As the dawn breaks, a soft beam of sunlight filters through the cracks in the delicate wooden windows, gently filtering into the quaint bedroom. The sunlight filtering through the windows seems meticulously crafted, each ray appearing delicate and warm. The subtle scent of incense wafts through the room, a gift from nature, blending with the occasional chirping of birds outside to weave a tranquil morning melody. The air is filled with the delicate fragrance of flowers, as if the spirits of the early morning whisper nature's secrets. The birds' song is melodious and clear, sometimes high-pitched, sometimes low, like a beautiful symphony. In this harmonious atmosphere, the entire room feels remarkably tranquil, as if time has slowed down, inviting one to immerse themselves in the beauty of the morning.

"Niannian, are you awake yet?" A gentle yet powerful voice slowly spread in the quiet air, like a spring breeze caressing the face, containing endless love and earnest expectation.

"Aunt, I'm awake." Ying Ying slowly rose from her warm bed and stretched. Then she walked to the window and gently opened the curtains, letting the morning sunlight stream into the room. She quickly changed into clean clothes, washed up, and began to carefully dress and tidy up her appearance.

"Niannian, may I come in?" With these gentle words, the door gently opened, and a lady of the royal family, adorned in gorgeous attire, gracefully stepped into view. She wore a long, exquisitely embroidered dress, the hem of which swayed gently in the breeze, like a blooming peony, a scene of both nobility and grace. Her hair was tied high in a bun, adorned with gold and jade hairpins, each strand revealing meticulous care and an extraordinary demeanor.

Her face was as gentle as jade, and a faint smile lingered between her brows, seemingly able to dispel all the world's sorrow and worries. Her eyes were clear and bright, like the autumn sky, gleaming with wisdom and gentleness. Her movements exuded an unhurried grace, and each step was steady and resolute, as if each step was in step with the rhythm of time.

Her demeanor exudes a calmness and composure, as if she has long seen through the world's bustle and chaos, yet maintains a peaceful heart. Her every movement is effortlessly natural, as if carefully considered, yet retains a natural charm. Her presence is like a stream of fresh air, offering a sense of tranquility and peace amidst the clamor of the world.

Her arrival seemed to bring new life and energy to the space, warming the air around her. Her every smile and every look was filled with a love for life and anticipation for the future. Her beauty wasn't just external; it was also a reflection of her inner grace, captivating her.

"Aunt, I'm so sorry to trouble you." Ying Xuan held a deep respect for her cousin. She had been raised almost single-handedly by her cousin since her parents' absence. In her young heart, her cousin was like a beacon, illuminating her path. Whenever she encountered difficulties and setbacks, her cousin always listened patiently, offering her the warmest comfort and the most practical help.

"Don't say that. Now that you're back, come to my house for dinner. Your cousin misses you, too." Tang Qingying stared at Ying Wen. She had cared for the child since she was little, and she could sense that she seemed to be hiding something. But as the child grew older, she saw her role as being a strong supporter. She understood that Ying Wen had grown up, with her own thoughts and secrets, but she remained committed to being Ying Wen's strongest support, offering her assistance without hesitation, whenever and wherever she needed it.

"Okay." Ying Li understood that some things just needed to be tacitly understood. Since Tang Qingying didn't say it explicitly, she chose to pretend that she didn't know.

Ying Ni and Tang Qingying walked hand in hand along the path leading to the Ying clan leader's residence. The autumn sun shone through the treetops, dappling them, and the air was filled with the fragrance of ripe fruit. Tang Qingying observed Ying Ni attentively, noting that her cheeks were slightly paler than before. She kept serving her food, trying to warm her heart with her food.

After the meal, Ying Xu led Ying Ni into the study. Inside, the pristine books bore the marks of time, each one seemingly carrying the family's wisdom and memories. Ying Xu sat in a mahogany chair, his gaze resting on Ying Ni with a kind heart. He knew Ying Ni must be on a very important mission.

"Niannian, is there something special that you need to deal with when you come back this time?" Ying Xu knew in his heart that Yingnian was not a person who acted without a purpose. The last time she came back was to complete the funeral affairs of her parents and added new tablets to the family ancestral temple. He couldn't help but wonder why she came this time.

"Uncle, I came back this time mainly to pay my respects to my parents and grandparents in person." There was a hint of sadness in Ying Meng's tone, and her eyes revealed her deep nostalgia for her ancestors and her respect for family traditions.

"Okay, I'll have someone arrange it for you."

At dawn, a faint blue hue hung across the sky. Ying Ni, dressed in plain clothes, walked lightly toward the misty mountain path. Her eyes gleamed with determination and longing. Today was the day she would go up the mountain to pay respects to her parents and grandparents.

The winding mountain path, flanked by towering ancient trees, cast dappled shadows through the branches, as if nature had paved a guiding path specifically for this solemn moment. Ying Ni held a bouquet of pure white chrysanthemums, carefully selected to express her endless grief for her loved ones.

As the altitude gradually increased, the air became fresher, carrying the fragrance of earth and flowers, which was refreshing. Ying Ni's breathing gradually became deep and steady. She knew that she was getting closer and closer to the place that carried family memories and emotions.

Finally, in a quiet valley, Ying Ni found her family's cemetery. A familiar name was engraved on the tombstone. Time had eroded some of the writing, but the weight of emotion remained fresh. She gently put down the chrysanthemums in her hand, knelt on her knees, and tears welled up in her eyes.

"Dad, Mom, Grandpa, Grandma, I'm here to see you." Ying Ni's voice was low and gentle, as if she was afraid to disturb her slumbering loved ones. She slowly recounted the details of her recent life, some happy, some sad, but mostly filled with nostalgia and gratitude for the good old days.

Sunlight filtered through the clouds, shimmering on the tombstones, adding a touch of warmth and brightness to the solemn scene. Ying Ni stood up and gazed at the endless mountains in the distance. An inexplicable strength surged within her. She knew that no matter where she went, the love of her family would always be with her, her strongest support as she journeyed forward.

After the worship, Ying Ni bowed deeply once more, then slowly turned and began to descend the mountain. Her steps were more determined and powerful than when she came, for her heart was filled with longing for her loved ones and hope for the future.

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