The emperor's arrival was nothing more than a trivial matter to everyone else.
They quickly forgot about it.
But to outsiders, it takes on a different meaning.
He couldn't help but wonder if the Emperor had developed feelings for Shen Yunting.
As to the truth, the Emperor's mind was unfathomable, and no one could fathom what was going on.
They just watched and observed; nothing happened.
After the New Year, Shen Song bid farewell to everyone and prepared to head to the border.
"You must be careful in everything you do. If anything happens, you can write back to Beijing. We are your family and will always be your support."
At the city gate, Qu Jingyun looked at Chen Song with pity and reached out to straighten his collar.
A cold wind blew in gusts, while the pine trees kept exhaling hot air.
She quickly said, "I know, you should go back first, it's too cold outside."
He looked up and gave Qu Jingyun a serious look.
He then said, "I will absolutely not disgrace either of you, and I will certainly earn you some merit."
After saying this, he looked at Yin Xue not far away, his expression hesitant, his eyes revealing a hint of reluctance.
He really wanted to explain things to the other person, but he also knew in his heart that the other person probably didn't want to talk to him.
I could only suppress my reluctance and forcibly look away.
He whispered to the group, "Mother, Father, don't worry, I am your son, and I will definitely not be bad."
Shen Yunting gave a soft "Have a safe journey."
Shen Song looked at Yin Xue again, then finally looked away, managing only a forced smile on his face.
After sighing, he turned to leave.
But someone suddenly called out to him, "Wait a minute."
A smile immediately spread across Shen Song's face as he looked in Yin Xue's direction.
His expression revealed a hint of impatience.
"I gave this to you a few days ago when Yue'er and I went out to play. I don't have anyone else to give it to, so you can take it with you."
Yin Xue awkwardly handed over a peace charm.
Seeing the intense surprise in Shen Song's eyes, she was taken aback.
He cleared his throat and then said, "Be careful in everything you do when you're away from home. Don't let your mother worry about you; she's already worried enough about you."
“I understand,” Chen Song readily agreed.
He couldn't help but take a deep look at Yin Xue, and said with a smile, "Wait for me, I will come back safely, and I will definitely not let you down."
After saying this, Chen Song leaped onto his horse, turned around, and rode away.
Watching Chen Song's figure gradually disappear into the distance, Qu Jingyun couldn't help but feel her eyes redden.
Chen Song really caused her a lot of worry.
Especially when she first returned to the general's mansion, she wanted nothing more than to chase after the other person with a stick and beat them up.
The other person really made her angry!
But seeing Shen Song's uncertain future, she couldn't help but feel worried.
"He'll be alright." Shen Song put his arm around Qu Jingyun's shoulder, his tone gentle.
Qu Jingyun gave a soft "hmm" and reluctantly looked away.
He called out to everyone, "It's getting late, let's go back."
Everyone returned to the Qu residence with their own thoughts.
"Mother, Father, the Third Prince has invited me to go out for the Lantern Festival. Should I agree?"
As she said this, Shen Yue frowned, her expression conflicted.
Upon hearing this, Qu Jingyun quickly looked over.
After exchanging a glance with Shen Yunting, she asked, "Do you want to go?"
Shen Yue remained silent for a while before speaking, "I am not familiar with the Third Prince, but he did help me during the autumn hunt that day."
"Not to mention that he is a prince after all, and I am also worried that offending him might be detrimental to you."
Shen Yue voiced her concerns.
Qu Jingyun nodded in agreement, then said, "You don't need to think so much. Although the Third Prince helped you that day, you wouldn't have been in any trouble even without him. Besides, the Third Prince had his own reasons for helping you."
"As for his identity, you don't need to worry about it. You are my and your father's daughter. Even though your father has lost his official position, he is not someone that can be bullied by just anyone."
"You don't need to care about other people's opinions. In these matters, you only need to consider whether you are willing to do it or not."
Shen Yue immediately understood, and after a moment's thought, she said, "Then I will refuse the Third Prince."
She was indeed unfamiliar with the Third Prince and didn't know how to get along with him.
Moreover, once bitten by a snake, one is afraid of a rope for ten years.
The incident involving the Fifth Prince had served as a reminder to her that she should be more careful in her actions.
It wouldn't be good if it caused trouble for my parents again.
Qu Jingyun nodded in agreement: "Whatever makes you happy."
A smile returned to Shen Yue's face, and she took Qu Jingyun's arm.
"On the Lantern Festival, I plan to go to the lantern festival with my sister-in-law. I heard that this year's lantern festival is especially lively."
Qu Jingyun frowned upon hearing this and looked over in confusion.
"You two are going?"
As if she hadn't noticed anything, Shen Yue nodded and said, "Yes, but Mother, please rest assured, Qu Jiu and I have already agreed that he will be with us in secret to protect us that day, and there will definitely be no trouble."
Qu Jingyun nodded knowingly, then pointed to herself.
Unable to resist asking, "Aren't you coming with me?"
Shen Yue smiled awkwardly and quickly made up an excuse, saying, "My sister-in-law and I want to travel with our close friends. It might be inconvenient to bring Mother along."
Seeing the reluctance in her eyes, Qu Jingyun understood everything.
He shook his head helplessly, clearly thinking she was too old and a hindrance.
Shen Yue asked cautiously, "Is Mother angry with me?"
"No." Qu Jingyun shook her head.
"I just hope you have fun."
She wouldn't get angry over such a small thing.
I just felt that she was getting older and no longer fit in with the younger generation, which made her feel a little uncomfortable.
"Then it's settled. My sister-in-law and I will go out directly that day, and Mother won't need to call us for anything."
Shen Yue seemed to have thought of something, and her laughter grew even louder.
He spoke up to remind him, "The imperial examination is coming soon. Brother was going to write an essay with the teacher the other day. I saw you just now, and you asked me to pass on a message to you."
"I understand." Qu Jingyun suddenly realized.
This means that no one was in the mansion that day.
She felt a little disappointed, but she didn't say anything to stop them.
It's such a rare and festive occasion, let them relax a bit.
On the Lantern Festival, when Qu Jingyun appeared before everyone in the mansion, Shen Yue and the others had already disappeared.
Looking at the busy servants around her, she felt a sudden, inexplicable loneliness.
"Jingyun".
A familiar voice suddenly called out from behind her. Qu Jingyun looked surprised and turned around to look.
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