She meticulously observed every corner, leaving no stone unturned. In the moonlight, her figure was like a ghost, fleeting and mysterious.
However, no matter how hard she tried, the mysterious man seemed to have never existed.
The mysterious man vanished without a trace, as if he had never existed.
Reluctantly, she had to temporarily abandon the search and return to the Regent's Palace.
In her study, Xu Yuehuai sat on a desk covered with various documents, trying to find a clue. Her gaze was firm and deep, as if she wanted to see through the papers and reach the heart of the mysterious man.
A sense of unease and doubt welled up in Xu Yuehuai's heart. She knew she couldn't give up easily, otherwise it would only embolden the mysterious man. She decided to continue her investigation until she found out his true identity and purpose.
On the eve of Xu Yuehuai's next journey into the unknown, the hurried footsteps of the guards broke the silence of the night, bringing unexpected news: "The Duke and Duchess of Zhenguo have arrived!" This news was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring ripples in Xu Yuehuai's heart.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil in her heart, then slowly rose and walked towards the hall. Each step seemed so heavy, as if carrying countless expectations and responsibilities.
The soft, warm lighting in the lobby illuminated her resolute face, adding a touch of gentleness and warmth to her appearance.
The Duke and his wife appeared at the entrance of the hall. Their arrival was like the warm spring sun, bringing warmth and vitality to the mansion. The Duke wore a warm smile, his eyes revealing concern and expectation for Xu Yuehuai.
He stepped forward and asked softly, "Girl, what have you been busy with lately?"
Xu Yuehuai lowered her head slightly and replied respectfully, "Father, I am teaching Zi'ang in the manor and everything is fine. I'm sorry to have worried you and my parents." Although her voice was calm, a trace of worry flashed in her eyes.
The Duchess of Zhenguo stepped forward, gently took Xu Yuehuai's hand, her eyes filled with worry: "You still know! You've been running around these past few days, and we were all so worried about you." Her tone revealed deep concern and reluctance.
Xu Yuehuai spoke to them with a smile, remaining calm and composed despite her inner turmoil and unease. She knew she couldn't reveal any weakness at this moment.
Her eyes shone with a determined light, as if to say, "Don't worry, I will handle everything."
In the spacious hall of the Prince's mansion, sunlight streamed through the exquisite window frames, casting dappled shadows on the smooth floor. The Duke and his wife, a kind-faced elderly couple, had spent the entire day at the mansion, their arrival making the place even more lively and welcoming.
Xu Yuehuai wore an elegant long dress, the hem swaying gently with her steps. She led the Duke and his wife toward Qi Zi'ang, her face beaming with pride and joy.
Qi Zi'ang, a handsome and upright young man, was dressed in brocade robes, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, exuding a noble and imposing air.
He respectfully bowed to the Duke and his wife, saying, "Greetings, Grandfather and Grandmother!"
The Duke and Duchess of Zhenguo looked at Qi Zi'ang with eyes full of admiration and affection. They held Xu Yuehuai's hand and said with emotion, "Yuehuai, you have truly taught him well! Zi'ang has made great progress these days, and we have seen it and are very pleased with him."
Xu Yuehua smiled, her eyes revealing humility and gratitude: "Mother, this is all due to Zi'ang's own efforts. I only offered some guidance from the sidelines."
The Duke of Zhenguo suddenly said, "Zi'ang, let your grandfather see how good your martial arts are now."
Qi Zi'ang clasped his hands in a fist salute, a smile playing on his lips: "Yes!"
As he finished speaking, he went to the center of the courtyard, his sword flashing in his hand, as if it had transformed into a silver dragon, tumbling and leaping in the air with his movements. His movements were agile and powerful, and every tremor of the sword tip seemed to tell a story of an indomitable spirit.
The Duke of Zhenguo stood to one side, his hands behind his back, his eyes filled with anticipation for Qi Zi'ang. His gaze was fixed on Qi Zi'ang, not missing a single movement, as if he wanted to imprint every action of his in his heart.
When he saw how skilled Qi Ziang was at swordsmanship, a glint of admiration flashed in his eyes, as if he were seeing his younger self.
Xu Yuehuai stood beside the Duke of Zhenguo, looking at Qi Ziang with pride in her eyes.
A hint of appreciation flashed in the Duke of Zhenguo's eyes as he said to Xu Yuehuai, "Yuehuai, Zi'ang's swordsmanship is already quite good. It's clear you've put a lot of effort into it."
When the Duke of Zhenguo praised Qi Zi'ang, she smiled modestly and said, "It's because his master taught him well!" Her voice was full of respect for his master and also full of expectations for Qi Zi'ang.
The Duchess of Zhenguo stood to the side, smiling as she looked at Qi Zi'ang. Her eyes were full of affection for Qi Zi'ang, as if she could see him becoming even more valiant than his father in the future.
"Grandfather, how did I do?" After finishing a set of sword techniques, Qi Zi'ang sheathed his sword, stood up, and clasped his hands in a fist salute to the Duke of Zhenguo. His face was covered in sweat, but his eyes shone with a bright light.
The Duke of Zhenguo looked at Qi Zi'ang, nodded, and said, "Very good. Your swordsmanship is far superior to that of your peers. In the future, you will surely be able to stabilize the peace and prosperity of our Great Zhou Kingdom." His voice was full of affirmation for Qi Zi'ang.
Upon hearing the Duke of Zhenguo's words, Qi Zi'ang's face lit up with a joyful smile. He knew that this was his grandfather's approval of him and an affirmation of his efforts.
He took a deep breath, clasped his hands in a fist and said again, "Thank you for your praise, Grandfather. I will continue to work hard."
Xu Yuehuai looked at Qi Ziang, her eyes filled with satisfaction. She knew that this child had put in a lot of effort and made great progress under his master's guidance. She believed that as long as Qi Ziang continued to work hard, he would definitely become an outstanding martial artist in the future.
The Duchess of Zhenguo walked to Qi Zi'ang's side, took his hand, and said gently, "Zi'ang, you are really great. Grandmother believes in you, and you will definitely be even more valiant than your father in the future." Her voice was full of encouragement for Qi Zi'ang.
Upon hearing the words of the Duchess of Zhenguo, Qi Zi'ang gripped his grandmother's hand tightly, nodded vigorously, and said, "Grandmother, my goal is to surpass my father, and I will be the one to protect my mother in the future!"
The Duke of Zhenguo and the others looked at Qi Zi'ang with eyes full of satisfaction and smiles on their faces.
This child not only possesses outstanding talent, but also unwavering faith and relentless effort. He believes that as long as Qi Ziang maintains this level of dedication, he will surely bring glory to the family in the future.
Sunlight bathed everyone in the courtyard, as if cheering for Qi Ziang's progress.
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