As autumn deepens in the capital, in the courtyard of Jinxiu Residence, the branches of the osmanthus trees are hung with tiny golden petals, shining like stars in the sunlight.
There are wisps of subtle fragrance floating in the air, the sweet but not greasy aroma is fresh and intoxicating.
Xiao Yunchen stood in the yard, his luggage already packed, and he was about to set off for the northwest today.
Madam Xiao came to the courtyard to block him with a look of rage: "Chen'er, can't you just not leave? The northwest is in chaos and war, and your mother is really worried about you going. How about we resign from our official positions, stay at home peacefully as your noble son, marry a wife, have children, and live an ordinary life? Isn't that good?"
Xiao Yunchen had memorized all of Madam Xiao's words while recuperating at home recently, and could even recite them word for word.
He looked at Madam Xiao helplessly and said soothingly, "Don't worry, mother. I'm only going there to review official business. There's no danger."
Marquis Xiao half-huggled Madam Xiao in his arms, sighed softly, and gently advised, "Chen'er's current situation is different from mine. Even if he resigns and stays at home, those people won't let him go. There are undercurrents surging in the capital right now. As long as he's still here, those people won't let him go easily."
Upon hearing this, Madam Xiao grabbed Marquis Xiao's arm, raised her tearful eyes, and said reluctantly, "Is there no other way? I heard that the northwest is poor and chaotic, the people are barbaric and rampant, and there have been years of war. My daughter Chen has been raised in luxury since she was a child. How could he adapt to a place like that?"
Xiao Yunchen's expression was gentle, and he spoke calmly, "Mother, Father, don't worry. I've made thorough preparations. This trip to the northwest, away from the conflicts of the capital, may be a turning point in my life."
Marquis Xiao released his beloved wife from his arms, walked over to his son, patted him on the shoulder, and solemnly warned him, "Be careful on your way there. If you encounter any difficulties, go to your eldest brother. You two brothers must support each other and overcome difficulties together."
Xiao Yunchen nodded slightly: "Don't worry, father, I will remember it."
Madam Xiao's face was filled with worry as she wiped her eyes and said slowly, "Chen'er, you must be careful on your journey. When you get there, remember to write home so that I can know your situation. Otherwise, I will be unable to sleep or eat well."
As she spoke, she began to cry and quickly wiped her tears with a handkerchief. She continued, "If you encounter any difficulties, please write back and tell us. Don't carry it alone. Your father and I may be far away in the capital, but as long as we can help, we will fully support you!"
Seeing that his mother seemed to have a lot to say, Xiao Yunchen reminded her, "Mother, it's getting late. I should leave now."
After saying this, he bowed and said goodbye to Marquis Xiao and Madam Xiao.
Madam Xiao followed him out, still feeling uneasy. Her face was filled with worry as she continued, "You've never been far away before, and we don't know when you'll be back. When you get to the northwest, remember to write home often. Normally, when you were in the capital, you didn't tell us about your difficulties, and I didn't mind. After all, you were always by my side. Now that you're going so far away, you mustn't only report good news and not bad news..."
Mrs. Xiao's nagging finally ended when Xiao Yunchen got on the carriage and it started to drive away.
Xiao Yunchen breathed a sigh of relief.
Then he heard Ru Liu beside him softly ask, "Young Master, do you want to write a letter to the eldest young master and tell him that you are going to Dong'an City?"
Xiao Yunchen lowered his gentle brows, his clear voice slightly cold: "I won't write it. Do I still expect my eldest brother to welcome me? He usually dislikes me very much. This time I go to the northwest, I'd better rely on myself."
After saying that, he lifted the curtain and looked out of the car with a sparse brow. The scattered sunlight sprinkled on his handsome face, and his elegant and calm temperament blended into the noisy and bustling street.
The carriage slowly moved towards the northwest, and after leaving the capital, it accelerated, raising a cloud of dust.
————
Li Nian stayed alone in the carriage for a short while before Li Sisi ran over with a disappointed look on her face.
"I told you that Xiao Yunyu has the aura of the male lead! He was clearly doomed to lose, but at the last moment he turned defeat into victory!" Li Sisi was not convinced.
She knew that Xiao Yunyu cooked so well the first time because of the male protagonist's aura. Otherwise, a young man like him would never be able to cook better than her!
When Li Nian heard her words, a flash of disappointment flashed through his heart.
She also wanted to see a certain man get slapped in the face.
At this time, the wet nurse and Xiaoying also came over. After the two of them got on the carriage, the wet nurse took Jinhe from Li Nian and held her in her arms.
Li Nian looked towards a place not far away.
A man in a blue-white riding suit came galloping non-stop, with the scorching and dazzling sun behind him, dyeing the horizon and fields.
The hair tied up high at the back of his head fluttered in the wind, and his handsome eyebrows and eyes melted in the sunlight like a silhouette.
"Whoa--" The horse's front hooves flew into the air, and finally stopped steadily one meter away from Li Nian. The corners of its lips were curled up in a wanton and ostentatious smile, and its peach blossom eyes were as bright as stars.
"Nian Nian, I got first place!"
There was undisguised excitement and joy in his tone.
Li Nian was a little dazed for a moment. Xiao Yunyu, who looked so young, was so handsome that it made people's heart beat faster.
Her eyes followed him, watching him throw the horse's reins to Xiaobai beside him. His eyes filled with passionate emotions stared at her, and he walked towards her step by step with determination.
After stopping in front of her, he leaned closer, holding up his trophy, and said in a low voice with sincerity and seriousness in his eyes: "The puppy won first place, can the owner give you a kiss as a reward?"
As if seeing that she hadn't agreed for a long time, the man's burning eyes dimmed slightly, and his whole body exuded a submissive and pitiful aura. He added cautiously: "Just one is enough."
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