Li Zan endured the humiliation of being bitten by mosquitoes and insects all night.

The next day, he stretched out his palm, and sunlight filtered through the dense leaves, falling between his fingers. Li Zan closed his eyes slightly, enjoying this rare moment of peace and beauty.

He suddenly remembered the day he first met Bai Wei, on the banks of the Spring Morning River in early summer. She stood under a tree, in the same pose. However, back then, she was smiling gently, but that smile was directed at another boy.

At that time, Li Zan thought that only a man like him was worthy of a woman like her.

"Let's go!" A foot suddenly kicked out from the side, interrupting Li Zan's thoughts.

The princess's carriage had already set off, while Bai Wei's carriage followed at a distance. Li Zan was exhausted and hungry, and gradually fell behind their convoy. The yamen runners then kicked him, forcing him to continue walking.

Zhao Yun and Bai Wei felt incredibly pleased as they listened to the distant wails coming from behind.

The convoy had been traveling for almost half a month, getting used to the low-rise houses along the way. When the rolling green hills gradually came into view, everyone cheered.

Inside the carriage, Shen Hanshan slowly sat up straight, his spirits lifted. He was about to see Zhao Zhi, and his excitement was indescribable.

In the evening, the group finally arrived at the Princess's residence. Bai Wei returned to her maternal home, the Bai family mansion, while Zhao Yun, Zhao Rou, and Le Kui went to the residence that Zhao Shouzheng had purchased in Chaoyang County.

When Zhao Yun got off the carriage, she did not immediately enter the courtyard. Instead, she stood at the gate and watched from afar as the princess and her entourage entered the princess's residence in a grand manner.

She gripped the handkerchief tightly, her eyes filled with coldness. Resentment and jealousy drove her mad.

"Young Miss, Third Miss, you must be tired after your long journey. Please go in and rest!" Baozhu urged from the side.

Zhao Yun looked behind her, "Where are my father and mother? Why didn't they come out to greet me?"

Baozhu's eyes darted away. "Master was invited by the Prefect to play chess early this morning, and Madam was invited by the Princess's people to make medicinal soup for the young princess. However, before leaving, Madam specifically instructed me to wait for you here!"

Zhao Rou looked at Baozhu thoughtfully, her intuition telling her that something was off about Baozhu's reaction. But she couldn't quite put her finger on what was wrong.

Upon hearing Baozhu's words, Zhao Yun thought to herself: No wonder the Princess was so kind along the way, letting them stay at the inn together and sharing the food she bought with them. She had originally thought that Shen Hanshan was only being nice to them under the guise of the Princess because of Zhao Zhi.

So that's what they were waiting for.

She thought of how her mother had been unable to personally welcome her own daughter while trying to prepare the body for the princess's youngest daughter, and felt unhappy. She stroked her belly and slowly stepped over the threshold, walking slowly into the courtyard.

The courtyard here is not as large as the one in Lingyang City, but it is not small either.

The courtyard is exquisitely laid out, exuding tranquility in every corner. Upon entering, the first thing that catches the eye is a meticulously tended medicinal herb garden, surrounded by a low bluestone fence that not only isolates it from the outside world but also preserves the fresh scent of the herbs.

Chaoyang County enjoys a spring-like climate year-round, making it ideal for cultivating various medicinal herbs. Therefore, the herbs in the herb garden are thriving. Some are lush and verdant, while others are in full bloom, emitting a delicate fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies.

The slowly setting sun shone through the sparse clouds, casting a golden glow on the herbs.

Seeing this scene before her, Zhao Yun's agitated heart gradually calmed down. She walked along the cobblestone path, even forgetting the fatigue of the long journey.

Adjacent to the herb garden is a small and rustic pharmacy. The pharmacy consists of several rooms with bamboo and wood structures and a roof covered with blue tiles, blending harmoniously with the surrounding natural environment.

She gently pushed open the door, and a rich aroma of medicine wafted out. Looking around, she saw rows of wooden shelves neatly arranged with all sorts of medicine jars, medicine cups, and rare medicinal herbs.

Several diagrams depicting the meridians and acupoints of the human body hung on the wall. In one corner of the pharmacy, there was a large stone table with all the tools needed to prepare herbs: a stone mill for grinding herbs, a bronze stove for brewing medicinal soup, and various knives and sieves.

Standing behind Zhao Yun, Zhao Rou gently pursed her lips and smiled, "Here, Mother can finally practice her medical skills as she pleases."

Zhao Yun gave a barely audible sneer.

Baozhu smiled faintly and reached out to open another door at the end of the pharmacy.

Zhao Yun and the others then discovered that on the other side of the courtyard was a wide open space covered with fine bamboo mats, on which herbs picked that morning were drying.

A summer breeze blew by, bringing with it a refreshing medicinal fragrance. Zhao Yun unconsciously slowed her pace, immersing herself in this tranquility and beauty.

"Since Mother and Father are safe and sound, why didn't they send a letter to Lingyang City? I was so worried about them." Zhao Yun suddenly opened her eyes and stared intently at Baozhu.

Upon hearing this, Baozhu remained composed, her tone gentle and apologetic as she slowly said, "Miss, you may not know this, but Madam naturally misses you. However, on the day of the bandit attack, after Madam and Master were rescued by the Prefect, Madam requested that Master assist in managing the affairs of the prefecture. Master could not refuse, and in addition, the Prefect's wife was not in good health, and Madam had been taking care of her, which is why we neglected to correspond."

Baozhu slowly exhaled and said, "Madam often says that although letters can convey feelings, they are not as reassuring as seeing you well in person. Besides, Master is also worried that the journey is long and the delivery of letters may be inconvenient. If it adds to your worries, that would be bad."

"But in their hearts, they are always thinking about you and the little boy in your womb, hoping that you can return safely and enjoy the happiness of family life."

At this point, a warm smile appeared on Baozhu's face, as if one could truly feel the kinship and anticipation that transcended mountains and rivers: "You see, as soon as Madam heard the news of your imminent arrival, she immediately sent me here to wait, afraid of missing the opportunity to welcome you first. And Master also said that once he has finished dealing with his affairs, he will definitely come to you in person to apologize and explain everything."

After hearing Baozhu's words, Zhao Yun's dissatisfaction and doubts gradually dissipated.

She nodded gently, her gaze softening considerably: "I see. I misunderstood them. It's not easy to refuse a life-saving debt. Besides, it would be a good thing for us in Chaoyang County if Father and Mother could maintain a good relationship with the Prefect. As their child, I should give them my full support."

Le Kui and Yu Ming exchanged a reassuring glance; here, they no longer had to live in constant fear.

Zhao Rou suddenly suggested, "Elder sister, you're tired, go and rest first. Tomorrow, let's go visit the young master, so that we can fulfill our past marital bond!"

"What's so interesting about an exiled criminal?!" With that, Zhao Yun angrily flicked his sleeves, turned around, and left, returning to his room.

As Zhao Rou watched her departing figure, a slight pang of sadness welled up in her heart.