Early the next morning, before Yun Xi even finished breakfast, the entire village suddenly erupted into excited chatter. Curious, she stepped outside and saw groups of villagers gathered together, faces glowing with joy.
The first to notice her was Yun Lu. Seeing her confusion, he hurried over.
“Xier! The river—there’s more water! Everyone says the heavens have finally blessed us. The water rose a lot overnight, and it’s still flowing stronger and stronger!”
Yun Xi almost laughed.
So Father must have opened the passage last night.
But how exactly did he do it alone? It wasn’t the kind of work one could easily handle without help. She’d have to ask him when she had the chance.
Just then, Yun Dahai walked toward her.
“Father, you’re back.”
“Yes. And it’s all thanks to Xier’s idea. The whole village is saved now.”
He smiled, but Yun Xi saw something off—there was a hint of bitterness behind that smile.
Did something happen in the back mountain?
Why were only the village chiefs allowed inside? Her curiosity grew even stronger. She wished she could go immediately and see for herself.
“Father… are you alright?” she asked quietly.
He glanced at her, shook his head, and replied, “I’m fine. Come, let’s eat. The rest of you—back to your homes.”
He waved the villagers away.
Yun Xi watched him, puzzled.
With food and water problems solved, he should have been relieved—so why did he seem unsettled?
It must be connected to the secret of the back mountain. Since he wasn’t ready to say anything, she decided not to push further.
After breakfast, Yun Dahai organized the villagers to dig for sweet potatoes. Even Madam Yun joined them. Yun Xi stayed home reading.
The book in her hands described the history of the former Cloud Kingdom—a secluded nation hidden deep in the mountains. Surrounded by natural barriers and abundant resources, it rarely interacted with outsiders. The royal palace itself was built in the depths of the mountain, in a place few knew existed.
The last king, however, was young and foolish. He loved wandering far beyond the borders despite repeated warnings. One such outing exposed Cloud Kingdom’s location to the founder of Fengli Nation. Seizing the opportunity, Fengli forces destroyed the kingdom in a single decisive strike.
The Cloud royal bloodline was sparse and fragile. With no strong heirs left, the kingdom fell easily. Fengli troops then marched into the hidden nation, absorbed its people and resources, and unified the central lands.
After that, Cloud Kingdom vanished from history—its name preserved only through a few ancient books.
Putting the book down, Yun Xi grew even more suspicious.
Cloud Village… Cloud Kingdom…
It couldn’t be a coincidence.
And the forbidden back mountain—could it be hiding something left behind by the Cloud royal family?
Her thoughts were interrupted by someone calling from outside.
“Xier!”
It was Yun Lu.
Yun Xi stepped out. “Brother Lu, what brings you here?”
“Xier-meimei, you’ve been home every day. What are you even doing?” he asked curiously.
“Nothing much. Just reading and writing.”
“You’re amazing. You can read! None of the village kids can. You’re lucky the village chief teaches you. The boys in the village don’t even know their letters!”
Yun Xi froze for a second.
Teach…?
A spark lit in her mind.
The village was poor because the people lacked knowledge.
If she taught the children to read…
If they learned to record, calculate, plan, and innovate…
That could change everything.
It was a long-term foundation—one that could lift the entire village.
She smiled, thinking through her plans.
“Xier? Why are you staring off smiling like that?” Yun Lu asked, puzzled by her dazed grin.
Yun Xi quickly snapped back to reality.
She had just found her next goal.