Wandering Swordsman |

Later that evening, Murong Liang summoned all his direct relatives except Murong Qing to discuss the marriage proposal from the Huangfu family.

"Gentlemen," Murong Liang began, his voice steady and powerful, "this edict brought by the Huangfu family, on the surface, is a gesture of goodwill from the Emperor, but in reality, it is a threat to us. If we succumb to this pressure and agree to this marriage, it means we will be drawn into an endless political vortex. Our family will lose its independence and become a pawn in the hands of others."

The elders exchanged glances, their eyes revealing worry and caution. "Patriarch," one of the white-haired elders said slowly, "if we don't agree, we might be accused of disobeying the imperial decree, which would have a huge impact on our businesses in various places."

At this moment, Murong Qing's third, fourth, fifth, and sixth brothers joined forces and, in front of everyone present, advised their grandfather, Murong Liang. "Patriarch," Murong Wei spoke first, his tone urgent and full of worry, "if we disagree, we will inevitably be seen as disrespectful to the royal family, which may lead to even greater trouble."

The other brothers echoed his sentiments, earnestly requesting Murong Liang to consider the overall interests of the family. Murong Liang was furious to see his grandsons siding with outsiders. He knew these descendants weren't genuinely concerned for Murong Qing, but rather worried that Murong Qing's future leadership of the Murong family would jeopardize his own position.

"I understand what you're saying," Murong Liang took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping sharply over everyone. "But my question is, what is the purpose of our Murong family's existence? Is it for money, power, or for the sake of our family members?"

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent, clearly moved by Murong Liang's words.

......

As night fell, Murong Liang sat alone in his study. Most of the people at the meeting wanted to agree to the marriage for the sake of their families, which made Murong Liang, who always doted on Murong Qing, feel somewhat troubled.

Not long after, Murong Liang seemed to have made a decision. So, he sent someone to summon Murong Qing, intending to talk to her.

When Murong Qing entered the study, her eyes were filled with curiosity and anticipation. She knew her grandfather must have something important to tell her. "Grandpa, you wanted to see me?" Her voice was soft yet firm, carrying a hint of barely perceptible nervousness.

"Qing'er," Murong Liang said gently, "you know what happened today, right?"

Murong Qing nodded gently, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes: "Yes, Grandpa. I know about the edict brought by the Huangfu family, and I know they want to force me to marry Huangfu Hui through this method."

Murong Liang felt a pang of heartache seeing the changes in his granddaughter. He knew Shen Mo's place in Murong Qing's heart, so he asked, "Have you considered that if you refuse them again this time and anger the Emperor, are you prepared to lead the Murong family through that crisis?"

Murong Qing took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Her eyes were firm, as if she had made up her mind: "Grandpa, to be honest, I'm not fully prepared. But I know what I truly want. I will figure out a solution and won't let the family fall into trouble because of me."

Upon hearing this, a smile of relief flashed in Murong Liang's eyes: "Good child, Grandpa will always support you."

Hearing her grandfather's words, Murong Qing felt a surge of warmth in her heart. "Thank you, Grandpa," Murong Qing said softly, her voice filled with undisguised gratitude, "I will think carefully about what to do."

Murong Liang nodded, his eyes shining with the unique love and trust of an elder: "Go, child. Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, Grandpa will always be behind you." His voice was soft, but it brought Murong Qing endless strength and courage like a pillar of strength.

As Murong Qing's figure gradually disappeared outside the door, Murong Liang fell into deep thought again.

......

Back in her room, Murong Qing lay on the bed, Shen Mo's image constantly flashing through her mind. She tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. Anxiety surged within her like a tide, making it difficult for her to calm down. Finally, she decided to stop struggling in bed and got up to go to the training ground.

In the stillness of the night, the training ground was deserted, save for a full moon hanging in the sky, while countless stars remained silent. In this stillness, Murong Qing wielded her longsword alone, each move imbued with her unwavering pursuit of the future. However, as time passed, her movements gradually slowed, until finally, she crouched down and wept bitterly in the empty training ground.

Through her tears, her mind was filled with Shen Mo's image. "Shen Mo, where are you now?" she murmured to herself in a slightly hoarse voice, as if hoping that her words could travel through time and space and reach the ears of the person she longed for day and night.

Just then, a soft footstep sound came from behind, breaking the silence of the night.

Murong Qing immediately stood up alertly, picked up her sword and turned around, only to find a familiar face—Shen Mo.

Shen Mo was no longer the boy he once was. Time had left its mark on him, making him more mature and composed.

He stood there quietly, like a ray of light in the night, illuminating the darkness in Murong Qing's heart.

"I'm here, I've arrived!" Shen Mo's voice was deep and firm, like a spring breeze brushing across a lake, bringing a long-lost warmth.

Upon hearing these words, Murong Qing could no longer contain her joy, and tears streamed down her face. She dropped her sword, rushed over, and hugged Shen Mo tightly, as if afraid that the dream would suddenly vanish. At that moment, her heart was pounding so fast it felt like it would burst out of her chest, and all her worries and anxieties vanished in an instant.

Murong Qing had imagined countless times what it would be like to reunite with Shen Mo, but she never thought they would meet in this way. Her hands gripped Shen Mo's clothes tightly, as if she wanted to pour out all the longing she had felt over the years. "Shen Mo, is it really you?" she choked out, her voice filled with excitement and relief.

Shen Mo gently patted her back, tenderly comforting her, "Silly girl, I promised I would come to find you, how could I break my promise?"

Murong Qing raised her head and looked into Shen Mo's eyes, which were filled with sincerity and deep affection. She finally understood that no matter how difficult and dangerous the road ahead, as long as the two of them walked hand in hand, nothing could stop them from moving forward.

At this moment, all the waiting and anticipation transformed into boundless happiness, as if the whole world was cheering for their reunion.

And in the sky, the full moon still hung high, as if witnessing the beautiful moment when the two lovers finally became a couple.