There are too many female protagonists with deceased husbands in the Qin Dynasty's Past Books.

"He never even changes his clothes."

Since that Mid-Autumn Festival night, Jiang Mo's identity has been completely exposed, but neither of them has tacitly revealed it.

Jiang Mo wouldn't say that he came here because he had his eye on the treasure of Huoyu Manor.

Hu Meier didn't ask him what he wanted to do.

They both seemed worried that if they accidentally broke the ice, their relationship would be difficult to maintain.

Or perhaps, they simply enjoy the thrill of sneaking around.

Jiang Mo couldn't figure out Hu Meier's thoughts, but he couldn't resist her coquettish manner, and she would occasionally lead him out of the manor for a stroll.

But today's situation is different from the past.

Seeing Hu Meier pulling him further and further away, seemingly heading completely away from the vicinity of the villa, Jiang Mo couldn't help but feel puzzled.

"Pah, who wants to elope with you?"

With a slight blush, Hu Meier spat and pointed to the foot of the mountain, urging, "Hurry up, hurry up, don't stop in this desolate place!"

"If you're not elopeing, then hurry back."

Seeing that Hu Meier was changing the subject, Jiang Mo didn't hesitate and reached out to pick her up around the waist, as if he would carry her back to the manor even if it meant carrying her on his back.

Hu Meier instinctively wanted to resist, but how could she compare to Jiang Mo's skills?

He was subdued by Jiang Mo in an instant.

"No, we can't go back like this. I finally found some clues and was preparing a unique birthday gift for Father."

Half-lying in Jiang Mo's arms, Hu Meier subconsciously tried to struggle.

But given her pampered upbringing, what she used wasn't even fancy footwork; it was more like a thug's excited punch, which was no match for Jiang Mo's actions.

Left with no other choice, she could only reveal the truth of her plan, looking at Jiang Mo with a pitiful expression.

They were trying to get away with it.

"Birthday gift?"

Upon hearing Hu Meier's words, Jiang Mo couldn't help but be slightly taken aback, only then recalling that in recent days, everyone in the manor seemed to be preparing for something important.

It seems that Lord Huoyu's birthday is approaching.

Birthday...

Jiang Mo couldn't help but feel a little dazed. He felt that something important was going to happen during this birthday celebration, but he couldn't remember what it was.

"Yes, my sister has been practicing the piano for a month for this."

Seeing that Jiang Mo had stopped, Hu Meier seemed to see a glimmer of hope in persuading him. She immediately wrapped her arms around Jiang Mo's neck and swayed her body slightly, acting coquettishly.

"We have plenty of gold, silver and other treasures at home."

Hu Meier discussed the preparations for the birthday gift with Jiang Mo with great conviction, clearly indicating that this was not a sudden whim or a spur-of-the-moment idea.

"Moreover, countless people will come to the manor to offer their birthday wishes, bringing all sorts of unexpected treasures. If we don't prepare a proper birthday gift, how can we please Father?"

Her analysis was indeed very logical and reasonable.

But Jiang Mo wasn't easily fooled. He immediately grasped the key point and looked Hu Meier up and down with some suspicion as she fawned over him.

"Have you gotten into trouble again recently?"

"Why are you suddenly trying to please your father? I advise you to confess and admit your mistake in time, and maybe the young lady will spare you a couple of days in jail."

Speechless for a moment, Hu Meier was so angry at Jiang Mo's words that she couldn't help but laugh:

"No, do you think I'm the kind of person who always causes trouble? As a child, isn't it only natural to be filial to my father?"

That makes sense...

Although Hu Meier looked like she was grinding her teeth, Jiang Mo still had some doubts about her story. After thinking for a moment, he asked her:

"Then tell me, what exactly are you planning to give as a birthday gift?"

Actually, having said all that, Jiang Mo was already prepared to help Hu Meier prepare a birthday gift, to prevent her from acting recklessly again.

"Don't worry, I've planned everything out."

Now Hu Meier has basically figured out Jiang Mo's temper. When she hears him soften his stance slightly, she knows that he is ultimately soft-hearted and can't go against her wishes. Even if he keeps complaining, he will try to help her fulfill her wish.

A sweet feeling welled up inside her, and Hu Meier smiled as she laid out her entire plan:

“A few days ago, I heard from a foreign merchant who came to the manor on business that he had encountered the divine bird, the Azure Phoenix. If one could…”

"Okay, no need to say anything more."

Upon hearing the words "divine bird Azure Phoenix," Jiang Mo's lips twitched. Ignoring Hu Meier's strong objections, he tossed her onto his shoulder and carried her back to the manor.

The divine bird, the Azure Phoenix?

Are you kidding me? Do you think an ordinary person can capture something like that?

