Qi Guze stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, rest assured, A Yue and I will do our utmost to help Wuling overcome this difficulty. We will make proper arrangements for the position of Grand Preceptor to ensure that there are virtuous and capable people to assist the new king.”
Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Wuling's eyes flashed with gratitude. She nodded gently, as if she had placed all her hopes and trust in these two people.
"In that case, the future of Wuling is in your hands."
After saying goodbye, Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze embarked on their journey back to the Great Zhou Kingdom.
The carriage slowly drove away from the capital of Wuling Kingdom. The scenery along the way flashed by, but it could not hide the myriad thoughts in the hearts of the two.
"Do you really think Wuling can gain a foothold in this chaotic world?" Qi Guze asked.
Xu Yuehuai turned to look at him, her eyes sparkling with wisdom.
"As long as we work together, nothing is impossible. Although Wuling is weak, it has its own unique resilience and wisdom. As long as the new king can grow up healthily, the future is promising."
Inside the carriage, the two continued their conversation, sometimes frowning, sometimes breaking into a smile.
Several days later, the capital of the Great Zhou Kingdom came into view.
This most prosperous city among the four kingdoms attracts travelers from all directions with its unique charm.
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze stepped off the carriage and onto familiar ground, feeling an indescribable sense of warmth and familiarity.
"Aze, let's go check out Tianxiang Restaurant first," Xu Yuehua suggested, her heart filled with longing for the restaurant she had founded.
Tianxianglou Restaurant was as lively as ever, packed with guests, and the air was filled with the enticing aroma of food.
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze stepped inside, immediately attracting the shopkeeper's attention.
"Oh my, isn't this your master? You're finally back!" The shopkeeper, beaming with joy, rushed forward to greet him.
Xu Yuehuai smiled and nodded, looking around and commenting with satisfaction: "It seems you've managed things well while I was away; everything is in perfect order."
The innkeeper smiled憨厚ly, "Thanks to your careful guidance, Master, we dare not slack off. However, since you are here, we should add a few more good dishes to show our welcome."
Xu Yuehuai waved her hand, "No need, we've already eaten. You've all worked hard these past few days, that's the most important thing."
Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper's eyes flashed with emotion, and he repeatedly said, "It's no trouble at all. As long as our master is satisfied, we are content."
At this moment, in a corner of Tianxiang Restaurant, several diners were discussing in hushed tones.
"Have you heard? That's the owner of Tianxiang Tower. Not only is she beautiful, but she's also incredibly capable."
"Yes, she is truly admirable. I heard she is a noblewoman from the Kingdom of Wuling, which is remarkable."
"I never expected that we would see them standing in front of us so soon after the war with Wuling Kingdom ended."
These words, like a spring breeze, gently reached Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze's ears, and the two smiled and left hand in hand.
As night fell, the outline of the Regent's Palace slowly came into view.
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze's carriage entered the familiar yet long-lost mansion. The wheels rolled over the bluestone road, making a deep and long sound, as if it were the gentle sigh of time.
The carriage doors opened slightly, and Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze stepped out. Moonlight shone on them, casting a silvery glow over the weathered couple.
"Mother!" A clear voice broke the silence of the night. Qi Zixin rushed into Xu Yuehuai's arms like a swallow returning to its nest, her eyes slightly red, filled with the excitement of a long-awaited reunion.
"I heard the news early this morning that you were coming back, but I didn't expect it to be true." She hugged Xu Yuehuai tightly, as if afraid that it was just a beautiful dream.
Qi Ziang followed closely behind, his steps steady, a warm smile on his face.
"Father, Mother, welcome back to our home."
He has become more mature, which makes Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze feel very gratified.
Tie Chunsheng also stepped forward quickly, bowed, and his eyes were full of respect and concern.
"Grandpa, Grandma, you must be tired from your long journey. Please come in and rest."
Zhou Wan and Tie Xiong arrived shortly after, both with complex expressions, a mixture of joy at the reunion and some underlying worry.
"Father, Mother, it's been so long," Zhou Wan said softly, tears glistening in her eyes.
Tie Xiong was even more direct, kneeling on one knee and saying in a deep voice, "Master! Princess!" This loyalty and respect moved everyone present.
Xu Yuehuai gently stroked Qi Zixin's head, "Everyone, don't be sad, this is a joyous occasion. Let's not stand here, let's all go to the hall."
Inside the hall, Xu Yuehuai slowly sat down and began to recount her experiences in Dongsang and Wuling during this period. Her voice was sometimes low and sometimes passionate, and every word contained a thrilling story.
"Mother is truly amazing, escaping death time and time again." Qi Zixin listened intently, filled with admiration and worry.
"Yes, I never expected that after we left, Mother and Father would encounter so many dangers. Fortunately, everything has been resolved." Qi Zi'ang clenched his fists, longing to be a warrior like his parents, protecting their homeland.
However, Xu Yuehuai's expression turned serious. "No, it will get more and more dangerous. I want you to leave here first and go to a safe place."
Her decision silenced everyone present; the air seemed to freeze.
"No! I don't want to be separated from you again, Mother." Qi Zixin's tears welled up, and she held Xu Yuehuai's hand tightly, unwilling to let go.
Qi Zi'ang, on the other hand, seemed more rational. "My dear sister, we can't be a burden to Mother. We must trust Father and Mother; they will protect themselves and us."
Ultimately, with Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze's insistence, the children agreed to be taken to a relatively safe place.
On the eve of their departure, the family sat together, enjoying a rare moment of reunion.
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze took the children to see the sights, taste the local delicacies, and personally taught them more advanced martial arts, hoping that they would have enough ability to protect themselves in the future.
The day of parting finally arrived.
At dawn, Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze stood in front of the carriage, watching the children depart into the distance.
Tie Xiong solemnly promised, "Masters, rest assured, I will take good care of them."
Qi Zixin turned back reluctantly, "Mother, I will miss you. When I grow up, I will come back and fight alongside you."
Although Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze were also very reluctant to part, they knew that this separation was for a better reunion and for the children to grow up healthily in a safe environment.
They themselves will continue on that road full of unknowns and dangers, forging ahead to protect this land and their families.
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