A Shocking Dream

Qingluan sighed softly, "This is the order of my great-grandmaster, and she has her reasons. Remember, people's hearts are complicated in this palace. If you get too close to others, you may be in danger. As for the Crown Prince, he may be able to provide you with some protection in certain matters."

Yuanyuan bit her lip, trying to digest Qingluan's words. "I understand, Sister Qingluan. So what should I do in the capital?"

Qingluan pondered for a moment, "You must always pay attention to your surroundings and look for clues related to the Snow Country scroll. At the same time, you must also pay attention to your own safety. After we leave, you must be careful and cautious in everything you do."

Yuanyuan nodded. Although she was full of worries, she knew that she had to face it bravely.

"Come with me," Qingluan said softly, a look of determination in her eyes. She walked to a wall, reached out and gently pressed it. With a slight sound, the door of the room slowly opened, and a beam of light instantly shone in.

Yuanyuan narrowed her eyes slightly, adjusting to the sudden brightness. She looked at Qingluan's back, and an inexplicable courage surged in her heart.

Qingluan took the lead, heading towards the bright light. Yuanyuan followed closely behind, their figures gradually becoming clearer in the light. They left the room and arrived at an unfamiliar backyard. Sunlight streamed into the yard, but it couldn't dispel the mysterious atmosphere. Qingluan narrowed her eyes slightly and looked around.

"Where is the place you agreed to meet next time with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?" Qingluan suddenly asked, her voice breaking the brief silence.

Yuanyuan was slightly startled, then responded: "Under the willow tree in the east of the city, my uncle-master always waits there for me every time he brings me to the capital." A trace of nostalgia flashed in her eyes, as if she remembered the days when she and her uncle-master were in the capital.

"Chengdong, it seems that your uncle-master has arranged for you to stay at the Liu Mansion. You can go there first. If you go out here, just turn left and you will reach the market. Yuanyuan, take care of yourself and wait for your uncle-master to pick you up." Qingluan's eyes were full of concern, and her tone was solemn. She took a step forward and shook Yuanyuan's hand, her eyes revealing deep worry. "Yuanyuan, the situation in the capital is complicated and people's hearts are unpredictable. You must always be vigilant and not trust others easily. The Liu Mansion may provide you with temporary protection, but you still need to be careful at all times."

Yuanyuan nodded earnestly, "I understand, Sister Qingluan." Though she felt a little reluctant, she understood that she had to obey. She looked at Qingluan, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Don't worry, Sister Qingluan. I will protect myself well. I will always be aware of my surroundings, searching for clues related to the Snow Country scroll. I will also patiently wait for my uncle-master to come and pick me up."

Qingluan nodded slightly, her eyes filled with encouragement and expectation. "Go, and be careful. Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, you must face them with strength. We will definitely meet again."

Yuanyuan shook Qingluan's hand firmly, then turned and walked in the direction Qingluan had indicated. Her steps were firm and steady, her heart filled with anticipation for the future and a hint of nervousness. In this unfamiliar capital, she was about to face unknown challenges alone, but she also firmly believed that she would be able to complete the task entrusted to her by her great-grandmaster, and she awaited his return.

The atmosphere in the imperial study was solemn and dignified. Qin Ruoyu cautiously followed Eunuch He, each step respectful and cautious. He bowed his head slightly, his eyes full of respect.

"Your Majesty, I am here to pay my respects to you, Father. I haven't seen you for several months. Are you doing well?" Qin Ruoyu's voice was steady and respectful, and could be heard clearly in the quiet imperial study.

Qin Ronghuan nodded slightly, his hawk-like gaze fixed on his son. He sat at the solemn desk in the imperial study, his bright yellow dragon robe shimmering in the candlelight, amplifying his majesty. He raised his chin slightly, folded his hands on the table, and waited for Qin Ruoyu's response. "Get up. Have you gained anything outside these past few months?" His voice was commanding, each word carrying a weight, imbued with the dignity and expectation of an emperor.

Qin Ruoyu slowly stood up, his expression respectful yet composed. He bowed his head slightly, a thoughtful look in his eyes. After a moment, he raised his head and replied, "Father, I have experienced many things on this journey, and I have indeed gained something. Among the people, I have seen the various aspects of their lives, both joyful and difficult." At this point, Qin Ruoyu's face was filled with emotion, and he frowned slightly, as if deeply moved by the suffering of the people. "This has made me understand even more clearly the heavy responsibility that comes with being a son of the royal family." His tone was firm, his eyes gleaming with determination.

Qin Ronghuan narrowed his eyes slightly, his fingers tapping the tabletop with a rhythmic sound. His face was expressionless, but his eyes betrayed a hint of thought. "Go on." His tone remained commanding, but with a hint of encouragement.

Qin Ruoyu raised his head and looked at his father with a determined gaze. He puffed out his chest, as if to demonstrate his determination and commitment. At this moment, Qin Ruoyu and Qin Ronghuan's eyes met, and in that moment, it seemed as if time had stood still. Qin Ruoyu's eyes were filled with respect for his father and a sense of mission for the future of the country. His eyes were deep and bright, like the twinkling stars in the night sky, revealing determination and perseverance. Qin Ronghuan's gaze was majestic and deep, like the vast ocean, containing endless wisdom and power. Father and son stared at each other, as if engaging in a silent communication.

Qin Ruoyu continued, "I also saw what local officials did. Some were diligent in serving the people, while others were corrupt. This made me understand that governing a country requires not only wise decisions, but also honest and dedicated officials to implement them. I am also thinking about how to better select talents to serve the country." His words were full of worry and thought about the future of the country.

Qin Ronghuan listened to his son's words, a subtle gleam of relief crossing his face. He nodded slightly, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. "Well, I'm very pleased that you have such insight. But this is just the beginning. There's still a long way to go. You must continue to learn and work for the well-being of our country and its people." His tone was serious and solemn, filled with hope for his son.

Qin Ruoyu nodded solemnly, "I will definitely remember my father's teachings and work hard to move forward." He bowed again, his eyes full of firmness and determination.

A few days ago, your mother mentioned your marriage, marrying Kou Yurou as the Crown Princess. What are your thoughts? "After finishing his official business, Qin Ronghuan's tone softened slightly and he mentioned personal matters. His eyes were still fixed on Qin Ruoyu, as if he wanted to see his son's true thoughts from his expression and reaction.