The window in the south is half open, a breeze brushing across the banana tree outside through the room, creating a subtle rustling sound.

The smell of bitter medicine was floating in the room. Xiao Qiao took the bowl from his father’s hand, set it aside, and helped him lie down.

Qiao Ping faintly shook his head.

“Is the Marquis Yan unwilling to take Yanzhou?” He asked.

He’s already gone.” Xiao Qiao said softly.

“It is Father who is dragging you down. I failed to detect your uncle’s movements in time, which led to this disaster. Also, I did not handle the situation properly when he sent troops to besiege the city out of anger.”

“It’s not that I can’t give up on my reputation as a county official. Yanzhou is just a piece of dead land. Even when your great-grandfather was the governor, we never owned Yanzhou. Our ancestors’ graves were at Dongting. When your grandfather died, you were still young. I took you and your mother back to Dongting to guard the tomb for a few years. Dongting is a vast place in the Chutian, which I still remember. I thought that one day when you and Ci’er had started your own family and I could let go of this matter, I would help your mother to return her spirit and live out the rest of my life in Dongting.”

Xiao Qiao looked at her father in a daze.

“When he came with his troops, I should open the door and surrender. After his anger was over, he might not make things difficult for the people in the city. But I did not dare to take the risk. My death is not worth it, but my army and people should not be responsible for the sins of my Qiao family ……”

“Father, don’t blame yourself anymore. No one is good enough. The matter has already happened. It is useless to blame yourself. What we should do now is to try our best to make amends.”

Xiao Qiao helped Qiao Ping to lean on the bed and put a cushion behind him.“I know your heart is uncomfortable with General Wei Liang and the fallen guards. The remains of the bodies are all coffined, and he has taken them away. When I return, I will do what I can to provide compassion to the families of the soldiers. Father couldn’t see and is not fit to travel, so I will go to Luoyang to apologize to General Wei on Father’s behalf.”

Qiao Ping raised his hand and groped, holding one of Xiao Qiao’s hands.

Outside, the sun was shining, and the breeze was smooth. But Xiao Qiao’s fingertips were cold.

Qiao Ping held his daughter’s hands and sighed, “Has my son-in-law hurt you?”

Although her father was blind, Xiao Qiao still smiled.

She said, “Father, don’t worry. He is not that kind of person. Although we had some difficulties this time, it is not because of Yanzhou.”

She hesitated slightly and mentioned that Zhang Pu brought Qiao Yue’s head to join Wei Shao but was killed by him.

“He had promised me that he would not hold the old enmity of the Wei and Qiao families in the future. I know it’s difficult for him to let go of his past. When he learned I had advised Father to guard against him, he became cold-hearted and wanted to part ways with me, which is human nature.”

She held her father’s hand tightly with her other hand and said, “Father, please rest assured that everything will be fine. I only don’t feel at ease about you……”

“Man Man, rest assured. Go back as soon as possible.” Qiao Ping said, “I am not seriously hurt. Besides, your sister is back. With her around, it will be like having you by my side.”

……After the previous incident, Qiao Yue imprisoned Mrs. Ding. She spent her days with only cold water and gruel.

As soon as Qiao Ping regained power, he took Mrs. Ding out.

Mrs. Ding saw Qiao Yue’s tragic death. Although she hated him for being heartless, unrighteous, and confused, after all, they were a couple, so she also dropped tears at that time.

Yesterday, Da Qiao, with her child Li, finally arrived in East County. The mother and daughter have separated for several years, and now they are able to meet.

Mrs. Ding gave her daughter a heavy smack, then took her into her arms and burst into tears.

Da Qiao knelt, and Mrs. Ding lifted her up. They were finally reunited.

Xiao Qiao was at the side, relieved. Looking at them made her eyes hot.

At least this moment, Mrs. Ding, Da Qiao, and Bi Zhi, their reunion is worth rejoicing.

Like slowly drawing back the strength after drowning in a heavy mood for a long time, a corner of sunshine finally appears through clouds and fog.

Even if it is only a corner of sunshine, it is enough to support her choice to embark on the journey home to face the husband she married in this life because of a long-standing destiny.

……

A few days later, Xiao Qiao arrived in Luoyang. It was her first time on the land of Luoyang.

A thousand years ago, King Wu set the foundation for the capital of the Han Dynasty. Frequent wars and changes of emperors did not make this ancient capital depressed. It was different from other cities because of its thousand years of history that turned into bones and blood. Even the breeze of the Luo River carries a hint of fragrant earth.

All the way to the east, Xiao Qiao saw the dense population.