Chapter 284
“After we get married, we will live in the Privy Council. From now on, you will be the only one in charge of the household. There will be no difference between before and after the marriage, and you will not have to worry about anyone else’s feelings.”
"Do whatever you want. If someone comes to make things difficult for you, don't worry about anything else. Just know that I will always be behind you no matter what."
Tao Tao looked up at his affectionate phoenix eyes. His tone was calm, yet it was full of tenderness and indulgence, giving her confidence.
As she tiptoed to kiss him, he bent down, bowing to her.
The two embraced and kissed in the night, their necks intertwined, their breaths mingling.
After a while, the two looked at each other, panting, and lingered tenderly for a long time before slowly separating.
"I really want to go in."
"Um."
Duan Gan picked up her fingers, kissed them, and looked very reluctant and attached.
Tao Tao found it somewhat amusing, "I'm definitely not leaving this time."
Suddenly, as if remembering something, she said, "Oh right, my mother, according to the timeline, she should have arrived in Xia Kingdom by now, right?"
"Xia Kingdom?" He raised an eyebrow slightly. "So you're going to Xia Kingdom, girl."
He reached out and pinched the tip of her nose gently and affectionately.
"Don't worry, Madam Tao and others are already waiting for you in the Prince's mansion courtyard."
Upon hearing this, Tao Tao froze instantly, her eyes filled with shock as she stared at him. A chill ran through her, and she felt so nervous that her stomach cramped.
She felt uneasy, as if she had been monitored from beginning to end. She thought she had escaped his control, but it was just wishful thinking on her part.
Seeing her unusual expression, his smile faded slightly. "What's wrong?"
She smiled slightly, shook her head, and then turned to go inside.
But he grabbed her wrist and pressed her, "What's wrong? Why are you unhappy?"
Tao Tao looked at him with suspicion, wondering when he had become so sensitive. She reached out and hugged his waist, saying, "I'm not upset, it's just that my mother has always wanted to go to Xia Kingdom."
"If you bring her back, she'll probably be unhappy."
"I'm sorry, I was wrong. I just want you to come back. After this is all settled, I'll send someone to Xia Kingdom, okay?"
He lowered his head to show his vulnerability, and his words were sincere, so she didn't know what to say.
She kissed his chin, her eyes crinkling with a smile, "Okay, I'm leaving."
Suddenly, Duan Gan reached out and grabbed the back of her head, lowered his head and kissed her lips, stirring them fiercely until they were red and swollen before letting go.
Leng Qiao, who was following far behind, stepped forward and nodded slightly to him as she passed by before knocking on the door.
When the housekeeper saw Tao Tao, he was a little surprised. When he looked at the person behind her, he didn't dare to say anything and just respectfully invited her in.
Murong Huai Shi, who was pacing back and forth in the front hall, was shocked when he heard that Tao Tao had returned. He immediately called someone to bring her over.
Tao Tao hadn't even had a chance to rest before she was hurriedly brought here.
"Xiao Tao, something terrible has happened! Your brother's Yuquan Pass is under siege by the Turks and is in imminent danger. You must quickly ask Lord Duan to send reinforcements to save Yan'er!"
Murong Huai Shi looked anxious, wishing he could fly over there immediately.
Tao Tao was suddenly grabbed by the arm, and looked at him blankly. "Wait, don't rush, how did you know about the border situation?"
"Could it be that someone is spreading rumors?"
"It's true. I told Yan'er to send a message every two weeks to let us know he's safe, but it's been over a month now. Why haven't he sent anyone yet?!"
"Something must have happened at Yuquan Pass, so..."
She sighed helplessly, thinking it might be something serious, but it was just that she hadn't written a letter for a month.
"Don't panic. Maybe there was just a delay on the way, or maybe Murong Yan forgot. Either of these things are possible."
He shook his head repeatedly, "No, no, the trade routes from the Central Plains to the Turks have all been blocked. Let me tell you, there must be something wrong with a place that doesn't usually communicate with the outside world."
"Moreover, I have been unable to eat or sleep these past few days, and I have nightmares every night, dreaming that something bad has happened to Yan'er."
She frowned, looking at his neurotic state. Since he cherished this prince so much, he might as well keep him by his side. Why send him to the battlefield to fight?
"I have been going to the Privy Council to see Lord Duan for several days in a row, but I just can't get an audience with him. You are a member of the Murong family, and Yan'er is your brother. You can't just sit idly by!"
"Let me go first."
Seeing that Tao Tao was not feeling well, Leng Qiao was about to help when she shook her head to stop her.
"Don't worry, I didn't say I wouldn't care. I'll go ask tomorrow."
After receiving her promise, Murong Huai Shi calmed down, breathed a sigh of relief, and let go of her hand.
"Are you alright? Then I'll head back."
"Where have you been these past few days? Do you know how terrifying Duan Gan looked the day you left? He practically tried to tear down this Prince's mansion."
He sighed and complained.
"I just sneaked out to play, but I'm back now. By the way, isn't my mother in the yard?"
"They're providing us with the best food and drinks."
"Thank you for your trouble, Godfather." He then turned and went back.
As soon as I stepped into the courtyard, I saw Rong'er passing by the gate.
She heard the noise, turned around, and saw Tao Tao. She immediately skipped and hopped over.
"Your Highness, you're back!"
Tao Tao smiled and asked, "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"
Rong'er shook her head. "No, Princess, it's because I'm too stupid. I didn't manage to run away."
"It's not your fault. Where's my mother? Is she resting?"
Even with the Privy Council involved, they really can't handle it.
"We just rested. Should we tell Madam Tao?" As she was about to go and call her, Tao Tao stopped her.
"never mind……"
"Is Tao'er back?"
Xia Chaolu's voice came from the side room, interrupting her.
Tao Tao was somewhat surprised. "Mother, it's me."
She waved for them to leave, then walked toward the doorway from which the sound came from.
"Come in."
She pushed open the door and heard rustling sounds from the bed. Then someone got out of bed and lit a candlestick next to her.
The dim, yellow light reflected off the walls, creating a shimmering, hazy glow, and casting long shadows of the two people.
Slowly, Xia Chaolu's beautiful face appeared before her. She reached out and took her hands, asking with concern, "How have you been these past few days? Have you been taking good care of yourself?"
"Mom, I'm fine, it's just..."
She knew what she meant. "It's alright. Mother has waited for over ten years, so what's a little more?"
Tao Tao smiled slightly, took off the purse from her waist, and took out a lotus seed bracelet. "Mother, look, this is made from lotus seeds that I personally went down to Lotus Lake in Luzhou to collect."
"It has a calming and soothing effect. Do you think it's suitable for you to wear?"
Upon hearing this, she was stunned for a moment. Looking down, she saw the round, milky-white lotus seeds strung together with colorful woven rope. They didn't look like valuable items, but they seemed to have a special purpose.
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