Chapter 121 Chapter 121

Also returning to the palace with them was a carriage containing gifts that Xu Pingyi had specially sent to Xu Duanyi.

Xu Duanyi's return is a great joy.

Aunt Deng was just thinking about how to celebrate today when she heard the prince say to her, "The princess and I are going to Liaodong and will be leaving soon. Please have someone pack up the carriage first."

Although I don't know what the prince and princess went to Liaodong for.

But seeing that the princess looked anxious, she thought that something must have happened with Marquis Wu'an. It was a matter concerning the princess's father. Aunt Deng knew the seriousness of the matter and did not dare to neglect it or bother to congratulate him.

"I'll send someone to prepare it right away!" After she said this, she bowed to the two of them and left in a hurry.

"You go pack your things, I'll go give the orders. Let's gather here later?" Xie Qingya said softly as he looked at Xu Duanyi beside him.

Finished.

He gently squeezed her hand again and comforted her, "I have already asked the confidant sent by my father-in-law. My father-in-law is fine. Don't worry."

The two of them had come back together in a carriage.

Naturally, she heard all the questions Qingya asked.

But her father had always been accustomed to only reporting good news to her, not sad news. Even if there was something wrong, he would not tell her. She could only be thankful that his life was not in danger now, otherwise he would not dare to write to her. This was a blessing in disguise.

"I know. I'll go pack my things now."

After calming down a little, Xu Duanyi softly responded to Xie Qingya's questions.

But thinking of Changning and Ping'an, I couldn't help but feel a little worried: "If we leave like this, what about Changning and Ping'an..."

Xie Qingya knew her worries and said to her, "Don't worry, I have already asked Changfeng to talk to them. They will understand."

Before Xu Duanyi could say anything else, he consoled them: "I will also make arrangements at home, and nothing will happen to them."

"Just put all these things aside and pack your things."

"This world doesn't revolve around us. Even without us, nothing would happen."

Xu Duanyi was used to worrying, and was also used to planning and making arrangements.

She was always afraid that she didn't think enough, didn't do enough, and was afraid that something might go wrong.

But now, looking at the familiar face in front of her, the young man's appearance was much more handsome than when he was a teenager, but the comfort in his eyes made her believe in him just like when she was a child.

When I was young.

To her, Xie Qingya was actually far more powerful than her aunt and cousin.

At that time, they often stayed in the same place, and Xie Qingya seemed to be able to do anything.

The same is true today.

As long as she looked into his eyes, the panic and worry in her heart seemed to be smoothed away effortlessly.

Xu Duanyi finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Okay." She responded to him softly, and her mood obviously calmed down a lot.

After that, the couple went their separate ways.

Xu Duanyi returned to Linfeng Pavilion and told Bixi and the others to prepare to go to Liaodong for supplies. He also asked someone to bring in the things his father had brought, and then distribute them one by one.

As for the people who brought it.

Since we are going on a long journey this time, we cannot just bring Shi Yu with us.

Fortunately, Xiuyu is now able to take care of herself under Bixi's instruction, so Xu Duanyi left her in the mansion to take care of the affairs, and she took Bixi and Shiyu to Liaoning.

Bixi is good at medicine.

What if something really happens to my father at that time?

No one else dared to disobey their father's wishes or tell her, but she could find out the truth from Bixi.

She was still anxious after all.

After simply packing up his and Xie Qingya's things and giving some instructions to Xiuyu, he took his people to the gatehouse.

Thinking that Qingya might not be ready yet, Xu Duanyi planned to sit in the carriage and wait for someone.

Unexpectedly, when I went there, Qingya was already there, and so were the siblings Changning and Ping'an.

The brother and sister had obviously just returned and their faces were filled with worry.

They were originally talking to Xie Qingya.

Hearing the noise coming from behind, the brother and sister, along with Xie Qingya, all looked in the direction of Xu Duanyi.

Xie Qingya came over to pick her up first, and the Changning siblings followed quickly.

"Sister-in-law."

