The little heroine investigates a mysterious case

Chapter 396 A Better Tomorrow

Zhao Xuan strongly agreed with Gu Zhanghua's words.

Take Tian Xueyan for example. She was originally an incomparably noble princess of the Yue Kingdom, but she had no sibling affection with the current Yue Emperor Tian Shang. Instead, she almost died without a burial place.

Later, she was rescued from the Yue Kingdom's palace by Huang Shuo by a twist of fate, and developed a deep romantic relationship with him. She also became friends with Zhao Xuan, Gu Zhanghua, and the people in the Prince Xian's mansion.

Now, with her superb skills, she is about to own her own shop, supporting herself and becoming self-reliant, transforming from a sickly princess into an independent and strong woman.

All of this can be attributed to the workings of fate.

"Seeing that everyone in the manor has found their own place, is busy with their own things, and is living a more and more prosperous life, I feel extremely comfortable."

Thinking of Qiu Ju from the past, she and Xia He are still running a noodle shop in Liyang City, and it is said that the business is getting better and better.

Zhao Xuan couldn't help but smile, her eyes sparkling with joy.

A few days ago, the couple visited Zhao Xuan and Gu Zhanghua at the Prince Xian's Mansion, saying they planned to rent a nearby shop that was available for rent to expand their business.

Chunlan and Shishu should have arrived at Jiaoyangyu by now and started their new life.

Both of them are orphans. Chunlan's family members had died one after another from illness and starvation on the way to escape famine, and Shishu's background was even more pitiful. They must have hoped to have a complete family. So, their child will be born soon, right?

Zhao Xuan thought this with hopeful anticipation.

Since Chunlan left, Qing'e has taken full control of the affairs of the Prince Xian's mansion, handling everything personally and with ease.

In her spare time, she spends time with her mother, strolling around, basking in the sun, and whispering secrets between mother and daughter. She lives each day to the fullest, showing signs of becoming like the Little Fairy Doctor, never getting married.

Little Fairy Doctor is another story altogether. After returning from the Northern Border, her four disciples were inseparable from her and were frequent visitors to the Prince Xian's residence.

When making house calls, the Little Fairy Doctor would take the four of them with her and teach them by example.

After returning to the palace, the four apprentices stayed indoors, spending their days either studying medical books or helping the Little Fairy Doctor prepare herbs, mix medicines, and make small pills. They were very busy and happy.

And Hao Xiong, after arranging things for Shi Shu and Chun Lan, should have already set off for Chu Yang. Has he found Tie Tie yet?

If the two of them get married, shouldn't they hold a wedding ceremony in Chuyang and then hold another one at the Prince Xian's residence?

The Prince Xian's Mansion was also Hao Xiong's home.

And the housekeepers, Uncle and Aunt, are both of advanced age and ready to enjoy their retirement.

After handing over the trivial matters to Qing'e, the steward devoted himself to working with the housekeeper to prepare food, changing the dishes every day to improve the meals for everyone in the mansion.

Everyone felt they had gained more than a size.

"Once the matter of the almshouse is settled, we should also get on with our own business."

Zhao Xuan looked at Gu Zhanghua and said with a smile.

"Do you have any new plans?"

Gu Zhanghua hurriedly asked.

"you also have?"

Zhao Xuan countered with a question.

"I think we might be thinking the same thing!"

Gu Zhanghua didn't say what his specific plans were, and Zhao Xuan didn't ask either. It would be best if they were the same, but if they weren't, they could still reach an agreement by discussing it later.

Both of them have absolute confidence in their feelings for each other.

When Gu Zhanghua and Zhao Xuan arrived at the Prime Minister's residence, they learned that Yang Zilan was about to go to Fengcheng to serve as the deputy commander of the Fengcheng garrison.

Yang Liuming and Jian Qiu, a married couple, are having a farewell dinner for Yang Zilan. As the saying goes, dumplings are served when she leaves and noodles are served when she returns.

Yang Zilan was holding a large bowl of dumplings and stuffing them into her mouth one by one, eating with great relish!

When Emperor Gu Li of Xia was rewarding meritorious service, Gu Zhanghua and Zhao Xuan already knew that Yang Zilan had been appointed as the deputy general of the Fengcheng garrison, but they did not expect that they would set off today.

Gu Zhanghua put his arm around Yang Zilan's shoulder, sounding somewhat resentful.

"Zilan, you didn't even tell us in advance! We could have organized a farewell party for you, it would have been so much fun!"

Yang Zilan finished the dumplings in the bowl in a few bites, put the bowl down, let out a burp, and then spoke to Gu Zhanghua.

"That would be so pretentious! You might even get emotional and shed a few tears. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps! A real man should act decisively! Besides, it's not like I'm not coming back. I'll let you know in advance, and you can throw me a welcome-back party. Wouldn't that be great?"

Yang Liuming shook his head helplessly when he saw his son burping like a good-for-nothing.

"Everyone says you should eat until you're seven-tenths full, but look at you, you're so pathetic!"

Yang Zilan's eyes widened as she righteously refuted her elderly father.

"Dad, I don't know when I'll be back after I go to Fengcheng. Maybe a year or two, maybe three or five years. I love eating my mom's dumplings. Can't I even have my fill for one last meal?!"

"Pah! What do you mean 'last meal'?!" Jian Qiu reached out and smacked Yang Zilan on the head. "Speak properly! If you haven't had enough, Mom will make you another meal! It's not like it's a big deal!"

He turned and looked at Yang Liuming with dissatisfaction.

"You too, the kids love the dumplings I make, it's not like we can't afford some fancy food, so just say less!"

Yang Zilan hugged her elderly mother, nuzzled her head against Jian Qiu's chest, and grinned foolishly at Yang Liuming.

Gu Zhanghua couldn't help laughing.

"Teacher Yang is such a gentle and refined person, and look at you, you have no manners at all!"

"You have no idea, my father was even crazier than me when he fought! Back in the Battle of Fengcheng, everyone knew how mighty my father was! I am my father's dearest son!"

Yang Liuming couldn't help but glare at Yang Zilan.

"You talk too much!"

Yang Zilan stood up with a smile, picked up a small bundle that was placed to the side, put it on her back, and waved to everyone.

"I've eaten and drunk my fill! I'm leaving! Don't see me off! Please don't see me off! I'll go on my own!"

After Yang Zilan finished speaking, she strode out of the living room and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Jian Qiu quietly wiped away her tears.

"This child... is heartless..."

"Teacher, teacher's wife, I'll go see Zilan off!"

Gu Zhanghua hurriedly chased after Yang Zilan out of the living room.

The Prime Minister's Residence, at the entrance.

Just as Yang Zilan was about to mount her horse, she saw Gu Zhanghua chasing after her from the gate.

"Zilan, wait a minute!"

Yang Zilan had no choice but to wait there, holding the horse's reins.

"Why did you still come? Didn't you say you didn't need to be seen off?"

"I'll walk with you around a bit, and then I'll take you to the city gate. I won't go any further."

"Alright! I'll accept your offer!"

Yang Zilan glanced at Gu Zhanghua with a seemingly helpless expression, but he was actually quite happy inside. Gu Zhanghua was his best friend in the world. Although they had different personalities and hobbies, they were the most compatible.

The two walked slowly side by side.

"Really that carefree? Just walking away like that? Aren't you worried about your parents at all?"

As soon as Gu Zhanghua asked the question, Yang Zilan immediately stopped smiling and became serious. He turned to look at Gu Zhanghua and his eyes suddenly reddened.