Side Story 2: Sweet Decision Part 1

Since Meng Zhelan married Prince An, the two have been inseparable, going everywhere together.

In order to enjoy more sweet time alone with Meng Zhelan, he would often leave others behind and take Meng Zhelan out for a stroll or walk in the courtyard.

As a result, Tian Tian naturally had a lot more free time. She had already been freed from slavery, and Meng Zhong even held a family reunion banquet to formally recognize her as his daughter.

But the kidnapping of Meng Zhelan on her wedding night left Tian Tian with lingering fear. So she stayed at the Prince An's residence, personally protecting her.

In the past, she always followed behind Meng Zhelan, but now that Prince An and the Princess are together all day long, there is no need for many people to serve them.

Furthermore, Du Ruoxi had also become mentally unstable and was locked up. So she was able to relax and do her own thing.

"Sister Sweetie, you've finally arrived! I've been waiting for you here for ages!" The little boy had a chubby, round face and a cute, innocent look.

The little girl beside her seemed particularly cheerful, waving her little hands and jumping around with her little legs. She kept saying in her childish voice, "There are geese, there are geese, sister~ sister."

At this moment, the other children also noticed Tian Tian's arrival and rushed forward like a swarm of bees, surrounding her tightly in the middle.

They blinked their bright eyes, looked up at Tian Tian with expectant faces, and called out in unison, "Sister, sister!"

Sweetie slowly squatted down, stretched out her hands, and gently stroked the little girl's rosy cheeks, smiling as she said, "Good girl, I brought you lots of delicious pastries today."

Before she finished speaking, she magically produced a beautifully packaged bag of pastries from behind her back.

These orphans and abandoned children found a safe haven in Anjifang. Despite their tragic backgrounds, they received care and protection here.

Anjifang, jointly established by the imperial court, Qiyang Chamber of Commerce, and Yinxianshanzhuang, has been thriving in various places.

They not only adopt abandoned children, but also take in homeless people, encourage those who are able to work to regain their confidence in life, and encourage them to find their place in society again through learning and work.

In Anjifang, every day is filled with hope and warmth.

Orphans and abandoned children find the warmth of family here; they are no longer alone because countless kind-hearted people are willing to lend a helping hand.

Anjifang not only provided them with food and shelter, but also gave them knowledge and education, making them understand that although fate had been unfair to them, they still had the power to change the future.

And those homeless people also found a place to belong in Anjifang.

They are encouraged to participate in labor and create a life with their own hands. Here, they are no longer marginalized by society, but have become part of the social reconstruction.

Anjifang not only helped them regain their confidence in life, but also gave them hope for the future.

The joint efforts of the imperial court, the Qiyang Chamber of Commerce, and Yinxian Manor have made Anjifang a pure land in people's hearts.

Whenever she has time, Tian Tian comes here to teach these children martial arts so that they can protect themselves.

"Oh, it's Miss Meng!" Chu Liang came over to inspect the area and happened to see her.

Sweetie looked up at the sound. She was already used to being called "Second Miss Meng" by now, but she was expressionless when she saw the person in front of her. "Oh? So it's Brother Chu."

Seeing her cold attitude, Liang was somewhat surprised, but still asked gently, "Second Miss, are you here again today to teach the children martial arts?"

Sweetie nodded gently, her gaze never leaving the longsword in her hand, and said calmly, "Yes!"

Seeing how focused she was, Chu Liang couldn't bear to disturb her. He simply stood quietly to the side, gazing tenderly at Tian Tian and the children.

After a moment, he asked softly, "Miss Meng, these children are truly blessed to have a master like you. What martial arts do you plan to teach them today?"

Sweetie tilted her head slightly, finally shifting her gaze from the longsword to Chu Liang, her tone still calm: "Let them build a basic sword technique first, so they can learn more advanced martial arts in the future."

Upon hearing this, Chu Liang nodded slightly and said softly, "Miss Meng has truly gone to great lengths, and I admire her. If there is anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask, and I will do my best to assist you."

Thank you.

After saying this, Tian Tian stopped talking and focused on guiding the children.

Holding a long sword, her movements were fluid and powerful. She explained each move clearly and concisely, and the children learned with great care.

Chu Liang looked at Tian Tian, ​​who was about the same height as him, and secretly admired her.

Although the girl was tall, she moved with incredible speed, and her swordsmanship was so superb that it was breathtaking. He couldn't help but step forward to spar with her.

Each move they made involved a light touch with the tip of their swords, yet each movement generated gusts of wind. Amidst the clashing sword shadows, the sound of metal clashing was incessant.

Chu Liang's swordplay was steady and powerful, each move containing immense force, while Tian Tian's movements were agile and her swordsmanship graceful, like a butterfly fluttering in the air, moving freely through the sword light.

"What excellent swordsmanship!" Chu Liang couldn't help but cheer. He hadn't expected Sweetie's swordsmanship to be so exquisite. Every move was just right, both offensive and defensive, making it difficult to predict.

Sweetie smiled slightly, the tip of her sword trembling slightly, seemingly unconcerned about Chu Liang's praise, but a strange light flashed in her eyes.

She knew that Chu Liang was also a rare master, and this exchange would surely help her improve her swordsmanship.

The two exchanged blows, their swordplay becoming increasingly fierce, as if the surrounding air itself was being torn apart by the sword energy.

The children watched in stunned silence; they had never seen such a spectacular sword duel before, and they clapped and cheered.

After an unknown amount of time, the two slowly sheathed their swords. They each stepped back a few paces, their eyes filled with respect and admiration.

Sweetie flicked the sweat off her sword and smiled, "Young Master Chu's swordsmanship is indeed extraordinary. I have benefited greatly from it today."

Chu Liang also laughed heartily, clasped his hands and said, "Miss Meng's swordsmanship is agile and graceful, and I admire it to the core. This exchange is truly my good fortune."

Seeing this, the children gathered around, asking all at once, "Sister Sweetie, who's more powerful, you or Brother Chu?"

"That move you guys just did was so cool! Can you teach us?"

It was already late when we came out of Anjifang.

Fearing that the princess would look for her, Tian Tian hurriedly rushed to the Prince An's residence.

"Miss Meng, are you heading back to Prince An's residence?" Chu Liang lifted the carriage curtain. "I'll give you a ride. I happen to be going to see Prince An myself..."