Xie Changning first reached out and held Xu Duanyi's arm, his small face, which was as big as a palm, was full of worry and concern for her.

Xu Duanyi looked at her and smiled.

After being comforted by Xie Qingya, she was no longer as anxious as before.

At this moment, seeing the concern and worry in the brother and sister's eyes, she was able to speak out to comfort them.

"Nothing, I just need to leave for a while, you guys..."

"We can take care of ourselves, don't worry, sister-in-law." Xie Changning took over the conversation before the other person finished speaking, telling Xu Duanyi not to worry.

The second brother had already told her and the third brother about this.

Although Xie Changning is still young, he knows what is more important. Now that Uncle Xu is in trouble, he naturally puts Uncle Xu first.

On the other side, Xie Pingan also followed up and said, "Don't worry, sister-in-law, I'm at home."

Seeing that the brothers and sisters had no objection, Xu Duanyi seemed afraid that they would worry about her, and they all said that they could take care of themselves.

Tell them not to worry and go ahead.

Behind her, Xie Qingya gently supported her waist.

As if he knew what she was thinking, he whispered to her, "I said it's okay."

Under the gaze of the three siblings, Xu Duanyi finally smiled.

This book is compiled exclusively for you by the LK team. She hummed softly and said nothing more.

On the other hand, Aunt Deng had already prepared everything for them.

Because the prince had instructed that everything should be kept simple and that there was no need to bring guards, lest a large fanfare would attract attention and draw attention, so Aunt Deng did not specially send guards.

But the prince also said it.

This was the first time he met Marquis Wu'an as a son-in-law.

Even if the princess and Marquis Wu'an didn't mind, they couldn't just not say anything.

Therefore, after the princess left, the prince found her and gave her some instructions... Fortunately, the return gift to the princess's family had been prepared.

I had originally thought that when Marquis Wu'an returned, the prince and princess would prepare some for when they went to the Marquis's mansion. Now, I just need to take away some common gifts and prepare more nourishing medicines.

There are many such palaces, so there is no need to spend time outside to prepare for it at this time.

There were three carriages in total.

One was for Xu Duanyi and Xie Qingya, one was for Bixi and the others, and the other was a meeting gift for Marquis Wu'an.

Xu Duanyi naturally discovered it as well.

She glanced at Xie Qingya. She didn't expect that he could make such detailed arrangements in such a short time.

But I'm not surprised, he is just that kind of person.

That day in Yutian, when she heard Master Wang talk about the past, she knew that her Qingya had always been a person who was considerate and meticulous. He seemed carefree and unconcerned, but in fact he thought more and more carefully than anyone else.

Didn't say anything.

Xu Duanyi just looked at her and smiled, then took the initiative to hold Xie Qingya's hand.

After Xie Qingya sensed it, he also looked towards her.

Although he didn't know what Xu Duanyi was thinking, he was naturally more than happy for her to take the initiative to get close to him.

So although I don't understand.

But Xie Qingya quickly shook Xu Duanyi's hand back.

Xie Changning, who was following behind, saw this scene and pulled Xie Pingan's arm excitedly.

Although she could feel that the relationship between her brother and sister-in-law had improved a lot after returning this time.

But after all, this was the first time I saw the two of them being so close in public.

Xie Changning was naturally excited.

Xie Pingan also saw it.

He was also happy about the closeness between his sister-in-law and Xie Qingya.

But he had to be more reserved after all. Seeing Xie Changning grinning from ear to ear, which was completely different from her worried expression just now, he was afraid that if she was so presumptuous, her sister-in-law would see it and she would be embarrassed.

He patted her head gently and used his eyes to stop her from looking around.

Xie Changning knew what he meant.

After sticking out his tongue, he looked away.

"Changning, Ping'an, you go back first. If anything happens during this period, go to the Xiao family to report it. I have already written a letter to my cousin's wife. If there is anything, you can just let Xiuyu go to the Duke's Mansion to find her. She will help you." Before Xu Duanyi was about to get on the carriage, he turned around and gave instructions to the brother and sister.

