Chapter 10

A new book is like a newborn baby, especially in need of care. Brothers and sisters, could you please give it a few more recommendations?

...

In the next moment, a mature woman of extraordinary beauty appeared on the TV screen. She looked to be in her early thirties, with a tall and graceful figure that many girls who boasted of their good figures would feel inferior to. Her well-fitted palace attire further highlighted her incomparable nobility and elegance. As soon as she appeared, she won over everyone in front of the screen with her radiant smile.

"So beautiful." Even Liu Menglong, who believed that Liu Ying was the most beautiful woman in the world, couldn't help but be captivated by her charm and sincerely praised, "This is what a true woman looks like, the grace of a national mother."

Unlike Liu Menglong, when Nalan Ruyue saw this woman, a hint of sadness flashed in her eyes.

This woman was named Zhao Bingbing, the eldest daughter of the head of the Zhao family, one of the ten major families. She was already fifty-five years old, but her appearance suggested she was only in her early thirties, indicating that she took very good care of herself.

Zhao Bingbing was once hailed as the most beautiful woman in China, attracting countless nobles and officials who vied for her hand in marriage. Even nine of the ten major families proposed to her, but in the end, Long Qingyun won her heart and married her.

And Long Zongheng was Zhao Bingbing's son.

Although Liu Menglong hated Long Zongheng to the core, he did not blame Zhao Bingbing. This woman deserved his respect because for decades, Zhao Bingbing had been dedicated to charity. She had raised countless donations for the poor in China and served as a global charity ambassador, working to improve the living conditions of all impoverished countries and regions. She was highly respected internationally and was hailed as the most beautiful woman in the world over the past fifty years.

However...

Looking at Zhao Bingbing on the TV, a hint of doubt flashed in Liu Menglong's eyes. Despite the makeup on her face, it couldn't hide the signs of fatigue. Given Zhao Bingbing's status, what could possibly make her so weary?

At this moment, Zhao Bingbing had already walked to Long Qingyun's side. They looked at each other and smiled. Seeing this display of '鹣鲽情深' (deep affection), Liu Menglong felt a twinge of discomfort. He raised his finger and pointed at Long Qingyun, "If I say I am Long Qingyun's son, would you believe me?"

Nalan Ruyue blinked her eyes, smiled slightly, and gestured with her hands: If I say I am Zhao Bingbing's daughter, would you believe me?

Liu Menglong smiled slightly and handed her his phone...

"..."

Turning off the TV, Liu Menglong took a car from the garage and set out with Nalan Ruyue.

Liu Menglong had three cars: a black Lamborghini, a white Range Rover, and a small Panda for work. In this era, even the principal didn't dare to drive a luxury car, let alone a teacher, especially one who taught physical education. It was always better to be low-key.

But it wasn't working hours now, and when it came to showing off, he had to be high-profile, especially with a beauty like Nalan Ruyue by his side. Driving a Panda would be too embarrassing. Having been a rich young master for over twenty years, Liu Menglong had no intention of being a poor man.

Driving the coolest and most dazzling Lamborghini, Liu Menglong took Nalan Ruyue for a drive around the area. Although they were in the outskirts of the city, it was only a ten-minute drive to the city center. There were markets and convenience stores nearby, making life convenient. Moreover, being away from the city's noise, it was a perfect place for rest and recuperation. Many retired officials and wealthy people had settled here.

With these respected elders in residence, the security here was excellent. Liu Menglong had lived here for over a decade, and there had only been one theft case, which was quickly solved. The thief was sentenced to thirty years in prison but was brutally assaulted by several inmates on the first day and eventually committed suicide. His body was thrown into a mass grave and devoured by crows and wild dogs, a tragic end.

Since then, no thief dared to commit crimes here. It wasn't just a crime; it was a death sentence.

While Liu Menglong was showing Nalan Ruyue around, Yue Chang and Yue Xi arrived at a Chinese-style castle in the eastern suburbs of Tianfu. Surrounded by mountains, the castle had a vast artificial lake, with birds chirping and trees providing shade. The ancient Chinese architecture was partially visible through the trees, all enclosed by a high wall, resembling an ancient town.

Such a grand castle in Tianfu belonged only to one of the ten major families in China, the Liu family.

