Fortune Across the World

Chapter 195: Awakening from a Dream in the Drunken Blossom Shade (Part 2)

Just hearing her call him "Father" was enough for him to face any challenge without hesitation, let alone indulge in drinking, something he relished: "Alright! I'll drink with you, and we'll forget about that... that foolish youngster!" He had never experienced the joy of sharing drinks and conversation with his daughter.

Le Zhuyi's smile became more bittersweet, and she nodded silently, leading the way out of the bamboo house.

That night, under the moon, father and daughter, separated for over a decade, drank together outside the bamboo courtyard. Le Zhuyi sought solace in alcohol, while Master Chen silently accompanied her, indulging in a night of drunkenness to temporarily forget their sorrows. Inside the bamboo house, Ding Qiyu lay in a drunken stupor, lost in hazy dreams filled with the warm fragrance of flowers—the scent of Danming flowers, the essence of Zhuyi.

A night of drunken dreams beneath the blossoms, awakening to a day of parting.

...

The next day, Ding Qiyu awoke early from her hangover. The day had come; she knew she had no reason to remain at Qianli Palace. Reunions awaited her, but so did farewells. She couldn't decide whether she felt more anticipation or more sorrow. Lying in bed, staring at the bamboo ceiling, she finally made up her mind. Despite the reluctance, they couldn't avoid parting. Qing'er was still waiting in Yinzou. With that thought...

Ding Qiyu rubbed her temples, quietly rose, and resolved to leave Qianli Palace that day, shortening the sadness of farewell and hastening the joy of reunion. She quickly packed, looking around the room; apart from her tool bag and Wuchang Sword, there was nothing else to take.

Changing into the clothes she had arrived in, she transformed from the palace's little carpenter back into the esteemed son-in-law in the Fu family's eyes. However, she wore the small boots from here, as she had been brought by Chun without shoes. The Wuchang Sword bore red, her shoulder had teeth marks, and her forehead carried the scar from the Lihuo Whip—she was not the same as when she had arrived.

Ding Qiyu first went to Qiu Ji Hall to bid farewell to Master Chen and the Palace Master. After waiting a while, only the Palace Master, now back in red, emerged. Ding Qiyu immediately bowed, "Madam." The Palace Master's grand sleeves and gown were more luxurious and complex than the usual disciples, perfectly highlighting this "most beautiful woman of the martial world." Yet through her attire and eyes, Ding Qiyu saw someone else—the young woman in her prime, lacking the maturity of her mother but possessing vibrant beauty unique to Zhuyi.

The Palace Master nodded, guessing Ding Qiyu's purpose. Before she could ask, the Palace Master said, "Your master was drunk last night and hasn't woken up. Are you leaving?" Her daughter's feelings were as clear to her as they were to Master Chen. Over the past days, the unique bond between the two young ones had been obvious, but she didn't know how to intervene, or if she even should.

So that's how it is... Ding Qiyu pressed her lips together, bowing again, "Yes. I leave Qianli Palace today." She met the Palace Master's complex gaze, "Madam, please bid farewell to my master for me."

The Palace Master was silent for a moment, then agreed with a nod.

Leaving Qiu Ji Hall, Ding Qiyu went to see Aunt Jade and Master Huai, bidding them farewell.

Master Huai was surprised, "Yu'er, you're leaving already? So suddenly?" Though he had taught her everything, he was reluctant to part with his only disciple.