The Cloud Feather of the Red Chamber: A Marriage Arranged with Gong Yuanzheng at the Start

A carriage the size of a house sped along the official road.

Amidst the billowing dust, the carriage remained remarkably smooth, without the slightest jolt.

Looking at the scenery outside the carriage, Lin Qingyue felt that the journey was too slow and wished she could fly to the capital immediately.

No one expected that Daiyu and Qingyu's departure would last for five years.

Five years passed without any news, and the Gongmen and Lin families, who remained in Daqing waiting for news, were all deeply worried.

Gong Yuanzheng brought freshly brewed tea to Lin Qingyue's side.

"You don't need to be in too much of a hurry. It will take Yu'er and the others half a month to arrive in the capital."

"I know." Lin Qingyue's expression was complicated, a mixture of excitement, surprise, and worry.

I thought that Daiyu and the others would return in no more than two years, but I never expected that they would be gone for so long.

Even knowing that Yukishige and Yuki-kun would take good care of their younger siblings.

But she still couldn't suppress her worries.

Now that they can finally meet, Lin Qingyue wished time could immediately turn back to half a month later.

Gong Yuanzheng simply sat quietly beside his wife, planning something else in his mind.

Now that Yu'er and Qingyu are back, we can't let them be idle.

Previously, he and Yue'er took care of the two of them; now, they are the ones to take care of Aning.

The more Gong Yuanzheng thought about it, the more brilliant his idea seemed.

He not only got rid of his daughter who was clinging to his wife, but also prevented his sister-in-law from having time to bother his wife.

The sounds of Rui'er and A Ning laughing and joking came from downstairs, and Gong Yuanzheng's smile deepened.

"If Yu'er and Qingyu saw these two children, they would definitely be shocked."

Hearing Gong Yuanzheng's words, Lin Qingyue's expression softened considerably. She imagined Daiyu and Qingyu's expressions in her mind and couldn't help but smile.

"Seeing Rui'er might not be too surprising, but seeing A Ning would probably really give you a shock."

Lin Qingyue was filled with anxiety, each day feeling like an eternity, when soon half a month had passed.

The docks were guarded by the Imperial Guards early this morning.

All the palace gate officials and members of the Lin family were present at the dock.

Xia Li also held a whisk and stood beside Gong Shangjiao.

His orders were to bring Jia She into the palace immediately.

Your Majesty, we have been looking forward to General Jia for five whole years.

As the sun rose higher, the ship slowly came into view.

The closer you get, the more you can feel the sheer size of the ship.

Looking at the enormous ship before him, Xia Li sighed inwardly.

The palace gates are indeed a place where many talented people emerge.

I thought the ships from five years ago were already quite large, but I'm afraid Daqing couldn't build this one.

It's not that we don't want to build it, or that we don't have the materials, but rather...

Xia Li's eyes deepened, and he stopped thinking about it, turning his gaze back to the giant ship in front of him.

As the ship drew closer, Jia Min could no longer contain herself and ran a few steps forward. Lin Qingyue quickly stepped forward to support her.

Gong Yuanzheng stayed by Lin Ruhai's side, constantly taking care of his father-in-law's health.

Lin Ruhai was originally a weak scholar and had been poisoned. In recent years, as a close minister of the emperor, he had also devoted himself to his duties, and his health was even worse than Jia Min's.

Fortunately, Gong Yuanzheng helped him take care of his health.

Daiyu and Qingyu on the boat could see their relatives on the shore from a distance, though they were still some distance away.

But Daiyu and Qingyu could not hold back any longer, and with a light touch of their toes, they leaped off the boat.

This action caused Jia Min to exclaim in surprise, "Yu'er! Qingyu!"

The siblings' internal strength was insufficient to leap to the shore, and they were about to fall into the sea.

Amid Jia Min's panicked gaze, the siblings lightly touched the surface of the sea with their toes and leaped forward once more.

Xia Li was shocked. As far as he knew, the older sibling of the Lin family was no older than fifteen, and the younger sibling was no older than thirteen.

How could they have such skill at such a young age? Is it because the palace's martial arts are too powerful, or because the siblings are too talented?

