The sound of horse hooves came from beyond the alley wall, urgent like a sudden rain, swiftly approaching.
When half of the man's hair crown appeared over the wall, Gu Ning released her two daughters, taking a few quick steps forward before forcing herself to stop.
At that moment, a figure on horseback leaped over the wall, coming to a halt in the middle of the east gate, while the man on the horse turned and looked toward the Duke Yan Mansion gate, pulling at the reins.
The man on the horse was tall and imposing, wearing a purple robe, a jade belt, and ornate accessories, all indicating noble stature.
His gaze found Gu Ning and fixed on her.
His face was covered with a thick beard that somewhat hid his expression, but his eyes glimmered with tears.
He stared fixedly for a moment, then leaped off his horse with a swift movement, rushing towards her. In Gu Ning's exclamation, he lifted her and strode toward the Duke Yan Mansion gate.
