Time flies, and after several dozen days of long journey, the family reunion procession has entered Anyang.
As Chen Qingqing got closer to her hometown, she became increasingly excited, and memories of the past flooded her mind.
The newly appointed magistrate of Anyang had already personally gone to the Chen family in Nanshan Village to inform them of the good news.
When Chen Zhanshan and Lin heard that their daughter had been bestowed the title of Princess Anyang, they were both surprised and delighted.
After much anticipation, I finally received the news that my daughter was coming home.
The entire Liu Family Village, and even the whole of Anyang, was in an uproar.
The villagers spread the news, and every household decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, splashed clean water on the streets, and paved the roads with yellow earth, all to welcome Chen Qingqing back to her hometown.
As Chen Qingqing's convoy slowly drove into Nanshan Village,
In an instant, gongs and drums resounded, and firecrackers crackled.
People from all around flocked to the scene, forming dense crowds, eager to see Princess Anyang returning home in glory.
The official leading the convoy rode a tall horse and looked solemn.
Chen Qingqing, sitting in the carriage, gazed at the familiar scenery outside the window, her heart pounding faster than ever.
"Finally back," she murmured to herself, her eyes filled with anticipation and emotion.
The carriage came to a steady stop in front of the Chen family mansion, and Chen Qingqing slowly stepped down from the carriage.
A gasp of surprise rippled through the crowd, followed by a lively discussion.
"Is this really Qing'er?"
"The change is so drastic, it's like a fairy descending to earth!"
The Dragon Prince gestured for silence. “Keep your voice down. Qing’er is now Princess Anyang. If you call her ‘Princess’ or address her by her given name, you’ll have your head chopped off.”
Erdanzi was so frightened that he quickly covered his mouth. "Right, I almost forgot. Qing'er is now a princess personally appointed by the Emperor. She can't talk like she used to anymore."
"Princess Anyang is well, we pay our respects to Your Highness..." The voices rose and fell.
Chen Qingqing listened to everyone's words, smiled slightly at them,
"Uncles and elders, the title of princess is just bestowed by the emperor. I am still the same young girl I used to be. Please address me as you always have. Don't keep calling me princess. It sounds awkward to me."
Wu Baoan walked up to the crowd and said, "Okay, Qing girl, we'll listen to you."
Chen Qingqing smiled and nodded, "Uncle Village Head, that's right. The villagers have taken good care of us. Everyone is still the same as before. Please don't be afraid of me or avoid me."
"Qing'er..." A familiar voice called out in her ear. Chen Qingqing looked up and saw Chen Zhanshan and Lin Shi standing at the door.
Chen Qingqing quickly stepped forward, "Father, Mother, your daughter is back."
"Good, good girl, it's good that you're back." Chen Zhanshan was so happy that he didn't know what to say for a moment.
Lin was so excited that her eyes reddened, and she hugged Chen Qingqing tightly, saying, "My good daughter, you're finally back."
At this moment, Chen Zhanliang and his wife, Chen Feng, Wu Cuihua, Da Bao, and Chen Han also stepped forward to greet Chen Qingqing.
Back home, everyone sat together.
Chen Qingqing recounted her experiences in Beijing.
When the story got dangerous, Mrs. Lin held her hand tightly, her face full of worry; when she heard something funny, the whole family couldn't help but burst into laughter.
After the laughter subsided, Chen Qingqing looked at her slightly uneasy family members and spoke in a gentle but earnest tone.
"Father, Mother, now that I have become the Emperor's adopted daughter, it has added some burden to your hearts, making you fear that you might do something wrong."
But please don't think like that. No matter my status, I will always be your daughter. Our family will continue to live a peaceful and stable life, just like before.
Madam Lin nodded slightly. "That's true, but your status is different now. I'm afraid that if I don't do something right in the future, it will tarnish your reputation."
Chen Qingqing held her mother's hand and patted it gently.
"Mom, look at the farmers in our village. Every single one of them has made a living step by step, relying on their own strength and sweat to make their lives prosperous."
The same applies to us. No matter how my status changes, as long as we live honestly and earn our own living, there's nothing to worry about.
Chen Zhanshan had been listening silently, and then he spoke up, "Qing is right. We can't lose our composure because of this sudden honor."
Chen Qingqing nodded in agreement, her gaze sweeping over Chen Zhanshan, Chen Zhanliang, Lin Shi, Sun Shi, Chen Feng, Chen Han, Da Bao, and Er Bao.
"I was bestowed the title of princess by the emperor, which made our family extremely prestigious in the whole of Anyang. However, we must keep a low profile and work diligently. We must not do things that would benefit everyone, or disaster would not be far away."
Today, I'm making this clear from the start: although I've become the Emperor's adopted daughter, we're still just an ordinary family. If anyone uses my status to do evil or wrongdoing, I will not protect them if I find out.
"Don't worry, Qing girl, we will still act and behave the same as before, and we will never do anything bad because of your status."
"Yes, little sister, we will only help people and will never do anything to bully others."
"Sister, I understand what you mean, so don't worry!"
Everyone readily offered their assurances.
Chen Qingqing smiled slightly, turning her gaze to Chen Han, her eyes full of expectation.
"Xiaohan, now is the perfect time for you to study. Listen to your teacher at school and study hard. Don't think about taking shortcuts because of my status. Only by having real skills and knowledge can you have a bright future. Look at those learned people, which one of them didn't achieve their success through hard work day and night?"
Chen Han nodded repeatedly, puffing out his chest, "Don't worry, sister, I will definitely study hard and be as successful as you in the future!"
Chen Qingqing smiled and patted his head. "Okay, I believe in you, but you must remember that studying is not for comparison, but to make yourself wiser so that you can do more meaningful things for our family and for the Great Ning Dynasty."
Then, Chen Qingqing looked at Chen Feng and Da Bao, "Big brother, Da Bao, you have always been very down-to-earth in your business, which is the most commendable thing. Now our family has undergone some changes, but our business still needs to rely on our own abilities to work hard. Don't be disturbed by outside voices, run the business with your heart, and treat people with integrity. I believe our business will definitely grow bigger and bigger."
Chen Feng smiled and nodded, "Don't worry, Qing'er, I won't be arrogant or complacent because of our family's current situation. Doing business is all about steady progress. I will work hard to make the business stronger and live up to your expectations."
Da Bao also chimed in with a smile, "Sister Qingqing, I definitely won't let you down."
Chen Qingqing smiled with relief, "I believe in you. If our family lives in harmony and works hard, our lives will definitely get better and better."
Before I knew it, it was getting dark.
The aroma of food wafted from the kitchen, and the family sat around the table laden with delicious dishes, their laughter echoing throughout the house...
After dinner, Chen Qingqing and her family went to the courtyard.
The family sat on a stone bench, enjoying the peaceful night.
Chen Qingqing looked up at the starry sky, her heart filled with emotion.
She knew that this glory was only temporary, while family ties and the land of her hometown were eternal.
The understanding and support of her family is her strength to move forward.
In this seemingly ordinary yet incredibly precious moment of reunion,
Chen Qingqing understands that true happiness lies hidden in deep family affection and in every moment of a fulfilling life...
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