Better to remain silent

As the ripples of time and space shifted, the five people felt their feet become solid, and they found themselves falling on the edge of a vast royal hunting ground.

The air was filled with the scents of grass, earth, and the faint smells of livestock and leather, while the distant sounds of hooves and horns could be heard.

Ji Qianqiu took a deep breath, feeling the atmosphere that was completely different from the previous two worlds. He rubbed his hands together excitedly and grinned, "Hey! This place is just right! There are horses! There is armor! And this hunting ground! It's much better than those two crappy places! Finally, it feels a bit familiar! Hmm... the spiritual energy is also stronger than that iron box world, although it's still thin, but at least I can breathe!"

Ye Wuyang's gaze swept around.

Banners fluttered in the breeze, and guards in gleaming armor stood like a forest, the air thick with a solemn sense of hierarchy and a dragon-like aura.

He frowned slightly, his voice cool and clear: "When a dynasty is at its peak, its rules and regulations are strict. Here... there are many rules and many constraints." This pervasive sense of order made him feel slightly uncomfortable.

Shen Yunzhou's gaze swept over the standard-issue sword hanging at the guard's waist, sensing the faint battlefield aura emanating from the blade. He raised his eyebrows slightly, revealing a rare hint of approval: "The spirit of martial prowess remains; it's not all just for show."

Xie Chen quickly observed the attire and ceremonial arrangements of the people present. The virtual star chart at his fingertips glowed faintly as he swiftly deduced the current situation: "This is... a feudal dynasty with a very high degree of centralization. The rules of etiquette are even more stringent than before. We must be even more careful in our words and actions, and lest we offend the laws and order of this world, so as not to cause unnecessary trouble."

Looking at the magnificent palace complex in the distance, Fang Heng subconsciously straightened his non-existent clothes and nodded slightly: "Hmm...it looks more dignified than the chaotic Republic of China era, more like the real thing..."

That night, the palace was brightly lit, and the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air as a grand banquet was being held.

Officials were seated according to their rank, exchanging toasts and enjoying music and dance; the atmosphere was solemn yet luxurious.

The five concealed themselves and quietly slipped into the banquet.

Their gazes quickly settled on the figure at the head of the women's section.

Fang Li, in this life, is the apple of the eye of the current Grand Secretary.

Dressed in elaborate and gorgeous palace attire with exquisite embroidery, her hair piled high and adorned with pearl and jade hairpins, she was stunningly beautiful and possessed an elegant demeanor.

During the impromptu poetry recitation session, she calmly rose, pondered for a moment, and then composed a poem in one go. The verses were elegant and refined, with a lofty artistic conception, and her talent instantly amazed everyone present.

However, deep within her clear eyes lay a hint of indifference and detachment born from the constraints of numerous rules and etiquette.

The five were once again deeply attracted.

Fang Heng's eyes lit up, and he nudged Ji Qianqiu beside him with his elbow, his voice filled with excitement: "Look! Our sister! The daughter of the Prime Minister! Amazing, right! Look at her demeanor! Her talent! She speaks eloquently! No wonder she is my sister, Fang Heng's sister!" He proudly puffed out his chest, acting as if he had taught her himself.

Ye Wuyang's gaze fell on the slender figure beneath her gorgeous robes. Watching her graceful yet aloof smile as she moved among the guests, a pity flashed in his eyes: "...A cage woven with gold threads, though the birds trapped within are beautiful, ultimately lose their joy."

Shen Yunzhou watched quietly, his gaze piercing through the exquisite writing to see the unyielding edges deep within her heart: "The magnificent writing... cannot ultimately conceal the hidden sharpness within."

Ji Qianqiu's eyes widened and his mouth gaped open. After a long while, he transmitted his voice in a silly voice, "My goodness! Junior Sister's outfit... she looks like a fairy who stepped out of a painting! So beautiful! But... with so much gold and jade on her head, isn't it heavy? Isn't her neck tired?"

Just then, the general, who had been specially summoned back to the capital to be conferred a title due to the great victory at the border, strode into the main hall with an imposing presence.

He wore the imperial-bestowed Qilin Bright Armor, was tall and strong, and his face... was exactly the same as Ji Qianqiu's. Strangely, a fierce aura and a simple and honest air coexisted between his brows.

