said softly:

"Ripples, father and Uncle Duan have their reasons. We just need to listen. Don't worry too much. I know my own limits."

"Alright, so you can't really drink today. Just pretend to."

"Understood, little housekeeper!"

Zhang Xuedao said indulgently, almost making Lianyi sick.

Just as the car came to a stop, the driver reminded the two people:

"Young Master Zhang, Miss Duan, you're here!"

Then someone opened the car door. Zhang Xuetao got out first, then reached out and helped Lianyi out. A circle of people gathered around them. They were bodyguards arranged by Duan Zongqing, afraid that someone might take advantage of the chaos to do something.

There were quite a few people gathered around, forming three layers inside and three outside the entrance. There were also reporters holding cameras, their flashlights blinking constantly. There were even fireworks being set off. In short, the whole scene was bustling with excitement as they welcomed the two protagonists into the hotel.

Those who had arrived early, were all smiling and looking at the handsome couple.

Zhang Xuedao was wearing a white three-piece suit today, with a pair of white handmade leather shoes on his feet. He perfectly showed off his figure, and the outfit was very elegant and expensive, making him look handsome and extraordinary.

The ripples were wearing a white lace floral fishtail dress, with a set of sapphire jewelry. Her good figure was undoubtedly displayed. Her slightly curled wavy hairstyle gave her a unique exotic flavor. Standing beside Zhang Xuetao, she didn't lose any luster at all.

This outfit of ripples is to suppress Zhang Xuetao. She doesn't intend to let people think that Zhang Xuetao can surpass her.

"The ripples little girl is really pretty today!"

Zhang Fenglin smiled and said to Duan Zongqing beside him.

"Xuetao is pretty good too! The two of them standing together are a perfect match!"

Duan Zongqing is a good talker.

"Children are all debts, I hope that after they get engaged, they can mature and take over the burdens in my hands as soon as possible."

"Yes! My daughter has been without a mother since she was young. I raised her with all the love and care in the world. I conquered the entire South, just to give her a safe and stable environment to grow up in."

"These will all be left to ripples in the future, you can't bully my daughter, or else I won't be happy."

"Oh, don't worry! If Xuetang dares to wrong Lian'yi, I'll be the first to hold him accountable."

Zhang Fenglin immediately assured.

"Okay, I believe you!"

After a playful exchange of wits, Lin Ri and Zhang Xuetao approached the two. The moment for the engagement announcement was here.

The emcee immediately took to the stage, hosting a Sino-Western wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, Lianyi changed into a red phoenix embroidered cheongsam and greeted each guest one by one, busy as could be. On the other side, Zhang Xietou was in the same situation.

One moment the two would part ways to greet distinguished guests, the next they'd come together to toast. This continued until the sun set, marking a successful end to the engagement ceremony for the day. Tomorrow, they await news coverage of the event.

Zhang Xuetao, still a gentleman, sent Lianyi back to the General's Mansion first. Although the two were engaged, they still abided by the rules.

Although Zhang Fenglin hinted to his son that it would be best to make things official, ripples always had people around her. Zhang Xuetao didn't have the opportunity, and he didn't dare to try.

"Snow Taoge, I told you not to drink today, but you still did. This is not good for your wound. These days, don't go out, stay home and rest well. I'll visit you when I have time."

Ripple expressed her concern with a warning.

"Thank you, Ripple, for your concern. I am indeed a little tired and plan to rest tomorrow. You seem tired too today, so don't worry about coming to see me. When you're rested, I'll make plans to go boating with you again."

Zhang Xuetao's face was slightly flushed, looking like he had been drinking, but Lian Yi knew he had a fever again.

"Okay, I'll listen to Xuetao gege. You better go back now!"

After the two lovers reluctantly bid each other farewell, Lian Yi turned and entered the Marshal's mansion.

After the engagement ceremony, Lian Ri's study abroad plans were put on the agenda. Duan Zongqing, although reluctant to let go, made all necessary preparations. He carefully selected people, finances, and resources, fearing his daughter might be wronged abroad.

When everything was almost ready, Duan Zongqing called everyone to his study and gave a final reminder.

"Ripple, this time out, you learned besides, is also to avoid the chaos within Xia Guo. Wait for me to finish things here and then come back."

"Okay, Father! But you must also take care of your health and not overwork yourself."

Ripple smiled and said.

"I know."

Immediately, Duan Zongqing turned his head to address Qiu Chan:

"This time going abroad, I can't withdraw too much money for you, lest Zhang Fenglin notices something. However, I will send you some money every month under the guise of living expenses."

So you can bring your own dowry beforehand, and how much you earn depends on your own skills. I won't interfere and don't need you to hand it over. I only take responsibility for protecting you domestically. Once you're abroad, you'll have to rely on yourselves.

"Rest assured, sir! I will be careful."

"In winter, your mother is a foreigner. You have an advantage in this place. When you go out, take good care of the young lady and yourself. Contact me if anything happens."

Yes, Master!

Winter smiled brightly, accepting. Finally, she could visit her mother's hometown.

On the other hand, Zhang Xuedao's situation wasn't good. Because his wound hadn't healed, he still reluctantly participated in the engagement ceremony and even drank alcohol. His wound refused to heal, and he kept having a fever. He didn't have time at all to cultivate any feelings with Lianyi.

Liàn yī dào qù kàn le duì fāng liǎng cì, nán hòu Zhāng Xuě tāo yǒu xiǎng fā méi néng lì shī, zuìhòu zhǐ néng kàn zhe dào zuǐ de yā zi fēi le. Let me break down the Chinese:* **漣漪倒是去看了對方兩次 (Liàn yī dào shì qù kàn le duì fāng liǎng cì):** "Lian Yi did go to see the other party twice."* **奈何張雪濤有想法也沒能力实施 (nán hòu Zhāng Xuě tāo yǒu xiǎng fā méi néng lì shī):** "Unfortunately, Zhang Xuetao had ideas but lacked the ability to implement them."* **最後隻能看著到嘴的鴨子飛了 (zuìhòu zhǐ néng kàn zhe dào zuǐ de yā zi fēi le):** "In the end, he could only watch as the duck that was about to be caught flew away."

Ten days later, Lianyi embarked on a cruise to Y country with her companions. She bid farewell to her father and fiance with tears in her eyes. This journey promised boundless opportunities for learning and growth as she set sail towards new horizons.

With a wave of her sleeves, ripples vanished without a trace of cloud as she left the Xia Kingdom. Free from any lingering worries, Duan Zongqing began to forcefully subdue the other forces in the south. Those who were willing to surrender were disbanded and incorporated into different units. Those who resisted were simply killed outright. He had no time for leisurely negotiations.

During this period, Zong Qing and Zhang Fenglin organized several joint operations targeting those deeply entrenched aristocratic families. For a while, some rejoiced while others mourned. Meanwhile, Zhang Xuetao was busy establishing his achievements and forgot all about Yun Siyu.

Yun Siyu was very capable. After arriving at the foreign hospital in Nanhu, she finished all the procedures. On the night Zhang Xitao got engaged, she called him.

"Young Master Zhang, is your injury better now?"

"I'm much better now. I've been resting at home after returning, and haven't been able to personally thank you."

"I know you're busy! I even forgot to congratulate you on your engagement! Miss Duan must be a stunning beauty, I can already picture the headline in tomorrow's paper."

Zhang Siyu's words were laced with bitterness.

Thank you!

Zhang Xuedao felt a little embarrassed and didn't know how to explain.

"Mr. Zhang, I was just speaking from the heart, nothing else. I called not only to greet you, but also to express my gratitude."