As one of the ten major families, the Liu family not only controlled the military and political power in Tianfu but also enjoyed a high reputation in the southern martial arts world. Due to the local people's tendency to be exclusive, the Liu family in Tianfu had become increasingly independent from the Long family's rule, acting like a local emperor.

Moreover, it wasn't just the Liu family. Among the other nine major families, except for the Manchu Nalan family and the Central Plains Li family, who were close to the Long family, the Jingchu Xiang family, the Lingnan Sun family, the Tianhai Jiang family, the Tubo Nan family, the Dali Duan family, and the Xinjiang Adili family all had a strained relationship with the Long family. The Jingchu Xiang family, in particular, was especially dissatisfied with the Long family's rule and often thought about overthrowing it.

The reason the Xiang family was dissatisfied with the Long family dated back a hundred years. When the imperial jade seal appeared, the Xiang family joined the competition, but fate favored the Long family, who eventually became the imperial family. The Xiang family had to return in disappointment, despite being stronger than the Long family at the time. Everyone thought the Xiang family would win, but the Long family got lucky, which became a century-old disgrace for the Xiang family.

Although the Long family's dynasty appeared prosperous on the surface, it was actually fraught with hidden dangers. It was uncertain whether this was a blessing or a curse for the people.

The Liu family's castle was not closed to the public. On the contrary, it was a famous tourist attraction in Tianfu, a must-visit for many visitors. Even the locals had a saying: "Not visiting the Great Wall is not a true man, not entering the castle is a real regret." The castle referred to here was the Liu family's castle in Tianfu.

The Liu family's castle fully showcased the ancient city's defense characteristics and the lifestyle of its residents. Inside the castle, there were ancient buildings, shops, and street performers, all reflecting the ancient charm of Tianfu. It was listed by UNESCO as the best-preserved intangible cultural heritage in China.

"Entering the city requires a city gate tax? Why?" At the city gate, Yue Chang and Yue Xi were stopped by the 'gate guards.' Hearing that they had to pay, Yue Xi became very angry, and the consequences were severe.

Faced with such a beautiful girl, the gate guard was very patient and polite: "I'm sorry, but that's the rule here. Each visitor must pay 100 yuan as a city gate tax, just like buying a ticket to enter a zoo."

"Alright!" Yue Chang pulled Yue Xi and handed over 200 yuan, smiling sweetly at the guard: "I'm sorry, my sister has a bit of a temper. Please don't mind her, sir."

Faced with Yue Chang's soft and sweet demeanor, the guard's body and heart softened, and he smiled: "No problem. Are you two visiting the castle for the first time?"

"Yes," Yue Chang smiled. "Do you have any advice for us, sir?"

"I wouldn't dare to give advice," the guard said with a 'kind' face. "You two are lucky. There's an annual summer lantern festival in the castle tonight. There will be beautiful lanterns and riddles to guess. It would be best to bring your boyfriends along."

Hearing the word 'boyfriend,' Yue Xi laughed: "Ha-ha, what man in the world is worthy of us? Right, Chang Chang?"

Yue Xi was being silly again.

Yue Chang smiled helplessly: "Xi Xi, stop it." She turned to the guard and thanked him again, then pulled Yue Xi inside.

"Chang Chang, why did you pull me?" Yue Xi pouted. "That man had a lecherous look on his face. He's not a good person, and I haven't even taught him a lesson yet!"

"Focus on the task at hand," Yue Chang's expression turned serious, her eyes sharp. "Don't cause any unnecessary trouble."

Seeing Yue Chang's change in expression, Yue Xi also put away her playful mood and nodded: "Where should we go first?"

Yue Chang looked around and finally led Yue Xi to the top of the city gate. From there, they could see most of the castle. The castle was bustling with people, some shopping at stalls, some resting in inns, and others watching street performances, vividly depicting the life of ancient Tianfu. If they changed into simple clothes and removed modern items, they would almost be indistinguishable from ancient times.

After a moment, Yue Chang said, "Let's go to the south first."

******

Thank you to 'Tonghua Xianjing' and 'Baili Yuntianshen' for each donating 100 Qidian coins, 'sam~tang' for donating 200 Qidian coins, and 'Ke Da Ke Xiao' and 'Mingri Fu Mingri Mingri He Qi Duo' for each donating 1888 Qidian coins.