Chaoge didn't know if her choice was right.
She had no idea that her trip was going so badly. If she were to return to the Red Cloud Star System, it would mean that while she was away, her parents and grandparents would believe she had perished in the accident.
Beneath her feigned calm expression lay unspeakable pain and reluctance, and even more so, a complex mix of emotions within her.
Life's choices always appear unexpectedly. You never know what choice you will make next, or where it will happen in a place you never thought about.
In the end, all I could do was look up at the azure sky and calmly state my decision:
"Going back tonight."
Having been unexpectedly teleported to the Empire last time, I vowed to cherish the time I spend with them next time.
Even though it's supposed to be the next time, it still ends up to the point where we can't even say goodbye properly.
Sensing the silent oppression in Chaoge, Qin Muge reached out and hugged her. Even someone who doesn't care about family can feel the same emotions when they sense the feelings of their loved ones.
Thinking about it carefully, she realized that she rarely saw Chaoge in sad situations. More often than not, Chaoge would hide these emotions in her heart and not let anyone see them.
In terms of sheer determination, they are actually on par.
It's precisely because I saw it that I felt so heartbroken.
"Don't be sad, my darling." Qin Muge wanted to say this, but a vague sense of guilt stopped her.
I can't help but wonder, how sad must you have been when you were abandoned?
Chapter 97 The Fourteenth Way to Win Over a Wife
m1 Capital, Zecheng.
Among the planets associated with Tianzi Star, M1's environment is closest to Chaoge's ideal environment. It boasts a high degree of greenery; even in the hot season, one can feel the cool breeze emanating from the tall, ancient trees lining the roads.
Chaoge took a deep breath, confirming that the cool scent she smelled was indeed coming from the unknown trees on both sides of the road, and couldn't help but stand by the roadside and look up at the trees.
The leaves are serrated, yet quite wide, and surprisingly, they even have a minty flavor.
Judging from the temperature felt by the skin, the temperature of M1 at this time was similar to that of the city where she lived on Earth.
Within Zecheng lies a particularly large natural lake, which, when viewed from above, appears to divide into three parts. The surrounding land is long and narrow, with some sections bisecting it by crossing the lake's surface. The entire city's layout revolves around this lake. Because of this large lake, the city enjoys abundant water resources, hence its name, Ze (meaning "marsh").
The above conclusions were drawn by Chaoge while checking the city map provided by Yaochen and finding her way.
"Someone has requested a video call." Yao Chen had already thoughtfully drawn a suitable route on the map like a navigation system, and marked the current location with a yellow arrow to indicate the direction. He didn't understand why Chao Ge was staring at the map and studying it for so long.
Chaoge hadn't had time to return to this place yet; she was thinking about things back home and when she could gather enough energy from Yaochen to return to Earth. Right now, she was just staring blankly at the map.
Hearing his words, she casually gave him the instructions: "Get in touch with Rhett and find out when he'll be back as soon as possible. Tell the few people still in M3 not to get involved in the Ling family's affairs... Anyone want to video chat with me?"
Chaoge's series of arrangements were purely subconscious actions. When his brain began to process what Yaochen had just said, his dark brown eyes were full of doubt.
Yao Chen stared at her expressionlessly.
A few seconds later, Chaoge belatedly exclaimed "Oh~" and gave a perfectly fake smile: "I won't answer."
Looking down at the map again, Chaoge adjusted her bearings, turned left, and walked over.
The Yuan Dynasty Royal Palace.
When Qin Muge returned, he startled Min Kaiyang, who seemed surprised that this person could return from Earth so quickly.
"Just you?" Min Kaiyang asked, unusually curious. The woman glanced around, then flashed a seductive smile, a smile that sent chills down one's spine.
"Kaiyang, contact Yaochen."
Upon hearing the voice message that the location could not be located and the other party refused to answer, Qin Muge's smile grew even wider with anger. Even though he was dressed in a completely different style of study, he still tapped the high-end transforming material desktop with his finger in a rhythmic manner.
After a long pause, he gave an ambiguous order: "Isn't it my 100th birthday early next year? You can release the news now."
Min Kaiyang wasn't particularly surprised. He simply repeated the request, then frowned slightly and asked again, "Have you decided?"
Qin Muge nodded slightly, indicating that he indeed would not change his mind.
Looking down at the slightly blue screen in front of him, where the rejection message was still clearly visible, the smile on his lips gradually widened, and a domineering air of determination shone in his red eyes.
Qin Muge truly hadn't expected that after she returned here with Chaoge, Chaoge would still dare to let Yaochen pull this stunt.
