511: Chapter 511 Welcome Dinner

In front of the study door.

Cherry, hearing the maid's message, didn't dare to delay. She pushed the door open lightly and reported in a soft voice:

"Manor Lord, Young Miss Ye Nianrui has returned and requests an audience."

Situ Jun looked up at the little girl who always stayed by his side silently, never leaving. He smiled helplessly and gently:

"The maids' work can be left to others. You don't have to stay here and serve me all the time."

Cherry's cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz:

"I was afraid that idle people would disturb the Manor Lord's important business..."

"That's enough."

Situ Jun chuckled:

"Go invite Nianrui in, then go back to your room and rest."

"Mm."

Cherry responded obediently and stepped out lightly.

Before long, the study door was pushed open gently.

Ye Nianrui walked in slowly.

Inside, sandalwood incense curled, and the air was filled with an elegant scent of books. Sunlight filtered through the window frames, falling on her light green dress and casting a soft glow.

Her already exceptionally beautiful face appeared even more gentle and moving in this quiet atmosphere.

She immediately bowed in greeting, her posture respectful but not humble, her manners impeccable:

"This concubine greets the Manor Lord. Fortunately, I have not failed my mission; the matters in the Imperial Capital have been preliminarily settled."

"Sit."

Situ Jun stood up and personally poured a cup of hot tea for her. The steam rose, making his features appear even more gentle.

Ye Nianrui took her seat and took a small sip of the hot tea. The warmth spread from her throat to her limbs, suppressing all the dust of the journey and her tense mood.

She raised her eyes and went straight to the point, her tone efficient and clear:

"Manor Lord, the Cultivator Pavilion I opened in the Imperial Capital is operating normally. The supply of goods is stable, the accounts are clear, and I have secretly recruited many Loose Cultivators and small-to-medium forces in the Imperial Capital. The network of connections has also been mostly laid out."

"You fought alone in the Imperial Capital with no one to help you. To achieve this much is already excellent."

Situ Jun's tone softened slightly, his gaze falling on her slightly tired face as he said softly:

"From now on, you don't have to return to the Tianlong Imperial Capital; stay in the Northern Border."

Ye Nianrui was startled, and then an unspeakable joy surged in her heart. Starlight twinkled in her eyes, and she hurriedly stood up to bow again:

"Thank you, Manor Lord!"

Although the Imperial Capital was prosperous, it was filled with hidden dangers at every step, far less stable and reassuring than this corner of the Northern Border.

Moreover, being able to stay by the Manor Lord's side was her heart's desire.

Situ Jun looked at the genuine joy in her eyes, the corners of his lips curving into a gentle smile:

"You are my Dao Companion, so naturally, I cannot bear for you to be out there facing danger alone."

A single sentence, spoken casually, made Ye Nianrui's heart burn intensely, and a crimson blush quietly stained her cheeks.

"Now that the Northern Border City is expanding, the trade routes, resources, workshops, Artifact Refining, Medicinal Pills... all need capable people to manage them. You stay and work with Yun Niang and Liu Xuaner to manage all the money, grain, and industries for me, coordinating internal and external trade."

This was handing over more than half of the Northern Border's economic lifeblood to her.

Ye Nianrui looked up sharply, her eyes full of shock and excitement, her nose feeling a bit sour.

She had originally thought she was just a pawn responsible for running errands outside, but she didn't expect the Manor Lord to have already seen her as a confidante, as a close relative, granting her such heavy power and trust.

Situ Jun looked at her slightly red eyes and smiled warmly:

"You've had a tiring journey. Go back and rest first. In the evening, the manor will hold a welcome banquet for you."

Ye Nianrui bowed deeply, her voice trembling slightly but incredibly firm:

"This concubine... will definitely not fail the Manor Lord's trust."

As dusk deepened, the lanterns were lit.

The City Lord's Mansion was decorated with lanterns and streamers. Although not ostentatious, it exuded an exquisite warmth everywhere.

The evening breeze blew through the courtyard, bringing the fragrance of plants. The sound of silk and bamboo instruments was soft and gentle, adding a touch of coziness to this belated welcome banquet.

Inside the front hall, everything had been prepared.

Su Yunniang was dignified and gentle, Liu Xuaner was charming and seductive, Jiang Ya was quiet and elegant, Embroiderer was brisk and straightforward, Lin Suwan was as clear and elegant as water, Chen Yufei was lovely and bright, Nangong Xue was cold and ethereal, Xu Lian was gentle and quiet, Xingwan's temperament was like an orchid, and Jiang Ya's glamorous nobility...

