Alas，women, why don’t you empower yourself? Who said that your name means weakness? Nonsense! Everything must be decided by yourself! If she chooses to have no dignity, no one has the right to interfere. Anyway, I’ve decided to be myself! Mu Xiaoxiao’s demeanor was carefree, as if nothing mattered.
"Well said! Where's the applause from our audience? OK, let's make our applause even more enthusiastic, and thank the strong woman Mu Xiaoxiao for her wonderful speech!" Zhao Changping joked.
The handsome men were stunned. Xie Xiaoguo and the Moon Light Beauty were hearing such a theory for the first time, caught off guard, their minds going blank. Long Yutian had heard Mu Xiaoxiao's passionate speech to the Flower-Clothed Person on their wedding night. Although the words were different, her meaning was the same: my life, I'll walk my own path!
Long Yutian looked at Mu Xiaoxiao's slightly flushed excited face, and the smile in his eyes gradually spread - Mu Xiaoxiao, it's you who made me more determined, more brave. Yes, freedom and happiness should not just be a luxury for me; I must reclaim what belongs to me. This journey to Jiangnan was another excuse you gave me, a reason to feel at ease, making her think I'm just a romantic emperor who loves beauty more than the kingdom. And the Flower-Clothed Person, despite my numerous attempts to coerce her, it was you who pushed the situation forward. Because she was worried about causing trouble for you, the Flower-Clothed Person finally worked sincerely for me. Mu Xiaoxiao, you're my lucky star, right? Every step I take now bears your mark. Hehe, I still don't understand love, but I really want to be with you, just the two of us.
"Mu Xiaoxiao, I want you to have only me in your eyes and heart," Long Yutian suddenly said in a daze.
"Ah?" Mu Xiaoxiao was slightly stunned, wondering if she had heard correctly. When she asked again, Long Yutian had returned to his normal expression. Oh, she must have misheard! I knew he wouldn't understand true love. Hmm, do I understand it? Sweat... this is truly a question.
Yang Beauty Enters the Stage
“Make way, make way! The magistrate is here, who dares to block the path!”
"Move aside! Those who don't want to die, get out of the way quickly."
Zhao Changping whispered to Mu Xiaoxiao: "The bailiffs have arrived too. The ancient law enforcement officers respond quite quickly!" Mu Xiaoxiao laughed heartily: "Today I'm broadening my horizons. I'll keep my eyes wide open and see how city management works in ancient times!"
The three handsome men each looked their own way, but Mu Xiaoxiao's actions were caught in their peripheral vision. Talking to Long Yutian had already made the two handsome men unhappy, and now she was constantly chatting with Zhao Changping in a deliberately low voice. All three handsome men were jealous...
The Moon Light Beauty was about to act when he suddenly saw a person - the magistrate. "Oh, Master Su! So Master Su has returned. No wonder these beauties are out in full force! Hehe, Master Su is back from his travels. Did you see any charming young ladies during these months of wandering?" His eyes swept across everyone, scanning the crowd, only briefly stopping on Mu Xiaoxiao before moving away, a relaxed smile on his lips - can a woman disguised as a man escape my keen eye? Hmph, such an ugly monster, whether male, female, or neither, will never be a competitor!
Those who know the magistrate are also clever people. When the young master Su first returned, he did not dare to delay, and politely took his leave. Afterward, everyone was invited into the main hall. Yueguang Meiren went forward to pay respects to her grandfather and parents. Old Su smiled: “You’re back, you’re back.”
It seemed this was Yueguang Meiren's first solo journey~~She looks like a pampered child. Mu Xiaoxiao muttered to herself.
Under the old man's gesture, Yueguang Meiren introduced her friends one by one. The old man's gaze lingered on Xie Xiaobai Guo and Long Yutian, then smiled faintly, saying: "I am old and my body is weak. Let the young people enjoy this good time. Xing'er, you two entertain the guests."
Considering their long journey, Su's father arranged for them to have a meal first, then a hot bath, and everyone slept soundly.
While everyone was sleeping, Long Yutian was fully dressed, sitting quietly and waiting. Sure enough, a young boy soon came to invite him.
Before the change of heaven and earth [Completed at the fourth watch]
Xie Xiaobai Guo sat up, looking at the figure gradually disappearing into the small path outside, feeling a hint of panic. The old man’s gaze was not sharp, nor was it too scrutinizing, seeming like a elder looking at his grandchildren. But with just one glance, he saw through Long Yutian’s identity. “Old man,” if he didn’t know Long Yutian’s noble status, why would he use such a humble term? What was Long Yutian’s true purpose this time? Was it really just about bringing back Mu Xiaoxiao?
The deed is done. Long Yutian aged to the sky and laughed, his straight body exuding the majesty of a god, his black robe fluttering in the wind, reflecting his confident and ambitious spirit.
The light snow had stopped. Su Gong invited Long Yutian to go out and enjoy the scenery. Evergreen leaves were dusted with thin snow, and the cool breeze was refreshing. The host and guest were in high spirits. Su Gong took the opportunity to ask, "I've always been curious, why hasn't Your Majesty gone to the Su family in Hangzhou? Su Jieyu is favored in the palace, and the Su family in Hangzhou has many followers in the court. Perhaps our branch of the Su family could be more useful to Your Majesty."
Long Yutian smiled, "If I were to go to Hangzhou this time, I'm afraid the sky would change immediately. Haha, everyone who knows my whereabouts thinks I'm coming to pursue a beauty..."
The old man looked embarrassed, "Ever since we sent away that person who violated the family rules, our main branch of the Su family has become sparse, and all marriageable daughters have long been married off..."
"Don't worry, I have no designs on your granddaughters. I have a Mu Furen who is mischievous and unpredictable. This time, I'm here to find her."
"Oh? For the Emperor to personally come and find her, she must be quite an extraordinary woman."
"Hahaha..."
The laughter drifted away and gradually disappeared into the green.
Mu Xiaoxiao only woke up in the afternoon, stretching comfortably and feeling refreshed. Nearly a month of traveling, though in a carriage, had left her bones aching. After a good sleep, her restless nature resurfaced. She ran outside and saw two maids standing at the door. One maid greeted her with a smile, while another brought a basin and towel to help her wash.
Mu Xiaoxiao grabbed the towel and hastily cleaned herself, asking the maids where everyone else was.
The maid told Mu Xiaoxiao that Long Yutian, Zhao Changping, and Xiao Bai Guo were all staying in the west wing. The maid added with a hint of pride, "The west wing is for distinguished guests."
Mu Xiaoxiao didn't care about distinguished guests. Knowing they were next door and hadn't come out, she began to scheme. She picked up a handful of wet, cold leaves and crouched low, preparing to push the door when it suddenly opened. In her panic, she quickly hid the leaves in the folds of her clothes.
"Mu Xiaoxiao? Do you need something?" Xie Xiao Bai Guo asked, suppressing a laugh.
"Oh, nothing, nothing," Mu Xiaoxiao replied hastily, thinking to herself how fortunate ancient clothing was layered, allowing her to hide the leaves...
Yueyue embraces Mu Xiaoxiao tightly, rubbing her forehead with his nose, he says: “Yes, the basket hasn’t arrived, you can hold on!”
