"You may tarnish your own reputation, but you must not implicate Ah Jiu!" Long Xuanmo shot back coldly.

"The pure stand clear, while the tainted reveal their own blemishes," Hang Qingming responded with an air of nonchalance: "Moreover, compared to your actions just now, my conduct is open and aboveboard, and I have reputable teaching. It is actually you who have implicated Ms. Yang's good name."

Long Xuanmo was chocked with anger: "Everybody knows that Ah Jiu and I share a deep connection, it's only right for me to take care of Ah Jiu!" His fair chin tilted up slightly, but the corner of his eye caught sight of Yang Mengchen. Seeing that she did not object, he felt relieved and looked toward Hang Qingming with a gaze filled with smugness and provocation.

"So you mean to marry Ms. Yang as your wife, and ensure that she's the only one for you in this lifetime?" Hang Qingming countered Long Xuanmo.

He couldn't stand the sight of Long Xuanmo's complacence, but he knew deep down that there was a fate but no destiny between him and Ms. Yang. And since Long Xuanmo was indeed a heroic figure, he was a suitable match for Ms. Yang, which would allow him to leave in peace.

Watching the two men argue like children, Yang Mengchen couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing and exasperating. Hearing Hang Qingming's pointed question, she intervened at the right moment, "Thank you for your gift, Young Master Hang. Hai Tang, take good care of it."

The matter between her and Long Xuanmo was something they would resolve themselves; outsider intervention would only be unsightly.

Hai Tang stepped forward, took the jade pendant from Hang Qingming, walked to the bedside to put it in a pouch, and then returned to her place.

Long Xuanmo's eyes slightly narrowed, filled with gloom and melancholy as he gently fanned Yang Mengchen, his lips barely parted and no longer speaking.

If only Ah Jiu would agree, he would declare in front of the whole world that he wanted to marry her, and she would be his only wife for life.

If only...

Let it be. As long as Ah Jiu lived well and he could always see her, it was what mattered most. He shouldn't be too greedy.

Meanwhile, Hang Qingming sighed silently, his heart entwined with complex emotions: "I have an unwelcome request; I hope Ms. Yang will consent."

"Please speak, Young Master Hang."

"I have always regarded Ms. Yang as a dear younger sister, I wonder if Ms. Yang would be willing to consider me her elder brother?"

"I am honored by your gracious offer, Elder Brother Hang!" Yang Mengchen's face lit up with a sincere smile, considering sibling titles to be the best resolution.

"My real name is Meng Jingqi, the Crown Prince of Qing'an. From now on, you can call me Brother Jingqi, and I shall call you Sister Jiu." Destined to be connected but not fated to be together, Hang Qingming seemed to have an epiphany: "If anyone ever dares to bully you in the future, you just tell your elder brother, and I will destroy them!" His deep gaze intentionally swept over Long Xuanmo.

Sister Jin and the others had a slight change of expression, but seeing their lady's composure, the Prince unable to read her face, Hai Tang and Lv Luo showing no surprise, and recalling how Hai Tang and Lv Luo had instructed them not to trouble Hang Qingming—no, Crown Prince Meng—during their lady's unconsciousness, they suddenly came to a realization.

"I will," Yang Mengchen said with a smile, nodding emphatically.

"Qing'an is a beautiful place; remember to come back home when you have the time, Sister Jiu." Hang Qingming, also known as Meng Jingqi, stood up: "Your elder brother will take his leave now, take care, Sister Jiu."

Yang Mengchen nodded in agreement: "Brother Jingqi, please take care as well. Hai Tang, see Brother Jingqi out."

Standing at the doorway, Meng Jingqi gazed deeply at the mansion that had witnessed his and Sister Jiu's journey from strangers to acquaintances, from warmth to estrangement, from misunderstanding to reconciliation. His eyes held too much emotion, but after a long moment, he turned to board the carriage and leave. Unexpectedly, two exquisitely carved little boys suddenly stood in his way.

"May I ask, what is the matter?" Meng Jingqi recognized them as Xiao Huaichen and Xiao Yichen; Sister Jiu was very fond of these two children.

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