All the women had dressed up meticulously, smiling and chatting, having waited for a long time.

Tonight was to welcome Ye Nianrui.

This woman, who had fought alone in the Tianlong Imperial Capital and laid down hidden chess pieces for the Northern Border, had finally returned safely.

"Sister Nianrui is here!"

Someone whispered, and everyone's eyes turned toward the door.

Ye Nianrui had changed into a lake-green long dress with fine green bamboo patterns embroidered on the hem—neither gaudy nor vulgar, but extremely elegant.

Having shed the dust of the journey, her skin was as white as jade, her features like a painting, her lips naturally red without makeup, and she wore only a white jade hairpin in her hair. It was simple, yet so beautiful that one couldn't look away.

Within her gentleness was a hidden sharpness, and within her refinement was a sense of elegance.

Every frown and smile was heart-stirring.

"Sister Nianrui, come and sit quickly."

Su Yunniang stood up and affectionately pulled her to the table:

"The welcome banquet prepared specially for you today features all your favorite dishes."

Jiang Ya blinked her lively eyes and asked curiously:

"Sister, it must have been very hard in the Imperial Capital, right? That's the heart of the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty. The Qintian Division, major Sects, and the Imperial Dynasty's nobles are all there. You were all alone; you're truly amazing."

Ye Nianrui smiled faintly, her tone calm:

"I was only following the Manor Lord's orders to do my duty; it wasn't particularly hard."

As she spoke, footsteps sounded outside.

Princess, supported by Situ Jun, arrived slowly. Her belly was slightly rounded, and she radiated a soft maternal glow. As soon as she entered, she smiled and said:

"Sister Nianrui's return is a great occasion; I've come to join the fun too."

Ye Nianrui hurriedly stood up to help her to her seat:

"Sister is pregnant, please be careful."

Situ Jun wore a black casual robe. His posture was tall and straight, and his face was handsome. His gaze swept over everyone at the table and finally landed on Ye Nianrui, smiling warmly:

"Everyone is here. Let the feast begin."

...

The room was filled with laughter, the aroma of fine food, and beautiful women, creating a harmonious and warm atmosphere.

Situ Jun sat in the main seat, watching this scene, a trace of softness flashing deep in his eyes.

This was the world he would risk his life to protect.

It had nothing to do with power or hegemony; it was only for these people who trusted him, followed him, and cared about him.

After three rounds of wine and five courses of food.

Su Yunniang looked at Ye Nianrui and said softly:

"From now on, Sister will stay in the Northern Border. The internal and external trade, money, grain, and workshops of the manor will require much of Sister's effort in the future."

Ye Nianrui stood up and said respectfully:

"Yun Niang is too polite. It is my honor to share the Manor Lord's burdens with you."

Liu Xuaner gave a charming smile and said:

"That's great! Now we have another sister to stay with us, and we'll never have to part again."

The room was full of laughter and warmth.

...

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in the Tianlong Imperial Capital, at the Qintian Division.

Yang Ye stood with his hands behind his back, his black clothes fluttering slightly in the wind, his expression as cold as ice.

Below him, a secret guard knelt on one knee and said in a low voice:

"Reporting to the Vice Division Master, Ye Nianrui has vanished. She has left the Imperial Capital, and her whereabouts are unknown. However, this Subordinate found that before she left, she had a secret meeting with several Golden Core Shopkeepers of the Cultivator Pavilion and handed over many instructions."

"Whereabouts unknown?"

Yang Ye's brow furrowed, a cold light flashing in his eyes:

"How could a woman who is proficient in commerce and could silently establish the Cultivator Pavilion in the Imperial Capital vanish into thin air?"

He turned around, his gaze as deep as an abyss, his fingertips lightly tapping the table. Each tap seemed to strike at the heart:

"Continue the investigation. Dig three feet into the ground if you must to find Ye Nianrui's whereabouts. Also, keep a close eye on the Cultivator Pavilion. If there is even the slightest unusual movement, report it immediately."

"Yes!"

The secret guard bowed and withdrew.

Yang Ye looked out at the heavy night sky and muttered to himself:

"A Cultivator Undergoing Tribulation, a mysterious woman... this world is about to become unstable again..."

"I hope the Imperial Dynasty can continue to remain peaceful..."