Both Ji Dong and Xiao Cui, and even Xiao Bei, were aware of Mu Houchu’s real identity.
Hence, Xin He did not hesitate to share openly that he resigned from his official position, and was granted the title of Prince Pingyang by the Emperor. His entrusted land was in Yu State, thus he returned to Lian’an Town.
As to why he resigned and returned, she held her silence, having no intention of revealing these. Firstly, the situation in the capital was extremely complex. People like her big brother, with their innocent personalities, would have a hard time understanding it. Secondly, she did not want them to worry; after all, her life in the capital was anything but peaceful.
Ji Dong always trusted Xin He’s words without question, thus he nodded: "It’s good that he’s back. Having our family together, it will be lively."
Xin He turned her gaze to Ji Dong, warmth radiating from her eyes. Ji Dong clearly knew they weren’t blood relatives, yet he always considered her needs before his own, treating her truly as his little sister.
However, she did conceal this matter from Xiao Bei. Xiao Bei was still young, and he regarded her as the person he relied on most. This child struggled to develop a sense of security. If he were to learn the truth, she feared he might not be able to handle it. Therefore, it was better to keep it hidden for now.
After all, no one here would object.
Xiao Cui held Xin He’s hand with a beaming smile: "I’ve been cleaning your wedding room, just like big brother Ji said. He feared that you two might suddenly return. And here you are, really back!"
Xin He winked mischievously: "We have been married for almost half a year now, why are you still calling him big brother Ji? Have you grown estranged?"
Xiao Cui’s face flushed red instantly upon hearing these words, and Ji Dong couldn’t help but scoff humorously, "You cheeky girl, better handle your own affairs first. I just now heard you screaming Hou Chu’s full name without any hint of unfamiliarity."
Mu Houchu’s hand tightened around hers within his sleeve subtly, as he turned his gaze on her, his eyes seemingly filled with a bit of resentment.
Xin He complained, "Who told him to always provoke me!"
Ji Dong burst into hearty laughter, which soon set Xiao Cui laughing too.
"By the way, business at our Qinghe’s little shop has been good these days. I even heard from a businessman from the capital recently mentioning that there is a Qinghe’s little shop in the capital too. I initially found it hard to believe that our Qinghe has such a big reputation!" Ji Dong said with a laugh: "Since you’re back, it’s better if you oversee the shop. Your big brother isn’t very clever and lacks the ability to manage a shop."
Xin He knew well the thoughts going on in Ji Dong’s mind. He was not the kind of person to take advantage, especially since the shop was originally hers. So naturally he wouldn’t feel right about taking it. Helping out in her absence was just part of being siblings, but now that she’s back, he should hand it over without delay.
However, Xin He shook her head: "Big brother, I’m afraid I need you to continue managing it for me. I have other plans for my return visit. For business matters, big brother is the one I trust the most. If you don’t help me, I’m afraid I won’t be able to find another person."
Ji Dong was taken aback: "You have other plans as well?"
Xin He chuckled: "Of course, I do!"
Not only did she have plans, but they were also big ones!
Her ambition was no longer limited to a small shop front, she wanted to build a city! A city even more prosperous than the capital!
——
The siblings chatted late into the night before finally going to bed.
Perhaps due to excitement, Xin He tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. She would even occasionally chuckle.
Mu Houchu came in right after having a bath and saw her rolling around restlessly in bed, chortling from time to time.
He promptly got onto the bed and drew her into his embrace, hugging her as he said, "Have you lost your mind? What are you so excited about?"
Xin He laid on his chest, cheerfully saying, "There are too many exciting things to mention all at once."
Mu Houchu couldn’t help but laugh: "You rarely seemed this happy in the capital. If I knew that leaving the capital would make you so joyful, I would have brought you back earlier."
Xin He snuggled closer into his embrace, she chuckled lightly: "Whether returning or not is secondary. After experiencing so much, returning suddenly to a warm, familiar place gives one a sense of security."
Mu Houchu lowered his head and kissed her forehead: "As long as it’s what you like, it doesn’t matter where we are. But, about the grand plan you mentioned this evening, do you have any arrangements for it?"
Xin He suddenly sat up from his embrace, excitedly saying, "Of course, I do!"
"Oh?"
Mu Houchu leaned back, clearly indicating he was eager to hear more.
Yet Xin He just raised her chin with an air of secrecy: "You’ll see!"
Mu Houchu could only smile resignedly: "Fine, as you wish."
While they were talking, they suddenly heard two sounds of pebbles hitting the windowsill. Mu Houchu’s expression subtly darkened, as he gently pressed Xin He back into the blankets: "Go to sleep."
Xin He peeked her eyes out from the blanket, blinking: "Is it your secret guard?"
"Yes."
Mu Houchu dressed and went out to see the secret guard already waiting outside the door.
"What’s up?"
"A secret letter from the capital." The guard presented it with both hands.
Mu Houchu quickly opened the letter, read it, his expression darkened. He put the letter away into his sleeve, then calmly said, "Understood. You can withdraw."
"Yes."
Meanwhile, Xin He remained in the room, bored as she waited.
When she saw Mu Houchu enter, his face seemed rather severe. Actually, his mood, good or bad, was not something that easily shown on his face, making it difficult for a bystander to gauge his emotions.
However, his overall aura would indeed change noticeably.
"What happened? Did something occur in the capital?" Xin He couldn’t help but ask.
Mu Houchu said in a deep voice, "What else could it be? The Shen family is vying for power, the Emperor wants to consolidate power; both are engaged in their own schemes. Now that we’re gone, the Imperial Court is even busier."
Xin He paused before responding, "Actually, it isn’t entirely a bad thing. When two tigers fight, one is bound to end up hurt. Now that you have stepped back, you can watch and see who wins and who loses. Isn’t that good?"
Mu Houchu nodded slightly: "That is indeed the case, but if the Shen family wins, it will be quite troublesome. Therefore, we must ensure the Emperor maintains his position."
In other words, even though others coveted that position, only he was allowed to do so. If anyone else ascended to that position, it would be greatly disadvantageous to him.
Xin He sighed deeply, "Even though we’ve left the capital, these disputes from the capital are still here, we can’t escape them."
Looking at the rare sentimental side of this little woman, Mu Houchu couldn’t help but chuckle, and patted her head: "Since you’re so worried about it, let’s not contend with them, let’s build it ourselves."
"What?" Xin He was taken aback. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦
Mu Houchu pinched her little face: "You promised earlier to give me a city more prosperous than the capital. Surely, you weren’t lying to me?"
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