After all, I am still worried.

I was worried about the two little ones staying at home alone.

Xie Pingan glanced at Xie Qingya first.

Seeing him nod, she didn't say anything, but bowed her head and said to Xu Duanyi, "Thank you for your concern, sister-in-law."

Xu Duanyi looked at them and smiled again.

Afterwards, Xu Duanyi got on the carriage with the help of Xie Qingya. This book is exclusively compiled by the LK team. This time, only Lingji followed them to Liaodong, while Changfeng stayed in the mansion waiting for orders.

Just in case anything happens, we can pass on the message to them.

Fortunately, Lingji and Shiyu would catch up with the other carriage, and the other carriage containing the gifts would be driven by the courier who had previously delivered the letter to the capital.

The messenger's name was Wang Quan.

Afterwards, the group left the palace under the eager and reluctant gazes of the crowd.

At the door were the people sent by Empress Dowager Zhaoyu.

When Xu Duanyi saw them, he thought that since Qingya was there, there was no need for so many people to follow.

So he decided to let them go back first.

The leading soldiers had probably received orders when they came here before, so they did not insist on it. They just bowed to Xu Duanyi and the other two, then left with their team.

Watch them leave.

Xu Duanyi and others also continued to move forward.

However, not long after they left the palace, they ran into another acquaintance.

The person who came was Mei Xuezheng.

Xie Qingya was a little surprised at his sudden appearance.

Although he knew very well that if he and Xu Duanyi went to Liaoning, his cousin would definitely pay more attention to some royal palaces during this period.

So he just sent Changfeng to deliver a message to Mei Xuezheng, telling him about his trip to Liaodong.

He certainly knew what to do.

But Changfeng hasn't set out yet.

The carriage had already stopped. Mei Xuezheng looked at the two people in the carriage with the curtains lifted. He heaved a sigh of relief and said, "At least we caught up. I was afraid we would be too late."

After he finished speaking, he ignored Xie Qingya and only bowed to Xu Duanyi and said hello: "Princess."

Because of Yutian, Xu Duanyi and Mei Xuezheng were not familiar with each other, but they were definitely not strangers.

At this time, he also responded in a gentle voice: "Master Mei."

"What are you doing here?" Xie Qingya asked Mei Xuezheng after the two of them greeted each other.

What do you think?

He frowned and asked, "What instructions does your Majesty have?"

When he left the palace just now, he did not have time to go directly to see His Majesty, but he asked someone to bring him a message.

That was all he could think of.

Mei Xuezheng said: "Your Majesty has no opinion, but is worried about your safety."

Xie Qingya was puzzled when he saw this: "Then you——"

He didn't understand why Mei Xuezheng would make such a trip if there was nothing to do.

Although in the eyes of the public, he and Mei Xuezheng are both clearly members of the imperial party, but usually the two of them have little contact in private except when they meet in the palace.

Given his cousin's personality, it is impossible for him to come all the way here just to wish them a safe journey.

"There's something that may worry you, so I came to tell you." Mei Xuezheng looked at the two of them and said.

Xu Duanyi didn't expect that this matter was actually related to her.

I couldn't help but look at the person in surprise.

Mei Xuezheng didn't keep them in suspense. Seeing the two of them looking over, he said directly to them, "The Queen Mother has issued an order."

It's about my aunt.

Xu Duanyi asked nervously, "What is the order?"

Seeing that she was anxious, Xie Qingya held her hand soothingly.

Although he was also surprised.

But one can see relief on Mei Xuezheng's face.

At least it won't be bad news.

Therefore, Xie Qingya did not say anything, but just held Xu Duanyi's hand, looked at Mei Xuezheng, and waited for him to continue.

Mei Xuezheng looked at them and smiled, "In addition to the officials who went to Yutian before, the Empress Dowager also awarded merits and awards to the soldiers who died in the Battle of Nagano according to the Ministry of Personnel's wishes."

