Rebirth and Rewriting Fate

“I opened a shop in the capital called Shili Shop,” Yun Chu said with a smile.

"Sister Yun Chu, did you open this place? You're amazing! Are you the boss?" Shen Yuezhen's eyes widened.

Yun Chu nodded.

"Does your brother-in-law assist you?" Shen Yue asked curiously.

Perhaps because it was the first time they had heard this title, Yun Chu and Gu Ruoxiao were both stunned.

However, Shen Yuezhen didn't seem to need an answer. She turned to Murong Yu and said, "Yu Lang, let's go to the capital next time. I've never been before. Sister Yun Chu, can I come visit you?" Shen Yuezhen asked hopefully.

"Of course you can," Yun Chu couldn't help but smile.

Half a day passed by as Shen Yue asked questions with genuine curiosity.

"Master, we've arrived at Murong Manor." Chiwu's voice came from outside the carriage. Murong Yu lifted the curtain and saw that the carriage was parked neatly at the manor's gate.

"Wow, we're here so fast!" Murong Yu got up and got off the carriage, then turned around and helped Shen Yuezhen off the carriage.

Gu Ruoxiao got off the carriage and turned to Yun Chu, offering her his hand. Yun Chu hesitated slightly at his gesture before helping Gu Ruoxiao off the carriage.

“Sister Yun Chu, it’s getting late, and the road is difficult to travel at night. Why don’t you and your brother-in-law stay at the villa for the night?” Shen Yuezhen said, taking Yun Chu’s arm.

“Yes, I’m so sorry to have delayed your plans today. Please have a simple meal at the villa tonight and leave tomorrow,” Murong Yu invited.

Yun Chu looked at Gu Ruoxiao, who nodded, "I shall obey your command."

"That's great!" Shen Yue said happily.

Therefore, Gu Ruoxiao and her party stayed at Murong Manor tonight.

Soon after the gatekeeper announced the arrival, a man who looked like a steward came out to greet them.

"My young master and young mistress, you've finally arrived!" the man shouted.

"Uncle Hong, have you seen Uncle Yuan?" Murong Yu asked hurriedly. "He came to the manor alone yesterday seeking help."

"I didn't see him. Why wasn't he with you?" Uncle Hong asked, puzzled.

"I hope she doesn't get lost?" Shen Yue asked worriedly.

"Don't worry, young mistress, I'll send people to search around. Maybe she's in town," Uncle Hong comforted her.

Hongbo looked up at Gu Ruoxiao and Yun Chu and asked, "Who are these two?"

“Oh, let me introduce you. These two are our saviors. This is Uncle Hong, the steward of the manor. Uncle Hong, we encountered robbers on the road but were fortunately rescued by them,” Murong Yu explained.

"Thank you both, please come in! Fortunately, the Bodhisattva has blessed you, and it's good that you are both alright." Uncle Hong smiled kindly and hurriedly led them inside.

Murong Manor truly lives up to its name. Built against the mountain and beside the water, the manor's gate is crafted from the finest wood, carved with a motif of pine trees and cranes symbolizing longevity. Above the gate hangs a gilded plaque bearing the four characters "Murong Manor," their powerful and vigorous calligraphy exuding grandeur. Outside the gate, a pair of lifelike stone lions stand guard, imposing and majestic. Stepping into the manor, one finds a path paved with bluestone, flanked by lush greenery and a riot of exotic flowers and plants. Interspersed among these are small, exquisite rockeries, from which springs trickle and flow, merging into a stream. Willows sway gently in the breeze along the stream's banks. Continuing along the path, one arrives at the manor's main building, towering majestically with its upturned eaves.

At this moment, a middle-aged man who looked to be under forty years old was standing anxiously at the main entrance of the building, his hands behind his back. Upon seeing the newcomer, he called out, "Nephew, you've finally arrived."

"Yu'er, bring your wife Yuezhen to pay respects to your uncle," Murong Yu hurriedly stepped forward and said.

