Even though Queen Wang has been his favorite for many years, what men value is not just that; in their eyes, supreme power is the most important, and they will not allow anyone to interfere.
Since ancient times, it has been normal for fathers and sons, brothers to harm each other for that position.
Born into royalty, they have become accustomed to this life of struggle, and regarding the open and covert battles among his sons, Dugu Han watches closely, allowing them to showcase their abilities; the one who laughs last is the true winner.
In his earlier years, he also climbed to his current position over the bodies of many.
He sees the expressions of his sons; nothing escapes him. Moreover, as he is well, how could he possibly want his sons to seize his position?
Throughout history, there have been many instances of patricide for the throne; where is there true familial affection in royalty? Only when the powers of several sons reach a balance can he sit securely on his throne.
“Ahem, my loyal ministers are correct; we indeed need talents like Yang Yichen. I will draft an edict to summon him to the capital!” The emperor's words determined the path Yang Yichen would take next.
Observing Ten Li Pu, Yang Yichen has a rest period every half month. Over the past two years, he has developed a habit of returning to Ten Li Pu on each rest day.
Coincidentally, he received a letter from the Wen Family and felt it necessary to have a heart-to-heart talk with them.
“Yichan, mother doesn’t understand. You and Qingxi clearly have genuine feelings for each other; why are you delaying marriage? Look at those around you; who isn’t married early? While establishing a career is important for men, family is equally significant.”
The Wen Family pulled Yang Yichen aside and chattered endlessly. Like most mothers, she hoped her son would have his own lover, family, and children.
Yang Yichen deeply understood his mother’s feelings but had his own difficulties. There were some things he could not let the Wen Family know; he could only comply as much as possible.
“Mother, I understand. But we also have our own plans. Seventeen isn’t too old. I want to marry Qingxi soon too, but there are some matters I must confirm before I can follow your arrangements. Please don’t pressure us anymore.”
Seeing Wen Family anxious, Yang Yichen continued, “Mother, it’s not that we aren’t getting married. I promise you that after a year, when we turn eighteen, we will definitely marry!”
Wen Family frowned slightly, hesitating to speak. Thinking back to her son's evasive attitude before and the deadline he had now given, the difference was still significant.
"Alright, I'll give you a year. You better guarantee it!"
"Don't worry, I promise. Qingxi is such a wonderful girl; I wish I could keep her in my pocket. I'm even more anxious than you are."
"Hmph, I don't believe it. Otherwise, what reason would there be?" Wen Family couldn't help but start her usual nagging again. Seeing Yang Yichen lost in thought, she waved her hand and said, "Forget it, forget it. I won't say more; it will only annoy you."
The young man rarely acted spoiled: "Thank you for understanding, Mother! Hehe, I'm off to find Qingxi!"
"Hey, you've really forgotten your mother now that you have a wife," Wen Family said, both angry and amused.
In the village, at Liu Qingxi's home, there were only two maids present. Yang Yichen knew his purpose and walked towards the east side of the village near the mountains as directed by Chunyu.
Faintly, he could hear Chunyu chattering away with gossip: "Son-in-law is so nice; every time he comes back, he always looks for his sister first."
Unavoidably, Yang Yichen felt pleased by Chunyu's mention of "Son-in-law" and silently added a few points to this Girl in his heart.
Biqi Town, Yang Residence
Once a grand residence with three courtyards, having experienced hundreds of years of glory and increasing wealth that allowed them to dominate in Biqi Town.
Later, after experiencing decline, it seemed to lose all its luster overnight. The flowers and trees sensed the family's despair and gradually withered away.
Then, it seemed to come back to life as it gradually regained vitality. Even if it could not return to its most prosperous period, it was able to sustain itself.
In the main courtyard, a middle-aged man was speaking with two subordinates when he suddenly paused upon hearing that the Yang County Magistrate was returning to Ten Li Pu.
"Handle the rest of the matters yourselves; I have something to attend to and will be leaving first. It's all up to you now," he said hurriedly as he prepared to leave.
The man was none other than Yang Yichen's father, Yang Bingshan.
Two years ago, he gradually emerged from the shadow of his family's downfall, and life began to return to normal. Once he stepped out, his shrewdness reemerged, revealing the traits of a savvy businessman.
Initially seeking out Yang Yichen, he gambled on his son's reputation and entered the Linyi County Yamen.
After returning, Yang Yichen maintained a facade of peaceful coexistence with him, which was sufficient for Yang Bingshan.
Over the past two years, with just a little support, he had gradually accumulated several properties under his control.
As for his son, Yang Yichen? He understood everything but was content with the superficial peace they shared.
In Biqi Town, who didn't know that the County Magistrate was his son? How could he not feel proud?
Meanwhile, Yang Yichen in Ten Li Pu had no idea about his father's arrival.
After meeting Liu Qingxi, all his thoughts were focused on her; he wished to be together at every moment, making the young men around them feel utterly tormented.
In a secluded corner, the boy's long fingers intertwined with the girl's delicate hand, their warmth transferring through their palms like a gentle stream flowing into their hearts.
Their quiet moments together became increasingly rare as life grew busier; meeting once every half month felt incredibly precious.
They did not want each other to sacrifice too much; they each had their own paths. True love is not about how much one sacrifices for the other, but rather whether one is willing to let the other sacrifice for them.
“Qingxi, the machines we manufactured have already been sent to the capital. If nothing unexpected happens, the Emperor will summon me to the capital this time,” Yang Yichen speculated.
Once he entered the capital, their meetings every half month would become a luxury.
Liu Qingxi looked at her pile of work and suddenly felt fortunate for her decision to stop taking on new business recently. Otherwise, how could she leave with peace of mind if she hadn’t completed her clients' orders?
Fortunately, the construction of the property in Ten Li Pu was on track. If she really had to leave, she believed that the village chief and Zhang Sanyou could manage things in her absence.
“I will go with you!” the young girl said firmly.
No matter what dangers lay ahead, she was willing to face them alongside him.
Over the course of two years, as Yang Yichen created things that increasingly did not belong to this era and drew closer to her past life, Liu Qingxi's doubts deepened.
This period of time was neither long nor short, but it was enough for two hearts that merely leaned on each other to open up, understand one another, and accept each other—where you are in me and I am in you.
Liu Qingxi also knew about Yang Yichen's strange and unusual ideas that occasionally surfaced.
“Don’t think you’re different; perhaps everything is destined. I am just as terrifying as you, maybe even more so,” this was what Liu Qingxi had said to Yang Yichen at that time.
The things he experienced were in dreams, but what about hers? They were real experiences, vividly etched in her mind.
Comment 0 Comment Count