outsiders came to invade, it would be difficult to defend.
To ensure both offense and defense are convenient, the only option is to build this factory on the back mountain of the Heavenly Pivot Sect, where the area is large enough, more secluded, and has strong protective measures and support.
On the left are numerous Death Warriors cultivated by the Heavenly Pivot Sect, and on the right are the former subordinates of General Qin. Each one is a valiant warrior, so there is no issue with the safety of the factory.
Thus, the idea of building a larger factory was inadvertently decided by Ziyan. Once the school successfully opens, she will begin constructing the factory.
...
The next day.
In the Zi Family Spiced Braise courtyard, there was a lively scene of slaughtering chickens, sheep, and pigs. To prepare for the New Year's Eve celebration, Ziyan invested heavily and spent almost the entire day searching for various ingredients throughout the city to create delicious dishes. From dawn until evening, she worked tirelessly to gather all the ingredients needed for nearly half a month, eagerly awaiting the arrival of New Year's Eve.
The third day.
On New Year's Eve night, all apprentices and clerks from Jishitang, along with everyone from Ziyan's side, gathered in the front hall of Zi Family Spiced Braise on both floors. All kinds of delicacies and fine wines were served, determined to ensure that no one would leave without being completely stuffed.
Ziyan had Li Yu, Li Bing, and others accompany the brothers and servants outside so that they could enjoy the food without restraint. Meanwhile, Ziyan and her family along with her two masters stayed in the courtyard, lighting candles and gathering around a large stone table to eat.
This way, everyone inside and outside could freely enjoy themselves on this special night without fear of any judgment, eating meat and drinking wine heartily. They toasted and played games joyfully!
"Two mothers, two masters, Ziyan would like to make a proposal. Is that okay?" As she saw everyone happy, Ziyan took the initiative to speak up.
"Uh? What proposal? Disciple, please tell us quickly," Old Man Mo was the first to respond before anyone else.
"It’s that every year during New Year’s we should gather together to celebrate. What do you think?" After saying this, Ziyan eagerly scanned everyone present with hopeful eyes.
"Yes, I also think my Yan'er’s suggestion is good. I wonder if our families and both masters would mind?" Zhou responded particularly quickly this time.
"Ha ha, that's a good idea. I agree," Miao'er said with a smile and nodded.
"This is a good thing; the two of us will definitely be happy about it," Old Man Mo said, and Qin Ming nodded in agreement.
"Ha ha, that's wonderful!" Ziyan exclaimed, almost wanting to clap her hands in joy.
Just as everyone was happily celebrating, a familiar yet strange voice interrupted: "You annoying Seventh Prince and Sister Yan actually left for Hengfeng without waiting for me. Luckily, I was able to arrive on time with Sixth Brother and Father."
"Bang—" At the moment the voice fell, Miao'er’s wine cup fell to the ground with a loud crash.
At the same time, everyone present was stunned into silence, almost petrified.
"What? Father? Even that old man Ling Zhi Yuan has come to this small Hengfeng County Town?" The only person who seemed somewhat awake was Ziyan, who immediately turned to look at Ling Yuer and the others.
To her surprise, she saw Ling Zhiyuan standing side by side with Xiang Wang and Ling Fu, his large hat nearly covering his entire face.
No wonder when they set off that day, Ling Yuer and Ling Feng had their subordinates send word that they had important matters to attend to; it seems they received a notification from the Emperor and were likely going to Chu County or some other place to await the arrival of the Emperor's Son.
"What? Yan'er, are you not welcoming my arrival?" Ling Zhiyuan asked as he looked at Ziyan, who was staring blankly at him.
"Uh? Oh no, that's not it. Ziyan pays her respects to Your Majesty," Ziyan stammered as she half-lost her composure and prepared to kneel.
However, Ling Zhiyuan stepped forward and gently supported Ziyan. "There's no need for formalities. Since I have come uninvited today, all customary rituals should be waived. Everyone need not bow; just treat me as an ordinary relative."
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