Inside the quaint house, Xu Yuehuai carefully took out a pair of red rose stones that shimmered with an unusual luster from a carved wooden box. Their colors were like roses under the rising sun, both vibrant and mysterious.
Upon seeing this, Qi Zi'ang and Qi Zixin, the brother and sister, couldn't help but show a hint of surprise and curiosity in their eyes.
Qi Zixin spoke first, her voice filled with childlike surprise: "Mother, this thing is so beautiful, it's like it's hiding some secret!" As she spoke, she tried to get closer, but was gently pulled back by Qi Zi'ang beside her.
"Little sister, don't touch it." Qi Zi'ang's eyes held both doting affection for his sister and caution towards the unknown. He looked at Xu Yuehuai, as if seeking an answer.
Xu Yuehuai smiled gently and handed over the red rose in her hand, "It's alright, you two each take one and see if there are any other reactions in your bodies."
The brother and sister carefully took the red rose stone. The stone was no bigger than an egg, but it was unusually cool to the touch, as if it could dispel all the summer heat.
Qi Zixin closed her eyes to feel it, then opened them after a moment and shook her head: "There's no reaction, it's just cool."
Qi Ziang nodded in agreement: "I also feel it's very ordinary, like holding an ordinary stone."
Xu Yuehuai sighed softly, "It seems you are unable to connect with the power within. Perhaps this is fate's arrangement."
At this moment, Qi Guze, sitting in his wheelchair, gazed intently at the scene. Although he was unable to move easily, his composure and authority remained undiminished. He slowly began to speak, steer the conversation elsewhere: "How's the situation in the capital lately? Tell us about it."
Upon hearing this, Qi Zi'ang said solemnly, "Your Majesty has stabilized the court, and the capital has been very peaceful recently. However, some people have mysteriously disappeared, but Brother Tie Xiong has suppressed them in time, preventing the people from panicking. Your Majesty attaches great importance to this matter and is doing your best to investigate."
Qi Guze's brows relaxed slightly. "They did a good job, and I'm relieved. With us guarding the border, they don't need to worry too much."
Xu Yuehuai had to consider reality, and her voice choked slightly, "You've come all this way, and you've seen us. In a few days, you should go back with Xiao Chen."
Upon hearing this, Qi Zixin immediately protested. She hugged Xu Yuehuai's arm and gently shook it, saying coquettishly, "No, no, I want to stay with Mother a little longer. You're already kicking me out as soon as we arrive. Don't you like Zixin anymore?" As she spoke, her eyes even reddened slightly.
Xu Yuehuai quickly comforted her, "How could that be? Be good, Xin'er. Your mother loves you the most. But this border is not peaceful, and there are often battles. Your mother doesn't want you to stay here and suffer."
Qi Zi strode up to Xu Yuehuai's side. "Mother, I'm all grown up now! Parents are suffering here, how can I enjoy peace and comfort all by myself? I want to stay and share their burdens! My sister is still too young, she can go back."
Upon hearing this, Qi Zixin became anxious and pouted, "Brother! Don't even think about abandoning me! I want to stay with you, no matter where we are!"
The room was instantly filled with a warm yet slightly tense atmosphere. Xu Yuehuai was caught in a dilemma and was about to speak when Qi Guze suddenly coughed, breaking the stalemate.
"Ahem, I have something more important to tell you two to do."
Qi Guze looked intently at the two children and said in a low voice, "You two help me find a treasure that can completely change the fate of our country. I originally wanted to find it myself, but now I am powerless. You are my last hope."
Qi Zi'ang and Qi Zixin exchanged a glance. They knew that this was not just a simple task, but a mission and responsibility entrusted to them by their family and country.
"We do!" the brother and sister answered in unison.
"You are both good children." Xu Yuehuai was very pleased to see the brother and sister united in their hatred of the enemy.
After discussing family matters, Xu Yuehuai gently embraced Qi Ziang and Qi Zixin, their eyes sparkling with respect and affection for their parents.
"Goodnight, Father and Mother." They said their farewells softly, and then, led by their servants, they entered the resting place prepared for them.
After her children left, Xu Yuehuai moved even more gently. She bent down and, with undeniable strength, lifted Qi Guze from his wheelchair and carried him steadily into the inner room.
Qi Guze's face instantly flushed red, and he murmured, "A-Yue, you can help me next time, it's too embarrassing to do this."
Xu Yuehuai smiled indulgently, her eyes filled with tenderness for him: "I'm strong, it's alright. Besides, I want to hug you more."
These words made Qi Guze's cheeks turn even redder, as if they could bleed.
After settling Qi Guze on the bed, Xu Yuehuai sat down next to him and carefully massaged his legs.
Her technique was both professional and tender; each press seemed to precisely relieve Qi Guze's leg discomfort.
"This way you can recover faster and get back on your feet sooner."
Qi Guze looked at her focused expression and gently kissed her forehead. "With someone as considerate as you, I wish things could stay this way forever."
Upon hearing this, a sly glint flashed in Xu Yuehuai's eyes: "I don't want you to just sit in one place every day. I still want to ride horses with you and travel the world."
"Okay, I'll definitely get better soon."
The two smiled at each other, their tacit understanding and deep affection quietly blossoming in the night.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating every corner of the military camp. Xu Yuehuai pushed Qi Guze and slowly entered the training ground in the mansion.
Qi Ziang, Qi Zixin, Li Feng, Yan Qing, Wang Mang, and others had been waiting for a long time.
“It’s been a long time since we got together. Why don’t you guys have a competition?” Xu Yuehuai suggested.
Although Qi Zixin was not skilled in martial arts, she excitedly surrounded Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze, cheering on the others.
On the training ground, the duel between Qi Zi'ang and Yan Qing was particularly eye-catching.
Yan Qing, a martial arts master who was usually stern and unsmiling, showed a rare seriousness at this moment.
Qi Ziang's swordsmanship became increasingly refined, with each move revealing his profound understanding and relentless pursuit of martial arts.
The sword light was like a tapestry, and the two figures intertwined, drawing continuous praise from the crowd.
"Brother is awesome! Defeat Uncle Yan Qing!" Qi Zixin's cheers broke the silence on the sidelines, her eyes sparkling with admiration and pride for her brother.
Upon hearing this, Yan Qing's lips unconsciously curled up, but his steps faltered slightly, clearly amused by this sudden "encouragement."
Xu Yuehuai gently patted Qi Zixin's head and said with a smile, "Don't cause trouble, let them compete properly."
Qi Zixin stuck out her tongue, made a face, and then fell silent.
On the other hand, the contest between Wang Mang and Li Feng presented a different style of performance.
"Take this!"
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