Rebirth of the Ninth Princess

"Follow your heart," Ouyang Qingcheng said simply.

Ouyang Qingcheng knew all about Ouyang Qingtian's situation and could only support his decisions.

"Follow my heart… Thank you, Elder Brother. I understand now," Ouyang Qingtian said gratefully.

Ouyang Qingcheng tossed a blue jade stone from his spatial ring toward Ouyang Qingtian. "Take this."

Ouyang Qingtian immediately recognized it as one of the five tokens of authority for Fairywood Restaurant and Twin Spirit Pavillion.

These tokens, bestowed personally by the true owner of the establishments, Long Aotian (Ouyang Qingcheng's alias when traveling), granted the bearer the highest level of respect and access to all resources of the organizations, including financial, material, and manpower support.

"Thank you, Elder Brother," Ouyang Qingtian said sincerely.

Yuanjiu, rubbing her sleepy eyes, reached into her own silver spatial ring and pulled out a jade bottle.

"Uncle Qingtian, this is for you," she said, offering it to him.

Her spatial ring was identical to Ouyang Qingcheng's and was part of a pair called the Ying and Yang Rings.

Ouyang Qingcheng had given them to her when she was three years old.

The rings were enchanted with their mixed blood, allowing them to communicate over any distance.

During such communication, they could even teleport to each other's location, which make them capable of instant teleportation.

Ouyang Qingtian accepted the bottle in surprise. "Haha, Xiaojiu, what treasure are you giving to your royal uncle?"

He didn't expect Yuanjiu to be so thoughtful and courteous.

Ouyang Qingcheng, feeling deeply gratified, held his precious child close and kissed her on the forehead.

"This is an Energy Recovery Pill I made by myself. I infused it with my seven magical elements. If you ever encounter danger and reinforcements have not arrived, this pill can quickly restore your original abilities. It will sustain you for half an hour—long enough to wait for help or escape."

Yuanjiu explained plainly.

Ouyang Qingtian was caught between laughter and tears.

If he didn't understand Yuanjiu's straightforward personality, he might have thought she was mocking him.

Ouyang Qingcheng couldn't help but chuckle at his daughter's adorably candid explanation.

"Escape… haha, ahem. Your uncle thanks you, Xiaojiu."

Ouyang Qingtian took the jade bottle and noticed the character Xiaojiu engraved on it.

He placed the bottle into his spatial ring while smiling.

Once they reached the capital, Jin Yi let Hyeonmu Seohwa off the horse.

After sincerely thanking everyone, Hyeonmu Seohwa left on her way.

"Jin San, investigate!"

Ouyang Qingcheng watched Hyeonmu Seohwa's departing figure with a glint of meaning in his eyes.

The truth was, the Invisibility Amulet was a priceless treasure, it was not something that ordinary people could possess.

There were only about ten such amulets in the entire world.

Hyeonmu Seohwa's simple appearance and modest background had immediately piqued Ouyang Qingcheng's curiosity.

After the carriage traveled a bit further, they dropped off Ouyang Qingtian.

When they returned to the palace, Yuanjiu climbed into bed and promptly fell asleep.

Cailun approached Ouyang Qingcheng with a troubled expression. "Your Majesty, about the 'grass' that the princess brought back..."

Yuanjiu who is half-asleep, suddenly opened her eyes and mumbled, "Father Emperor, that's not grass, it's..."

"What is it, my darling?" Ouyang Qingcheng leaned in closer to catch her sleepy murmurs. After understanding her words, he instructed Cailun, "Have someone remove all the grains from the stalks. Save two catties as seeds, and grind the rest into powder to store in a dry place."

Cailun accepted the orders and left.

Meanwhile, Ouyang Qingcheng carried the drowsy Yuanjiu to bathe her.

Not long after, Jin San appeared and reported from behind the curtain.

"Master, the investigation is complete. Hyeonmu Seohwa is indeed a child from an ordinary family. She lost her mother at a young age. Her father, Hyeonmu Taegan, accidentally saved the wife of Prince Ryuseong of Suryongdan Kingdom a year ago. As a token of gratitude, Prince Ryuseong gifted Hyeonmu Taegan the amulet. Two months ago, Hyeonmu Taegan passed away from an illness and entrusted the amulet to his daughter before his death."

"Hmm, no background. That's good."

Ouyang Qingcheng was determined to eliminate any potential threats to his beloved child.

...

In the steamy bath, Ouyang Qingcheng carefully bathed the sleeping Yuanjiu.

Even in her sleep, Yuanjiu instinctively clung to his neck, her small head resting on Ouyang Qingcheng's bare shoulder.

Her delicate lips occasionally brushed against his shoulder due to his movements, sending a ticklish sensation through him.

Unable to resist, Ouyang Qingcheng gently teased her lips with his thumb.

This little one was becoming more and more adorable.

When she was awake, her mischief would wear him out, leaving him wishing she would just fall asleep.

However, now that she was sleeping soundly while he had to stay awake, he felt a pang of loneliness and was tempted to wake her up.

Ah! Thinking of Yuanjiu's many endearing moments, he let out a soft sigh and kissed her flushed cheeks that was reddened from the warm water.

He then stand up and dried them both off with a bath towel, after that, he dressing her first before attending to himself.

Since Yuanjiu had entered his life, Ouyang Qingcheng no longer allowed the palace maids to assist him to bath her.

He wasn't willing to share the most tender side of his precious one with anyone.

Carrying Yuanjiu, he walked to the outer chamber and gently placed her on a soft couch, covering her with a thin blanket.

Cailun had already brought the unfinished memorials to this room.

Sitting nearby to review and approve them, Ouyang Qingcheng kept a watchful eye on the blanket to ensure it didn't slip off Yuanjiu.

Suddenly, a faint ripple of energy disturbed the air.

Ouyang Qingcheng reacted instantly and moving in a flash to shield Yuanjiu.

At the same time, he cast seven protective barriers over her.

Cailun who is standing nearby, had not yet realized what was happening.

"Your Majesty, What's going on—"

"Who's there? Show yourself!"

Ouyang Qingcheng's low voice carried a commanding tone.