333 The Rise and Fall of the Royal City, Chapter Sixty-One

There was once a powerful backer, but that was a stubborn and self-reliant man who was determined not to be inferior to anyone.

Later, she also possessed strength and courage, always able to remain calm and devise various solutions when facing difficulties and challenges. She handled all her knowledge with composure, for this vast dynasty still belonged to her elder brother, the Emperor.

Only now, as time passes and people drift apart, does the true nature of time become apparent.

At this moment, my whole body feels completely refreshed, as if my bones have been broken apart. It's a clear-headed experience, a completely different feeling. It's indescribable.

A slight doubt about whether I had ever truly been strong welled up in my heart, but with a gentle smile, these thoughts vanished. At this moment, I really don't need to, and don't want to, think about these things.

There was no cold at all, yet she couldn't help but pull it out as if from thin air, and lie down in a more comfortable position. A soft silk blanket gently covered her, concealing her long, slender, white, and flawless legs.

Her eyes were gently closed, as if she were asleep in a dream. Her long hair cascaded down the back of the chair like a waterfall, swaying slightly. Her hand rested lightly on her abdomen, her fingers slightly curled. Occasionally, she would glance at the crowd, in a tranquil and harmonious silence as if all other sounds had vanished.

Ji Xixi held Rou Rou and Wan Qing in her arms, whispering quietly in their ears, occasionally asking soft questions as if listening to a story.

Wei Lan and Wei Qinghui rested quietly beside the group. Sunlight filtered through the osmanthus blossoms and bamboo leaves in the courtyard, casting a languid and peaceful glow on them, along with a deep sense of attachment.

Upon hearing this, he quietly pondered.

As Rou Rou listened to the conversation about her lover, a thought struck her.

She asked simply, "Sister Yunsu, Chen Lang has been gone for a long time. I wonder how he is doing? Would you like to go and see him together?" A hint of curiosity was in her eyes.

Ji Xixi smiled slightly, her tone soft and gentle, making people feel incredibly comfortable and relaxed. Her voice was like silk gliding over the ears, "Should we go take a look?"

If my sisters don't mind, I'd like to plant a few peach trees in that yard.

After speaking, a subtle smile bloomed on her face, radiating an omnipresent confidence and effortless charm. Her tone was devoid of any haste or anxiety, seemingly alleviating some of the others' worries.

Anxiety interrupted her, Jingzhai gently lifted her fingers, and a bit of the blanket slipped off, revealing glimpses of her black clothes.

She asked softly, "What Sister Su'er thinks is indeed reasonable. From the previous dynasty, or even before that, the royal city and the sects, as well as the local areas, have been governed together for a long time."

Those with power will always acquire all kinds of resources. Therefore, the ideal of the Great Harmony of the sages of literature is that those with power and benevolence can protect all living beings and reduce their suffering. However, the living beings also need to pay some price.

This is the ideal of universal harmony envisioned by the sage of literature: those who give should receive. This is how everyone should live.

After a moment of contemplation, he said softly, "However, later generations, for some unknown reason, took the ideal of Great Harmony out of context and assumed that everyone was equal. If that is the case, wouldn't it be unfair to those who are gifted and protect the masses?"

However, some powerful individuals, enjoying the contributions of the common people and acting arrogantly, show no concern for them, only knowing how to exploit, enslave, and even sacrifice them. Ultimately, this incurs the wrath of heaven and the resentment of the people.

Therefore, while the ideal of a utopian society is ultimately somewhat overly idealistic, it is favored by many and is also one of the sources from which many evil forces lure ordinary people into depravity.

He shook his head slightly, remaining silent. The matter was difficult to explain, and he sighed inwardly, 'Human nature is ultimately unfathomable.'

He understood that in such a complex situation with strange monsters, those with the ability would gain more. If one's heart was good, it would be a blessing for Ziming; otherwise, it would be a disaster.

Human hearts are fickle, emotions are unpredictable; in this ever-changing world, the only constant is human nature. This is the essence of humanity.

Thinking of her lover, she felt like a moth drawn to a flame, hoping that he would feel the same way about her.

The women fell silent for a moment.

Wei Qinghui's eyes were resolute as she softly said, "Sister is right. The decision that Sister Su made was something we hadn't considered. If there's anything you need, please just say so. We're family, and it's only right that we share the burden."

The gathering at this market has greatly benefited the people of Weijia Village, so they should naturally contribute their share. In the past, staying in the village and living a peaceful life would have been a luxury.

Now, the villagers all love this environment. Going back to the past would be unacceptable; since they are here and under the protection of the adults, they should naturally contribute their strength.

Tu Fanghua nodded gently in agreement, "You're all right, sisters. I'm part of this too. If there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to ask."

Jingzhai smiled gently, looking at the vibrant young woman, whose face was filled with excitement and admiration. "Youth is truly wonderful."

With a gentle smile and a dreamy, tender gaze, she reassured everyone with her comfortable tone, "Sisters, don't worry, it's not time yet, and it might not even happen."

But let's go check on Shen Lang and the others; we need their help.

After saying that, he chuckled softly, a sly laugh.

Everyone chuckled softly. They had been gone for so long, and it was already noon. They must have been exhausted from something.

Everyone nodded in agreement and got up to change their clothes.

Outside the inner courtyard, the soft voices of Aunt Hong and Butler Jin chatting could be heard. Aunt Hong chuckled softly, "Butler Jin, you look even younger."

Butler Jin smiled slightly, "Sister Hong, you must be busy with business lately. Please, have a seat."

The two sat down, chatted for a while, and exchanged information.

Hong Sao asked, "Is Miss here?"

Butler Jin, recalling the scene in the inner courtyard, felt a slight urge to disturb her, but maintained his composure and said in a low voice, "Yes, Madam and the others are in the courtyard. If Sister Hong isn't in a hurry, perhaps you could wait a while."

Aunt Hong nodded, "No rush, no rush, we'll wait until Miss has time."

Then she said softly, "This year's harvest is much better than in previous years. Some fields have already started to be harvested. The busy farming season is approaching soon. I hope it doesn't rain during this period."

Butler Jin nodded, "Yes, thank you, sir. Otherwise, this year would have been terrible; I don't know how many people would have starved to death. You are so kind, sir; this year has been another bumper harvest, so I imagine the children will have enough to eat..."

Two people of similar age were whispering and talking, discussing everything from the crops to the changes around them. When they talked about the young men and women in the village, they asked each other if there were any suitable marriage partners. They laughed softly, enjoying a rare moment of leisure.

A soft footstep sounded, and a young girl dressed in green said in a low voice, "Madam is going out."

Butler Jin quickly got up and hurried off to prepare, while also informing Madam Qinghui that Sister Hong was coming to see him.