The journey back, a path familiar to Chengmo, has never been as sweet as this time.
They stood in front of the boat watching the clouds rise and fall, observing the sun, moon, and stars; they talked by candlelight at night, envisioning the future; they anchored in the sugarcane forest cabin, contemplating the principles of Tai Chi with candlelight; they stole a day of leisure, learning the ways of farmers in the Peach Blossom Village.
They stopped the boat, changed horses, and headed towards Zebei Village, the place where their dreams set sail.
Happiness always comes very suddenly, so sudden that you may not dare to believe its reality.
These past few days for Chengmo felt like living on cloud nine. He wanted to grasp it tightly, even planning to bring some gifts to the Tong family, preparing a grand coming-of-age gift for Xiangbei, and sending a letter to his prospective in-laws, requesting them to send someone for a formal proposal.
However, happiness is often very short-lived. Before you can fully savor it, it can be abruptly interrupted, catching you off guard.
As if fate playing a joke, when the carriage entered the bustling southern street of Zebi Town, from a distance, Xiangbei saw Qiao Er and a large group of people waiting there.
Xiangbei greeted Qiao Er with enthusiasm, completely unaware of his hesitation, eagerly sharing the news about Chengdian's invention and the new products in the supermarket.
Chengmo, having heard from Zhong Shu, approached quickly and whispered something in Xiangbei's ear. His face turned as dark as the bottom of a pot. He stepped forward, gently pulling Xiangbei's hand, putting a stop to her endless reports, and fixed his gaze sharply on Qiao Er.
At this moment, Qiao Ziqiu, who didn't know how to explain the situation, looked embarrassed. He had expected a clear response in the family letter these days and planned to understand the specific situation before making further decisions. Unexpectedly, along with the family letter, there came the eldest Miss of the Huo family, the former prospective daughter-in-law of the Qiao family, Qiao Ziqiu's prospective sister-in-law, and possibly the future mother-in-law of Tong Xiangbei. He really didn't know how to face her and deal with the unexpected marriage arranged by her and his father.
Looking at the assertive manner in which the Duke Mo was holding Xiangbei's hand, and the intense gaze that seemed to devour him, Qiao Ziqiu could only force a bitter smile.
"Em, Mo, I only saw Lady Tong this morning, and I haven't been informed of the situation yet, Mr. Tong and the others have already arrived. Younger brother, take it easy. After several years of separation, there are many things that need to be discussed after the reunion of the Tong family. In a few days, I will go with you to the mountain to explain the whole story."
"What lady? What marriage?" Xiangbei was completely confused on the side.
"Your mother is back, in the carriage behind. Today, you should go back with them first. Remember, no matter who she wants to betroth you to, don't agree, especially not to this Qiao Er!" Chengmo didn't have time to say more; he had already seen Mr. Tong and Tong Chen coming towards them.
"Wait for me, after your adulthood ceremony, I will have your grandfather personally come to propose."
Miss Tong is only fourteen years old, and they are already in such a hurry to marry her off? And what's the matter with Qiao Er? These thoughts flashed through Xiangbei's mind briefly.
Another thing caught her attention even more. Lady Tong, Xiangbei's birth mother, is back? The woman who made Tong DingShan think he was going crazy, almost a legendary figure. What kind of person could she be? Would she notice anything unusual about her daughter?
"Xiaobei, your mother has returned. Come, follow me to meet your mother." The current Tong DingShan was filled with joy at the thought of his wife's return.
"Xiaobei, you're back. I heard from Brother Ziqiu that you went to find new goods. How was the journey? Was it tough?" Tong Chen's words touched Xiangbei. It was much better than Tong DingShan, who was always focused on Xiangbei.
Chengmo once again looked approvingly at Tong Chen. This was someone who genuinely cared for Xiangbei. In the future, Chengmo decided to support his development alongside Xiangbei.
He spoke in a friendly tone, taking over the conversation for Xiangbei, "I took her there. There were many people along the way taking care of things, so rest assured, Brother Chen."
"I dare not, I dare not. Just call me Tong Chen, you don't need to be so formal."
"That's right, Tong Chen doesn't deserve such a great honor. This gentleman must be the Lord of East Shore- DongBin, right? I've seen His Royal Highness Mo." A hearty female voice took over Tong Chen's response.
It was Miss Huo, Xiangbei's mother, who stepped forward to pay her respects. Behind her, a group of people knelt down, even Qiao Er had to follow suit.