Seeing a look of relief on Xie Qingya's face.

Mei Xuezheng continued, "Li Wengao was conferred the title of Fifth Rank Governor, and your award was divided between Changning and Ping'an."

Xie Qingya originally thought that his merits and demerits would offset each other, and he never thought about asking for any reward.

For him.

It is enough for him to know the truth of that year and be able to live peacefully with Xu Duanyi for a long time.

Unexpectedly, it was assigned to Changning and Ping'an.

He and Xu Duanyi looked at each other at the same time, and then looked at Mei Xuezheng.

Mei Xuezheng ignored the couple's gazes and remained silent, but his mood was obviously better than before.

"The Queen Mother named Changning Princess Huining and Pingan Prince Yongan."

After that, seeing the couple both narrowing their eyes in surprise, Mei Xuezheng's mood also improved. He smiled and said, "The decree will not be issued for a few days, but I heard that the Ministry of Rites has already started to prepare. I am afraid that you will be worried when you go to Liaodong, so I came out of the palace to tell you first, so that you can rest assured."

This award was indeed something Xie Qingya had not expected.

But he knew in his heart that since the one in Shoukang Palace disliked him so much, he naturally wouldn't like Changning and Ping'an either. They had this honor, firstly because of their father and brother, and secondly... probably because of Duanyi.

He turned his head and looked to the side.

Xu Duanyi happened to be looking at him.

Receiving his gaze, Xu Duanyi smiled and held his hand.

The couple didn't say anything, but everything was said without words.

This honor of commendation made Xie Qingya happier than any other reward he had received.

He has always felt guilty towards his younger siblings.

Mei Xuezheng was watching from outside and felt pain in his eyes. He could not bear to say more: "Okay, I won't affect your departure. I also have things to take care of."

Mei Xuezheng said this and prepared to ride away.

Xie Qingya suddenly thought of something and asked him, "What about you?"

Mei Xuezheng knew what he was asking, but did not answer. He just smiled and turned back to him and said, "I'll tell you when you come back."

Then he bowed to Xu Duanyi and rode away.

Horseshoe formation.

Soon Mei Xuezheng disappeared from their sight.

Xie Qingya watched for a while, then let the guitarists continue their journey.

On the way.

Xie Qingya and Xu Duanyi talked about his relationship with Mei Xuezheng.

At this point, there is nothing left to hide between them.

Xu Duanyi was very surprised about Mei Xuezheng's identity.

"cousin?"

She used to think that they were all on His Majesty's side, so it was normal for them to be close, but she didn't expect that there was such a relationship between them.

No wonder he was so happy when we talked about Changning and Ping'an just now.

Xie Qingya held Xu Duanyi's hand, playing with it while continuing to explain their relationship to her.

"His mother and my mother became sworn brothers in their early years and considered each other sisters."

"He and his aunt stayed in Jiangnan for many years and rarely came to the capital. Changning and Ping'an only knew him but had never met him."

"Back then, my aunt was worried that something might happen to me, so she asked my cousin to come to the capital to look after me. Afterwards... he also learned about the Battle of Nagano, so he joined the game, took the imperial examination, and worked for me outside." Although Xie Qingya seldom expressed it on weekdays, he was actually always grateful to his cousin in his heart.

It can be said that

Over the years, if it weren't for his cousin working for him in the court, many things would not have been so easy.

Xu Duanyi could naturally see his mood at this moment.

Knowing his state of mind, Xu Duanyi took the initiative to grab his hand and said to him: "When you come back from Liaodong, invite cousin Mei to your home for dinner, and let Changning and the others get to know him."

Xie Qingya looked up at her.

The afternoon sun shone into the carriage through the window. Xie Qingya looked at the tenderness in her eyes and nodded softly.

…

We set out from the capital in early June.

It was already late June when we arrived in Liaodong.

They hardly stopped along the way. At most, they were tired from driving and took a rest on the road to avoid making Xu Duanyi worry. Xie Qingya even took turns with Changfeng and others to drive the carriage.

