Proper, Are You Satisfied With What You See

Though the old saying goes, "While your parents live, do not travel far," the full proverb adds: "If you must travel, do so with purpose."

Children grow up and must leave their parents to pursue their studies. No matter how reluctant Prince Nolan and Serena Feng are, they won't stand in their way.

Sweet Dumpling is still very young, and Prince Nolan and Serena worry about her. But she already has her own independent ideas and goals, and now she's determined to work toward them. Of course, Serena and Prince Nolan will support her.

On a clear and sunny morning, Serena and Prince Nolan saw Zed, Snow Wolf, and Sweet Dumpling off.

"Zed, take care of yourself, and watch over Sweet Dumpling. Don't let her get into mischief," Serena instructed the young man, while Prince Nolan held Sweet Dumpling as she got into the carriage. No matter how far a child travels, a mother's worries follow.

Zed had grown into a teenager; in recent years, his body seemed to shoot up overnight.

After years of guidance from palace tutors, Zed remains decisive and ruthless in action, but now he knows exactly what he's doing and has a clear sense of right and wrong.

Zed nodded lightly. "I'll deliver Lily safely to Mystic Healer Valley." After that, he would go his own way. Years of preparation were enough; he wanted to settle his own score before Prince Nolan launched the northern campaign.

He believed in avenging his own grievances himself—a principle Zed always upheld.

Serena knew Zed was tougher than most adults, so she didn’t worry about him acting recklessly. What concerned her was his habit of shouldering everything alone and refusing to ask for help.

After thinking it over, Serena added, "Zed, you must be careful too. Little Dumpling and Sweet Dumpling both want you safe. If you run into trouble, go find Youge. Northlyn is Phoenixfield Clan territory—I’ve already sent word to Youge, so just go to him if you need help."

Zed glanced at Serena and quietly agreed, not rejecting her kindness.

After speaking to Zed, Serena patted Snow Wolf’s head, unable to hide her reluctance...

Snow Wolf would be accompanying Zed to Northlyn this time. Because of his health, Zed couldn’t learn martial arts and needed protection along the way. He refused to travel with guards, so Snow Wolf would go with him.

Snow Wolf hadn’t returned to his tribe since leaving with Serena, but now he finally had the chance. He was happy, torn between missing Serena, Little Dumpling, and Sweet Dumpling, and longing to see his own kin.

Nearly ten years had passed since his last visit, and Snow Wolf was filled with anticipation for the journey to Northlyn.

Time was almost up. Prince Nolan couldn’t bear to let go, his lips pressed tightly together, saying nothing. But Sweet Dumpling knew her father couldn’t bear to part with her—and she couldn’t bear to leave her father and mother either. But... but...

Sweet Dumpling’s eyes were red as she wrapped her chubby arms around Prince Nolan, snuggling in his arms and acting cute. "Father, I’ll miss you—only you."

Then she planted a big kiss on Prince Nolan’s cheek, pushed herself away with determination, and said tearfully, "Father, Mother, I’m leaving now. Remember to think of me—I’ll be thinking of you..."

Wuwuwu... She couldn’t bear to leave her father, or her mother, but... but...

Her brother told her that if she didn’t study medicine with the Valley Master, Little Treasure would never be born. For the sake of her little brother, even if it hurt to leave, she had to go.

Father, Mother, and Little Treasure—Sweet Dumpling will be back soon.

Sweet Dumpling waved her tiny fist, her little face full of determination!

......

Sweet Dumpling was different from Little Dumpling. Little Dumpling had his own palace from birth and lived independently after his first birthday, spending little time with Prince Nolan and Serena.

Prince Nolan and Serena loved Little Dumpling deeply, but never let him become too dependent. As a boy and heir, he carried heavy responsibilities; the more they loved him, the more they avoided spoiling him.

Sweet Dumpling, on the other hand, had always been by Prince Nolan and Serena’s side since birth. Her bedroom was inside their palace, and she had never been apart from them.

It wasn’t that Prince Nolan didn’t love Little Dumpling. As the heir, he had to be raised to be independent from a young age. Sweet Dumpling, as their daughter, was naturally doted on and kept close.

For five whole years, Prince Nolan and Serena watched Sweet Dumpling grow from a tiny bundle into a little girl who could talk, walk, and knew exactly what she wanted.

Sweet Dumpling had always been with them. Now, with her sudden departure, Prince Nolan and Serena felt something missing in their lives.

"Let’s bring Sweet Dumpling home. I miss her already," Serena said, unable to bear the separation so soon after Sweet Dumpling left.

"Hmm... Let’s call Little Dumpling back tomorrow," Prince Nolan replied. He missed his daughter too, but knew that Sweet Dumpling, though young, was as stubborn as Serena—once she made up her mind, she would see it through.

Sweet Dumpling wouldn’t come home until she finished her studies.

Serena understood this well—she just missed her daughter terribly...