Chapter 244 Return

With the roster that Qiuqiu found, things became much easier.

Centered on Yuncheng, a sweeping campaign rippled outwards, instantly transforming the entire southwest. Clashes of weapons and cries of agony filled the air before finally settling into calm.

Qiuqiu stayed in Yuncheng for a month and a half, looking at her mother's portrait three times a day. Finally, when she accidentally tore up the portrait while dozing off and was about to destroy the evidence, her father informed her that she could return to the capital.

"Naughty, scratch me?"

Chiu Chiu asked earnestly, word by word. Now she speaks much more fluently, and everyone no longer has to guess. It's just that occasionally her tongue gets tied and her words become incoherent.

Su Junyao's complexion wasn't good; a lingering worry hung between his brows. His pupils reflected Qiuqiu's round little face, and after staring at her for a long time, he suddenly smiled. He squatted down and patted Qiuqiu's head: "Thanks to Qiuqiu for helping Daddy find the roster, we were able to catch the bad guys so quickly."

The matter in Yuncheng has come to an end. The Shao family and the former dynasty's rebels were escorted back to the capital yesterday to await joint interrogation by the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review, after which they will be handed over to His Majesty for judgment. All other related individuals involved will be severely punished according to the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty!

This time, we must thank the Gu Masters of the Hundred Flowers Clan. When they were imprisoned by Shao Xin, they were also forced to take the Longevity Ointment for a period of time. After being released, they developed a prescription to suppress the addiction to the Longevity Ointment.

Su Junyao has already reported to the court, and His Majesty has sent imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Academy to assist him.

Chiu Chiu listened silently to his father's explanation, nodded obediently, and then asked innocently, "Mother?"

Thinking of Yun Jinglan, Su Junyao could no longer hide his joy, "You'll be able to see your mother when we get back."

Chirp chirps joyfully: "Mother!"

Su Junyao tapped her, "That's my wife, what's the meaning of you always trying to take her from me!"

The little girl turned her back, her chubby back filled with sorrow. That was her only mother!

[When I got home, I told my mom that a little girl had been throwing handkerchiefs at my dad and even giving him flowers!]

Su Junyao: "!!!"

He was furious with his unruly fat daughter, but she just walked away leaning on a pillar, completely ignoring him!

"I'll deal with you when I get back!"

Su Junyao left with his hands behind his back. Since she was so clever...

Go back to Beijing and start your studies!

With the matter in Yuncheng settled, the Su family finally embarked on their journey home. Gao Xun escorted the prisoners ahead of them; he had originally intended to take Gao Wenyan with him, but the man shamelessly found an excuse to stay.

Su Jinze was confronting Su Gui: "If I don't hug you, how will you get on the carriage? Uncle, don't be so dramatic."

These past few days, Su Gui had been indulging in lavish meals with Qiu Qiu, and his face had gained weight; he was no longer the gaunt, frighteningly thin man he once was. His grip on the wheelchair tightened, his face ashen, refusing Su Jinze's approach. "Don't even think about it!"

It's improper for a man in his thirties to be carried around by his nephew like that!

Su Jinze stretched out his arm, "Don't waste time, we're about to set off. Look, Qiuqiu has already obediently gone up there."

Chirp heard someone call her name and poked her little head out from the carriage. "Me?"

[My uncle isn't as well-behaved as Chiu Chiu! Hehe, I'm going to eat his pastries as a reward for myself!]

Hearing this, Su Jinze turned around and glared at Qiuqiu's restless little hands, threatening her: "If Qiuqiu dares to steal your uncle's food, then I can't keep your paws!"

Chiu Chiu put her hands behind her back and pulled her head back in, letting out a regretful groan.

[What's so special about that? I have specially supplied pastries!]

That's right, Qiuqiu is gone, taking with her the two best pastry-making ladies from Baihua Village.

His Majesty rewarded Baihua Village, not only severely punishing the murderers who persecuted the Baihua tribe, but also planning a field for them to recuperate and thrive.

