As the window opens, the spring scenery along the roadside comes into view. March is the time when plants grow luxuriantly, and a gentle breeze carries the fragrance of wildflowers to one's heart, bringing a sense of peace and joy.

A bird that had been perched on a tree flew past Qi Mu and landed on her hand. The bird had gray feathers, but the tips of its tail feathers were adorned with white. It was small, bobbing its head and occasionally making a clear sound. It was extremely cute.

Feng Guang touched its little head with her fingertips, and Qi Mu's voice came from ahead, "This is a cuckoo."

"Really?" She leaned against the window, carefully observing the little guest that had suddenly landed in her hand. "If it weren't for the young master, I'm afraid I would have mistaken it for a sparrow."

Qi Mu laughed and said, "Sparrows and cuckoos are quite different, both in their voices and their habits."

"Habits?"

"Does Miss Xia know the true meaning of 'cuckoo occupying magpie's nest'?"

"Some birds are born without building nests. When it's time to lay their eggs, they knock the eggs out of other birds' nests and lay their own eggs, which are then incubated by other birds."

“That’s right, and those birds that don’t build nests include cuckoos.”

"oh?"

"Cuckoos lay their eggs in the nests of certain bird species and rely on foster parents to incubate and raise their chicks. Not to mention that adult cuckoos will remove the host's eggs, because cuckoos hatch earlier than other birds, the chicks will push the host's eggs and chicks out of the nest in order to increase their own competitiveness."

Feng Guang's hand trembled slightly, and the bird that had landed on her hand flew away. She exclaimed in surprise, "Even the chicks..."

"Whether human or animal, they all understand the principle of surviving by sacrificing others. Nature has given birth to all kinds of life, and all of them, regardless of their status, have something in common. Isn't that amazing?" The final question carries a hint of irony.

Even without seeing Qi Mu, Feng Guang knew that his expression at this moment was probably a half-smile, and she felt a pang of sadness.

The carriage stopped. "Miss Xia, we've arrived."

The barren mountain wasn't originally called a barren mountain, but one day rumors started circulating that tigers were attacking people, and no one came to visit, no matter how beautiful the scenery was. As a result, it became a barren mountain with only flowers, grass, and trees, and the house on the mountaintop also became an abandoned house.

Despite the overgrown weeds that have grown there due to neglect, the sprawling house still hints at its former glory.

Standing at the gate, Feng Guang felt a pang of melancholy at the passage of time. The gate was open, and the courtyard and rooms inside were clearly visible. The most striking feature was the tall locust tree.

Qi Mu lowered his head and said to Feng Guang, "Miss Xia, let's go inside."

She nodded and stepped inside. To be honest, she would have been scared to come to such a desolate place alone, but with Qi Mu by her side, she felt much more at ease. After passing through a long corridor, Feng Guang saw a thin but still handsome man in a courtyard that was almost overgrown with weeds. She looked back at Qi Mu and, sure enough, they were brothers; they looked at least three or four parts alike.

"You've finally arrived, An..." Qi Duan saw Qi Mu, "Why did you come too?"

Qi Mu smiled, "Of course I came to see how you're doing, little brother."

“Except for not having a life of luxury, I’m doing very well.”

"That's good, then I can rest assured."

They were originally enemies vying for the position of heir apparent, but now they were chatting peacefully, as if old friends were meeting and exchanging a few words on a whim.

Qi Duan asked, "How are Father and Mother?"

"Father's old ailment has flared up again recently, and he is resting at home. Mother has gone to Linggan Temple to pray for Father. Qi Duan, my good brother, I feel very lonely without you to play chess with me." Qi Mu shook his head and sighed.

Qi Duan clenched his fist at his side.