Time Travel: He is My Dad!

The beginning of power struggle

He Qingqing returned to her room alone and closed the door, her heart swirling with emotion. Her father—that cold, heartless man—seemed to have projected all his pain and hatred onto her mother. Her mother's betrayal cast a heavy shadow over the fate of her entire family. Though those words were harsh, they also left her feeling an inexplicable pressure.

She sat on the bed, her mind replaying her father's words: "She betrayed me, betrayed our family." What had her mother done to make this man hate her so much? Betrayal, family honor, the struggle for power—everything seemed to be hidden in a deep shadow.

She looked up, her gaze passing through the bamboo forest outside the window, a blur in her eyes. She had arrived in this world so suddenly, like a stone dropped into a calm lake, stirring up ripples. Every memory, every piece of information, was filled with contradictions and mysteries. Her identity, her mother, her father, even the reason she had traveled to this world—everything was shrouded in a fog, impossible to unravel.

He Qingqing rubbed her temples vigorously, trying to clear her mind. She knew that if she couldn't sort out the confusing clues quickly, she might never be able to escape this strange game of fate.

She took a deep breath, stood up, and walked to the window. She opened it, and fresh air rushed in. Sunlight filtered through the bamboo leaves, casting dappled shadows across the ground. The crowing of chickens and barking of dogs continued in the yard, creating a tranquil yet slightly bustling rural atmosphere.

He Qingqing stood by the window, squinting her eyes as a thought suddenly flashed through her mind. Her father's arrival, though unexpected, seemed more than simple. He was clearly not merely here to check on her health; more importantly, to test her, to warn her. His hatred for her mother and his expectations of her were all revealed unspokenly. She suddenly realized that this meeting between father and daughter was far more than simple.

What secrets lie behind her mother's death? Why is her father so eager to have her return to the family and restore its glory?

Just as she was immersed in her own thoughts, there was a sudden knock on the door. He Qingqing quickly came to her senses and walked over to open the door. Standing at the door was an old woman, her expression a little nervous: "Qingqing, come with me quickly, there are guests at home."

"Guest?" He Qingqing was a little confused, but she followed the old woman out of the room. She didn't know what unusual things would happen this time, but she subconsciously felt that today's situation would definitely not be ordinary.

The old woman led her through a quiet path to the other side of the courtyard. The courtyard had been meticulously swept, and the air was filled with the sweet aroma of tea. He Qingqing noticed something strange about the atmosphere. Several seemingly insignificant servants of the family stood aside, heads bowed, silent. Meanwhile, the stern man—her father—was seated at a small table, conversing with a middle-aged man.

The middle-aged man, dressed in a light blue robe, had an elegant demeanor and a handsome face. Although he didn't wear many ornaments, his innate aristocratic air was hard to ignore. He Qingqing took a closer look and could sense his unusual aura—this man was by no means a simple merchant or gentry, but rather someone closely connected to power.

The man noticed her approach, slowly raised his head, and his eyes fell on He Qingqing. Although his eyes were emotionless, they seemed to contain a hint of interest.

"Father, you're looking for me?" He Qingqing stepped forward and spoke calmly. Although she had many questions in her mind, she knew that she had to remain calm at this moment. Only in this way could she find a place in this situation full of unknowns.

Her father raised his eyebrows slightly, seeming somewhat pleased with her attitude. "Qingqing, come meet this Lord Liu. He is an important official in our court, in charge of a lot of military power, and is also a friend of my family." He paused slightly, his tone tinged with a hint of teasing. "Lord Liu just mentioned that he is interested in investing in our family and expanding some of our business, so it's a good opportunity to come and see him."

He Qingqing was slightly taken aback, her confusion growing. Lord Liu? A family friend? She had never heard of the name, but her intuition told her that this man was definitely not just a businessman. She nodded gently as a greeting, "Lord Liu, nice to meet you."

Lord Liu smiled, stood up, and extended a slender hand: "Miss He, I have long heard of your name. I have always heard that the He family has a wise heir. Seeing you today, you are indeed extraordinary."

He Qingqing's heart skipped a beat. Lord Liu's manner and tone of voice were anything but simple. Although he didn't explicitly state anything, she could sense a strong aura of power—this was far more than just a simple "investment," and the hidden significance within must be profound.

She responded politely, "Master Liu, you are too kind. I am just a member of the He family."

He Qingqing frowned. An estate in the city? She knew her identity in this world wasn't simple, but what role did she play? What did her father truly want? If she chose to go to the city, would that mean she would be completely entrenched in the family's complex web of power?

She felt a slight movement in her heart and looked up at her father: "Father, I can go, but I hope to know more."

"You'll find out." His father's eyes remained stern, without a trace of emotion, but He Qingqing sensed an irresistible determination in them. "For the future of our family, no one can be left unaware of their place."

He Qingqing's heart sank. She knew that the choice she made at this moment would completely change her future. She wasn't afraid of challenges, and even had an inexplicable urge to learn more. But she also knew that every step forward would lead to a more complex and dangerous situation.

Just as she was about to make a decision, Lord Liu's words broke the silence again: "Miss He, power is always a sharp sword that can lead people astray. Your father has reached this point today thanks to his deep understanding of political intrigue, and you may also have to learn how to control this in the future."

These words were like a sharp blade, piercing He Qingqing's heart with precision. Her eyes suddenly became deep. She knew that she had been drawn into this huge chess game, and every move she made in the future must be made with caution in order to survive.

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Chapter 4: The Temptation of Power