After finishing the inventory of his spoils, Liu Changxu took a deep breath, struggling to steady the excitement surging within him like crashing waves, before slowly walking out of the secret chamber.
As soon as he emerged, he saw Murong Yuyao, Jiang Xuefeng, Yang Qingxue, and Lian'er, along with his daughter Liu Futing, gracefully keeping Wu Xuege company over tea in the spacious, brightly lit sitting room. Wisps of tea fragrance filled the room, and their cheerful laughter rang like orioles singing in spring. The atmosphere was exceptionally harmonious, warming the heart.
"Husband, you've finished your seclusion already!"
Seeing Liu Changxu appear in the doorway, Murong Yuyao and the other women rose to greet him.
Surprise and concern shone on their lovely, flowerlike faces.
When Liu Futing saw that her father had emerged from seclusion, she hurried forward and respectfully greeted him:
"Greetings, Father!"
"Good! Good! Sister Wu, Yu Yao, Xuefeng, Qingxue, Lian'er, Ting'er, how is the inventory of our spoils coming along?"
A kindly smile spread across Liu Changxu's face as he spoke in a resonant voice:
His bright eyes swept lovingly over everyone, his gaze filled with warmth for his family, as gentle and comforting as the spring sun.
"Father, the inventory is proceeding in an orderly fashion. My brothers are there overseeing everything from start to finish! You can settle your heart safely back into your chest!"
With a charming smile, Liu Futing approached with light, graceful steps and brought her father a cup of spirit tea that gave off wisps of delicate fragrance.
Liu Changxu smiled as he accepted the spirit tea from his daughter. The cup was crystal clear, and the tea's fragrance wafted through the air. Without hesitation, he drained it in one gulp, his Adam's apple bobbing with a bold, hearty air.
"Husband,