Chapter 310
Tao Tao was both amused and exasperated. "Did I?"
"Take a rest for a while. I'll call you when the medicine is ready."
Granny Wu stepped forward and covered her with a blanket.
"Let's boil some sweet water, the medicine is so bitter." Just thinking about the dark, bitter-smelling medicine made her brows furrow and her little face wrinkle up.
"That won't do. Drinking them at the same time might reduce the effectiveness of the medicine. However, you can eat the candied fruit."
"Alright then, I'll endure it for a few more days so I can get better sooner."
Granny Wu stood by the bed, looking at Tao Tao, whose eyes were closed and whose breathing had become even, her eyes gentle and full of love.
Three days later, Tao Tao was back to her lively and energetic self.
As soon as she recovered from her illness, she began to prepare for Xia Chaolu's return.
She had promised her, and she had to keep her promise. However, it had been snowing recently, making it difficult for the carriage to travel. She would have to wait a couple of days to see how things went.
During the days that Duan Gan was away, she stayed at home most of the time and did not see anyone. She also asked the steward to refuse the invitations from the ladies and young misses who came to curry favor with her.
Not only them, but also the eldest princess and the empress dowager.
Even when she went out, she only went to the Tao family to visit her mother.
Lu Shuqing was not used to living in the capital and wanted to return to Yingzhou, while Prince Murong wanted to wait for news in the capital because he was worried about Murong Yan.
As a result, some things happened in Yingzhou, so I had to rush back.
Before leaving, he instructed that if any news came from the border, someone should be sent to Yingzhou to inform him immediately.
Tao Tao readily agreed to this small matter.
After a month of snowfall, the streets were covered with thick snowdrifts, leaving only a clean path in the middle for people to walk on.
As soon as you step outside, the icy, biting wind whips across your face, causing pain and making your hot blood feel like it's frozen, making it difficult to even move.
Each breath carried white mist that drifted into the air.
A low-key yet luxurious carriage travels down the street, its two wooden doors keeping out the cold outside, while a copper stove burns inside for warmth.
The woman sitting in the middle was dressed warmly, wearing a light green silk jacket embroidered with plum blossoms on her upper body and a pleated skirt of the same style on her lower body. The collar and cuffs of her jacket were covered with fluffy fox fur.
He was also wearing a hooded cloak.
Soon, the carriage stopped at a mansion.
"Miss, we've arrived."
Leng Qiao turned her head and spoke to the inside.
Standing at the entrance of the Tao family's residence were Xia Chaolu, Zhu Xia, Shujie, and more than ten guards from the Privy Council.
Upon seeing the familiar carriage, Ye Chengxian immediately stepped forward to greet her, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness."
Leng Qiao helped Tao Tao down from the carriage by stepping onto a stool. Hearing a voice from the side, he turned around and said, "Thank you for making this trip, Lord Ye."
He smiled and said, "It's only right. It's my duty to serve the Princess."
No matter how hard he thought about it at the time, he could never have imagined that a merchant's daughter would become the regent's wife, a woman above all others.
Tao Tao smiled faintly and walked towards Xia Chaolu and Tao Liang.
"Mother, Liang'er, I won't go with you this time. I'll arrange for someone to take you back. The journey back is long, so please be careful."
She held Xia Chaolu's cold hand and patiently gave her instructions.
"Sister, Liang'er doesn't want to leave you."
Tao Liang hugged her tightly, his face full of reluctance.
In his eyes, his sister has always been the pillar of the family. She is the one who solves any problems, and it is because of her that they are able to live a good life.
Even though his mother spends the most time with him, he still feels more dependent on his sister.
"Sister, can't we really go together?"
Tao Tao lowered her head, looking at his eyes filled with tears, his lips pursed, and his sad expression. She reached out and touched his head. "You guys go first, I'll go later."
"But...but you didn't come with us last time."
He spoke with a hint of accusation in his voice.
"I went there, but I came back."
"Don't worry, I won't lie to you."
As for when to go, she really didn't know.
"Liang'er, be good. Your sister still has things to do and can't bother her."
"Since your sister promised you, she will definitely keep her word."
Xia Chaolu frowned slightly, squatted down, and patiently spoke with a smile.
After much persuasion, Tao Liang finally let go and was led into the carriage by Xia Chaolu.
The guards escorting them numbered ten, plus Ye Chengxian, the Privy Councilor. He mounted his horse and said, "Your Highness, when you return, I will ensure that you and your son arrive safely."
Not long ago, she had Xia Chaolu personally write a letter and send it to the Xia Kingdom, saying that someone would greet them upon arrival within the Xia Kingdom's borders.
As long as the Xia emperor still cares about his younger sister, he will definitely send someone.
If they don't acknowledge it, Xia Chaolu will give up and return to the capital, never thinking of going back again.
Tao Tao stood there, looking slightly melancholy, watching the group of people getting further and further away, and sighed.
Since she was out, she made a round of the shop, and it was already evening when she returned.
As a result, she bumped into the eldest princess who came looking for her.
Seeing her furious, Qi Roufu rushed up, shouting, "Huaimin! Why did you lie to me!"
Leng Qiao blocked her path, but Tao Tao continued walking forward on her own. She heard Leng Qiao's angry voice behind her, as if Tao Tao had truly wronged her.
"Get out of my way! I am the eldest princess, how dare you stop me!"
"Huaimin! Stop right there! Stop right there for me!"
Tao Tao sighed, rubbed her ears which were a little sore from the noise, and turned to look at her helplessly, "What's wrong now? Can't you just shut up for a bit?"
She waved her hand, signaling Leng Qiao to step aside.
Qi Roufu lifted her skirt, her face full of resentment, "Why are you avoiding me?"
"Didn't you promise to help me deal with Empress Dowager Liu?"
Tao Tao's expression changed instantly, her eyes turning cold and filled with hostility. She said coldly, "Qi Roufu, watch your words!"
Qi Roufu was stunned. His pupils dilated. Despite being dressed in thick clothes, he still felt a chill run from his tailbone to the top of his head, and his heart pounded uncontrollably.
She had never seen Tao Tao like this before, and was so shocked that she couldn't react for a moment.
She opened her stiff, numb jaw and gritted her teeth, saying, "Fine! Very well! Huaimin, you're even going to play me!"
"Shut up and go inside."
Tao Tao was in a bad mood at this moment and didn't have much patience.
After saying that, she walked straight into her own yard.
Qi Roufu stared intently at her retreating figure, filled with resentment. After thinking it over, he suddenly stomped his foot but still followed behind.
Back in her room, Rong'er immediately took Tao Tao's cloak and put it away, then had the other maids bring her hot water to wash her hands.
A pot of hot tea and some fruits and snacks were served, and at Tao Tao's signal, they slowly withdrew.
"You can't wait to make a big fuss about every little thing. Is there something wrong with you?"
"This is no small matter! I cannot sleep or eat in peace until they are eliminated!"
"You saw that palace banquet! How dare they treat me like that! And those ministers all acted as if they were dead. Have they all forgotten what I have done for the Celestial Empire?!"
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