"I heard my sister is back. Where is she?" A hurried voice came from behind the person.
Ling Jingyan rushed over as soon as he received the news.
He glanced around the hall, his gaze settling on Ruan Xiyan.
"You must be my sister. You're so beautiful. I'm your dashing and handsome third brother, Ling Jingyan."
Ling Zhiheng's lips twitched slightly. "Third brother, you don't need to add so many self-praising prefixes when introducing yourself."
"I'm happy to do it, it's none of your business," Ling Jingyan sneered. "Besides, I'm just stating the facts. These days, people aren't allowed to tell the truth. You're just jealous that I'm more handsome than you."
"Yes, yes, handsome! You've got dark circles under your eyes, you look completely drained," Ling Zhiheng retorted without mincing words.
Ling Jingyan was hit where it hurt and wailed, "It's all my brother's fault. He has no sportsmanship and actually ambushed and knocked me unconscious."
"Not only did they not let me pick up my sister myself, they also dumped all those headache-inducing national and political affairs on me. Am I even cut out for that?!"
"These past few days have been incredibly difficult for me. Dealing with political affairs is truly inhuman." Ling Jingyan patted Ling Haoyang on the shoulder, affirming earnestly, "Brother, I admire you!"
I usually see my older brother helping our father with state affairs, and it seems so easy for him. Who knew it would be so difficult for me to get started?
Indeed, he is only suited to be a dashing and handsome man.
"Get lost." Ling Haoyang rolled his eyes.
That's inhuman; it's as if he's not human.
"Yan'er, I'm sorry, I just got back and you're already laughing at me. Don't pay any attention to that narcissistic and vain guy." Ling Haoyang looked at Ruan Xiyan.
Ruan Xiyan smiled and said, "No."
Born into an imperial family, this kind of relationship was something she never expected.
It's often said that imperial families are heartless, but their feelings for each other were genuine and passionate.
In short, this home is different from what she imagined. She likes the atmosphere and feels very comfortable. Perhaps she can try to accept it.
"My little sister is such a good person, she must like me the most. Little sister, little sister, good little sister! Come and call me third brother." Ling Jingyan always had boundless energy, as if it were inexhaustible.
"Third Brother."
Ling Jingyan smiled broadly and chuckled foolishly, "My little sister called me brother, this is the most beautiful voice I've ever heard."
They had always longed for a cute and pretty little sister to dote on.
When their mother first became pregnant, they prayed every day that she would be carrying a little sister.
Later, they found a highly skilled doctor to examine the mother and confirmed that she was carrying a girl. They were overjoyed.
I prepared all sorts of beautiful dresses and jewelry for my younger sister, but we never got to use them. Thankfully, she's back now.
Ling Haoyang and Ling Zhiheng's eyes widened instantly as they stared longingly at Ruan Xiyan.
How come the third brother got ahead of them?
"Big brother, second brother," Ruan Xiyan called out before they could speak.
I didn't know how to get along with them before, and they hadn't specifically mentioned it, so I deliberately avoided the topic.
But now that we've already spoken, a few more words won't make a difference.
Moreover, we need to consider their temperament and character, whether they are a second Duke of Qi's family, and we need to have opportunities to get along with them and gradually integrate, rather than simply rejecting them.
Ling Haoyang and the others instantly broke into smiles.
Seeing their expressions, Ling Jingyan realized what was happening and bluntly said, "Is this the first time my sister has called you guys? You guys are no good."
"As expected, my younger sister likes me the most," Ling Jingyan said proudly.
"It's because you have the thickest skin and are shameless," Ling Zhiheng sneered.
Come on! Let's hurt each other!
Seeing this harmonious and joyful atmosphere, Ling Yunchen's eyes filled with a smile.
A sense of longing and sadness inexplicably rose in my heart. Zhi'er, if only you were still here.
Ling Jingyan led Ruan Xiyan to her residence, Xiyan Palace.
“Little sister, this palace was prepared before you were even born; it was a gift for you.”
"Although it's been so many years late, it's not too late now. Ever since I learned that my elder brother had found you, I've had this palace meticulously prepared."
“I even built a swing and a deck chair under this pear tree so that my little sister can relax amidst the fragrance of pear blossoms during her afternoon nap.”
"The flowers in this courtyard were specially transplanted. If you have any other varieties you like, just let me know and I'll arrange them for you."
"If you feel there's anything unsuitable, or if you're missing anything, just tell me, and I'll get it for you," Ling Jingyan said confidently, patting his chest.
"This is enough. I like it very much. Thank you, Third Brother." Ruan Xiyan gently stroked a delicate magnolia flower with her fingers.
The Yunli Empire is located in the north, where the climate is cold and some plants and flowers are difficult to survive.
Her courtyard was filled with blooming flowers, which must have taken a lot of effort.
"As long as my sister is happy, that's all that matters." Ling Jingyan scratched the back of his head and chuckled.
“My sister’s courtyard and palace were always deserted and very desolate. Now that these flowers and plants have appeared, they have become much more vibrant.”
"Just like a younger sister, your return has brought us so much joy and made the imperial palace brighter. Welcome home, younger sister!"
Ling Jingyan stepped forward and gently gave Ruan Xiyan a hug, but seemed afraid of startling her, so he pulled away immediately.
A polite and gentlemanly hug, filled with years of longing.
Ruan Xiyan was stunned as she was hugged and then quickly released.
"Little sister, you must be tired from your long journey. Get some rest. I'm leaving now." Ling Jingyan patted her head and turned to leave.
Ruan Xiyan tidied her hair.
If anyone had dared to treat her like this before, she would have broken their hand.
But what can you do when he's her brother?
Ruan Xiyan looked at the courtyard, which showed great care in every detail, and smiled.
These past few days, Ling Haoyang has been busy preparing a grand banquet for his sister's return.
Ruan Xiyan often went to dine with Ling Yunchen when she had nothing else to do, and the family lived happily together.
With her by his side, Ling Yunchen's long-standing heartache gradually subsided, and his health slowly improved.
Although he couldn't see Zhi'er one last time, Yan'er's return gave him some comfort.
"Yan'er, why are you dressed so lightly? Aren't you cold?" Ling Yunchen asked with concern, looking at Ruan Xiyan's thin clothes.
"Although cultivators are more resistant to cold than ordinary people, this place is definitely not as warm as the southern countries, so you should wear more clothes."
Ling Yunchen took out a soft white fox fur coat and draped it over Ruan Xiyan's shoulders. "This was custom-made for Yan'er. See if it fits."
Although Yan'er didn't say anything, Haoyang still inquired about Yan'er's past experiences in Yunjin Kingdom.
From a young age, he was harshly disciplined by the Duke of Qi's mansion, even insulted as a heartless monster, and sent by the Duke of Qi's mansion to live on a desolate mountain for many years.
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