Two days later.

Guan Hongsheng and his group set off first, while Guan Zhiyue had to make arrangements for things here, especially the newly purchased estate.

I don't know when I'll be back, so I definitely need to get all these things sorted out.

"Father, Second Brother, you go ahead first, we'll be there soon. But my belly is getting bigger every day, so it might delay us on the way. You don't need to wait for us, just walk normally."

"If we haven't made it home by the New Year, you don't need to worry. We can reunite with our families when we get back."

Guan Hongsheng smiled and replied to his daughter, "Silly daughter, your father will also be spending the New Year on the road. It's less than half a month, how could we possibly make it back to the capital in time for the New Year?"

Guan Zhiyue thought about it and it seemed to make sense, but then she thought that it would be better to let them go first, so that they could go home and have a reunion in their old age.

They don't know how long they'll be on their way, they're walking and stopping, it seems like it won't be until a month or two before they get back.

Originally, we planned to spend the New Year here before going home, but some soldiers hadn't spent the New Year at home for a long time, so we agreed.

Those returning to the capital this time are all soldiers from the vicinity of the capital, including those serving in the capital, as well as some who have sacrificed their lives and whose belongings are being sent back.

"Alright then, Father, Second Brother, please be careful!" Guan Zhiyue led a group of people to bid a reluctant farewell to Guan Hongsheng's group.

"We're a bunch of grown men, don't worry about us. Just worry about you guys, especially your bellies, understand?"

"Yes, Father, I understand."

After exchanging pleasantries, Guan Hongsheng and his group finally embarked on their journey, while Guan Zhiyue took Li Qiji and Guan Chengzhuo to her orchard.

Lan Shanqi also came today; he wanted to go back to the capital with Guan Zhiyue and the others.

Upon hearing this news, Shang Zhuo was speechless and bewildered!

Just how attractive is a pregnant woman to his young master that he doesn't even want to return to Guiling Valley for the New Year!

All the elders should be gathered together, but the Valley Master isn't in the valley at all; he's gone to the capital.

Wow! Absolutely amazing! That's incredible!

Guan Zhiyue certainly didn't know. If she did, she would definitely have a good talk with Lan Shanqi for not going home for the New Year and instead wandering around with her.

A tranquil orchard.

"Brother, Your Majesty, look at my orchard! Isn't it beautiful? Aren't there lots of fruit trees?"

"I've already improved these fruit trees, but they won't bear fruit this year. We'll have to wait until next year to harvest the fruit."

This stuff has just been soaked in farmyard manure, so it might smell a bit, but let me tell you, these are my most prized possessions.

Guan Zhiyue supported her waist with one hand and lifted her belly with the other.

Guan Chengzhuo looked at the endless fruit trees, and then at the entire orchard, which had been cleaned up and kept very tidy.

Apart from the slight smell of feces in the air, there was nothing wrong with it.

"This place is indeed peaceful and deserves the word 'tranquil'."

"Absolutely, brother. You should see who did this."

"Yes, yes, my dear sister, it must have been you who did it, so it's very good."

Guan Zhiyue was very happy to hear her older brother praise her. She excitedly took her older brother's arm and walked forward.

Li Qiji, Lan Shanqi, and the others following behind did not say anything, but instead started chatting.

"This battle must have been very tough."

"However, when I was in Guiling Valley, I heard that you obtained some divine weapon. Is it that white iron warship that I saw when you came back last time?" Lan Shanqi asked.

Li Qiji nodded and said softly, "Yes, it can only be said that Heaven has blessed Nanding."

"Yes, it is a blessing for Nanding!"

"But this is all thanks to my Empress!" Li Qiji couldn't hide the gleam on his face when he spoke of Guan Zhiyue.

Lan Shanqi, who was standing to the side, was a little confused, and then asked, "What's your relationship with Xiao Yue'er?"

"It's a huge deal! Our warships were all destroyed by the Japanese. It was Yue'er who told me to go and worship Buddha, which moved Heaven!" Li Qiji said.

Lan Shanqi felt as if he had been tricked. He couldn't quite put his finger on what was wrong, but it just felt like that.

"Then we really should thank Xiao Nuonuo properly."

"Sigh, I really miss the days when we were all together. It seems like those times are gone forever! But I really envy you. I never thought that Xiao Nuonuo would choose to marry you in the end."

"I've decided to quit. From now on, I'll only treat Xiao Nuonuo as a girl and I won't have any more illusions about her."

You absolutely must treat her well. If you ever dare to betray her, I, Lan Shanqi, don't care if you're an emperor or a commoner; I'll be the first to take her away.

When Li Qiji heard Lan Shanqi say this, he took a deep breath and looked at Guan Zhiyue, who was holding Guan Chengzhuo's arm and laughing all the way ahead.

She said calmly, "I won't give you that chance, but I'm quite surprised to hear you say that. I thought you were going to keep it a secret until the very end!"

Lan Shanqi said with a smile, "Yes, the moment I saw Xiao Nuonuo after leaving Guiling Valley, I regretted not making a move first and marrying her to you as your empress."

I haven't even made a move yet, and now that she's pregnant and so good to you, I've decided to let go. Wouldn't it be better to protect her from a different perspective?

"However, don't get too excited yet. As far as I know, all the friends I used to hang out with back then liked Xiao Nuonuo. And that makes sense, how could anyone not like someone as outstanding as Xiao Nuonuo?"

"You still have a long way to go! My withdrawal doesn't mean others will withdraw, do you?"

After a long pause, Li Qiji replied, "I will not let them succeed. Xiao Yue'er belongs only to me, but I will not force her. If she tells me one day that she wants to leave, I think I will still respect her decision."

Guan Zhiyue turned to look at Li Qiji, then shouted loudly, "Your Majesty, Brother Lan, what are you doing in the back? Come quickly!"

The two exchanged a glance, then laughed and ran over. Guan Zhiyue reached out and took Li Qiji's arm, resting her head on his arm.

She whispered, "What are you two whispering about? Why are you taking so long? Are you discussing where to go and what delicious food to eat?"

Li Qiji affectionately raised his hand to stroke Guan Zhiyue's head and said, "Silly girl, how could I not take you with me when we're eating something delicious!"

"Silly Yue'er, thank you. I'm so fortunate to have you by my side all this way!"

Upon hearing this, Guan Zhiyue looked up at Li Qiji, then at the crowd following behind them, and softly replied, "How fortunate!"