"Father! Mother! Eldest sister!"

While he was pondering, Daiyu and Qingyu had already reached the shore.

The siblings immediately rushed into Jia Min and Lin Ruhai's arms.

"You two children, are you trying to scare your mother to death? Don't do that again!"

As Jia Min spoke, tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

She touched this child's face, then touched that child's head, and couldn't get enough of looking at them.

"My Yu'er and Qingyu have grown so much..."

Lin Ruhai was still able to control his emotions, but his eyes never left his two children.

"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back..."

As she spoke, she couldn't hold back her tears.

After telling her mother and father about her longing, Daiyu turned around and threw herself into Lin Qingyue's arms.

"big sister!"

Qingyu also wanted to pounce, but immediately saw her brother-in-law's kind smile.

Um, what kind of person is my brother-in-law? He was too young to understand before, how could he not know now?

He turned around decisively and threw himself into Gong Yuanzheng's arms, "Brother-in-law, I missed you so much!"

Gong Yuanzheng: "..."

Feeling the half-grown boy in his arms, Gong Yuanzheng's heart softened.

The little boy who used to sit in his arms has now grown to his chest.

He patted Qingyu's arm. "Come on, brother-in-law will introduce you to someone."

Qingyu looked at Gong Yuanzheng, puzzled, and saw him turn around and take a little girl from Gong Shangjiao's arms.

"Qingyu, this is your niece."

"A-Ning, this is your uncle."

Ah Ning looked at the handsome young man with slightly dark skin in front of her and smiled sweetly, "Little Uncle!"

Qingyu: "Second Sister!!!"

------

Inside the Imperial Study, Gong Shangjiao, Xue Chongzi, Jia She, Lord Zhang, and Lin Ruhai were all present.

As soon as the ship docked, Xia Li eagerly led the group to the palace.

The Lin siblings are not important; these people must go to the palace immediately. There will be plenty of time to catch up later; we can't keep the Emperor waiting!

The Emperor looked at Lin Ruhai with a calm expression but with an unfathomable gaze.

"Minister Lin, are you sure you want to retire now?"

Lin Ruhai bowed and said, "I am old and frail. I have only one wish: to spend my old age with my wife and young children."

The Emperor's gaze lingered on him for a moment before landing on Gong Shangjiao.

The two have known each other for almost ten years. He now has gray hair, but the young man in front of him is still the same as before.

Sometimes, he would feel envious; those who practiced martial arts were indeed different from ordinary people.

But it was just envy; he had something else he longed for, and learning martial arts wasn't just a fleeting thought.

“From the first time we met, I knew this day would come sooner or later.”

"Since it is what you desire, I will naturally not force you to stay."

"Shang Jiao, Lin Aiqing, now that you have finished your official business, you may leave."

Lin Ruhai and Gong Shangjiao both expressed their gratitude.

Just as they were leaving the palace, the Emperor's voice rang out once more.

“I haven’t met Rui’er yet. Let him come to the palace tomorrow.”

Gong Shangjiao's expression changed slightly, while the Emperor smiled faintly and picked up his teacup.

"This child is about to leave with you all, and as his uncle, I must see him."

Who dares disobey the emperor's orders?

Even though he was unwilling, Miyazaki had no choice but to agree.

------

The Lin family home was bustling with activity at this time.

Daiyu and Qingyu could never get enough of their two children, A Ning and Rui'er.

Wang Xifeng was busy with many things and had just arrived at the Lin residence. She greeted Daiyu, Qingyu, and Jia Yingchun with a smile.

Her gaze swept across the crowd, and she was startled. She couldn't help but reach out and grab Daiyu's arm.

"Sister Lin, Third Sister..."

She was somewhat hesitant to ask further questions.

Daiyu smiled and comforted Wang Xifeng, "Sister Feng, don't worry, Third Sister is doing well and is on the island with Brother Xiaoxue."

Wang Xifeng felt relieved, and then she guessed why Jia Tanchun hadn't returned.

Just as she expected, Daiyu took out a heavy package and handed it to Wang Xifeng.