After years of living in anonymity, the Hundred Flowers Clan can finally step into the sunlight.

When the elders of the clan were in a good mood, they decided to send Qiuqiu several beauties.

They can do everything from casting spells and detoxifying to washing clothes and cooking!

After careful selection, Qiuqiu brought along the two best cooks.

Su Jinze sighed, a headache rising at the thought of the increasingly plump Qiuqiu. Before he could figure out how to deal with Su Gui, this huge problem, the other party actually asked to get into the carriage.

Su Guiyou had a legitimate reason: "I'll go and supervise Qiuqiu."

Su Jinze: "..."

That’s fine!

After resolving the two major problems, Su Jinze mounted his horse and led the way: "Let's go!"

They arrived in disarray, but departed in grandeur.

Chiu Chiu was being held by her uncle, with two caring older sisters beside her. She lifted the curtain and peeked out at the scenery, suddenly feeling a little lost.

She felt like she had forgotten something...

What was it again?

Seeing her confused, Su Gui couldn't help but advise her, "If you can't figure it out, then don't think about it. Things that require thinking are not suitable for you."

Although this statement sounds strange, it is not without reason.

Chuchu immediately decided she didn't want to anymore!

"Uncle, chirp chirp, I'm hungry!"

Su Gui pinched Qiu Qiu's mouth and said coldly, "No, you're not hungry."

I told you not to use your brain, and I certainly didn't tell you to use your mouth!

Chiu Chiu felt that the day she turned into a little chicken beak was because her dear family members had sculpted it!

[Little chick, your heart is cold, there's no food, so pitiful~]

Su Gui: I've never heard such an awful song in my life!

In another carriage that set off back to the capital

Looking at the restless person opposite him, Su Junyao finally couldn't help but speak: "If Lord Gao doesn't want to ride in the same carriage as me, he can get off now."

Gao Wenyan felt a chill run down his spine, immediately adjusted his posture, looked straight ahead, and firmly shook his head: "It is my honor to ride with the Marquis."

"But I need to talk to Chuchu about something."

Su Junyao chuckled. Yesterday, he stubbornly refused to leave when he was told to, and today he's using a different excuse to find Qiuqiu. What could they possibly have to talk about? Discussing which bakery's pastries are the best?

If you're going to make a reason, at least put some thought into it!

“Lord Gao, please sit properly and don’t delay our journey. We’ve been out for a while now.” Su Junyao wanted to say something more, but after glancing at his reserved appearance, he sighed and kindly reminded him, “My wife’s elder brother is returning to the capital to report on his duties after the spring.”

Gao Wenyan is a man of good character and talent, but his family background is weak, and it's uncertain how far he will go in the future. However, to put it another way, if you want to marry someone else, you need to have some ability yourself.

A fifth-rank official is still somewhat inferior to the general's mansion.

Going back now and making an appearance before the Crown Prince will at least ensure he gains recognition before His Majesty when it comes to rewards and honors. That way, he'll have more confidence when facing the Crown Prince's father.

Gao Wenyan thought about it and realized it was true. He immediately thanked him, "Thank you for your guidance, Lord Marquis."

Su Junyao waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to be so polite. "By the way, why have you and Qiuqiu been acting so mysteriously lately?"

Gao Wenyan asked in surprise, "Your Excellency doesn't know?"

"What should I know?" Su Junyao suddenly had a bad feeling.

Gao Wenyan was unaware that Qiuqiu's "big event" was being carried out behind everyone's back, and honestly said, "Qiuqiu prepared a gift for your wife, and I stayed yesterday because of this matter."

It's not that he's shameless and doesn't want to leave!

Su Junyao: Why didn't this scheming little rascal remind him!

It seems there's not enough time for the next chapter; if there isn't enough time, I guess I can just take a leave of absence...

I was so angry at my workplace that I cried. It's a really disgusting company!

I'll probably look for a job after the Qingming Festival. I'll write and accumulate articles during the holiday so as not to delay updates.

(End of this chapter)