I was a stepmother in ancient times, and I led my whole family to wealth.

Chapter 432 Holding Hands and Growing Old Together

Despite his young age, the young Crown Prince Cang Linchuan already possesses a certain composure.

He sat upright, his expression calm, his eyes deep, looking down at the mountains and rivers below.

They seem to be contemplating the responsibilities and duties behind this land.

He nodded slightly from time to time, as if he had his own insights into this beautiful land.

His every gesture exudes royal dignity and composure, befitting a crown prince.

Cang Nanxi sat cross-legged on the Ruyi Carpet, gently stroking his beard, his brows furrowed slightly, and worry hidden in his eyes: "Look, look at these children."

At this lively and active age, you will have to shoulder important responsibilities for your family and country in the future. I'll have to worry about you from now on.

Master Jingkong clasped his hands together and smiled slightly: "Your Highness need not worry, the child's growth is preordained."

Just like the mountains and rivers beneath our feet, though each has its own undulations, they all grow towards vitality.

By following their natural instincts, they will find their own direction.

The Imperial Tutor leaned forward slightly, looking at the three children, his tone gentle yet solemn: "Your Highness, as you survey this magnificent land today, have you gained any insights?"

Cang Linchuan raised his head, his eyes clear and firm, and answered earnestly, "Your Majesty, I feel that this land is magnificent and has a large population. I will make sure that they can all live and work in peace and contentment in the future."

The Imperial Tutor nodded with satisfaction and then said, "It is a blessing for all people that the Crown Prince has such aspirations."

But the path to governing a country is fraught with difficulties.

Not only should one have lofty aspirations, but also broad knowledge and a tolerant mind.

Ancient sage rulers all learned from history and recruited talented people, which enabled them to achieve prosperous times.

The Crown Prince must diligently pursue his studies and must not slacken in the future.

Cang Linchuan straightened his back and respectfully bowed to the Imperial Tutor: "I will remember the Imperial Tutor's teachings."

Cang Nanxi looked at his three grandsons, a hint of pride and satisfaction flashing in his eyes: "These children are all quite talented, especially Lin Chuan."

"At such a young age, he already possesses a composed demeanor and indeed has some unique insights into the art of governance."

This child is much luckier than Yuan'er. Back then, Yuan'er's position as crown prince was not only precarious, but he was also besieged on all sides and surrounded by enemies.

Unlike Linchuan, everything went smoothly...

Master Jingkong nodded slightly, his gaze gentle: "Talent is certainly important, but cultivating one's character is even more crucial."

Just as unpolished jade needs carving, innate talent needs to be polished with compassion and wisdom to become a pillar of the nation.

Gu Chenglin looked at the upright-sitting Crown Prince Cang Linchuan, his eyes full of expectation: "Although the Crown Prince is young, he already has the demeanor of a heir apparent. He will surely be able to shoulder the responsibility of the country in the future."

Dongfang Jin nodded with a smile: "Indeed, when this little guy came down to the ground with us, he was initially a little reluctant."

But later, he became quite skilled at farm work.

Especially when they went with them to beggar gathering places in various places, the child saw that the little beggars not only did not despise them, but also took the initiative to give them food.

Master Jingkong nodded slightly upon hearing Dongfang Jin's words, his eyes revealing wisdom: "The Crown Prince is exceptionally gifted and has the world in his heart, but the way of being a ruler..."

It is based on compassion and putting the people first. May he not forget his original aspirations and use his power wisely.

After saying that, he looked at Dongfang Jin and said, "Besides, with Princess Anqing around, the fate of the country will develop in a positive direction."

Dongfang Jin...

The fate of the nation?

She had long forgotten about that.

Can't this "donkey" of hers just rest?

Gu Chenglin seemed to sense her emotions, gently took her hand and patted it.

She gently comforted him, saying, "Once your cousin's winery is on track, I'll take you on another trip."

His cousin, the emperor, really was pulling his wife down hard.

Dongfang Jin looked up at him, a smile playing on her lips, and softly replied, "Okay."

Gu Chenglin glanced at the group of people chatting happily, then whispered in his wife's ear, "Thank you, thank you for coming into my life."

If it weren't for his wife, even after he returned from the border, with the help of his uncle and father, he probably wouldn't have achieved what he has today.

