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Shen Chuwei watched the immaculate National Master sit with her on the ground, which seemed out of character for him.

In her eyes, the National Master was someone of high status and extremely formidable. Sitting with her on the arch bridge, she felt it somehow diminished his stature.

Jun Moqing’s voice was gentle and tinged with tenderness, "How could I possibly mistake my own daughter? I raised you myself; I can recognize you at a glance."

Shen Chuwei looked at the National Master in confusion. Initially feeling guilty, she now felt quite the opposite.

Because the National Master was so sure she was the one, even if she denied it, he would probably stubbornly insist it was her.

So, even if her identity was exposed, would the National Master not be angry?

Maybe because the National Master was too kind, the tone of conversation became more relaxed.

"You’re so handsome, how did you end up a single father?" It wasn’t strange for her to ask; after all, if he raised her himself, didn’t that make him a single dad?

Jun Moqing had an aloof demeanor, but if it were anyone else, they would not have been able to hold back their laughter.

"Does being single have anything to do with being handsome?"

"Of course, it does. Then where is the mother?" Shen Chuwei curiously looked at Jun Moqing, realizing she had never heard him mention anything about Feng Wuyou’s mother.

When her mother was mentioned, Jun Moqing fell silent for a few seconds, recalling when Xiao Jiu was younger, seeing everyone else with a mother, she often pestered him for one, unable to be comforted.

As she grew older, she would ask him where her mother was too.

However, she had been sensible from a young age, and his brief explanations sufficed, so she didn’t cry as violently as she did when she was younger.

He looked down at his daughter, who was now grown up, not only sensible but also knowledgeable.

"When you were young, she suddenly disappeared."

Shen Chuwei was stunned by his words, never having expected this answer.

Suddenly disappeared?

She glanced at the National Master. He was so powerful, able to predict and calculate, couldn’t he find her?

Although she was somewhat curious, she didn’t continue to inquire further, as it was someone else’s private matter.

She took out a paper-wrapped packet from her sleeve, opened it, and inside was a Date Paste Cake, slightly sweeter than the Chestnut Crisp.

She smiled and lifted the Date Paste Cake, "Father, have a Date Paste Cake, it’s quite sweet."

Jun Moqing looked down at the Date Paste Cake in her hand. The pastries from the Imperial Kitchen were exquisite and tasty. He lifted his eyes to Xiao Jiu and, under her expectant gaze, took the Date Paste Cake and bit into it.

Chewing carefully, it was very sweet.

Shen Chuwei watched the National Master eating pastries and wondered how young he must have been in his youth.

"Father, when you were young, were you so tender that one could pinch water out of you?"

Jun Moqing was always composed and detached, but his daughter’s words amused him, even though it didn’t show on his face.

"Ten years ago, I was no different from how I am now," he said in an unfazed tone, which filled Shen Chuwei with envy. So many people take great care just to age slower, using countless skincare products to no avail against the marks of time.

Yet, the National Master effortlessly maintained the same appearance for ten years.

If it were modern times, the National Master would be the epitome of a national ageless male icon.

"I’m so envious of you, Father."

Jun Moqing ruffled her hair and took another bite of the Date Paste Cake, which tasted even sweeter than before.

Shen Chuwei chatted with the National Master for a while before she couldn’t hold out any longer, bid farewell, and returned to her Bedchamber to take a nap.

When Xiao Jinyan woke up, he stared at the ceiling for a while, then got dressed and went to look for Xiao Jiu. On his way out, he learned from a Palace Maid that Xiao Jiu was taking a nap in her Bedchamber.

Upon hearing this, he immediately went to the Bedchamber.

The Bedchamber was quiet, with a faint smell of agarwood lingering in the air.

As Xiao Jinyan stepped into the Bedchamber, he saw Xiao Jiu lying on the couch, her arms folded under her dark head, still sleeping in the same position as before.

He sat down on the couch, looking down for some time at the sleeping figure, sorting through the memories in his mind.

Memories from Nanzhao Country and from the Imperial Palace of Daxia.

Perhaps it was his wishful thinking that he found Shen Chuwei very similar to Feng Wuyou, as if they were the same person.

He hoped even more that they were the same person.

Xiao Jiu was still sound asleep, so he didn’t wake her. After a while, he stood up and left.

Once outside, he saw the National Master standing not far away, as if waiting for him on purpose.

Xiao Jinyan stepped forward and greeted, "National Master."

Jun Moqing’s eyes, cool as ink, turned to Xiao Jinyan. "Do you know why Xiao Jiu disappeared?"

Xiao Jinyan kept his head slightly lowered, "The junior was just about to report this to the National Master.

On the day I left Nanzhao Country, Xiao Jiu secretly came to see me off.

Suddenly, a man in black appeared. His kung fu skills were superior, and I was no match for him.

Xiao Jiu was injured by the man in black and was forcibly abducted. "