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In the fifth game, Chu Xuyuan managed sixty moves before he was defeated.

The two of them then gathered the chess pieces back into the box.

Chu Xuyuan, struck by a sudden curiosity, asked, “Brother Jinghong, if you played chess with my fifth sister, who would win?”

Tang Jinghong paused, considering the question seriously. “1 haven’t seen Qingzhi play chess before. I’ll let you know after we have a chance to play a few games.”

Chu Xuyuan, while picking up the pieces, said, “My fifth sister would definitely beat you.”

Tang Jinghong raised an eyebrow, “We haven’t played yet. Why are you so sure?”

Chu Xuyuan said with blind trust, “Given my fifth sister’s past performance, if she plays chess, she must be unbeatable.”

Tang Jinghong laughed, “Your words are somewhat hurtful.”

Chu Xuyuan quickly explained, “Brother Jinghong, I didn’t mean to offend you. You are also very strong, but my fifth sister is stronger. Besides, she is your fiancee, which means your choice is excellent and reflects on your own strength. Hehe.”

Tang Jinghong smiled, “That is a fact.”

They continued to play chess until the early hours of the morning.

When Tang Jinghong escorted Chu Xuyuan back to his house and was leaving, he glanced up at Chu Qingzhi’s room. The room was lit, and a shadow, cast by the lamp, flickered on the window. The shadow seemed to be bent over a desk, writing something.

Tang Jinghong raised his arm to reveal the golden phoenix tattoo on his arm. He gently touched it and whispered, “Qingzhi, good night.”

Chu Qingzhi had just returned to her room and sat on a chair. Just as she was about to write her autobiography, she suddenly felt something strange on her arm. She pulled up her sleeve and tapped on the golden phoenix pattern with her slender fingers. Tang Jinghong’s words came through.

The golden phoenix had not been used for a long time. Hearing Tang Jinghong’s message, Chu Qingzhi’s eyes curved slightly, and she replied, “Good night.”

Dawn broke.

Chu Shi’an opened his rickety, rat-bitten door, looking up at the faint light in the sky.

His weathered and rough face was marked with hardship, and his eyes seemed to lack hope for the future.

Bending over, he coughed weakly, indicating his poor health. Then he turned to the overgrown yard and sighed, beginning to tidy it up.

Soon, a little girl about eight or nine years old ran out of the house.

Dressed in patched clothes, her pale, sallow face and dry, yellow hair made her look like a urchin. Father and daughter seemed out of place in the now prosperous Chu Village.

“Father, let me help you,” said Chu Lanner, the little girl, as she walked up to Chu Shi’an and started pulling weeds with her rough little hands.

Chu Shi’an looked at his daughter with a mix of guilt and pride in his eyes. “Lanner, I’m sorry for all this.”

Lanner, wise beyond her years, responded, “Father, you’ve done nothing wrong. There’s no need to apologize.”

Chu Shi’an was immensely relieved. “This place is too run-down. We’ll have to make do for a while. I’ll find some work, and once I save enough, we’ll build a big house.”

Chu Lanner smiled, “I’ll work hard too, Father. We’ll have our big house soon.”

Chu Shi’an gently hugged his daughter, his heart aching for her. Such a good girl, how could her mother be so heartless?

Chu Lanner rested against her father’s broad chest. “Everything will get better, Father.” Her understanding and maturity were heart-wrenchingly poignant.

Chu Shi’an patted her back, “Yes, everything will get better.”

“Sister Qingyue!” After breakfast, while Chu Qingyue was heading to the county to study embroidery and arrange some matters, she suddenly heard an unfamiliar voice behind her.!”

Turning around, she sized up Chu Lanner. The little girl had two braids, her skin was not in good condition, and she looked frail. Her eyes, however, were large and bright. “Who are you?”

Chu Lanner pointed towards the most dilapidated house in the village. “I’m Chu

Shi’an’s daughter. We just came back yesterday.”

Chu Qingyue looked up at the old house, remembering. “Are you the daughter of Uncle Shi’an, who grew up with my father?”

Chu Lanner was pleased that Chu Qingyue remembered. “Yes, that’s him.”

Chu Qingyue asked, “What do you need from me?”

Chu Lanner showed Chu Qingyue the basket she was carrying, “Sister Qingyue, these are handkerchiefs I embroidered. Each one is pretty. Would you like to buy them?”

She had heard from a neighbor that Chu Qingyue had opened a clothing store in the county town and came to try her luck.

Chu Qingyue set the basket on a stone and examined each handkerchief. They were embroidered using a basic stitch but looked quite nice.

“Lanner, I don’t need handkerchiefs, but I can help you sell them. Wait for my news tonight.”

Chu Lanner waited anxiously for Chu Qingyue’s response. Hearing her offer to help, she nodded gratefully, “Thank you, Sister Qingyue.”

“You’re welcome.” Chu Qingyue took the basket and left.

Watching Chu Qingyue leave, banner’s eyes shone with hope. The handkerchiefs were so pretty; they would surely fetch a good price.

Li Qingyu saw Chu Lanner passing by and called her over. “Lanner!”

Chu Lanner stopped and turned to Li Qingyu, greeting her sweetly, “Auntie.”

Li Qingyu beckoned her, “Come, I have something to tell you.”

Chu Lanner walked towards Li Qingyu in confusion. “Aunt, what’s the matter?”

“Wait a moment.” Li Qingyu turned around and returned to the house. When she came out again, she was holding a basket. “Take this back and eat it with your father.”

“Thank you, Auntie.” Chu Lanner wanted to decline, but there was nothing to eat at home. If she refused, she and her father would have to starve.

Li Qingyu patted Chu banner’s shoulder. “Go.”

Chu Lanner took a few steps forward and glanced back at Li Qingyu. Her eyes were filled with gratitude as she slowly walked away.

Chu Qingzhi tidied up and came out of the house. When she saw this scene, she asked, “Mother, who is she? Why haven’t I seen her before?”

Li Qingyu sighed and told Chu Qingzhi about Chu banner’s family.

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Mother, I’m off to the paper mill. I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but I’ll return before sunset. Don’t worry about me.”

Li Qingyu adjusted the strap of Chu Qingzhi’s bag, his eyes filled with concern. “Remember to eat lunch.”

“Yes, I will.” Chu Qingzhi waved at Li Qingyu and left.

Tang Jinghong, having cleared his schedule for the day, accompanied Chu Qingzhi to the mill.

In Shuiyun County, at the free clinic area.

Bao Linjiang pulled Yuan Hongjun aside and said worriedly, “Master is going to the capital tomorrow. What should we do?”

Yuan Hongjun beckoned Bao Linjiang closer, and as Bao Linjiang leaned in, Yuan Hongjun suggested, “How about we go to the capital for a free clinic?”

Bao Linjiang’s eyes lit up, but he had some concerns, “Is that really okay?”

A glint flashed past Yuan Hongjun’s eyes. He said, “Why not? The Emperor asked us to do free clinics, but he didn’t specify where. We can choose our location..”