Mo Bei slept unusually soundly that night.

This was the first time he had returned home in so long, and the first time in so long he felt so at peace. He looked forward to the wonderful life he would have with Rou Niang, the children, and his father.

Things are different now than they were back then. Back then, he and his father had to hide in a small ravine with Xiaoshan. Now he's a general, and he has his own general's mansion in the capital. He can bring the children with him now.

Da Ni is very quiet and gentle. His general's mansion has a very beautiful garden; she can swing on the swings and feed the fish there. She should like it.

Erni has a rather carefree personality, but he can take her to continue practicing martial arts and archery. I bet that little girl will have a blast!

When he left, Sanni and Xiaoshan were both too young, and he hadn't really seen their personalities yet. But just now, Sanni looked so well-behaved; she's probably similar to Dani—a sweet and obedient girl.

From what Xiaoshan had just said, he knew that Xiaoshan was ambitious. He secretly wondered if Xiaoshan would go to his general's mansion. After all, once Xiaoshan returned to the capital, he would definitely be taken away by the emperor. After all, he had come to take Xiaoshan away, but he used the excuse of going home to avoid being known by some people. Only he and the emperor knew about this, which ensured Xiaoshan's safety.

His father can then continue to drink tea, smoke cigarettes, watch the clouds drift by, and enjoy his retirement in peace and contentment!

He and Rou Niang... sigh, thinking about it made him a little sleepless. He glanced at Xiao Shan sleeping soundly beside him and thought, "Stop thinking nonsense and go to sleep."

Meanwhile, Li Rouniang couldn't sleep that night and even suffered from insomnia.

She missed Mo Bei, and she was even certain that Mo Bei had feelings for her too. But now, Mo Bei was no longer a hunter from that remote mountain village, while she was still a divorced village woman with a child. How could she be worthy of being his wife?

Suddenly, she realized how ridiculous it was. She and Mo Bei hadn't really settled their relationship. What was she at best? Someone who was liked? When they finally got to the capital, with so many noble families and young ladies, someone like her would be nothing but dust. How could Mo Bei possibly marry her then?

She was at best a concubine, and Li Rouniang was unwilling to be one. If she insisted, she believed that Old Master Mo, who should now call him Father, would insist that Mo Bei marry her.

But if Mo Bei marries someone like her as his general's wife, wouldn't he be criticized in court? Besides, she doesn't know any of the manners of nobles, whether it's her dress or her speech and behavior. Wouldn't she be laughed at in public?

At best, she could only make pastries. If she went to the General's Mansion, there would be plenty of maids to do it, like in the Liu family mansion. She'd only be a kitchen helper, not even a proper cook. Going to the General's Mansion...sigh, she felt immense pressure and deep melancholy.

Perhaps Mo Bei has feelings for her now. Regardless of whether they love each other, there might also be regret for not saying goodbye, or perhaps Mo Bei feels gratitude towards him, after all, he has taken such good care of Old Man Mo and Xiao Shan during this time. All these complex emotions are intertwined. It's understandable that Mo Bei is reluctant to leave her.

However, time flies, and who can guarantee that this feeling won't fade over time? If it does change, and she is still deeply in love with him, what should she do?

Did fate arrange for her to suffer physical torment at the hands of Zhao Dayou, only to endure another form of mental torment as well?

No, she absolutely could not accept it.

With that in mind, Li Rouniang decided not to leave with Mo Bei!

She can stay here with her children, tending the shop and living her own life. She can still be Madam Li in this pastry shop, living freely and without pressure. Wouldn't that be better?

With their thoughts diverging, the two spent the night together. The next morning, Mo Bei excitedly dragged the children to practice kung fu and play. Unexpectedly, San Ni was more interested in practicing kung fu than Da Ni had been back then, and Xiao Shan was naturally even more serious.

Li Rouniang cooked a meal, and the children sat around it, eating and chatting noisily, creating quite a lively scene.

"Rou Niang, I plan to take you all with me to the capital. Pack your things, and let's choose a day to depart," Mo Bei said, discussing the matter.

Old Man Mo naturally nodded. He himself was going to go to the capital with his son. Mo Bei had also told him about Xiao Shan's situation. To his delight, General Mo was still alive, which was a relief to him.

Xiao Shan was also going to the capital because Mo Bei had told him yesterday that his biological father was in the capital. He didn't care whether his biological father was a high-ranking emperor or a beggar in the dust, he was going to see him.

Li Rouniang said with a smile, "Let's talk about this after we finish eating."

Mo Bei's heart sank. He knew Li Rou Niang; her reluctance to agree meant things were about to change. Sure enough, after dinner, Li Rou Niang pulled Mo Bei aside for a serious talk.

"Mo Bei, I thought about it carefully last night, and I've decided not to go to the capital with you."

"Why Rou Niang?" Mo Bei didn't understand.

Li Rouniang sighed and said, "I just want you to live, that's all. I'm even happier to know you're doing well, but we're living in two different worlds now, and I don't think we should force ourselves to stay together."

"Rou Niang, are you still angry with me? I'm sorry I didn't find you right away, I wasn't there for you when you were in trouble. Can you forgive me? Don't say things like that anymore, it makes me very sad." Mo Bei was somewhat flustered. What if Li Rou Niang was determined not to be with him? He had planned to be with Rou Niang for a long time.

He didn't understand why Rou Niang was acting this way when she saw him yesterday. Her feelings for him were genuine and sincere, and she was not going to fall in love with someone else.

He suddenly thought of Li Si, that man who was indeed willing to disregard everything for Rou Niang. So, during Rou Niang's most difficult time, there was a man who was willing to give up everything for her. Was Rou Niang moved by this?

If that's the case, he wouldn't blame Rou Niang. After all, everyone seemed to think he was dead at that time, so finding someone else wouldn't be unreasonable.

Li Si's feelings for Rou Niang were indeed genuine, but now that he's back, he can't accept this outcome.

Li Rouniang shook her head: "Mo Bei, you're three years younger than me, aren't you?"

Mo Bei was taken aback, not expecting Li Rouniang to ask this question. "So what if she's three years younger?" Mo Bei didn't understand, and Li Rouniang smiled and shook her head. She didn't continue the topic, leaving Mo Bei there, completely puzzled.