The investiture ceremony proceeded solemnly. After everything was completed, the general's gaze subconsciously swept over the women's seats, and instantly, as if struck by lightning, it fixed on Fang Li! He was completely unaware that half a cup of imperial wine had spilled in his hand, and just stared at her, dumbfounded!

Ji Qianqiu slapped his thigh in excitement, almost losing his invisibility spell, and roared excitedly, "Great! Good eye! Just like me!" He was proud and said loudly, "You can tell at a glance that it's me... no, it's him! A down-to-earth person! Doesn't do any of that pretentious stuff!"

The general's pursuit method, like the man himself, was so direct that it was astonishing.

After court, he actually carried the still-bloody carcass of a black bear he had just hunted and blocked the gate of the Grand Secretary's residence, shouting in a booming voice, "Miss! I just hunted this at the hunting grounds! It's fresh! The bear skin is thick and warm! I'm giving it to you to keep warm this winter!" His sincerity was undeniable, but this scene...

The gatekeeper of the Grand Secretary's residence had never seen anything like this before. He rolled his eyes and fainted from fright.

Fang Li came out upon hearing the news and saw the blood-soaked bear carcass at the door and the general standing beside it with a silly grin. Her face turned pale with anger and shame, and her eyebrows shot up: "General! What... what kind of behavior is this! Take it away immediately!"

The five people behind the scenes are truly remarkable!

Ji Qianqiu gave a thumbs up and exclaimed, "So genuine! I love this kind of straightforwardness! Black bear pelts are so rare! Junior Sister will definitely love it! It's just that the way you gave it to her... um... it's a little bit too wild!"

Ye Wuyang sighed, her eyes filled with disgust: "...Vulgar and unbearable, an insult to civility." She simply couldn't bear to look.

Shen Yunzhou's lips twitched slightly as he tried to salvage the situation: "...His intentions...are indeed sincere and genuine." He really didn't know how else to comment.

Xie Chen covered his face with a virtual jade fan, his shoulders shaking as he suppressed a laugh and said, "To cater to their preferences... the idea is good... but this method... is too... unrestrained and bold, I'm afraid it will be hard for them to handle."

Fang Heng stared at the blood-soaked black bear, his lips twitching. He murmured, speechless, "This big oaf... even his gift-giving is so... hardcore? But... his intentions are certainly genuine. Just... please don't scare your little sister!"

After his first attempt at gift-giving failed, the general pondered for three more days before presenting a "love poem" he had painstakingly written: "Miss, you are as beautiful as my mother, your eyes are as bright as stars. I want to see you every day, and I'll enjoy my meals and sleep to the fullest."

After reading it, Fang Li was so angry that she tore the poem to shreds on the spot and threw it out the window, her pretty face frosty: "You scoundrel! Utterly shameless!" The rage of a cultured person can be quite powerful.

Ji Qianqiu scratched his head, completely puzzled: "What's wrong? I think it's well-written! So sincere! Much more genuine than those flowery, roundabout pieces!"

Ye Wuyang coldly commented: "...With such writing skills, it's better to remain silent."

Shen Yunzhou sighed, rubbing his forehead: "...Perhaps, a sword...is more suitable for him." He had already given up on treatment.

Xie Chen tried hard to keep his expression in check and gave a professional negative review: "It has no distinction between level and oblique tones, no parallelism, and the artistic conception is... out of the question... However... the intensity of the emotion is overwhelming and leaves a deep impression."

After reading the poem, Fang Heng burst into laughter: "Hahaha! 'Like my mother'? What is this! What a talent! Sister, throw it away! Good riddance! This is worse than what I could write!"

The turning point came from an unexpected event.

Fang Li has been kidnapped by assassins sent by her political enemies, and her situation is critical.

Upon learning this, the general, all by himself and relying on only a few tiny clues, tracked the bandits all the way to their hideout in the mountains.

He fought valiantly, relying on his superb martial arts skills and ruthless determination to fight his way through the enemy camp. Covered in wounds and blood, he finally found Fang Li, who was terrified, in the woodshed.

He was covered in blood, but he grinned at her with a simple and tired smile: "Miss... are you alright? Don't be afraid... I'm thick-skinned... I won't die!"

