Heartfelt wishes
Qu Linghan felt as if she had traveled back to a very, very long time ago.
When my mother was still alive.
I'm not sure if I'm saying this correctly.
Ancient times are a long time ago, and the existence of one's mother is also a long time ago for oneself in the 21st century.
However, the 21st century was a very, very distant future for the Liu Dynasty.
Qu Linghan couldn't figure out the principle behind this.
I wonder what the difference is between mothers in this era and mothers in the 21st century.
I don't know if they are actually the same person.
However, Qu Linghan truly felt happiness at this moment. Qu Linghan thought that it was probably because her mother saw how much she missed her.
So he went to great lengths to place himself in a timeline where she still existed.
Perhaps this spacetime is not a single line, but rather a space where multiple times run parallel.
Qu Linghan seemed to have returned to his childhood, handing the item to Qu Zhoucen with his left hand and to Xu Hongwei with his right.
"Mom and Dad! I can fly!"
As he thought about it, Qu Linghan burst out laughing.
"Silly girl, what are you laughing at?"
"Mom, I miss you."
Xu Hongwei hurriedly wiped away Qu Linghan's tears.
"Silly girl, don't be afraid anymore. From now on, your mother will always be by your side. Did that man surnamed Bai bully you?! Today, your mother will have your father petition His Majesty for a divorce!"
Qu Linghan lowered her mother's raised hands.
"Mom, it's not because of him. I just really miss you."
Xu Hongwei pulled Qu Linghan into her arms.
"My dear child, I miss you so much. I will never leave you again."
As she spoke, she wiped away Qu Linghan's tears.
"OK?"
"Yes, Mother will never leave me again."
…
Qu Linghan took his mother to tour the entire Lanxu Pavilion, instructing the shopkeeper to prepare a set of all his best clothes and jewelry for Xu Hongwei, who was quite happy to do so.
My daughter has really grown up; she can take care of people now.
Qu Linghan and Xu Hongwei are truly mother and daughter. Xu Hongwei had just strolled to the "large floor-to-ceiling windows" on the second floor of Lanxu Pavilion when she fell in love with them.
"Han'er has good taste! This is a perfect spot to watch the fireworks!"
The two men's laughter mingled with the lively atmosphere of the street below.
"I bought this place because I liked it. I had a great time watching the lanterns here with Bai Hui during the Lantern Festival!"
"She's just like me, just like my daughter!"
Qu Linghan stayed with Xu Hongwei for a long time, until the sky quietly changed color, before he was willing to return to the Bai residence.
Upon entering the mansion, one immediately sees Bai Hui practicing. Every move is skillful and sharp, yet it seems to have lost its soul, devoid of vitality, and even somewhat rigid.
As Qu Linghan's footsteps drew closer, Bai Hui finally stopped pretending.
"You're back."
"Yeah, I was planning to stay at my parents' new house tonight..."
Qu Linghan slowed down her voice.
"But I still miss you a little..."
That short sentence was incredibly alluring and gave Bai Hui the signal that he wanted to hold on.
Bai Hui immediately became happy, and his face showed expression.
Qu Linghan thought that Bai Hui was a real scoundrel.
If you get close to someone who doesn't know you well, they will bite you.
But as long as you keep feeding him and treating him well, he will be inseparable from you.
It's as if you gave him his life.
You could say that you are his life.
I don't know when it started—was it the day the fire broke out, or the time I shielded him from the arrow, or perhaps it was in Yuzhou, or maybe it was watching the fireworks together, seeing him off to war…
Qu Linghan became the only person Bai Hui truly cherished in this world.
It was his fate.
*
Like an ancient version of the celebrity effect, everyone knew that Qu Linghan, the owner of Lanxu Pavilion, was the younger sister of General Qu Lingchuan and the wife of Marquis Bai Hui of Zhenbei.
Suddenly, the rumors about Qu Linghan became quite peculiar.
They said Qu Linghan was a celestial fairy, with beauty that could make fish sink and geese fall from the sky, and the moon hide its face and flowers blush. The Marquis of Zhenbei originally intended to marry the daughter of the second branch of the Qu family according to custom, but Bai Hui was so captivated by Qu Linghan at first sight that he decided to marry her that very night.
They even said that Qu Linghan was incredibly resourceful and rare in the world, and that in Yuzhou, he devised strategies for Bai Hui to bring down corrupt officials in one fell swoop.
Even this Lanxu Pavilion has a very novel store design. The clothes make anyone who wears them look like an angel. Even the small accessories in the store are exceptionally well-designed.
"Hahahaha, are the rumors outside really that outrageous? But it's not entirely untrue, especially back in Yuzhou, I helped Bai Hui a lot."
Lu Shuyu laughed heartily, and Liu Ziju took the melon seeds she had cracked open.
If you ask Qu Linghan, Lu Shuyu is really good at training dogs; he's made Liu Ziju so obedient and well-behaved.
Qu Linghan knew how unrestrained and free-spirited Liu Ziju used to be.
Now it has truly been captured by Lu Shuyu's Demon-Slaying Tower.
If it came to details, Qu Linghan truly didn't know. When asked, Lu Shuyu stammered and remained silent.
"I'm so anxious! How did he manage to catch up with you?"
Lu Shuyu remained as mischievous as ever, giving a sly smile.
"you guess."
