...days passed by one by one.

That day, Qiu Yan and Qin Susu each led their young daughters and sons to find Mayi to discuss East-West trade.

Normally, whenever the two of them visited, Consort Li would always greet them with a smile and treat them warmly.

Only this time,

Mayi was in a bad mood.

Qiu Yan asked and found out that

However, King Lu passed away.

"Xiaoyan, Susu, His Majesty has agreed and allowed me to depart in three days to return home and pay respects to my father."

Mayi did not have a deep relationship with her father.

She actually wanted to return to her homeland to pay respects to her mother.

After hearing this, Qiu Yan and Qin Susu offered words of comfort.

Qin Susu shook her head, recalling how Lu Shiwang disliked her.

Qiu Yan: "Let's go together."

Suddenly, she wanted to go to India.

She's only forty years old; she should go out and broaden her horizons.

Except for the youngest girl, the children are all grown up; they have their own circles and their own lives.

“I’m going too.” Qin Susu immediately stood up, her eyes shining.

So many years have passed, and she still longs to travel to the Western Regions again, just like before, free and unrestrained.

I really miss those bittersweet days.

Now that she's over forty, if she doesn't keep moving around, she won't be able to walk anymore.

"Thank you." Mayi didn't understand their meaning and assumed it was just a display of sisterly affection among the three.

"While we're still young," Qin Susu said with a smile, as if she were already in that vast desert.

“Yes, we are still very young,” Qiu Yan asked.

"And what about Lord Liang?"

"Lord Liang has official duties to attend to. What about the Prince of Zhenbei? Would he like to come along?"

As Qin Susu spoke, she looked at Qiu Yan.

"Of course," Qiu Yan affirmed.

How could she go on a trip without her beloved Qian-gege?

In the span of two or three years, Gu Qian cultivated many virtuous ministers and capable generals.

He Jinran is now capable of handling things independently.

Therefore, she wanted to travel and enjoy the world with her brother Qian.

The vast world needs them to explore it little by little.

Qin Susu: "Then I'll bring Liang Yuchen along too." After all, they're a couple; wouldn't it be redundant for her to come along?

Qiu Yan and Qin Susu left the palace and went to the Hall of Forgetfulness together.

From afar, the two noticed that the area in front of the Forget-Worry Hall was crowded with all sorts of noblewomen.

Among these women,

There were young girls and newlywed women.

There are luxurious ladies, and there are middle-aged women.

Madam Sun led the three concubines of Lord Sun, and among them,

They all stood by, helping Qiu Ling'er greet the beautiful woman.

They were all exquisitely made up, and they had come with only one purpose: to find Qiu Ling'er to buy the Jade Complexion Ointment.

Unfortunately, Qiu Ling'er's Jade Complexion Cream was in very limited supply and was truly in short supply.

This situation has been going on for several months.

On the other side of the pharmacy,

Zhao San, Gao Chong, and Xia Minxin were already used to it.

If you ask why they didn't participate, the answer is, of course, to welcome the visiting patients.

In three years, Xia Minxin has learned a lot about medicine and now hopes that she can be as capable as her cousin Ling'er.

"Sister, Master Susu, come here quickly, I have something good to share with you two." Qiu Ling'er became much more lively when she saw her two sisters.

Qiu Yan handed her youngest daughter, Gu Qingyu, to the servants beside her, asking them to take good care of her, and then joined in to help with the arrangements.

Qin Susu also joined in.

Gu Qingyu and Liang Zaiting grew up together. Since their mother was busy, the two of them played together and were followed by their respective servants as they strolled along the streets.

After the Jade Complexion Cream was sold out, Madam Sun and her three concubines finally had time to greet Qiu Yan.

They exchanged pleasantries one by one.

Then, they happily left, holding the beauty cream personally given to them by Qiu Ling'er.

"Sister, Master Susu, this is my latest beauty cream. I tried it myself and the effect is much better than the Jade Complexion Cream. I didn't sell it and saved it for you."

"That's great." Qin Susu took it with both hands, opened it, and smelled it.

A pleasant, herbal scent filled the air.

"I'll give it a try when I get home today."

Qiu Yan also touched her palm and nodded in satisfaction.

Compared to her, Ling'er focused more on studying the proportions.

My sister's beauty cream, plus dietary supplements,

At their age, she and Qin Susu were often mistaken for being twenty-eight or twenty-nine when they went out, largely because of her younger sister.

Even my aunt and second aunt look much younger than their peers.

Now, Qin Susu is extremely grateful to Qiu Ling'er.

"Ling'er, you have made great progress in recent years."

"It's all thanks to my sister's nurturing." Qiu Ling'er smiled and shook her head, not forgetting to give her beauty cream to Xia Minxin, her uncle, and Gao Chong.