Even if she didn't know where the two of them were right now, she could guess pretty accurately.
Now, with the message she just sent out, she has every reason to leave the palace again.
"I'll be going to M1 this afternoon and will be back within a week. You'll have to work hard for another week."
Min Kaiyang thought to himself, "Does it make a big difference whether you come back or not?" Well, not only does your return increase his workload, but you also continue to be a hands-off manager.
Why haven't Luo Qinghe and Si Zhongqi attacked yet?
Find Qin Muge something to do!
Almost the instant Qin Muge made his decision, the Imperial Ministry's official website simultaneously updated with the sensational news that shook Tianzi Star.
It's not enough to say that it caused a sensation on Tianzi Star; it's more accurate to say that everyone in the entire Hongyun Galaxy who received the news was shocked!
Four months later, the empire held a national celebration to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Empress Qin Muge!
The planetary news broadcast that day naturally brought up the matter again. Although there were still four months until that time, the announcement was entirely for international audiences, giving envoys from various countries a chance to prepare. As for the domestic population, apart from the military needing to arrange the celebrations, most people were just there for the fun of it.
The forum once again saw a surge of various speculative posts due to this long-absent royal gossip:
[Original Poster] I Want to Admire the General for Another 100 Years: A Little Facts About Royal Centenary Birthdays: Actually, for us from the planet Earth, turning 100 doesn't seem particularly special, except for rounding up the date. After all, our average lifespan is over 200 years, with a maximum of 300 years. But! For the royal family, turning 100 is very special! Especially for the royal family of the planet Earth, if the heir to the throne or the current ruler announces that they will be celebrating their 100th birthday, they usually announce their engagement or even their marriage at the celebration.
So here's the question: Who has our General taken a fancy to?! Ah! Does anyone have inside information?! Please, someone tell me! Help! How come our General has already fallen for her without me even noticing?! I'm not having it! I challenge you to a battle!
[2nd Floor] My worldview is blown: I thought this was a science post at the beginning, since I have exams coming up and I was planning to come in and brush up on my history... but then! Oh my god, I must have forgotten all my history knowledge! Aaaaaah, I didn't even know this was about a general getting a girlfriend!
[3rd Floor] Why is this world so cruel to me? I must be opening Tieba wrong! Let me try again!
[4th Floor] The poster is an idiot: What did I just see?! I don't believe it! The poster is lying! My general belongs to everyone, how could some little vixen be able to seduce him!
...
[108th Floor] It's no big deal: I think everyone is being a bit too extreme. The general is a normal person too. What's wrong with him finding a partner?
[Post #1342] Labor and I are second to none: I agree with the opinion in post #108! As a qualified die-hard fan of the General, I support all the decisions the General has made. By the way, those daydreaming guys, wake up! By the way, you guys sent out this news way too fast!
[Post #10234] Who am I? Where am I? What's my name?: I'm a friend from country X. I came here after seeing this pinned post and experienced the power of the Empire's War God _(:3」∠)_
[Post #222221] Let's stir things up: Waiting for official confirmation, looking forward to seeing the general's girlfriend. By the way, it seems no one can answer the original poster's question. I have a relative who knows someone in the Royal Guard, and they say that even the military is confused and doesn't know who the general's girlfriend is. It smells mysterious.
[Post #9829311] OP: Oh my god, even the Royal Guard didn't know! My general kept his secret romance a secret so well! Full marks! I'm even more curious about who it is now! Now there's just one question: I remember the Royal Guard generals were incredibly good-looking! Is the person his girlfriend among them or someone else?
...
Even during the war with the Juecheng Federation, the people of the Empire did not forget to indulge their gossipy nature, showing great enthusiasm for Qin Muge's announcement of his partner at his centennial birthday ceremony. Even on the military's internal forum, some people were still going on about the general's close associates.
The royal guards and the three major families each had their own reactions upon receiving the news.
Yan Zihe chuckled softly, staring at the news on the military's official website. She touched the whip beside her, feeling its cool texture, and raised her hand to stop the person behind her who wanted to say something.
A blurry image of the Yan family girl from a military gathering a few years ago flashed before her eyes. Yan Zihe smiled faintly and said, "Just keep an eye on the Ling family's actions. We can't stop them from doing whatever they want. Let's take a look at what's in front of us."
"Yes." The person behind him responded and then disappeared back into the shadows.
Ling Tianxuan was currently on rotation to defend M3. Upon hearing the news from the Empire, she hurriedly entered a main house in the branch compound: "Brother Tianquan! Have you seen the latest news?"