On June 23rd.

Xu Duanyi and his party finally arrived in Liaoning, the territory under the jurisdiction of Xu Pingyi.

I thought that because of the plague that had occurred before, Liaoning would be like Yutian before. Even if it was not defeated, it would definitely be in a state of decline.

I didn't expect that after entering the city, everything was back to normal.

Just like every state capital they passed through along the way.

At most, they are guards at the city gates and inside the city, and they are a bit strict.

Xu Duanyi looked out through the car window.

She had never returned since she left at the age of six. The blurred parts of her memory were now gradually reconstructed.

But there aren't many familiar views anymore.

After all, she was still young at that time and had rarely gone out. Even when she went out, she was accompanied by her mother and a large group of servants.

She rarely even touched the ground with her feet.

"After visiting my father-in-law, take me for a walk around the city. I want to see the place where you lived as a child." Xie Qingya's voice suddenly came to my ears.

It's really next to my ear.

Xie Qingya hugged her waist with both arms and spoke into her ear.

Xu Duanyi has long been accustomed to being so close to others, and no longer feels uncomfortable as he did at the beginning.

At this time, she did not struggle, but smiled helplessly and said, "I have almost forgotten it myself. I am afraid we need to find someone to accompany us."

"Then take your time to stroll around. Different times bring different memories. It's just right for me to fill in this blank with you." This book is exclusively compiled by the LK team for you. "Anyway, I'm not in your childhood memories."

After hearing this, Xu Duanyi's previously empty heart felt relieved a lot.

She turned her head and looked behind her.

Because I was too close, I couldn't see Xie Qingya's entire face. I could only see his handsome profile with clear edges and corners.

Just as I was about to speak, I was kissed first.

Although I am used to being close to people, the car curtain is still open and there is still ringgit outside.

She was still shy after all, and couldn't help but whisper to Xie Qingya, "Stop making trouble."

Xie Qingya felt unhappy when he heard this.

"Xu Duanyi, let's talk some sense. I only kissed you once along the way."

On the way, he was in a hurry to get on the road, and secondly, he didn't know what his father-in-law was like. Don't say that Xu Duanyi was in a bad mood. He watched her getting thinner day by day, and he was worried about her. How could he have such thoughts?

At most, I would just hold someone in my arms and sleep at night.

Even when we were most intimate, kissing her forehead and the space between her eyebrows, there was no lust mixed in.

It was only after he entered the city and saw that everything was the same as before, and even more prosperous than many other cities, that he felt relieved and finally dared to do so.

Xu Duanyi looked at his unhappy handsome face, but she was not nervous. Instead, she smiled.

All along the way, Xie Qingya had been supporting and comforting her, and only now that he knew everything was alright did he start to show his childish side again.

In fact, she had already put her worries to rest after entering the city.

I didn't let him kiss me, firstly because I didn't want to be seen by others, and secondly, it was just a habit that I blurted out.

However, looking at the unhappy man in front of him with his lips pouting, Xu Duanyi couldn't help but laugh.

"You're still laughing!"

Xie Qingya became even more unhappy when he saw this scene.

He's going to make trouble again.

But before he could do anything, he felt the light in front of his eyes suddenly dim, and Xu Duanyi pulled down the car curtain.

After a while.

There was a warm kiss on the lips.

Xie Qingya looked at her and raised his eyebrows.

In fact, they haven't been so intimate for a long time since they separated from Yutian.

Xie Qingya certainly would not miss such a good opportunity. He put his hands on her waist and was about to hug her to deepen the kiss. But before he could get closer, Xu Duanyi put her hand on his chest to stop him from getting closer.

Xie Qingya raised his eyebrows and looked at her, not understanding what she was going to do.

"What?"

He looked at the man and asked.

Xu Duanyi looked at him and reminded him quietly, "We'll be home soon."

This home is not the home of the two of them, but the one where her father is... Although it is not the first time they have met, it is the first time she has met him as a son-in-law.