"Thank you so much, Cousin Ling'er." Xia Minxin thanked her with a smile. At first, when she received gifts from Cousin Ling'er, she would be hesitant and reluctant to accept them.

Now that she fully understands her cousin Ling'er's character, she can be completely open and honest with her.

She wondered if she could apply some to her older brother when she got home.

That way, the older brother won't say that he felt he had taken advantage of the situation.

Older men are more stable and reliable. The more Xia Minxin looked at him, the more she liked her older brother, and she couldn't help but smile and touch her lower abdomen.

She is very grateful to her cousin-in-law for personally arranging their marriage, which gives her someone to rely on now.

Zhao San took it from Qiu Yumei; he was used to this kind of thing.

"I don't need these things that women use," Gao Chong waved his hand, declining the offer.

"If you don't want it, give it to your wife at home." Qiu Ling'er still stuffed the beauty cream into Gao Chong's hand.

Qiu Yan carefully studied her younger sister's recipe.

After careful consideration, she recalled medical books and added a few more herbs to the recipe.

Qiu Ling'er suddenly understood and prepared to begin immediately...

When she learned from her sister that her sister and Susu were going to the Western Regions again,

I feel terrible...

"Sister, you're always like this, leaving without a second thought. Does brother know?"

"I haven't had a chance to tell him yet," Qiu Yan said with an apologetic smile.

"It's not like my sister isn't coming back."

"Sigh, my sister is always so restless." Qiu Ling'er sighed helplessly, and finally hugged her sister tightly, reluctant to part.

...When Qiu Yan told Gu Qian that she wanted to go to India to broaden her horizons,

Gu Qian really wanted to crack open his wife's head and see what was inside.

However, without hesitation, he decided to follow his colleagues.

On that day, he explained to His Majesty,

For the sake of trade between the east and west, he would follow his wife to the Western Regions.

After hearing this, He Lin was extremely opposed to it.

Why couldn't they have entrusted such an important business to their subordinates instead of insisting that the couple go in person?

Don't think he doesn't know.

The couple simply wanted to travel and enjoy the scenery.

However, he did not refuse Gu Qian's request.

After all, his current national treasury was filled with the help of that couple.

His arsenal was also filled by Gu Qian and Qiu Xu.

Moreover, his homeland was entirely protected by Gu Qian's unwavering loyalty.

His contribution is so great that he couldn't possibly refuse such a small request.

However, he had one condition.

"I'll go with you."

Before Gu Qian could refuse, someone else spoke up and refused first.

"Father!" The speaker was He Jinran.

At this moment, he was looking at his father with anticipation, but instead said to He Lin:

"Father, may I indulge myself one more time."

“No, Jin’er bears a heavy responsibility for the nation; how can she leave so easily?” He Lin stepped forward and patted He Jin’s shoulder.

“Jin’er has frequently traveled to cities in the Western Regions since she was a child, but Father has never been to the Western Regions or such places even once.”

“But…” He Jinran insisted, “Father, you are His Majesty, and Dongjin needs you!”

"..." He Lin smiled, took out paper and pen, and casually drafted an imperial edict.

"Jin'er, receive the imperial decree!"

He Jinran... He suddenly had a bad feeling.

"Father, what exactly are you trying to do?"

"Kneel down and receive the imperial decree!" He Lin's face was stern.

He Jinran was unwilling.

"Father, I will not accept it."

He shook his head and left the palace.

He Lin: "Jin'er, I am your father!"

He Jinran: "..."

Gu Qian felt helpless watching the interaction between the two.

"Your Majesty, your plan is brilliant. You enjoy yourself while pushing all the heavy responsibilities onto Xiao Ran. Don't forget, you are perfectly healthy and without any illness."

"We are not young anymore, and Jin'er is approaching thirty. It's time for her to be married. However, I, Your Majesty, have lived too long."

"Cousin, what are you saying?" Gu Qian didn't like hearing this. "This humble general takes his leave!"

He shook his head, straightened his robes, and left the palace to discuss the journey west with his wife.

He Lin watched Gu Qian's departing figure with a faint smile on his face.

He Jinran left that day.

I didn't want to go to court the next day.

In front of all the civil and military officials, He Lin

He handed a pre-prepared imperial edict to the eunuch, then spoke in a deep voice...

"Your Highness, receive the imperial decree!"

Below the main hall,

Gu Qian's expression remained unchanged, but his gaze unconsciously fell on He Jinran behind him, giving him a slight nod of comfort.

Don't be afraid, he's here for you.

Looking at his father's face, He Jinran felt a pang of sadness.

Father, always stand behind him. As long as Father is there, he will always be that unruly son who will cover for him when he makes mistakes.

As for the Emperor, he naturally had many concerns, but even more so, he felt a heavy responsibility for the country and its people.

Both of them represent an unyielding and profound paternal love for him.

