Fortune Across the World

Chapter 129: A Meeting with the Patriarch (Part 2)

The warrior replied solemnly, "The head of the Fu family, the eldest miss's father."

Ding Qiyu, observing the demeanor of the two men, was unsure why the patriarch wanted to see her. However, as the father of Qing'er, it was unlikely he intended any harm. For Qing'er's sake, Ding Qiyu would brave any danger, let alone a private meeting with her future father-in-law. She gripped the hilt of her Wuchang Sword at her waist and nodded, "Very well, please lead the way."

Following them to a private room on the top floor of a teahouse, Ding Qiyu found the patriarch seated in a grand chair, sipping tea. As she entered, the attendants and guards discreetly left the room.

Ding Qiyu respectfully greeted the patriarch, "Patriarch."

The patriarch nodded, inviting her to sit. "You have some courage, coming here alone," he remarked. He had expected the young man, given how fiercely his daughter seemed to protect him, might refuse the invitation. Thus, he had sent his two most skilled guards to "invite" Ding Qiyu. However, to his surprise, Ding Qiyu had come willingly, without any sign of confrontation.

Initially nervous, Ding Qiyu felt more at ease after the patriarch's comment. Aware of the tension between the father and daughter, she responded with a hint of a smile, "The patriarch and the eldest miss are family, the closest of people. Why would I not dare to come when the patriarch summons?"

The patriarch snorted softly, "Since you are Ruqing's confidant, you must be aware of the nature of our relationship." Many insincere individuals claimed to be family with Ruqing, yet saw themselves and her on opposing sides. The patriarch assumed Ding Qiyu was using Ruqing's protection as leverage.

Ding Qiyu replied immediately, "Wounds of the heart can heal, and past grievances can fade. Since both the patriarch and the eldest miss wish to mend these divides, blood is thicker than water. You should grow closer, becoming the closest of people once more." Her words were sincere, as she genuinely hoped Qing'er could regain her father's warmth.

The patriarch was taken aback. The young man knew the history and could see his desire for reconciliation—and even suggested that Ruqing did too? He leaned forward, asking excitedly, "Are you saying Ruqing also wants to mend this rift?"

Ding Qiyu nodded firmly, "Yes, though the eldest miss appears aloof and distant, she has a true, pure, and warm heart. No one knows how much she longs for her father's love." She sighed, "From such a young age, she lost her mother, and for over a decade, she's been at odds with you. Each time she argues and sends you away, she feels deeply saddened." Seeing the patriarch's intent to reconcile, Ding Qiyu felt it necessary to reveal Qing'er's true feelings, lest they continue to hurt each other in silence.

The patriarch was deeply moved, a dull ache in his heart. He gripped the chair's armrests until his knuckles turned white, his voice trembling, "Is what you say true?"

Ding Qiyu continued, "Remember the time you visited Qingliu Courtyard about the moldy rice? She spoke harshly, but afterward, she immediately sent me to contact the Jiyuan Pavilion to sell the rice sorting machine to Fufeng, helping them through the crisis. If not for her, why would they approach Fufeng so soon after your visit? Doesn't this prove everything?"

The patriarch slumped back in his chair, feeling as if all strength had left him. He had always believed his daughter only hated and resented him. No one had ever told him otherwise. He never knew that his child longed for their bond as much as he did. Ding Qiyu's words struck him deeply, leaving his eyes moist. Ruqing had grown from a clever, obedient child into a capable young woman, and though he watched her grow, he had never been a part of her life. He realized he had failed as a father.