"This is some of my third sister's personal savings. She asked my elder sister to help her give it to Aunt Zhao and Huan-ge'er."

Wang Xifeng sighed inwardly and reached out to take the package.

"Don't worry, Sister Lin, I will personally deliver the package to Aunt Zhao and Brother Huan."

As soon as she finished speaking, a maidservant ran into the room with a strange expression.

"Madam, Master Bao and Madam Bao have arrived at the mansion."

Everyone looked at them strangely, not expecting them to arrive at this time.

In the past five years, the Jia family has undergone tremendous changes.

Grandmother Jia passed away the year after Daiyu and the others left, and the Jia family's inner quarters were thrown into complete chaos.

Before she died, she forced Jia Baoyu and Xue Baochai to get married.

Xue Baochai wanted to manage the household, but Aunt Zhao kept causing trouble.

Jia Zheng completely neglected his duties, spending all his time hiding in the yamen and simply refusing to go home.

Later, it was Xue Baochai who used some tricks to subdue Aunt Zhao.

Xue Baochai had considered having Jia Baoyu and Jia Huan become apprentices together more than once.

However, because of the Lin family, this matter has never been successful.

Gradually, Xue Baochai also realized the Lin family's intentions. She was indignant, but there was nothing she could do.

Furthermore, since Jia Baoyu had no interest in going to school, she gave up on the idea.

The family ran a few shops, and with the income from the estate, they lived a decent life.

However, they are far less wealthy than before.

Wang Xifeng stood up, and Xiao Hong behind her immediately picked up the heavy package.

"I'll go and see them off, and I'll go to the Jia family with them while I'm at it."

Jia Baoyu anxiously watched the maid who had gone to report, wishing he could immediately run into the backyard to see his beloved Lin Daiyu, whom he had been longing to see day and night.

But the Lin family is not the Jia family; how could they tolerate his recklessness?

None of the servants in the courtyard are vegetarians.

With his physique, lifting him would be no different than lifting a chick.

Even though Jia Baoyu was anxious, all he could do was wait here.

Xue Baochai, standing to the side, remained calm; she genuinely wanted to resolve the grievances with the Lin family and the palace.

So much time has passed; even the biggest grudges should have faded away by now.

The Jia family does indeed need the help of the palace and the Lin family now.

Upon seeing that it was Wang Xifeng who came out, Jia Baoyu and Xue Baochai's expressions changed simultaneously.

Jia Baoyu's face turned pale, and he staggered back several steps.

He didn't understand why he and Lin Daiyu had become so estranged.

This shouldn't be happening! Their relationship shouldn't be like this!

"Lin Daiyu, I want to see Lin Daiyu! Let me see Lin Daiyu!"

He rushed toward the backyard as if possessed, but after only a few steps, he was knocked unconscious by a servant.

Seeing Jia Baoyu lying on the ground, Xue Baochai's face turned very pale.

Wang Xifeng looked at Jia Baoyu on the ground, sighed inwardly, and instructed the servants to help Jia Baoyu to the carriage. She then said to Xue Baochai:

“Grandma Bao, let me take you and Baoyu back.”

Xue Baochai's face darkened further. "Sister Feng, there's no need for this. Since the Lin family doesn't welcome us, we'll naturally leave!"

“Grandma Bao, you must have misunderstood. My young lady is here to help Third Miss bring some things to Aunt Zhao and Huan-ge’er.”

Upon hearing Xiao Hong's words, Xue Baochai's face turned pale and then flushed.

Wang Xifeng ignored Xue Baochai and went straight to the carriage.

When the items were handed over to Aunt Zhao and Huan-ge'er, the same thing happened as Wang Xifeng had expected.

When Aunt Zhao heard that Jia Tanchun had not returned with her this time, she began to throw a tantrum.

She kept shouting that she wanted to settle accounts with the palace gatekeepers and Jia She, and that they should give her her daughter in return.

Wang Xifeng sipped her tea without flinching, ignoring the tantrum of Aunt Zhao, until Jia Huan arrived home and stopped Aunt Zhao.