"Well, Lu Shuyu, that explains why I haven't seen you lately. You even kept it from me, we're best friends!"
Qu Linghan's face was full of resentment.
Lu Shuyu stopped teasing her and beckoned Qu Linghan to come closer.
"sincere."
Yes, sincerity begets sincerity.
It's the simplest truth.
After saying that, Qu Linghan and Lu Shuyu exchanged a smile.
"I understand, sincerity for sincerity."
"But how will you explain this to your Imperial Concubine?"
"And you, Liu Ziju, how are you going to explain this to your aunt?"
Lu Shuyu suppressed her smile. She was always aware of the situation. The Empress's faction and Consort Zhang's faction were always at odds. Unfortunately, she and Liu Ziju were Consort Zhang's niece and the Empress's nephew, respectively.
"Forget it, let's just take it one step at a time."
Liu Ziju, who had been standing humbly to the side, picked up the conversation.
"Even if things don't go well, I still have you and Brother Zhaoming. You know I've always listened to Brother Zhaoming since I was little."
Qu Linghan and Lu Shuyu both burst out laughing.
Lu Shuyu then pretended to be serious and asked Liu Ziju,
"Then whose orders will you listen to from now on?"
Qu Linghan can guarantee it, in one second!
In just one second, Liu Ziju's face turned red!
It's like a shy, timid child.
"Of course I'll listen to you."
…
"Oh, everyone's here."
The three were having a good chat when the door was suddenly opened.
Princess Huaqing was dressed simply and without any jewelry. Her demeanor was elegant, but her tone revealed a hint of coquettishness.
"Boss, I told her that outsiders are not allowed in here, but she just won't listen."
The waiter's words were full of remorse.
"It's alright, you can go ahead and get busy."
Qu Linghan waved his hand, telling them to leave.
Then his gaze shifted to Princess Huaqing.
This time, it doesn't seem like they came with ill intentions.
Hmm... but she doesn't seem particularly kind.
Liu Ziju spoke first.
"Liu Huayao, why do you keep following me? Was it your mother who sent you again? Let me tell you! I also have my own private life!"
Princess Huaqing did not indulge him at all.
"Who's following you? No, when did I ever follow you? My mother never allowed me to follow you either. It's just that you're always with the Marquis!"
"Lord Marquis? What Lord Marquis?"
"Never mind that, it's not you anyway! You narcissist."
Liu Ziju stood up, hands on his hips.
"Fine, even if it had nothing to do with me before, what brings you here this time!"
Liu Ziju looked around and realized that neither Qu Linghan nor Lu Shuyu were familiar with Liu Huayao.
"I've already told you all, we're all pawns of Third Brother, we're on the same side, so stop trying to harm me."
Princess Huaqing glared fiercely at Liu Ziju.
Then he lay down next to Qu Linghan.
"Sister Ling Han, I'm sorry."
…
The three people looked completely bewildered.
A hint of embarrassment even flashed across Liu Ziju's face.
What's going on?
The arrogant and spoiled Princess Liu Huayao of Huaqing is now showing weakness in front of Qu Linghan?
Shocked, Qu Linghan instinctively helped Liu Huayao up.
"Your Highness, what's wrong?"
Liu Huayao didn't move; instead, she seemed a little embarrassed, perhaps wanting to say something.
Qu Linghan felt like a guiding lover at that moment.
"Princess, please speak freely. I don't mind."
He then helped her up; since they were about the same height, there was no situation where she looked down or up at him.
Princess Huaqing always liked to adorn herself with jewelry to enhance her majesty, but piling on jewelry always made her look a bit rustic.
Imagine an environment where you can't see your hand in front of your face.
Suddenly, someone walks by making a crisp sound, and then their every step blinds you.
Isn't it a little scary?
I don't know what triggered her today, but she stopped wearing jewelry and her clothes became plain.
She looked rather pitiful.
If this seemingly pitiful girl is pondering how to tell the "indifferent" woman in front of her.
She has her eye on her brother.
Seeing that Liu Huaqing remained silent, Qu Linghan was truly worried for her and decided to give her a push.
"Go ahead and tell me, I can handle it."
"Sister Linghan, could you please not tell Brother Lingchuan about our past?"
Huh? That's it?
Although she had never taken Liu Chuyao's actions to heart before, simply assuming it was just a young woman in love.
But, this little girl has taken a liking to her own brother?
Qu Linghan pondered for a moment.
"Of course you can, but you have to tell me why."
Liu Huayao stopped teasing.
“I…I like your brother.”
Upon hearing this, both Lu Shuyu and Liu Ziju were shocked.
Qu Linghan had guessed it beforehand, and while there was some ripple, he wasn't exactly shocked.
"Okay, if you like her, go for it."
Qu Linghan saw a glint in Liu Chuyao's eyes.
"You? You agree that I like him?"
"It's your business if you like him. What does it have to do with me? Besides, even if I disagree, would you give up?"
Liu Huayao suddenly said very firmly,
"Won't!"
Qu Linghan patted her shoulder.
"Good girl, I look forward to your results."
After saying thank you, Liu Huayao left.
The remaining two people were clueless, along with the composed Qu Linghan.
"This girl/Liu Huayao, does she like your brother?"
Lu Shuyu and Liu Ziju spoke up in unison, waiting for Qu Linghan to give an answer.
Qu Linghan then adopted the posture of a storyteller.
"Let me explain slowly..."
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