Seeing him in such a state because of her, Fang Li's shock turned into a torrent of tears. For the first time, she reached out and tightly grasped the blood-stained hem of his clothes, her voice choked with sobs: "You...you fool...why did you have to do this...why..."

At that moment, the attitudes of the people behind him changed.

Ji Qianqiu's eyes reddened, and he patted his chest forcefully, feeling deeply moved: "Good brother! A real man! Loyal and righteous! I was like that when I saved my junior sister back then! I risked my life! That's a true man!"

Ye Wuyang's eyes flickered slightly, a rare hint of emotion in them: "...They risked their lives to protect each other. Their plight...is truly pitiful." This was almost the highest praise he could offer.

Shen Yunzhou's expression turned solemn, his opinion completely changed: "He is a true hero. He deserves the title of guardian." The Sword God's approval carries immense weight.

Xie Chen sighed softly, his tone tinged with approval: "Sincerity can move even the hardest heart. This ordeal has, in fact, brought this destiny together."

Seeing the general's blood-soaked state, Fang Heng's eyes reddened, and he pounded his fist, his voice choked with emotion: "Good heavens! He's a real man! He's willing to risk his life for his sister! I... I acknowledge him!"

Through this incident, the general's sincerity finally moved Fang Li and earned him the approval of the chief minister.

The entire process, from matchmakers to betrothal gifts, was meticulously followed, with the betrothal gifts filling the courtyard of the Grand Secretary's residence, making it an extremely grand affair.

Looking at the lively scene, Ji Qianqiu beamed with joy: "Lively! Very lively! That's how it should be!"

Ye Wuyang commented casually, "...cumbersome," but did not object.

Shen Yunzhou nodded: "...Only by taking this matter seriously can we show our sincerity."

Xie Chen smiled: "When the ceremony is completed, the bond is sealed, which is in accordance with the natural order and human ethics of this world."

Fang Heng smiled with the satisfaction of an old father: "Hmm...it looks pretty good...it's presentable, quite nice."

On their wedding night, the general was so nervous that he trembled and awkwardly lifted the bright red veil.

Looking at Fang Li, dressed in a phoenix coronet and wedding gown, breathtakingly beautiful in the candlelight, he stood there dumbfounded for a long time before awkwardly taking her hand. His voice stammered with nervousness, but it was incredibly sincere: "I...I'm bad with words...I don't know how to say those sweet things...but I promise you! I will treat you well for the rest of my life! I'll let you eat the best and wear the warmest clothes! If anyone dares to bully you, I'll beat them to a pulp!"

Looking at his honest and anxious appearance, Fang Li smiled gently, her eyes filled with tenderness and trust, and said softly, "Silly boy, I know."

At the very moment when their hearts were in sync and they made a lifelong promise.

The third illusory blue lotus seed appeared in Fang Li's heart! This one was more solid and radiant than the ones that appeared in the modern era and the Republic of China era.

The three illusory lotus seeds intertwined in the air, eventually merging slowly into a stable spatial gate!

The five people were experiencing extremely complex emotions at this moment, yet they were also incredibly clear-headed.

Looking at his happy "self" and junior sister, Ji Qianqiu grinned foolishly, but his eyes were a little moist. He transmitted his voice, "So good...so good...As long as junior sister is happy...your smile is so sweet..."

Ye Wuyang gazed deeply at Fang Li's radiant, blissful smile, then slowly closed his eyes, etching this moment into his heart: "...To have witnessed it is enough." The obsession in his heart deepened because of witnessing her happiness.

Shen Yunzhou gripped his sword tightly, his eyes more resolute than ever before: "...It's time. It's time to go back." He desperately wanted to return to their world and create their own future.

Xie Chen looked at the solid spatial gate, a realization flashing in his eyes: "The three lifetimes of love have come to a perfect end, the lotus seeds have returned to their original positions... It seems that our journey home lies beyond this gate."

The five of them took one last deep look at Fang Li, who had found happiness and stood smiling in all three different timelines.

Ji Qianqiu scratched his head, then belatedly realized and said awkwardly, "Huh? Looking at it this way... Junior Sister... seems to be doing quite well no matter where she is?"

Fang Heng wiped his face, shaking off the sour feeling, and urged, "Let's go! We've seen enough! We've had our fill of sourness! Let's hurry back! Let's pick up our precious little sister!"