Looking at the package on the table, Jia Huan's hands trembled slightly. He asked in a trembling voice, "Sister Feng, my sister, is she still alive?"

One sentence made Aunt Zhao, who was still angry, turn pale instantly.

Wang Xifeng glanced at Jia Huan and asked, "Is it important?"

Jia Huan opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a single word.

Jia Tanchun is unlikely to return; whether she is alive or dead makes no difference to him and Aunt Zhao.

Having completed her business, Wang Xifeng didn't linger and got up to leave the Jia family.

After she left, Aunt Zhao asked Jia Huan in a trembling voice, "Huan-ge'er, tell me, what happened to your sister... what happened to her..."

Jia Huan sat on the soft couch, staring blankly at the package on the table, and said the same thing as Wang Xifeng.

"Is it important?"

Aunt Zhao burst into tears. Important! Of course it's important! How could it not be important!

The third sister was also a piece of her own flesh and blood, how could she not feel sorry for her!

--------

When Gong Zishang heard that the Emperor wanted to see Rui'er, she calmly saw Rui'er off from the residence.

This action struck not only Gong Shangjiao and Gong Yuanzheng, but even Rui'er found it strange.

"Mother, aren't you afraid the Emperor will detain me and won't let me go?"

Gong Zishang glanced at Rui'er and said, "You're overthinking it. You're not that important. There are so many emperors and princes, why would they detain you?"

"Threaten your father? Do you think your expedition against your uncle would betray your Uncle Shangjiao?"

Rui'er shook her head decisively.

"That settles it then. Go ahead and treat it as a visit. Just relax."

Since Gong Zishang had already said so, Gong Yuanzheng and Gong Shangjiao naturally had nothing more to say.

Over the years, the palace's businesses have been mostly disposed of, leaving only some around the capital.

These industries were left to Wang Xifeng.

Jia She's status is now vastly different from what it used to be. With him around, even without the palace gates, no one will bully Wang Xifeng.

Qi Yan'an would also look after Wang Xifeng for Gong Zishang's sake.

Time flies, and soon it was time to leave Daqing.

With heavy hearts, they bid farewell to all their old friends, and the palace ships sailed away from the dock.

As the figure grew smaller and smaller, Gong Zishang seemed to remember something and looked down at the little one in her arms.

"What did the Emperor say to you while keeping you in the palace for so many days?"

Rui'er didn't arrive at the dock until the ship set sail, which startled Gong Zishang so much that she almost thought she had misjudged the emperor's intentions.

Rui'er sighed, "Mother, at least you remembered to ask me."

Gong Zishang replied calmly, "I've been busy the whole time, I didn't have time to think about these things."

Rui'er remained silent, then pulled out a scroll of imperial edict from his bosom, drawing everyone's attention.

Gong Zishang unfolded the document and frowned slightly. This time, she really couldn't understand what the emperor meant.

When Gong Yuanzheng saw her strange expression, he took the imperial edict and his expression also became a little strange.

He handed the imperial edict to Gong Shangjiao, saying, "Brother, the emperor has acknowledged Rui'er's royal status and has even bestowed upon him a title of nobility."

A look of surprise flashed in Gong Shangjiao's eyes as he looked at Lin Ruhai.

Of all the people on this ship, he is the one who truly understands the current emperor.

Lin Ruhai frowned. "Rui'er is now the only male member of the palace, and he also has royal blood."

"Could it be that His Majesty intends to include that island in the territory of Daqing?"

Gong Yuanzheng rolled his eyes, somewhat speechless, too lazy to think about these things anymore, and walked towards the cabin with Lin Qingyue in his arms.

Gong Shangjiao and Gong Zishang also stopped taking the matter to heart.

Lin Ruhai was the only one with a somewhat solemn expression; he felt that the Emperor's intentions were not so simple.

Seeing this, Jia Min advised, "Now that you've left the court, why bother thinking about these things anymore?"

Lin Ruhai also relaxed his eyes. Yes, he was no longer an official, so why should he think about these things?

Everyone thought they would never set foot on this land again in their lives.

But fifteen years later, thanks to a letter from Qi Yan'an, Rui'er once again set foot on this land.