Drunk Bamboo

The next day after the reunion dinner, my second uncle returned to Baiyun Temple, and my second sister and grandfather also returned to Baiyun Taoist Temple.

My father and cousin were busy renovating the academy and the Xie Mansion, while my eldest sister took care of all the household affairs as before.

Xie Yuzhu lived the most relaxed and comfortable life. Hua Qinfeng took her out early every morning to visit all the streets and attractions in Nanmi, big and small.

When it is hot in the afternoon, I go to the private room on the second floor of Anhe Restaurant and sit down. By opening the window, I can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of lakes and mountains.

More than half a month passed leisurely like this before he slowly prepared to set off back to Zhongdu.

It has been more than a month since I left, and it is now the end of August. When I return to Zhongdu, it will be September and the weather will gradually turn cooler.

The days in Nanmi were the most relaxing and comfortable for Xie Yuzhu and Hua Qinfeng. There were no court disputes and they didn't have to worry about who would recognize them.

People on the street will only marvel at their handsome faces and look at them with admiration. They don't care that anyone will pay attention to their every word and action, or take the opportunity to seriously injure and slander them.

In Zhongdu, there are too many things to worry about.

"Actually, it's pretty good to live in Nanmi." Hua Qinfeng suddenly had this idea.

Seeing Xie Yuzhu smiling happily every day, carefree and with her family by her side, Hua Qinfeng began to have some plans for the future in his mind.

If I can't return to the west in the end, perhaps Nanmi will be a good choice.

Xie Yuzhu nodded without thinking too much, "Except for the summer which is a bit hot, the other three seasons are pleasant, especially the winter, which is not cold at all, which is quite good."

"Well, the people there are simple and honest, and they eat as much as in Zhongdu."

Xie Yuzhu looked puzzled, "After staying for a few days, the prince fell in love with Nan Mi?"

He grinned, "I like everything about you."

The Wind King, who was stern and cold in front of outsiders, smiled so foolishly in front of her.

Showing a row of white teeth, he looks like a sunny boy.

It’s great that only she can see such beautiful scenery.

He only showed it to her.

It would be great if it could always go on like this.

Xie Yuzhu shook her head, finding it ridiculous to worry about her own unrealistic future.

When did she become so sentimental, cautious and clingy.

She has always been neat and tidy and takes everything lightly.

She looked up at the dazzling smile and laughed at her own greed.

"Let's go and take another look at the front."

Xie Yuzhu withdrew his greedy gaze and walked straight forward.

Hua Qinfeng didn't notice her abnormality and kept up with her.

Every night, Xie Yuzhu would have dinner with his father, elder sister and cousin.

Gradually, she seemed to get used to this kind of life and this kind of family.

Xie Juesheng is a master in teaching and educating people. He can stand in front of students and lecture for a whole day without stopping.

But when he was with Xie Yuzhu, he was very frugal with words, or rather, he became mute. Every time Xie Yuzhu looked up at him, he would smile at her like a loving father, with his eyes full of words, but his mouth was tightly shut without a single word.

Father’s love is like a mountain, silent as a mountain.

Xie Yuzhu responded with the same smile.

"Father, we are going to leave in three days. The prince has official business and has been with me here for a long time. Now that I have recovered, it is time to set off back to Zhongdu."

"So fast?" Xie Yupei's smiling face suddenly stopped.

Xie Juesheng's eyes trembled, and the corners of his mouth rose slightly, "It's time to go back. My father is in good health, it's time to go back."

"Yuzhu, I thought that after I'm done with this busy period, I could accompany you to visit Nanmi." Xie Yupei looked regretful.

"You were all busy repairing the house, and I didn't help at all. I went out to have fun with the prince all day."

"If it weren't for you and the prince, we don't know what would have become of our Xie family." Xie Yupei said sincerely, "Without you, there would be no reunion of the Xie family today."

"Yuzu..." Xie Yupei hesitated to speak.

"You don't have to say anything, elder sister. I understand." Xie Yuzhu glanced at her father and cousin, and said, "I will always be a member of the Xie family."

"Yuzhu is right. No matter where she is, she is a member of the Xie family." Father picked up the bowl and chopsticks. "The food is getting cold. Let's eat."

Xie Yuyun remained silent.

This meal was the most heart-wrenching one Xie Yuzhu had had since coming to Nanmi.

This is the blood connection that is hard to give up.

Even if they have been hurt, even if they have said the most cruel words, they can never let go and are still connected to each other.

"If you can't bear to leave, stay a few more days." Hua Qinfeng said, holding her hand.

"It doesn't make any difference whether I leave in three days or three months. Maybe I'll be more reluctant to leave." Xie Yuzhu curled her lips, "All good things must come to an end."

On the day they left, neither her father nor her cousin went to the dock to see her off. Instead, they just stood at the gate of the bamboo garden and stared at her for a long time until their figures completely disappeared from their sight.

"Uncle, I want to take the imperial examination and become an official."

Xie Juesheng retracted his gaze and asked, "Have you told your father about this?"

"He did. He said it's up to me." Xie Yuyun paused, lowered his eyes and said, "Grandfather said as long as uncle agrees, it's fine."

Xie Juesheng was silent for a long time.

"You are the most conscious and sensible child in the Xie family, but even you don't follow the family rules..." Xie Juesheng sighed lightly.

"I don't want to violate the family rules, nor do I want fame and fortune. These days, these things, I suddenly realized that I am a frog in the well. Apart from the Xie family academy, there are only books. I can know everything in the world by reading books without going out. I used to be proud of it. Now, I feel ashamed."

"Nanwa Mountain bandits have been rampant for many years, but I knew nothing about it. The jade pendant was hijacked, and I was powerless to do anything. The magistrate of Canglan County reported the bandit suppression every year, but no one in the court paid attention. Our magistrate Xu was trying to protect himself, and he could do nothing to watch the bandits rampant."

"After twenty years of studying, I want to go out and see the world. I want to go out and try my luck. I want to do something for the people. I want to help a wise ruler. I want to get rid of bad officials. Uncle, I want to give it a try. If the world is in chaos and no one is there to help it, how can the Xie family protect itself and get out of this mess? I also want to protect the Xie family. Just like the prince, just like Yuzhu protects the Xie family."

Xie Yuyun's heartfelt words moved the listeners.

Xie Juesheng closed his eyes, then opened them again, as if he had put something down and then picked something up again.

He said, "I am old. If you think clearly, then so be it."

"If you violate the family rules, you will be expelled from the family at the most serious level, and you will be whipped fifty times at the least. I know, and I am willing to accept the punishment." Xie Yuyun's eyes were firm.

“After repairing the house, I will gather the elders of the clan and punish them with fifty lashes in the Xie family ancestral hall. I will carry out the punishment myself.” After saying that, he turned and walked towards the academy.

"Thank you, uncle, for your help!" Xie Yuzhu knelt down and bowed.

"From now on, you will be the one to protect the Xie family." Xie Juesheng said word by word without looking back.