#255 - Chapter 255 Willow Branch

In the backyard of Qingxi County Yamen,

Madam Liu lay languidly on an exquisite recliner, sunlight filtering through the sparse clouds, casting upon her mountainous, curvaceous figure, adding an unspeakable charm to the tranquil afternoon.

The maids stood by, their eyes unable to conceal a hint of envious admiration.

With a soft announcement from a servant girl, a young woman named Liuzhi entered the backyard, her steps light yet firm, as if each step landed on an invisible beat.

Her face was lightly veiled, revealing only those eyes, as deep as pools, shimmering with complex and unpredictable light.

Liu Ru opened her eyes, her beautiful eyes, which had been feigning sleep, instantly regained their brilliance. She gracefully rose, stretching in a captivating manner, as if even this simple action was full of endless charm.

She gently waved her hand, signaling the maids to withdraw, leaving only a tranquil space for the upcoming conversation.

"Liuzhi, you've come," Liu Ru's voice was gentle and magnetic, with a hint of subtle tenderness, "Any news recently?"

Liuzhi bowed slightly, showing respect, and then slowly opened her mouth: "Madam, news has come from the Prefecture City that the family is preparing a grand banquet, intended to consolidate connections with various forces. The family elders specifically mentioned that they hope you can attend in person to demonstrate the family's strength and unity."

Hearing this, Liu Ru frowned slightly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. She knew that this banquet was not only a grand event within the family but also an important display of the family's position in Lianshan Prefecture.

But being in this remote Qingxi County, her every move was subject to many restrictions, and it was not easy to get away.

"I understand, Liuzhi," Liu Ru's voice returned to calm, she gently raised her hand, stroking a blooming peony beside her, as if contemplating some important decision, "Go back and tell the family that I will try my best to arrange things and strive to return to the mansion as soon as possible. You came here for more than just this, right?"

Liuzhi nodded, pondered for a moment, and then said: "Madam, there is another matter. News has come from the front lines that the Zhou army has been defeated, and the Red Lotus Sect members have begun to attack Lianshan Prefecture. Qingxi County is on the Red Lotus Sect's marching route. I hope Madam will make preparations early."

Madam Liu turned pale with fright; "Why? Did the Da Zhou army lose so quickly?"

Liuzhi did not give any extra reply, just nodded silently. Seeing Liuzhi's solemn expression, Liu Ru also began to take this news seriously: "How many people know about this?"

Liuzhi replied: "This is secret news that the family has obtained from the imperial court's channels. The court's official announcement has not yet been issued."

"In that case, there is still a chance," Liu Ru said thoughtfully.

"Now that we've discussed the serious matters, Liuzhi, let your aunt take a look at you. It's been a while since I've seen you, and you've grown into a young lady."

Hearing this, Liuzhi's cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head shyly, but she could not hide the warmth in her heart. She gently moved to Liu Ru's side, allowing those delicate, jade-like, and still gentle hands to gently caress her hair, as delicate and gentle as a spring drizzle.

"Yes, Aunt, time really flies. It has been several years since my father sent me to Jiangnan to study. Now that I've returned, I feel that everything has become both familiar and strange," Liuzhi's voice carried a hint of imperceptible emotion, her eyes looking through the window lattice, towards the distant hazy mountains, her heart filled with thoughts.

Liu Ru sighed softly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. "Liuzhi, you have grown up, not only are you knowledgeable, but you have also gained some composure and tenacity. The family needs descendants like you to support it."

Liuzhi raised her head, looking at Liu Ru with firm eyes. "Aunt, rest assured, although I am a woman, I also know that the responsibility on my shoulders is heavy. I will do my best for the family. It's just that…" She paused, as if she had something difficult to say.

"Just what?" Liu Ru asked with concern when she saw this.

"It's just that, I always have a premonition that this change in the imperial court may not only be related to the interests of the family but may also affect the fate of the entire country," Liuzhi's voice lowered a little, revealing a worry beyond her age.

Hearing this, Liu Ru frowned slightly, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly said: "Your concerns are not without reason. In the imperial court, the situation is unpredictable. Although we are in a remote place, we cannot stay out of it. Liuzhi, since you have noticed it, you need to act more cautiously, both to protect yourself and to do your part for the family."

The two looked at each other, and without needing to say more, the deep affection and trust between them were already expressed.

"Aunt, I understand. No matter what the future holds, I will move forward bravely and live up to the family's expectations," Liuzhi's words were full of determination and courage. She had grown up and was no longer the woman who only knew poetry and books.

Liu Ru looked at the child who used to be nestled in her arms, now transformed into such an intelligent and resourceful young woman, and thought, "She has truly grown up."

Liu Ru lightly tapped Liuzhi's forehead and said with a smile, "Good child, the family will always support you. By the way, what are your thoughts on the Red Lotus Sect?"

Liuzhi pondered for a moment and replied: "The Red Lotus Sect has developed rapidly in recent years, and its strength should not be underestimated. However, their actions are too radical and have caused a lot of resentment among the people. If we can find their weaknesses, perhaps we can outsmart them."

Liu Ru nodded in agreement: "As expected of my niece, you have considered everything very carefully. However, this matter still needs to be discussed in the long term. The most important thing at the moment is to ensure the safety of the Prefecture City. Go back and see what the family can do!"

Liuzhi's eyes dimmed slightly: "Yes, with the army approaching, it is useless without strength. In all likelihood, the family should run away!"

Liu Ru looked at Liuzhi's appearance and thought: "She is still too young to understand the benefits of hedging bets."

But she said aloud: "It's okay, these things will be taken care of by the family, you can slowly learn."

Watching Liuzhi nod obediently, a warm current surged in Liu Ru's heart. She gently stroked Liuzhi's hair and said softly: "Liuzhi, although you are young, you are thoughtful and already extraordinary. Remember, no matter what the family decides, what we must protect first is ourselves and the people around us. As for the overall situation, the elders will naturally plan for it."

After saying this, the two walked out of the pavilion side by side. Liu Ru stopped and looked at the distant hazy mountain shadows, her tone with a bit more solemnity: "Liuzhi, do you know that this world is changeable, and only by being strong can we be invincible. The family's power is great, but it is not omnipotent. You and I both need to cultivate diligently and improve our strength so that we can support a piece of the sky for the family and ourselves in the future storms."

Hearing this, a firm look flashed in Liuzhi's eyes, and she clenched her fist tightly, as if to engrave this determination into her bones: "Aunt is right, I will not only rely on the family. Consummate Blood Refinement is not enough, I still need to be stronger."