At that moment, Ling Tianquan was staring at the person on the other end of the video call. He didn't even blink when he heard the noise outside. He looked at the person on the screen, but in the end, he couldn't outdo the other person's composure. He sneered and said, "How long do you think you can keep that guy in check? I told you from the beginning that he couldn't be allowed to live."
"You saw the message the general just released. To make such a big move before her 100th birthday, and to suppress someone she personally promoted, Tianquan, our Ling family doesn't have the capital to be so arrogant." A hint of helplessness flashed across the face of the man in the dark blue military uniform. As if thinking of something, his eyes behind his glasses darkened.
Ling Tianquan didn't believe that the woman, after wandering around here for so long, wouldn't know what Ling Tianji was up to. Under these circumstances, even if they made the first move, Qin Muge would understand their reasons.
Ling Tianchu was afraid that if the general kept quiet about this matter, the consequences would be unpredictable if the Ling family made a single wrong move in the future. Therefore, he did not want to leave even the slightest stain on his reputation.
Just as Ling Tianquan was about to say something more, he suddenly turned to the side and said unhappily to the person who happened to push the door open and entered, "Ling Tianxuan, you're an adult now, do you still want me to teach you basic manners?"
So the foot in military boot that the person at the door had just stuck in immediately retracted.
Yan family.
When Zhou Jue saw the news on the military's official website, her expression was inscrutable. She got up and walked out, looking as if she had something urgent that needed to be confirmed.
Upon learning the news, Ling Tianji spent the entire day alone in her room.
Even Su Yaoguang didn't show up at the military training ground that day.
Regardless of the commotion in Yuandu, when Chaoge heard Yaochen relay the news from the internal forum of the news broadcast, he twitched his lips: "How come I've never heard of that so-called royal knowledge popularization?"
"The royal family does have this custom. Hmm, aren't you at all concerned about her engagement?" Yao Chen had already guessed something, but he still asked on purpose.
Chaoge gave a curt "Oh," and then lectured her AI: "So, Yaochen, if she dares to come back to Earth with us again, just leave her there. We can't be too soft on these kinds of people who swear eternal love to you one second and turn their backs on you the next."
In short, as the object of envy for the entire Tianzi Star, Chaoge herself had no sense of taking it personally. She walked to the gate of her destination, looked at the path hidden by overlapping trees in the distance, and fell into deep thought.
☆, Chapter 98: The Fifteenth Way to Pursue a Wife
The Yan family's branch mansion in Zecheng was no less grand than the main family's in Yuandu. In fact, because the AI steward was of a lower level, the Yan family mansion had lower defenses than the main family's, so many retired soldiers were hired as guards.
It seemed to be more popular than Yuandu, and its imposing aura was even stronger. A winding path leading to a corner of the courtyard at the end of the alley made people curious to look in, but they were also intimidated by the two tall guards and stopped in their tracks.
Chaoge watched from afar, agonizing for a long time. She reached out and swept the hair from her forehead behind her head, then let go, letting the strands fall back through her fingers.
"How about we go have lunch first?" Looking down at the little boy she was holding, Chaoge's expression was serious, though she tried to appear solemn.
Yao Chen wanted to despise her, but then he thought about it and realized that Chao Ge's current status was indeed awkward.
If she returns as Yan Chaoge, what if her grandfather turns around and hands her over to the military? And if she comes to the Yan family under the false identity of Ling Ge, what is she doing here?
Noon.
Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a dappled pattern on the table. A girl, propping her head up with one hand, squinted in the sun, looking as languid as a cat. Beside her sat an adorable little boy with dark hair, holding a large cup of drink in both hands, sipping it intently.
The window seat was a semi-open private room. Because they arrived early, they could choose any good spot they wanted. There were only two people in the large private room. The plates on the table had been removed, and the small plates of cake and the spoons placed next to them showed how precious the ingredients were in this restaurant.
The exorbitant food prices were staggering, but Chaoge had just returned from Earth and couldn't adapt to the sudden change from delicacies to simple fare. So, she still came in and spent almost half a month's worth of food expenses during her military academy days on a meal.
Most of the food is river seafood, caught from the lakes in Zecheng. It is estimated that the Yan family is the one backing this restaurant.
Just then, I suddenly heard a soft 'crack' sound.
Chaoge felt something was off and looked down where the sound came from. The outer locking box of the royal emblem on her necklace had shattered and fallen off, emitting a pale blue light. She immediately reached out and grabbed the object, then turned to look at Yaochen.