Qi Guze also came over. He looked at the stall owner's body, remained silent for a while, and then said, "We will continue to move forward, and we will help you fulfill your wish."
A hint of relief appeared on the stall owner's face, then his eyes completely lost their light.
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze stood silently beside him until night completely enveloped the small courtyard.
They knew the stall owner's story wasn't over, and their journey was still ongoing. They had to keep going, searching for the remaining map fragments, until they found a way out of this world.
Moonlight streamed down into the courtyard, and Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze's figures gradually disappeared into the night. Carrying the stall owner's map fragments, they embarked on a new journey. The stall owner's story remained a perpetual mystery and source of motivation for them.
In the days that followed, Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze sent their secret guards to continue tracking the whereabouts of the map fragments, following the clues left by the stall owner.
...
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze returned from their journey, weary from their travels, but they still made time to visit Tianxiang Tower to find out more.
Tianxianglou, a business that Jiang Qianqian has managed meticulously since taking over, is now a famous scenic spot in Beijing.
The two stepped into the store and were immediately struck by its beauty. The store was decorated with elegance and luxury, and every detail revealed Jiang Qianqian's ingenuity.
A constant stream of customers came and went, their laughter and chatter creating a vivid picture of everyday life.
Xu Yuehua nodded in satisfaction, praising Jiang Qianqian's competence and wisdom.
However, amidst the laughter and chatter of the crowd, the two noticed a rather unusual figure.
A young man in fine clothes kept casting intense glances at Jiang Qianqian, seemingly quite interested in her.
Jiang Qianqian also noticed the man's gaze, but she couldn't avoid it, and her expression showed a bit of helplessness and embarrassment.
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze exchanged a glance, both seeing doubt and curiosity in each other's eyes.
Who exactly is this young master?
Why are you so persistent with Jiang Qianqian?
As night fell, the three of them rode together in a carriage back to the Regent's Palace.
The atmosphere inside the carriage was somewhat heavy.
Xu Yuehuai finally couldn't help but ask, "Qianqian, what's going on between you and that young master?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Qianqian's face showed a hint of embarrassment. She lowered her head and said softly, "That man is the son of a high-ranking official named Zhao Yuanhao. He has some...some feelings for me, but there's no way we can be together. We're not the same kind of people."
Xu Yuehuai frowned slightly, puzzled, and said, "How is that impossible? You are also the granddaughter of Princess Heyue and the Regent's Consort. Your status is not bad either."
Qi Guze chimed in, "Qianqian, if you like someone, you should be brave and make your move. Don't worry too much."
Jiang Qianqian raised her head, a resolute glint in her eyes: "Grandpa, Father, I know my identity, but I want to earn respect through my own abilities. I don't want to be liked because of my identity; I want people to see the real me."
Upon hearing this, Qi Guze's eyes flashed with admiration. He patted Jiang Qianqian on the shoulder and said, "Good girl, I am very pleased that you have such ambition."
During the Dragon Boat Festival, Zhao Yuanhao's invitation was sent to the Regent's Palace.
Xu Yuehuai picked up the invitation and looked at it, a smile playing on her lips. "It seems this young master Zhao is quite thoughtful." She turned to Jiang Qianqian and said, "Qianqian, you go ahead. This is your business; you should face it yourself."
Jiang Qianqian took a deep breath and nodded, feeling both nervous and expectant. She knew this was both an opportunity and a challenge. She had to respond to Young Master Zhao's feelings in her own way.
Xu Yuehuai personally dressed up Jiang Qianqian, making her look as beautiful as a flower.
Looking at herself in the mirror, Jiang Qianqian felt a surge of inexplicable emotion. She knew that tonight would be the night she would face Young Master Zhao alone.
When Xu Yuehuai brought Jiang Qianqian to the street, Young Master Zhao had been waiting for a long time in the bustling crowd.
"Have a good time tonight!"
Xu Yuehuai patted Jiang Qianqian on the shoulder, then used his light-footed skill to fly away and disappear from the spot.
Jiang Qianqian took a deep breath and walked towards Zhao Yuanhao's location.
When Zhao Yuanhao saw Jiang Qianqian approaching, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "Qianqian, you're finally here!"
Jiang Qianqian raised her head and met Zhao Yuanhao's gaze. Her eyes held no fear, only determination and composure. She said softly, "Young Master Zhao, thank you for inviting me out."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yuanhao smiled smugly: "Qianqian, do you know? I've always liked you. I hope we can be together."
Jiang Qianqian looked at Zhao Yuanhao's ardent gaze, but her heart remained calm. She gently shook her head: "Young Master Zhao, I am grateful for your affection. However, it is impossible for us to be together."
Zhao Yuanhao's smile froze instantly. He looked at Jiang Qianqian in disbelief: "Why? Do you know who I am? I am the young master of the Zhao family. I can give you anything you want!"
Jiang Qianqian smiled faintly: "Young Master Zhao, that's not what I want. What I want is to find someone who truly understands and loves me, not someone I'm with because of status or position."
Zhao Yuanhao was stunned. Looking into Jiang Qianqian's resolute eyes, a strange emotion welled up inside him. He knew he couldn't force Jiang Qianqian's feelings, but he was also unwilling to give up just like that.
After a moment of silence, Zhao Yuanhao finally spoke: "I understand, I will respect your choice. Can we be friends first?"
Jiang Qianqian nodded. She knew this was a new beginning and a step towards independence and maturity.
Not far away, Xu Yuehuai saw the two of them talking openly, and Jiang Qianqian was also playing freely with Zhao Yuanhao, which made her feel relieved. She turned to Qi Guze beside her and said, "It seems that Qianqian has grown up. She can face these things on her own now."
Qi Guze smiled and nodded: "Yes, these children have all grown up. We should trust her and let her make her own way in the world."
The two disappeared into the night hand in hand, leaving behind the silhouettes of a young couple chatting happily in the dim light.
That night, the Tianxiang Tower was brightly lit, reflecting the prosperity and hustle and bustle of the capital city, and also witnessing Jiang Qianqian's growth and transformation.
That evening, Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze returned to the Regent's Palace with various items they had bought from the surrounding stalls. They distributed the goods to Qi Zi'ang, Qi Zixin, and Tie Chunsheng, and the family sat together happily, sharing their joy and haul.
Qi Zi'ang accepted the gift and said gratefully, "Thank you, Father and Mother."
Qi Zixin ran up to Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze and gave each of them a kiss to express her gratitude and love.
Tie Chunsheng also respectfully said, "Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma."
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