The expression on the face of someone who had been calm just now became very distorted.

"Then why are you still teasing me?" He looked at Xu Duanyi with his eyes wide open, and his voice became even more unhappy because he couldn't do anything about his unfulfilled desires.

Xu Duanyi looked at him and said with a smile: "It was obviously you who started it first."

After that, she took the initiative to hug him and whispered in his ear, "Go see your father first, and we'll talk to you at night."

Xie Qingya naturally didn't want to leave a bad impression on his father-in-law the first time he met him.

Besides, he wouldn't be so unsatisfied.

Being held like this at this moment, he was like Liu Xiahui, he did not reach out to hug the person, but he could not help but gently bit the person's ear with his mouth.

He suppressed his voice and said to the person in a very depressed tone: "I didn't say anything more."

Xu Duanyi knew what he meant, and her face turned red again, but she didn't say anything.

When the carriage was heading to the Wu'an Marquis' Mansion, the couple each tidied up each other's clothes.

Xie Qingya was the one who was serious and nervous.

He was afraid that something bad might happen and that his father-in-law would be unhappy.

After all, the more the mother-in-law looks at her son-in-law, the happier she is.

My father-in-law is just the opposite.

Not to mention the father-in-law meeting his son-in-law, Xie Qingya only thought that if Changning had someone he liked in the future, he would bring that man home...

Just thinking about this, Xie Qingya felt his fists itching.

"What are you thinking about?"

Xu Duanyi noticed that something was wrong with his expression and couldn't help but ask.

Just as Xie Qingya was about to speak to her, Lingji's voice came from outside: "Prince, Princess, we're here!"

When Xie Qingya heard this, his mind froze.

How could I expect anything else? I even forgot to reply.

He lifted the curtain and took a look outside. He saw the plaque of Wu'an Marquis Mansion not far away, and he couldn't help but felt unusually nervous.

His hand was suddenly held by Xu Duanyi.

Xie Qingya looked back.

As if seeing his worry, Xu Duanyi smiled and comforted him: "Don't be afraid, the person I like, your father will also like."

Hear this.

The worry in Xie Qingya's heart suddenly disappeared. He said nothing, but just held her hand back.

The carriage stopped.

The couple got off the carriage one after another.

When several soldiers standing outside Wu'anhou Mansion saw them getting off the car, they were about to ask them loudly who they were.

Until I saw a figure.

"Wang Quan? You're back so soon?" Someone saw the man and put away his weapon in surprise.

I was just about to ask the identities of the others.

Wang Quan hurriedly said to them: "Hurry up and tell the Marquis that the young master has returned home!"

The surprised gazes of several soldiers passed through the crowd and fell on Xu Duanyi at the same time.

Although I haven't seen the young master for a long time, he looks very similar to the late lady.

How could people not recognize it?

At once, swords and spears fell to the ground, and all the soldiers knelt on one knee in the direction of Xu Duanyi: "Welcome back, young master!"

At this time, two people were coming out of the Marquis's mansion. They were Wu'an Marquis Xu Pingyi and his confidant Tan Su.

The two of them hadn't noticed what was happening outside.

Talking and pulling.

"Doctor Feng said that you need to stay in bed for a month to recuperate. It's not time yet, how can you get up?"

"I'm fine now, why should I take a break? If I really have to lie down for a month, I'll become sick even if I'm healthy!" Xu Pingyi said impatiently as he walked out.

He also warned: "If you dare to write a letter and tell Zhao Zhao secretly, I will show you how I will deal with you!"

Tan Su complained endlessly.

Just as I was about to give him some advice, a female voice suddenly came from the front: "Father, what are you trying to hide from me?"

Hearing this voice suddenly, Xu Pingyi stopped immediately.

As if he couldn't believe it, he raised his head and looked forward.

When he saw the woman appearing at the gate, for a moment Xu Pingyi thought he was seeing things. He had already stopped walking and his originally impatient face became dazed.

After a while, he looked at the person who came and murmured, "...Zhao Zhao?"