"Get up, get up quickly." The middle-aged man, Wang Xiang, hurriedly helped Murong Yu up. "Are your father and mother alright?"

"All is well, thank you for your concern, Uncle."

"My uncle was unwell a while ago and couldn't attend your wedding banquet. It was really impolite of him."

"It's alright. Uncle, we're just back to pay respects to our ancestors. How are you feeling?"

"It's alright, everything's fine now."

The two sides exchanged warm greetings.

Murong Yu's uncle, Wang Xiang, wore a dark robe with delicate cloud and water patterns embroidered on the edges. He was tall and straight, with broad shoulders and a strong back, his steps steady and powerful, his face resolute and sharply defined. Although he had a kind appearance, Yun Chu felt uneasy about his eyes, though she couldn't quite put her finger on what was wrong.

Upon seeing a stranger, Wang Xiang hurriedly inquired, and Murong Yu provided a brief explanation.

Wang Xiang chuckled and said, "I will certainly treat you well tonight. Please have someone escort our distinguished guest to rest."

Then the butler, Hongbo, busied himself making arrangements, saying, "This way, esteemed guest."

"I'll also take Sister Yun Chu there," Shen Yuezhen said affectionately, taking Yun Chu's arm.

The group followed Uncle Hong. "This is Baicao Garden. Please stay here for the time being. If you need anything, just tell the servants. Don't be shy," Uncle Hong instructed before leaving. "I'm going to prepare tonight's banquet. Please excuse me."

"Uncle Hong, you go ahead and do your work. I'll just accompany them for a stroll," Shen Yuezhen said hurriedly.

Chiwu, Chengfeng, and Mohan exchanged a glance and then dispersed, presumably to explore the garden. Shen Yuezhen, meanwhile, led Yun Chu along, explaining things as they walked, followed by Gu Ruoxiao and Murong Yu.

"This is the master bedroom, you and your brother-in-law can stay here. There are three more guest rooms over there for your guards to stay in," Shen Yuezhen introduced.

"You saw your uncle, but why didn't you see your aunt?" Yun Chu interrupted her introduction.

“My aunt passed away many years ago. My uncle missed her and has been living in the mountain villa ever since.” Murong Yu replied.

"Feel sorry."

“It’s alright, it’s been a long time,” Murong Yu said.

“However, living in the mountain villa has its advantages. The air in the mountains is fresh and invigorating. Sister Yun Chu, you would never guess how old our uncle is.” Shen Yuezhen winked mysteriously.

"How old?" Yun Chu looked at Shen Yuezhen with amusement.

“Uncle is forty-six this year,” Shen Yuezhen said. “He looks young, doesn’t he? He doesn’t even look forty!” There was a hint of pride in her voice. “Uncle is also very handsome. In Lingzhou, he would be a heartthrob who could attract a lot of young girls!”

Yun Chu pondered for a moment and said, "Wang Xiang really doesn't look over forty. I didn't hear Gu Chengjie mention this in my previous life."

Seeing that Yun Chu was somewhat lost in thought, Murong Yu quickly tugged at Shen Yuezhen and said, "You two must be tired too. Take a rest first, and we'll invite you again at the banquet."

After saying goodbye, they left. When they left, Shen Yuezhen still acted like she couldn't walk, so Murong Yu picked her up without saying a word, and the two of them left playfully.

Watching their departing figures, Yun Chu couldn't help but smile. Could she possibly have such a life? Oh well, her career was more important. Suddenly, Luo Yan's image flashed through her mind—that gentle and refined man, who could sometimes be swift and decisive in carrying out his orders. She wondered how Shang Ce's decrees were going, whether the North-South trade had broken down by the time she returned, and whether the orders she had received from the Northern Region would proceed smoothly. But with his abilities, she figured there wouldn't be any problems.

"What are you thinking about?" the person next to me asked.

“Luo Yan,” Yun Chu blurted out.

The person next to him was taken aback.