At the gates of Thatched Cottage Manor, Guan Fangyi turned to face the crowd. "All right, we're leaving. You should all go back."
Everyone gradually dispersed, their spirits somewhat low. It was as though they had lost their pillar of support; with their futures uncertain, all of them seemed distracted and unsettled.
Back in the courtyard, Guan Fangyi looked up and saw Yuan Gang standing atop the pavilion, gazing into the distance as he watched them leave.
As for Yuan Gang, Guan Fangyi had asked Niu Youdao what should be done. That Feng Guan'er had always remained a hidden concern.
Niu Youdao had said to leave Yuan Gang be, to let him make his own choice and walk his own path. The truth was, once Niu Youdao was gone, no one here would be able to keep Yuan Gang in check. That had already been proven.
There was no other way. They could hardly tie Yuan Gang up.
Afterward, Guan Fangyi immediately followed Niu Youdao's arrangements and began making preparations to send Shang Shuqing back to Southern Prefecture.
Shang Shuqing did not wish to return, but it was not up to her. Guan Fangyi enforced the decision, and Shang Shuqing had no ability to resist. Thus, she was sent away.
For the time being, Purple Gold Cave and the Thatched Cottage Estate remained at peace with each other...
Over the boundless sea, a bright moon rose above the waters.
The island's terrain rose and fell in layered ridges. At its center stood a brilliant ring of lights—circularly constructed buildings, their illumination coming from the many lanterns hanging from pavilions and towers.
At the center of those buildings, which resembled a walled city, lay a broad stretch of flat ground. Over it hung an enormous, inverted bowl-like shimmer of light, hemispherical