Thinking of planting a kiss on Dongfang Jin's forehead, he said affectionately, "Bao'er, I am willing to use time as my matchmaker, the rest of my life as my betrothal gift, and to use your name to crown my surname."

I love you dearly, and I wish to hold your hand and grow old with you, from the first time we met until the end of our lives.

Dongfang Jin looked up, "Shall we hold hands and grow old together?"

Does he really want a child?

Then she...

As she was thinking, her head involuntarily rested against Gu Chenglin's chest, when Ruyi's languid voice entered her ears.

[Jin-jie, have you missed me?]

"You're awake? Have you grown up?" Dongfang Jin asked anxiously.

[I've grown quite a bit; you can see me with your divine sense. When did your man become so good at flirting with you?]

Dongfang Jin slapped her forehead. Ever since she reached the second level of the "Thousand Hands Everlasting Spring Technique," she had cultivated divine sense.

Looking at Ruyi with her long silver hair and a height of about 1.2 meters, she has indeed grown quite a bit taller.

[Okay, can we come out?]

Ruyi was somewhat disappointed. "No, your merit points are insufficient."

Dongfang Jin quickly comforted her, saying, "No rush, no rush, take your time."

It's only been five years, and in these five years, apart from the snow disaster in the east that required our intervention, we've only been able to help.

It's not needed anywhere else, is it?

As one wishes……

It could say that if a few more natural disasters were to occur, it might be able to leave the Realm of Wishes.

But can it say those words?

It's just wishful thinking.

But... what's going on here?

How did its own body shrink at a rate visible to the naked eye?

Dongfang Jin...

【you……】

what happened?

Is it like a balloon? Why does it look like it's leaking air?

Ruyi looked at her body, which had shrunk to half its original size, and gazed at the sky of Ruyi Realm with utter despair.

She murmured, on the verge of tears, "I shouldn't have had that kind of thought. I finally grew taller thanks to the rising national fortune."

A sudden thought sent her back to square one.

It's just that... it shrank after thinking about those things, "Waaah..."

It doesn't want this punishment! "Waaah..."

Dongfang Jin was somewhat confused. "What? What's it thinking? What's it thinking?"

"Nothing, I want to sleep!" Ruyi said through gritted teeth.

After saying that, it flew towards its secluded palace, but then, with a "bang".

Ruyi's body seemed to be bounced away by an invisible barrier, and she rolled to the ground in a sorry state.

Dongfang Jin...

Because her consciousness was constantly focused on Ruyi.

This sudden turn of events left her completely bewildered.

Isn't Ruyi the spirit of this Ruyi Realm?

As the Eastern Kingdom changed, the palace went from being a phantom to a solid reality.

Then, upon opening it, Ruyi said that the spirit stone house inside was where they cultivated.

It's also a place where Ruyi can grow up.

But what is this now...?

Ruyi stared wide-eyed at the barrier, her face filled with disbelief.

This is... it can't even get into the palace!

what……

Dongfang Jin used his divine sense to look at the frantic Ruyi and smiled somewhat unkindly.

What is the meaning of the subtitles appearing above the palace?

"The path of spiritual practice is long and winding, and the thousand hands of Everlasting Spring radiate auspicious light."

May our love remain unchanged, and may our merits not yet be fulfilled, as we yearn to take flight.

A wicked thought flashed through his mind, his form shifted, and though the barrier remained impenetrable, his intentions were far from over.

The road ahead is long and full of wonders; let's walk hand in hand towards the distance. What is this...?

"Dongfang Jin!" Ruyi shouted angrily, "I saw him!"

Dongfang Jin: "..."

Although I don't understand what it means, one thing is certain: Ruyi may have become greedy.

He persuaded her, saying, "Alright, I will always be with you. If the merit is gone, we'll keep earning it."

"Now that you're awake, it's best if you take control of this Ruyi Blanket." With that, he withdrew his divine sense.

As one wishes……

Dongfang Jin looked up and saw Gu Chenglin looking at her with doting eyes. She tightened her grip on his waist.

Gu Chenglin gently stroked her hair, his voice low and tender: "My dear wife, please guide me for the rest of my life!"

Dongfang Jin nodded emphatically, her eyes shining with determination: "My dear husband, the rest of our lives are long."

I wish to greet the sunrise in the morning and watch the sunset at dusk, and I wish to accompany you to enjoy tea together.

For the rest of their lives, they remained together, supporting each other through thick and thin, traveling the world hand in hand.