Fortune Across the World

Chapter 145: Gazing at the Moon and Longing (Part 2)

In the General's residence in Xing City, Madam Lu held her daughter Lu Weixi's slightly cool hand, worry etched on her face. "Xiaoxi, are you really departing tomorrow? I'm worried about you..." Her daughter's health hadn't fully recovered, and the journey to Yinzou would be long and arduous, taking at least two months. It was certain that her daughter wouldn't be home for the New Year this year.

After months of recuperation, Lu Weixi was feeling somewhat better. Thinking that Qiyu should be returning to Yinzou from the west by now, she expressed her desire to her parents to go to Yinzou to find Ding Qiyu. The General and his wife, concerned and tender-hearted, could only honor their previous promise. The General immediately selected a group of the most reliable female guards to accompany her. Were it not for his military duties, he would have escorted his daughter to Yinzou himself. The departure was set for the next day.

Seeing her mother's worried gaze, Lu Weixi's eyes moistened, her heart filled with distress. She hoped that once she was with Qiyu, she could wholeheartedly fulfill her filial duties and never act impulsively again. For this one thing, Lu Weixi was willing to give her all. She squeezed her mother's hand reassuringly, "Mother, don't worry. Father has sent so many to escort me. I'll return safely very soon."

"Good, and bring that child back with you. Once you're back, don't leave again. There are many good positions in the General's residence for him. He's ventured enough; it's time to settle down and start a family." Madam Lu had long accepted that her beloved daughter would only marry Ding Qiyu. There was no room for objections, only the hope that once her daughter brought him back, she could nurture him to ensure Xiaoxi's happiness in marriage.

While the General's residence was a scene of farewell for Lu Weixi, at Ding Qiyu's home, her mother and Lian'er had yet to receive any letters assuring them of Ding Qiyu's safety. It was already the twelfth lunar month, and they knew that A'Yu wouldn't return for the New Year. Even as life improved materially, without A'Yu, family reunions held little meaning.

In an inconspicuous house in the capital city of Da Qianyuan, Yun Yi, who had been separated from Ding Qiyu for many days, stood at a desk, sketching on paper. She appeared slightly thinner than before, wearing a cloud-patterned silk dress embroidered with butterflies playing among daffodils, a far cry from the simplicity of her attire when Ding Qiyu first met her. The luxurious outfit suited her perfectly, adding a touch of nobility to her gentle grace.

Yun Ke entered the courtyard hastily, heading straight for his sister's study upon seeing the light inside.

Yu Rui, standing by the door, didn't dare to stop him, quickly bowing and calling out, "Young Master!"

Hearing the commotion inside, Yun Yi was startled. She set down her pen and quickly hid the rice paper under the desk.

Yun Ke nodded at Yu Rui, not breaking stride, calling out, "Xiao Yi, your brother's here!" as he opened the partially ajar study door, catching sight of his sister's hurried movements. Surprised, he approached, asking, "Xiao Yi? What are you doing?"

Yun Yi glanced down; the concealed painting was out of sight. Still uneasy, she instinctively touched the corner of the top layer of rice paper, then looked nervously at her brother. "N-nothing..."

Yun Ke knew his sister too well. Her demeanor was a clear indication of hidden thoughts. Stepping closer to the desk, he glanced at the white rice paper spread across it, knowing something was hidden beneath. With concern, he repeated, "Yi Ran, tell your brother, what are you doing?" Only Yun Ke knew the extent of the grievances his sister had suffered since childhood. As a brother, he often missed her inner struggles, but didn't want to let this opportunity to care pass by.