"I once went to his estate, hoping to visit him, but I didn't see him."
"Xuan Jiu, the one by his side, said he was unwilling to see any visitors. Over the years, I would send someone to deliver him gifts on holidays, which he did not refuse."
"He hasn't had an easy time these past years. Our Majesty has not shown him much favor. You have had a good relationship with him since childhood, so visit him when you can."
"Xuanyuan Yan has been proud since he was little. After that incident back then, he fell from the clouds in an instant. It's not easy for him to calmly accept this."
Xuanyuan Xi felt rather wistful when mentioning Xuanyuan Yan.
The third prince, once in the prime of his life and the most likely to inherit the throne, was the one the Previous Emperor had intended to make Crown Prince.
However, a great fire broke out in the Feiluan Hall, leaving him blinded.
The mother he desperately tried to save also did not survive that blazing inferno.
Overnight, he lost his sight, and the mother who doted on him perished in the flames. The Previous Emperor fell ill from grief soon after and passed away.
The Eldest Prince Xuanyuan Sheng took advantage of the situation and ascended to that position, becoming the Emperor of the Tianqi era.
After Xuanyuan Sheng became Emperor, he systematically eliminated all of Xuanyuan Yan's power and influence.
He confined Xuanyuan Yan within Shengjing, keeping him under close watch for fear he might cause unrest.
The Censor's Daughter who was once betrothed to him also seized the opportunity to break off the engagement and became Xuanyuan Sheng's consort instead.
Xuanyuan Yan became the laughingstock of Shengjing and henceforth confined himself within his estate, never stepping outside.
Sometimes Xuanyuan Xi wondered, if that incident had not occurred, everything would be different now!
But there were no "ifs" in this world, and she could only pray for the young man to live well.
Qin Yuchuan did not share his own views, even if he had indeed been despondent once before.
But the current him was no longer the same as his past self.
If he wished, Shengjing would not be able to confine him.
It was just that he did not know what Xuanyuan Yan's thoughts were now, so perhaps he should go and have a chat with him.
It was expected that he could not glean much information from Xuanyuan Xi.
After all, if that person wanted to hide something, he could surely be watertight about it.
Xuanyuan Xi: "Why did you suddenly ask about him, Yuchuan?"
"Nothing, I just happened to pass by the Prince Xian's Estate and paid him a visit today," Qin Yuchuan replied.
Xuanyuan Xi recalled the scene of the two studying together as children.
"In this world, you may be the only one he is willing to see."
Qin Yuchuan did not know whether to attribute it to the vicissitudes of life or the cruelty of fate.
Seeing Qin Yuchuan's expression, Xuanyuan Xi knew he did not wish to discuss it further, so she quickly changed the subject.
"The estate has planted many peony trees recently. If I recall, you never showed much interest in flowers, plants, and trees before."
Mentioning peonies made Qin Yuchuan think of Feng Qingyi. Her birthday was only in a couple of months, so he still had time to pick out a gift for her.
"Qingyi likes them."
Upon hearing Qingyi's name, Xuanyuan Xi became interested. "How are things between you and her now?"
"Quite good." Although he could not see her for the time being, he would be able to soon.
Xuanyuan Xi probed further, "Have you expressed your feelings to her yet?"
Qin Yuchuan shook his head. "I plan to tell her in person the next time I see her."
"Do you know how you can meet her now?"
She did not know when she would be able to see this Qingyi girl in person.
Qin Yuchuan replied cheerfully, "I know, but it will still take some time."
"Really? Can you bring her here then?" Xuanyuan Xi sounded hopeful.
"I can go find her, but I'm not sure if she can come here for now."
He could only read about the space-time transmission array for now. To know its specific functions, he would have to purchase it first. Perhaps it would allow him to do so.
Xuanyuan Xi sighed, "Alas, you shouldn't be busy running around investigating all the time. You're a general - some things don't require your personal involvement."
"Remember to cultivate your relationship with the girl, chat with her more, show some care and concern for her, and it's best if you can cater to her interests."
"Got it. I have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."
After saying that, Qin Yuchuan left Xuanyuan Xi's courtyard.
"I feel like he's not very reliable! He's never really dealt with other girls before."
"In the military camp, it's just a bunch of men. What if he ends up scaring the poor girl away with his awkward conversations?"
Bai Wei heard Xuanyuan Xi's words and said, "Princess, you need not worry. The general is well-rounded, skilled in both literary and martial arts. He will surely be able to win Qingyi's heart."
"Are you sure about that?"
It wasn't that she looked down on her own son, but with his usual reticence and occasional cold expression, would he truly be able to charm a girl?
Bai Wei nodded confidently. "Princess, just wait and see."
After returning to his own courtyard, Qin Yuchuan took out his phone and checked it.
Ever since the phone was updated, he could see Feng Qingyi's WeChat Moments.
Her Moments were filled with pictures of food and gatherings with friends, giving him a glimpse into her past life.
In the photos, she was smiling radiantly, warm and vibrant like a sunflower.
These past few days, Qin Yuchuan had also learned some new phone features, like taking photos and saving pictures.
He slowly saved all of Feng Qingyi's solo pictures onto his phone.
Watching the girl blossom from a tender bud into a beautiful flower, Qin Yuchuan felt like he had witnessed her growth.
Suddenly, Qin Yuchuan had an idea for what birthday gift to prepare for her. With over two months until her birthday, he had plenty of time.
...
The mid-term exams at the university were in early November, so by late October, the library was already packed with students.
Although Jing University's library and study rooms were never empty, the number of people would multiply during exam periods, making it extremely difficult to find a seat.
Feng Qingyi hugged her books and looked around the library for a long time before finally finding an empty spot in a corner.
However, that vacant seat was next to the wall, and the person sitting beside it was Song Jingyuan.
Perhaps others did not want to disturb his studying, so they ignored that inner spot.
Feng Qingyi hesitated for two seconds but still went over.
"Senior, is this seat taken?"
Hearing her voice, Song Jingyuan looked up. "No, you can take it."
"Thank you!" Feng Qingyi thanked him softly and carefully sat down.
With limited time during lunch break, Feng Qingyi quickly got to studying.
Although the teacher provided the exam scope and outline, it made no difference to the math students.
Feng Qingyi glanced at the book for a while, and when she looked up, she saw Feng Qingci and Lou Xi surprisingly sitting together studying.
Had her brother finally won over the person he was pursuing?
The place where they were sitting was quite far from where Feng Qingyi was, but she could see them clearly thanks to her impressive 5.2 vision.