Seeing that He Jinran remained standing there in a daze, He Lin raised his voice.

"Jin'er, receive the imperial decree!"

"Your subject accepts the decree!" Unable to withstand his father's imposing presence, He Jinran had no choice but to kneel down.

Then, the eunuch began to read aloud:

"By the mandate of Heaven... Crown Prince He Jinran is of noble character and deeply admired by me. He will surely be able to assume the responsibility of the throne."

...I hereby abdicate!

The Crown Prince has succeeded me and ascended the throne as Emperor!

"We hereby proclaim to the world that we shall abide by the imperial system of Dongjin!"

After the imperial edict was issued, the entire hall erupted in uproar...

Gu Qian remained expressionless, only hoping that Xiao Ran could do even better.

"Father!" He Jinran fixed his gaze and kowtowed, saying:

"With Father Emperor still alive, how can I overstep my bounds and declare myself emperor? This is against the imperial system!"

"How can we disagree? The Crown Prince's abilities have already surpassed those of Father Emperor!" He Lin personally descended from the throne, took the imperial edict from the eunuch, and placed it in He Jinran's palms.

"Tomorrow, the Crown Prince's enthronement ceremony will be held!"

After He Lin finished speaking, the entire hall erupted in uproar.

Time is very tight.

He Jinran's expression shifted, becoming increasingly calm and wise.

He gripped the imperial edict tightly and kowtowed once more.

"Your subject will obey Your Majesty's command!"

…………

………………

Qiu Yan and Gu Qian bid farewell to their family.

Three carriages, three families, several horses, and a few attendants traveling lightly...

Qiu Yan, Gu Qian, and their five-year-old daughter, Gu Qingyu.

Also departing were the retired Emperor Helin and Consort Li, embarking on their journey westward.

As for her sons, after bidding farewell, Qiu Yan instructed them to stay home and study and practice martial arts diligently.

When Mayi went out, she only brought two of her own dowry maids.

Looking at He Lin sitting next to her inside the carriage, she was flattered.

He actually accompanied her back to China to pay her respects.

Normally, she wouldn't even dare to think about such a thing.

Of course, Qin Susu, Liang Yuchen, and their youngest son Liang Zaiting were also with them.

After a long and arduous journey, they stayed overnight at inns and traveled by carriage during the day.

Because He Lin was traveling with them, Liang Yuchen and Qin Susu were always very careful.

With He Lin's imposing presence, when have they ever gone out of the palace incognito with His Majesty, no, the Emperor Emeritus?

Qin Susu couldn't help but complain, "Xiao Yan and I are going to the Western Regions again. Why are you coming along? What are you doing here?"

She couldn't enjoy herself to the fullest.

However, she only said these words to herself.

Liang Yuchen didn't have as many petty thoughts as Qin Susu; he was the quietest person on the journey.

He was the kind of person who would explain something in one sentence rather than say two, which often made Qin Susu feel that his nature was hard to change.

So be it. He's a man of few words, but he's still her husband. They've lived together for half their lives; what's there to complain about?

Months later, they arrived in Baiyang, which brought Qin Susu back to the past for a moment.

She looked as if she had become twenty years younger.

"If I had known, I should have left sooner." Sigh, so many years have passed, why did it take her so long to make up her mind?

Lingnan Village continues as usual.

When Li Zheng and his wife saw Qiu Yan and Gu Qian returning home for a visit, they showered them with concern and care.

Especially when I saw Gu Qingyu,

Ye Qiuyun's smile never faded.

"Come here, Qing'er, let Grandma hold you."

In recent years, she has also had two new grandchildren, a son and a daughter.

Yes, her two sons are often away on missions, busy with trade between East and West, and rarely come home, which makes her miss them very much.

Mayi disguises herself as an ordinary woman and goes to the Li family's house for a meal with Qin Susu and her husband.

Li Zheng and Ye Qiuyun saw Qiu Yan and Gu Qian leading their guests back and treated them with utmost hospitality.

As for He Lin, he completely disappeared after entering Lingnan Village.

This left Mayi puzzled for a moment.

With He Lin nowhere to be found, Qin Susu was in a much better mood.

With He Lin by her side, she couldn't do anything with complete freedom.

During her short day in Lingnan Village, Ye Qiuyun held Gu Qingyu in her arms, and Liang Zaiting also looked after Qin Susu and her young son.

Qin Susu was quite happy to have some free time.

She insisted on dragging Qiu Yan along, searching the whole village for memories, leaving Liang Yuchen standing aside.

With nothing to do, Liang Yuchen simply followed silently behind them.

As soon as Gu Qian returned, he stayed with Li Zheng.

The master and apprentice exchanged a brief conversation before entering and leaving the ranch together.

As for Mayi, after traveling all the way, she was taking her two maids to bed in the Qiu family's side room.