Looking at the pigeon flying towards them, Zhang Yuan smiled and raised his arm.
The pigeon slowly came and landed on his palm.
Ming Yuelin, who had been hugging him closely, leaned forward, her gaze curious. She noticed the tiny scroll carefully tied to the bird's leg, its silken thread securing the message that had traveled across great distances.
"Master, it brought a letter," she said softly, her fingers gently brushing against his arm as she reached out to untie the scroll.
The pigeon, sensing its task was complete, fluttered away from Zhang Yuan's hand and it flew away.
Ming Yuelin, now holding the scroll, untied it with nimble fingers, revealing a small piece of parchment neatly folded within.
She unfolded it carefully, and her eyes traced over the thing written on the piece of paper.
"Master Yuan, please return to the Haoshu Dynasty palace, we have found the culprit.. by Long Xian."
Zhang Yuan smiled upon hearing this and glanced at Long Yue who was sparring against Xue Hua on the field.
"Yue, a letter from your father; it seems like he is asking us to return to the Haoshu Dynasty palace."
Long Yue, caught mid-step, paused her movements, her staff poised in the air.
At the mention of her father, her face lit up, her eyes widening in surprise and excitement. "Father?"
Xue Hua, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow, cast a knowing glance between Long Yue and Zhang Yuan, her eyes gleaming with shared curiosity.
'So, they have found the culprit huh...'
Long Yue hurriedly walked to him and asked "Has Father told anything else?"
Ming Yuelin handed over the letter and looking through the letter, Long Yue's gaze narrowed "The culprit has been found... Master then we should leave."
Zhang Yuan nodded his head and glanced at his disciple "We will be leaving today evening."
"I am also coming with you."
Zhang Fumin came there and softly hugged him from behind caressing her cheek with his, placing a soft kiss on his ear.
"Hm..."
...
The evening sky bathed the city in a warm orange-pink glow, casting soft shadows over the lively streets as the carriage rolled along, its wheels creaking gently over the cobblestones.
Inside the carriage, Ming Yuelin was sitting opposite Zhang Yuan with a grumpy look on her face as she clicked her tongue in annoyance.
Beside her, Xue Hua sat in silence, her face calm as she gazed out the window, seemingly unfazed by the tension in the carriage.
Long Yue, on the other hand, was engrossed in her book, her delicate fingers flipping through the pages
Ming Yuelin's lips twitched in frustration 'That should be my place...' she thought looking at Zhang Fumin sitting on Zhang Yuan's lap, hugging his neck softly.
His hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer as he trailed his mouth along her collarbone, his tongue tracing slow circles over her skin and licked as she arched her head up giving him full access to her neck.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the carriage, Long Yue, Ming Yuelin, and Xue Hua stirred slightly, feeling the subtle shift in the air.
Long Yue, who had been half asleep, opened her eyes briefly, her gaze landing on Zhang Yuan and Fumin.
She blinked, noting their closeness with a slight blush before looking away, a knowing smile curling on her lips as she settled back against the others.
Ming Yuelin, hearing the soft murmurs, peeked an eye open, and her brows knit together, her cheeks heating as she caught a glimpse of Zhang Yuan's hand resting firmly on Fumin's waist.
She sighed softly and nestled further into the quilt, muttering under her breath about how unfair it was.
Xue Hua, however, remained still, fully aware of the situation but choosing to keep her eyes closed, feigning sleep and allowing the moment to unfold without comment.
...
Time passed as they finally reached the grand palace of Haoshu Dynasty.
Peeking through the carriage, Ming Yuelin and Xue Hua were amused by the grand palace while Long Yue raised her chest proudly.
The carriage soon went towards the palace and recognizing their princess inside the carriage, they let the carriage in.
The palace gates opened smoothly as the carriage neared, and the guards bowed respectfully, stepping aside to welcome the royal guest
The information was also passed to the Emperor and as everyone stepped outside teh carriage, the Emperor welcomed them with warm smile.
"Welcome Master Yuan, to my Dynasty."
Zhang yuan gave a faint nod and Long Xian glanced at Long Yue who was standing beside him "It's good to see you back. I trust you have been well?"
Hearing her father's affectionate tone, Long Yue smiled brightly. "Yes, Father. I've been well. Traveling with Master Yuan and everyone has been wonderful."
With a chuckle, the Emperor reached out, patting her shoulder in approval. "I can see you've grown, Yue'er." His gaze moved over to Ming Yuelin, Zhang Fumin and Xue Hua, acknowledging them with a kind nod.
As he gestured for them to follow, he said, "You all must be weary after your journey. Please, come inside. We have prepared chambers where you may rest and refresh yourselves."
They followed him through the towering doors and into the grand hall.
Zhang Fumin raised an eyebrow as they entered the palace 'Hoh, a barrier.'
Xue Hua also sensed something shifting in the air and her eyes narrowed 'It felt like I crossed something.'
Long Xian suddenly stopped on his tracks and turned around with a big smirk on his lips.
A red glint passed through his eyes as he muttered in a cold tone...
"Now then, shall we harvest our seed?"
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I hope you guys liked this chapter!