Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

The years pass by like a fleeting white horse, time disappearing bit by bit. It has no starting point and no end point according to anyone's will. It is like a boundless, endless river, flowing slowly and willfully at its own pace. No matter who or what, it never stops its firm and steady pace.

We are all ordinary mortals in this vast world, trapped in the vast corridor of time, unable to pause. We are driven relentlessly by the torrent of time, sometimes swept along without even a moment's thought. Whether instinctively or unconsciously, we all sense the silent passage of time. However, often by the time we finally notice its fleeting passage, it has already slipped away, taking away precious moments.

Li Ruoyue meticulously inspected every corner of the safe house every day, ensuring everything was safe and sound. She also tirelessly helped those in need, using her exceptional medical skills to alleviate their suffering. Thus, the days passed, and before she knew it, she had already spent four full months in this place.

As the New Year approached, Li Ruoyue's excitement grew. In the past, during her time at the Taoist temple, Siji and Luzhu had always been her companions during the New Year celebrations. However, this year was very different, for she had journeyed to the far northwest and found her biological father. The thought of spending this special holiday with the people closest to her filled Li Ruoyue with endless anticipation.

Li Ruoyue's life story was, in fact, quite difficult. Her mother tragically passed away at birth due to complications. When she was just learning to speak, she was sent to live in a Taoist temple. Although her father would find time to visit her annually, their time together lasted only a day or two. This brief time together left Li Ruoyue with resentment towards her father.

There were times when she faced difficulties and grievances alone, and she blamed her father for leaving her alone in the Taoist temple, neglecting her. And in her previous life, even though her father truly loved her, this lack of communication and understanding led to misunderstandings, leaving her feeling that he didn't care about her. Ultimately, even after their deaths, they were unable to resolve the knot in their hearts.

But now that she has lived a new life, Li Ruoyue is no longer obsessed with the entanglements of the past. She chooses to let go of her self-righteous pride, and tries to understand and accept her father, cherishing this hard-earned family relationship.

After tirelessly completing their inspection of vital security supplies in the northwest region, Li Ruoyue and Lu Zhu, after careful consideration, finally decided to return home. Fortunately, they received the Fourth Prince's attentive care and proper arrangements, allowing them to stay in a quiet, private courtyard not far from the Protectorate.

Upon arriving at their residence, Li Ruoyue eagerly dragged Luzhu to the market to buy all sorts of New Year's supplies and set about meticulously decorating their temporary home. Working together, they divided the work, first spending two full days thoroughly cleaning the house, then immediately setting to work decorating it both inside and out. They meticulously hung vibrant red lanterns, instantly transforming the once somewhat deserted courtyard into a festive and festive space.

After Li Ruoyue finished her work, she finally paused to admire the new world she had created—the beautifully decorated room and the courtyard filled with a festive atmosphere. Looking at it all, she felt an indescribable joy. This year, she finally had the chance to make up for her past regrets and spend a happy and fulfilling New Year with her father! Thinking of this, Li Ruoyue couldn't help but smile with happiness and satisfaction.

With only a few days left until the Lunar New Year, Li Ruoyue and her companions, filled with anticipation and concern, traveled to the distant Northwestern Military Camp. However, the wait seemed incredibly long, and Li Ruoyue anxiously waited day after day for a reply from her father. Finally, after two full days, she received a letter from her father.

As she eagerly unfolded the letter, she noticed the handwriting was a bit hastily written, but the vibrant, powerful characters were still clearly visible: "Arrived on New Year's Eve." Those few words, like a ray of warm sunlight piercing through layers of dark clouds, instantly illuminated Li Ruoyue's gloomy heart. She clutched the paper tightly, a smile she hadn't seen in a long time spreading across her face, her joy evident.

Li Ruoyue, in high spirits, quickly called over Luzhu, who was beside her, and softly instructed her, "Luzhu, go and prepare a few more delicious dishes! We must have a big feast on New Year's Eve." Seeing her mistress so happy, Luzhu was naturally overjoyed as well, and quickly responded, "Okay, mistress! Don't worry, I will do my best to let you enjoy the most sumptuous and delicious dishes on this New Year's Eve."

