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The weather was cold, and Gu Youyou had not been in good health, but she felt much better than the first time she came.

The bloodletting in the ancient tomb had resulted in a significant loss of blood, but it had also expelled much of the cold poison from her body.

Once she got back, she just needed to adjust a few more medicinal prescriptions and drink them, and she would likely recover completely.

Although she had suffered this time, it turned out to be a fortunate mishap. The ordeal had also resolved a old family affliction she had for many years. She used this reasoning to comfort Madam Lin, and finally, Madam Lin’s tear-stained face relaxed.

"Alright, alright, Youyou’s fortune has come from misfortune this time, and it seems her health is finally going to improve."

Madam Lin was also very happy, saying, "Now that Youyou’s illness is cured, she can live to see her children and grandchildren thrive."

Speaking of children and grandchildren, Gu Youyou felt somewhat embarrassed.

Although Yu Jizi had run off, based on what Jin Zijin had seen at the bottom of the cliff at that time, Yu Jizi had only been injured.

He probably wouldn’t be able to do evil again for a while.

And with all his medicinal men dead, Jin Ziyuan had become more vigilant; it would not be so easy for Yu Jizi to make a comeback.

Jin Zijin would continue to search for them in secret. No matter what, they were now taking the initiative instead of being passive.

The evil deeds he had done should also be publicly exposed one by one at this opportunity.

There were also truths about Jin Zijin’s identity and about certain events of the past...

There was still much they needed to do; the end of one story was the start of another.

...

As firecrackers mark the year’s end, the spring breeze warms those who drink the festive liquor.

When the bright sun shines over thousands of households, it is time to replace old talismans with fresh peach ones.

Youyou had fully recovered and welcomed the New Year.

It was rare for the cousin to return home; to the Lin Family, the second day of the new year was busier than New Year’s Eve and the first day.

This was because Lin Qianqing was coming back, and without her, Madam Lin always felt that the family was incomplete.

She knew her thoughts were wrong, but Lin Qianqing was her only daughter, and although the son born from another woman was not bad to her, without that blood connection, something felt missing.

"Oh my, Daya is coming back. You quickly check for me, are all these prepared items proper?"

With a beaming smile, He Xiang said, "Madam, everything is in order; all are of the finest quality."

"That’s good. I always get nervous when she comes back; I’m afraid there will be some oversight. Daya is no ordinary person; she’s King Jin’s consort and the future Empress. We can’t have the slightest mistake, or it would be a matter for ridicule."

"I understand, Madam. In front of outsiders, you can’t call the young miss Daya anymore. You should call her ’King Jin Consort.’"

"Oh right, look at me, I’ve got to get it right. It should indeed be ’Consort,’ [b]’King Jin Consort.’"

The arrival of King Jin with his consort at her family home was a great honor.

Long Luo was busy making preparations before dawn, yet the consort still seemed disinterested.

She pouted and squatted down, whispering to Lin Qianqing, "Consort, we are returning to Lin Residence today; why aren’t you happy?"

Lin Qianqing smiled lightly, though her smile seemed somewhat forced.

She said, "Naturally, I’m happy; I’ve heard that my cousin is at home, and her health has greatly improved. I can go and see her."

Long Luo nodded gently, "Yes, miss. Your cousin was kidnapped by thieves this time and went through a terrible ordeal. Fortunately, she’s alright now, or else what would we have done?"

Lin Qianqing suddenly remembered the words Gu Youyou had told her—that being taken by thieves didn’t mean freedom.

Not long after those words were said, the event actually happened to her.

Was this considered fate?