Let alone Jiang Mo's first-rate martial arts realm, even if he were to take another step forward and break through to the Innate Realm, he might still be no match for these legendary rare birds and beasts.

Not to mention that he also had Hu Meier, who was completely helpless, with him.

Preparing a birthday gift? If we really went to their door, wouldn't that be like delivering a gift to their doorstep? I really don't know what Mei'er is thinking.

"It didn't say we were going to capture a blue phoenix as a gift."

With Jiang Mo hoisting her onto his shoulder, Hu Meier still struggled relentlessly, flailing her delicate arms and legs wildly, and shouting incessantly:

"A feather, just one feather as a birthday gift is enough."

To take its feathers? That's a much more realistic approach. Unfortunately, the risk is still too high; it wasn't approved.

Lost in thought, Jiang Mo continued walking, only shaking his head:

"Second Miss, don't be willful. When it comes to gifts, the sentiment is always the most important. As long as it's a gift you prepare, Lord Huoyu will definitely be very happy. Why do you have to pursue that one-of-a-kind treasure..."

"Who do you think I want those blue phoenix feathers for?!"

Before Jiang Mo could finish his persuasion, Hu Meier, who was on his shoulder, suddenly became extremely angry and clenched her fists, pounding wildly on his back.

Although the effective damage caused is almost zero.

But those nonsensical words successfully made Jiang Mo stop in his tracks, and he subconsciously asked, "Who else could it be for?"

"You can't do it for me, can you?"

Hu Meier, who had been stubbornly struggling, paused. She seemed to bury her face in Jiang Mo's shoulder, and her voice sounded muffled as she spoke:

"So that I won't elope with you..."

Jiang Mo was stunned for a moment, never expecting that his earlier joke would hit him like a boomerang.

However, he was quick-witted and soon understood what Hu Meier meant.

Elopement, no matter how romantic it is described in folk tales, cannot change the fact that it is a selfish and tragic ending.

Hu Meier didn't like this ending.

She wanted to be with Jiang Mo openly and legitimately, she wanted the blessings of her family, and she wanted to look back on her life without any regrets after she passed away...

This may seem greedy, but it's not impossible.

However, it requires much more effort than eloping with someone on a whim; it demands far more effort.

The reason for preparing that incredibly precious birthday gift was not to show her affection.

It's not about showcasing Jiang Mo.

Perhaps a birthday gift alone is not enough to gain Huo Yu Gong's approval, but it can at least leave a good impression on him.

Let the road ahead be smoother.

Even if it was a bit naive, Hu Meier was genuinely thinking about the future and working hard for their shared future.

The softest part of my heart was touched.

Jiang Mo sighed softly, carefully lowered Hu Meier from his shoulder, and stared intently into her eyes as he spoke:

"Okay, now you might have a chance to convince me."

"Time, location, number of people, plan, scheme, what preparations have been made? If it's just a spur-of-the-moment decision, I will absolutely not agree."

Upon hearing Jiang Mo agree, Hu Meier's eyes lit up immediately.

But thinking back to how she had just been carried on his shoulder like a piglet, she couldn't help but feel embarrassed and annoyed. She turned her face away sullenly and said in a sullen tone:

"Hmph, who wants to talk to you about these things?"

"You act like you're irreplaceable. With a wave of my hand, there are plenty of people scrambling to help you."

"Oh, then I'll be going."

Seeing the feigned anger in her eyes, Jiang Mo deliberately provoked her, clapping his hands as if preparing to turn and leave, which immediately caused Hu Meier to let out a sharp scream:

"you dare!"

Despite her reluctance, Hu Meier realized that Jiang Mo's cooperation was indispensable if she wanted to advance her plan.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to sneak out of Fire Rain Manor on her own.

You jerk! This is something we're working on together for our future, but it's made to sound like I'm begging you to do it.

They've really lost their minds!

She cursed inwardly, feeling wronged, but Hu Meier still carefully explained her plan. It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision; she had been planning it for a long time without Jiang Mo's knowledge.

Hu Meier hadn't given much thought to the future.

After Hu Meier realized her sister's feelings at the Mid-Autumn Festival moon-viewing party, she found that the future that was once out of reach seemed to be right before her eyes.

She couldn't help but think about where the future should lead.

Huo Yu Gong only has two daughters, and the future heir to Huo Yu Manor will inevitably be one of their husbands, and most likely, he will become a live-in son-in-law.

As for Li Kai's position as Left Sima, it just doesn't seem appropriate no matter how you look at it.

It's possible that he and Hu Yu'er will part ways because of this issue, which is an outcome Hu Mei'er doesn't want to see.

As the eldest daughter, Hu Yuer already bears too much on her shoulders.

If one cannot even choose the husband they desire and must bow to reality, how can such a life be considered happy?