Li Du, who had been silently by her side, couldn't help but feel the joy she had rarely seen in recent years. He smiled brightly and replied, "Miss, don't worry. Leave this to me, and I'll handle it without a problem. I promise to arrange everything perfectly, so you can have a comfortable and enjoyable New Year's Eve dinner!" Li Ruoyue knew that entrusting these matters to the loyal Li Du was absolutely reliable. For so many years, Li Du had stood by her side, diligently and tirelessly. Without his loving companionship, she would have struggled to endure those long, lonely years.

As Li Ruoyue joyfully awaited the arrival of this important festival, New Year's Eve, time seemed frozen in her anticipation. Finally, the sound of gentle footsteps broke the silence. It was Baili Xi who arrived at the courtyard that Li Ruoyue had so carefully decorated.

As Baili Xi entered the courtyard, his eyes were captivated by the scene before him. The courtyard was festooned with lights and decorations, overflowing with a festive atmosphere. The red lanterns, colorful silks, and exquisite window decorations all displayed the owner's love and dedication to life. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Miss Li, you truly treat this place like your own! Not only is it so neat and tidy, but it's also so meticulously decorated. It truly demonstrates ingenuity!"

Li Ruoyue simply smiled at Baili Xi's teasing, a smile as warm and bright as the spring sun. She responded generously, "That's right, I'm going to spend New Year's Eve here and welcome the new year! A new year brings new beginnings. No matter where I am, I hope to be happy and comfortable."

Baili Xi's heart couldn't help but stir as he listened to Li Ruoyue's words. He gazed at the woman before him. She had a beautiful face, bright eyes, and exuded an air of confidence and optimism. Standing in this small courtyard filled with the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year, she seemed so harmonious and beautiful.

After pondering for a moment, Baili Xi slowly said: "Miss Li, actually, the reason I came here this time, besides visiting you, I have something else to tell you. After discussing with the Fourth Prince, I sincerely invite you to the Protectorate to spend the New Year and New Year's Eve together. I wonder if you would like to honor me with the visit?" After saying that, he looked at Li Ruoyue expectantly, waiting for her reply.

Li Ruoyue tilted her head slightly, her beautiful eyes gazing at Baili Xi. Her eyes, filled with anticipation, held a faint smile. She whispered, "Master Baili, I know you're kind and treat me as a friend, but have you considered this carefully? Although I usually wear men's clothing when I go out, I'm still an unmarried woman. If outsiders knew, especially during New Year's Eve and New Year's Eve, that I was spending time with you, I'm afraid there would be gossip!" At this point, she sighed softly and continued, "Actually, I personally don't care about those rumors. It's just that as the saying goes, 'people's words can be scary.' Even if I could face them calmly, there's no guarantee that they wouldn't affect my reputation."

At this moment, Baili Xi was also staring at Li Ruoyue intently. She looked sincere, and her words were full of concern. He couldn't help but be stunned, thinking to himself: Yes, why didn't I think of this before? It was really a bit rash. So, he hurriedly bowed to Li Ruoyue, with a guilty look on his face, and said sincerely: "I'm so sorry, Miss Li. I was careless for a moment and didn't take these details into consideration. I just wanted everyone to celebrate the New Year together, in a lively and happy way, but I didn't expect to cause you so much trouble. Since you have said so, I naturally dare not force you anymore." After speaking, he lowered his head a little embarrassedly, his cheeks slightly red.

Li Ruoyue couldn't help but feel a little amused when she saw Baili Xi's embarrassment. Recalling her first encounter with him, she had only thought him to be stern, as cold as an iceberg. However, as they spent more time together, she slowly discovered that this seemingly cold and heartless man was actually a hypocritical and unruly boy.

Then, Lin Ruoyue was amused by Bailixi's words: "How could I blame you? We have been together for half a year, how could I not understand you? I know that you want me to be less lonely during the New Year, so that you can spend the New Year with peace of mind and deal with business. I didn't have much to help, so I took out two porcelain bottles from my waist, handed them to Bailixi, and said with a smile: "These are two bottles of pills I made, one for you and one for the fourth prince. This medicine can strengthen the body and make people's blood vigorous. You worry about official business every day and are exhausted. Take one to refresh yourself, you will be more energetic and deal with things more vigorously!"