During those dark and hopeless days in the kite-flying world, she suffered countless hardships and torments, never experiencing true kinship or warmth, like a rootless duckweed, drifting aimlessly in the world.
The appearance of Aqi was a bright spot in her life. They supported each other and survived in dire straits. The care and attention Aqi gave her made her feel the feeling of family for the first time.
Although Aqi is gone now, Madam Qi's words are like the warm sun in spring, shining into her long-cold and lonely heart.
She opened her mouth as if to say something, but only broken sobs could be heard from her throat.
She tried desperately to control her emotions, covering her mouth with her hand to try to stop the uncontrollable crying, but tears still kept spilling out from between her fingers.
Her eyes were fixed on Madam Qi, filled with gratitude, longing and affection, as if at this moment she had finally found a harbor where she could dock, and the maternal love she had longed for all her life.
After a long while, she calmed down a little, took a deep breath, and said in a voice trembling with tears, "Madam, during our time at Yuanxing, Aqi and I supported each other and were like sisters. She treated me like family, and I had long considered her as my own family. Your question today... I just can't help it..."
At this point, she became emotional again, and tears blurred her vision once more.
Madam Qi sighed softly, took Qi Ruyan's hand, and said gently, "Good child, don't cry. If you're willing, this will be your home from now on, and I will be your mother."
Upon hearing these words, Qi Ruyan felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She nodded vigorously, tears still streaming down her face, but at this moment her heart was filled with warmth and determination.
She secretly vowed to do everything in her power for the Qi family, to protect this hard-won family bond, and to repay Madam Qi's kindness with her whole life, so that the family could be filled with laughter and warmth again, just as A-Qi had hoped.
Qi Qing nodded in agreement, encouraging her, "Ruyan, it's okay, you can change your address anytime you want. We all know you're a loyal and kind girl, and it's a blessing for Aqi to have a sister like you. Now that Aqi is gone, we must support each other and protect this family together."
Hearing these warm words, Qi Ruyan's tears flowed even more fiercely. She nodded vigorously and secretly vowed to do everything in her power for the Qi family and to protect this hard-won family bond.
After dinner, everyone arrived at the courtyard where Aqi lived with heavy hearts.
The moonlight, like water, quietly spilled into every corner of the courtyard, as if draping this sorrowful land in a silver veil, yet also adding to the sense of desolation.
Madam Qi stood in the center of the courtyard, gazing at the bright moon in the sky, and said softly, "Ah Qi, don't worry, I will take good care of everyone. The Qi family will not fall; we will carry your hope and love and continue on. You must be well over there too..."
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, as if Aqi was responding to his mother's call.
A night breeze blew, and the moonlight in the courtyard was like water, casting a cool glow, as if it were quietly listening to the conversation of the Qi family members.
Madam Qi stood quietly for a long time, then slowly turned around. Her gaze, filled with concern and inquiry, gently fell on Qi Ruyan and the others. Her gaze was like the warm spring sun, gentle yet containing a trace of reluctance.
Finally, she broke the silence softly: "Ruyan, what are your plans next? Are you going back to Guangling?"
Upon hearing this, Qi Ruyan paused slightly, instinctively raising her eyes to look at Qi Yanshang beside her, along with Feng Li.
The moment their eyes met, a hint of hesitation flashed across Qi Ruyan's eyes. Then, as if she had made a decision, she slowly lowered her head and said in a soft voice with a touch of helplessness, "Mother, Yan Shang is currently serving as the governor of Guangling. He is very busy and has heavy responsibilities. We... are afraid we cannot stay in the capital."
"Guangling?" Madam Qi frowned slightly, a look of doubt appearing in her eyes. Her gaze then turned to Qi Qing, as if expecting to get a more detailed answer from him.
Seeing this, Qi Qing sighed softly, took a step forward, his expression solemn and dignified, and slowly said, "Jin'er, Yan Shang is young and promising. He is now the governor of Guangling, shouldering the well-being and peace of the people. He must do his duty in Guangling and serve the court."
"The Prefect of Guangling?" Upon hearing this, Lady Qi's eyes widened in surprise, filled with astonishment and admiration. "This young man, Yan Shang, has taken on such an important position at such a young age. Truly, heroes emerge from among the young! He is truly admirable!"
Madam Qi's words were full of undisguised praise and pride, and her eyes showed even more deep expectations for the younger generation and heartfelt satisfaction.
Hearing his wife's praise, Qi Qing smiled slightly and nodded gently. However, beneath his seemingly calm face, a hint of reluctance and melancholy was quietly revealed in his eyes.
He said in a low voice with a hint of sadness, "It's just that our family has gone through so many twists and turns to be able to get together, but the time we have together is so short, and now we have to face separation again. My heart is really filled with mixed feelings, and I feel terrible."
As he spoke, Qi Qing's gaze slowly swept across everyone's faces, the affection in his eyes growing stronger and deeper, as if he wanted to imprint each person's face deeply in his heart.
Madam Qi's eyes dimmed slightly, and she pursed her lips, silently weighing her options.
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