[EN] ```English Translation **Chapter 345: Family Matters**
Early morning, sunlight filtered through the window lattices, casting rays into Fu Tingyue's study.
Fu Tingyue sat upright before his desk, holding a wolf-hair brush, reviewing memorials.
His brow furrowed slightly, as if he had encountered some thorny problem.
"Father." Fu Yundi's voice came from outside the door.
"Enter," Fu Tingyue said without looking up.
Fu Yundi pushed open the door and stepped inside, bowing respectfully. "Father, you summoned me?"
Fu Tingyue set down his brush and looked up at his son. "Yundi, what do you think of the recent situation in the Five Miao Prefecture?"
Fu Yundi pondered for a moment before replying. "Reporting to Father, the Five Miao Prefecture has indeed been unsettled recently. I hear Lord Yan Zheng has been frequenting the nine-tasseled sacred crown, as if preparing for something major."
Fu Tingyue nodded. "You are not wrong. That Yan Zheng is full of ambition; he has always coveted the power of the nine emblems. If he were to obtain them, the consequences would be unthinkable."
Fu Yundi asked, "Father, what should we do?"
Fu Tingyue rose to his feet and walked to the window, gazing at the distant nine-tasseled sacred crown. "The nine emblems are our Fu family's heirloom treasure. They must not fall into the hands of outsiders. Yundi, make preparations. Tomorrow, you will accompany me to the palace to meet the Emperor."
"Yes, Father," Fu Yundi answered respectfully.
Fu Tingyue turned to face his son. "Also, go and summon Xian Qing'er. I have words to say to her."
"Xian Qing'er?" Fu Yundi was somewhat surprised. "What does Father want with her?"
Fu Tingyue sighed. "Xian Qing'er is the Saintess of the Five Miao Prefecture. Her identity is special. If Yan Zheng truly intends to target the nine emblems, she may become his objective. I must warn her to be careful."
Fu Yundi nodded. "I understand, Father. I will see to it at once."
Having said this, Fu Yundi turned and left the study.
Fu Tingyue stood alone by the window, his mind filled with a host of thoughts.
The situation in the Five Miao Prefecture was growing ever more complex; he had to tread carefully.
Just then, the sound of footsteps came from outside the door.
"Master, Miss Xian Qing'er requests an audience." The steward's voice came from outside.
"Let her in," said Fu Tingyue.
The door was pushed open, and Xian Qing'er entered gracefully.
She wore a white garment, her bearing ethereal, like a fairy descended to the mortal realm.
"Uncle Fu," Xian Qing'er said, giving a slight bow.
"Qing'er, there is no need for formalities." Fu Tingyue waved his hand. "Please, sit."
Xian Qing'er seated herself in a chair and asked curiously, "Uncle Fu, what did you wish to see me about?"
Fu Tingyue looked at Xian Qing'er and spoke earnestly. "Qing'er, the situation in the Five Miao Prefecture has been unstable lately. That Yan Zheng is ambitious and has always coveted the power of the nine emblems. If he were to obtain them, the consequences would be unthinkable."
Xian Qing'er's expression changed. "Uncle Fu, you mean..."
Fu Tingyue nodded. "I suspect Yan Zheng may be targeting you. As the Saintess of the Five Miao Prefecture, your identity is special. If he wishes to seize the nine emblems, he might start by making a move on you."
Xian Qing'er fell silent for a moment, then spoke firmly. "Uncle Fu, rest assured. I will not let Yan Zheng succeed."
Fu Tingyue nodded with relief. "Qing'er, you have always been clever and perceptive. I trust you can protect yourself. Still, you must be cautious. Yan Zheng is deep and cunning; do not underestimate him."
"I will be, Uncle Fu," said Xian Qing'er, rising to her feet. "If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."
"Very well, go then," Fu Tingyue said.
Xian Qing'er turned and left the study.
Fu Tingyue sat alone in his study, his heart heavy with worry.
Where would the future of the Five Miao Prefecture lead?
He did not know.
All he knew was that he must do everything in his power to safeguard the nine emblems and protect the Five Miao Prefecture. ```