Little Hua nodded vigorously, "Don't worry, I'll definitely come see you."
Chen Xiaobei had already returned home by this time.
Back in his new home, which hadn't been built for three months, Chen Xiaobei squatted in the corner, silent for a long time.
No one came forward to comfort him. They all knew Chen Xiaobei was feeling down and needed some quiet time alone.
Cui Hongyu, with Qiao'er, returned to their old residence.
Although Chen Qiao'er was young, she clearly understood what had happened.
She followed Cui Hongyu silently all the way. Upon returning to the old house, Chen Qiao'er obediently fetched some chaff to feed the remaining few pheasants.
The two small dogs that were tied up also seemed to sense their young mistress's sadness, standing with their heads down, not daring to make a sound.
Cui Hongyu quietly tidied up the room and then began to prepare a meal.
She didn't really have much of an appetite, so simple congee would suffice.
Meanwhile, Princess Zhaoning, with dozens of carriages and a large entourage, made a grand departure from Wannian City.
The surrounding citizens, seeing the princess's procession, rushed to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.
Princess Zhaoning clearly made no attempt to hide, riding a tall horse and waving triumphantly at the onlookers as she went.
Of course, the people were unaware of the princess's destination. Princess Zhaoning naturally could not reveal it publicly.
Thus, even though Princess Zhaoning left with great fanfare, she remained tight-lipped about her destination.
At this moment, on the city wall, Xiao An stood with his hands clasped behind his back, watching his daughter's procession gradually move out of the city.
Until the princess disappeared from sight, Xiao An continued to lean against the city wall, gazing intently into the distance, his heart filled with reluctance.
Xiao Shunzi stepped forward to support Xiao An's arm and whispered, "Your Majesty, we should return."
Upon hearing this, Xiao An finally withdrew his gaze and let out a long sigh.
After a long pause, he suddenly turned to Xiao Shunzi and said, "Xiao Shunzi, tell me, what's so bad about a political marriage?"
"My beloved consort also came from the Great Tu Kingdom."
Hearing his words, Xiao Shunzi remained silent for a long time before cautiously replying, "Your Majesty, I believe Princess Your Highness is merely being willful for now. She will naturally return once she comes to her senses."
Xiao An let out a bitter laugh and shook his head slightly, "Come to her senses? Who can truly come to their senses? How many people understand my earnest intentions?"
He sighed again, "Alright, let's go. We're returning."
"I am truly old now. It seems it's time to pass the throne to Jingyun."
Not far from the city gate stood a teahouse, where Xiao Jingyun was also quietly watching his sister depart.
Of course, he knew his father was on the city wall, so he didn't rush to leave, intending to wait for his father to depart first.
Watching his father leave in apparent dejection, Xiao Jingyun felt an inexplicable pang of sadness.
Parting has always been a sorrow since ancient times. At such an advanced age, to bid farewell to his daughter as she leaves in a huff, is not that a form of tragedy?
Only after Xiao An had gone far away did Captain Zhou Quan approach and quietly ask, "Your Highness, can we follow her now?"
Xiao Jingyun nodded slightly, "Instruct them to keep a close watch on the princess and ensure nothing goes wrong. Report any unusual behavior from the princess immediately."
Zhou Quan bowed in assent and withdrew to make arrangements. Xiao Jingyun then stood up and slowly departed.
Almost simultaneously, a carriage rushed into Wannian City. Feng Pengju's wife, Madam Li, had returned.
Feng Pengju, who had received the news, was already waiting at the entrance. As the couple reunited, they held hands and gazed at each other, neither speaking a word.
Suddenly, Madam Li seemed to snap back to reality and looked behind Feng Pengju, "By the way, where is Xiaoyue? Why isn't Xiaoyue coming out to see me?"
Feng Pengju gently patted Madam Li's arm, gesturing for her to remain quiet. He then stepped forward, took out some broken silver from his sleeve, and pressed it into the hands of the escorts, "Gentlemen, please accept this for a cup of tea."
After expressing their thanks, the escorts turned and left.
Only then did Feng Pengju escort Madam Li into the house.
Upon entering the reception hall, Feng Pengju dismissed the attendants.
Perhaps it was Feng Pengju's unusual demeanor that frightened Madam Li, making her legs tremble. She sat down on a chair with a thud, "Husband, Xiaoyue, Xiaoyue, what happened to her?"
Feng Pengju sighed, "Alas, don't be afraid. Xiaoyue has already left Wannian City with Fang Jun."
Hearing this, Madam Li visibly relaxed, placing a hand on her chest, "Thank goodness, thank goodness. As long as the child is alright, that's what matters."
Feng Pengju was somewhat surprised by her words.
"Madam, you have traveled a long way. You should rest first."
Madam Li nodded slightly, "I'm not tired. Did the Crown Prince assign you any tasks that required your urgent return?"
Hearing this, Feng Pengju looked somewhat dejected. He stammered a few words and waved his hand, "The Crown Prince said I should rest for a few days before we go to thank His Majesty."
It was clear that Feng Pengju was being evasive, and Madam Li naturally understood. After all, being summoned back in such a rush, only to spend a few more days in the capital, did not seem logical.
However, Madam Li was clever and did not press the matter. Instead, she stood up.
"I'll go change my clothes."
With that, she quickly left.
Watching Madam Li depart, Feng Pengju sighed deeply, tapping his forehead lightly with his hand. Some things were simply too difficult to say.
Before long, Madam Li emerged, having changed into a clean set of clothes.
She also brought a cup of hot tea and placed it by Feng Pengju's side, "Husband, have some tea."
Looking at Madam Li's happy smile, Feng Pengju seemed momentarily lost in thought.
He was briefly transported back to a few years ago, before he was banished to the frontier. Whenever he was tired from his work at night, his wife would always bring him a cup of hot tea at his desk.
These memories warmed Feng Pengju's heart. He reached out and took Madam Li's hand, pulling her to sit beside him.
"Madam, you have suffered these past few years. I am sorry."
Madam Li smiled softly, and after her smile, two tears trickled down her cheeks.
"It's alright. As long as you can find peace, the suffering is nothing."
Feng Pengju then sighed, "The situation may not be what they expected. After we thank His Majesty, we may have to leave here."
Hearing his words, Madam Li trembled, "Did something happen again?"
Feng Pengju shook his head, "It's nothing too serious. It's just that Xiaoyue has gone to Qingniu County with Fang Jun. I want to take you there to reunite with Xiaoyue."
Madam Li looked at Feng Pengju, "Husband, there's no need to hide anything now. Tell me what happened to Xiaoyue."
Feng Pengju sighed and finally recounted the matter of His Majesty's intention to bestow a marriage upon Feng Xiaoyue, from beginning to end.