CHAPTER 209: CHAPTER 209: BRINGING HUMILIATION ON ONESELF (4)_1

Luo Wu’s stern voice came through. All the guards in the military compound, except those on duty, gathered to receive his punishment.

Today, all guards on duty who had allowed Li Wanying and her daughter into the military compound were transferred by Luo Wu to his troops for retraining. Luo Wu even drove a large vehicle, loading it with all of Li Wanying and her daughter’s belongings, and transported them to the City Committee compound.

Li Meisu watched Li Wanying, who seemed somewhat dazed, and couldn’t help but shake her head as she escorted them back to the Li Family. The day’s events were once again exposed by some kind-hearted person on television, and Li Wanying’s image as a wicked mother-in-law went viral online again.

The Li Family’s political status plummeted, and criticism towards Li Wanying was relentless. The Shangguan Family’s decision to expel Li Wanying and her daughter from their home did not face public backlash; instead, it received public support, and even the upper echelons remained silent on the matter.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, just as day began to break, Shangguan You emerged from her space. She had just changed her clothes when Shangguan Qing pulled her into the car, and the family drove away from the military district compound.

"Grandpa, where are we going?" Shangguan You asked, looking curiously at Shangguan Zhi beside her, who was chuckling. It was really abnormal for Grandpa to be laughing so much.

"To Xiangshan. We’ll come back after the fourth day," Shangguan Zhi said with a laugh, his eyes squinting. He felt thrilled at the thought of taking You girl on a trip, convinced Old Man Lin would be hopping mad. Just thinking about it excited him. They would return home on the evening of the fourth, and on the morning of the fifth, he was determined to see what the old head of the Lin Family could do.

"Xiangshan?"

"Yes, it’s a beautiful place. When we get there, you’ll definitely love it," Shangguan Zhi nodded, looking at Shangguan You with a tempting smile.

A rare look of relaxation and contentment appeared on Shangguan Hao’s brow. Shangguan Yu and his wife also sat in the car, equally at ease.

"Yes, You girl, Xiangshan is a wonderful place; you’ll like it," Old Madam Shangguan said, her demeanor completely changed from the previous night, her face beaming with joy. Everyone longed to be at Xiangshan!

"That’s right, young lady. Xiangshan isn’t a place just anyone can go. This time, we must enjoy three full days of fun," Shangguan Qing said with a light smile, fondly ruffling her hair.

"It’s a three-and-a-half-hour drive, You girl. Go back to sleep," Shangguan Hao said calmly, then let Shangguan You rest her head on his lap, gently stroking her hair.

Feeling his warm, large hands gently stroking her hair, Shangguan You rested her head on Shangguan Hao’s lap. Wrapped in profound paternal love, a warm feeling spread through her heart. She drowsily drifted off to sleep. Four hours later, the group of seven arrived at their destination.

Xiangshan is located in the outskirts of Beijing. It’s a leisure resort built on a mountainside, offering recreation and entertainment with facilities at its base, on its slopes, and at the peak. The serene environment and beautiful scenery—complete with hot springs, holiday activities, skiing, and relaxation—make it a popular destination. The New Year period is Xiangshan’s golden season, drawing many families for holiday retreats.

"You girl, what do you think? You like it, don’t you?" Shangguan Qing exclaimed, taking several deep breaths as he gazed at the distant, snow-covered mountain. Xiangshan’s peaks were very high; while other areas were sprouting fresh green buds, the mountaintop remained blanketed in white. It was a world of snow. The hotel and leisure resort were located at the mountain’s base. Visitors wanting to ski, enjoy the scenery, or use the hot springs had to take a cable car to the summit.

"Yes, it’s beautiful." Shangguan You also took a deep breath, feeling the slightly chilly breeze. The Spiritual Energy here was rich; she could distinctly feel it rushing into her body.

"Let’s go! We’re heading to the mountaintop!" Shangguan Zhi declared with a hearty laugh. He had already booked rooms on the summit, so they headed straight there. At sunset, they could enjoy the snow and scenery—a relaxing respite from their busy lives.

Upon reaching the mountaintop by cable car, they saw tourists frolicking and playing everywhere. Open-air hot springs emitted steam, warming the otherwise cold air.

"Let’s go. The rooms I booked are on the fourth floor—four in total: Grandpa and Grandma in one, Dad and Mom in another, Second Uncle and I in one, and You girl gets a room to herself. Let’s go back and rest first," Shangguan Qing said, leading Shangguan You towards the hotel. This was their domain.

"You girl, go take a bath first. Then the two of us will go see the snow together," Shangguan Qing whispered in her ear before getting up and heading into his room.

As soon as she entered her room, Shangguan You sat cross-legged. The Spiritual Energy at the summit was even denser, and she could feel it slowly filling her body and coursing into her meridians. After half an hour, Shangguan You opened her eyes; they sparkled with a profound glow. Then, with a flicker, she disappeared into her space.

After bathing in the space, Shangguan You entered the Medicine King Tower. She tossed the ingredients for the Marrow Cleansing Pill into the Medicine King Cauldron again. Using the Spiritual Energy within her, she slowly began the refining process. As her Spiritual Energy gradually diminished, sweat beaded on her forehead. CLANG! The lid of the Medicine King Cauldron blasted off again. Looking at the black, charred residue scattered across the floor, Shangguan You’s brow furrowed once more. If only she could have succeeded in making the Marrow Cleansing Pill! She could have given it to Dad and the others, allowing them to absorb the abundant Spiritual Energy here. But she had failed again.

Shangguan You had no choice but to review the elixir recipe in her mind once more. The ingredients were correct, all mixed according to the recipe’s proportions. Perhaps her refining method was wrong? With this question troubling her, Shangguan You emerged from the space.

"You girl! You girl!" Shangguan Qing’s voice came from the doorway as he knocked.

"Coming, Brother Qing!" Shangguan You called out. She quickly tidied herself up, put on a beige trench coat, and opened the door to see Shangguan Qing similarly dressed in a beige casual outfit. Shangguan You’s eyes brightened. No matter what Brother Qing wore, he had the figure of a model and was always captivating.