Chapter 502 The Family Travels
Zhou Ruiyuan nodded slightly and turned to look at Du Wanchun.
Du Wanchun gave a gentle smile, which could be considered as acquiescence.
After the family discussed it, they decided that Zhou Ruiyuan would take Du Wanchun and the four children first, while Granny Zhuang and Nan Fengling would stay behind with Granny Zhou and the Third Prince.
Besides Du Wanchun's family, Hai Qingyang and Mr. Yuan were also willing to go together. Firstly, the three children needed a teacher, and secondly, Hai Qingyang could be by their side to protect them at any time.
Before leaving, Du Wanchun entrusted the shop's affairs to Zhang Qiuhe and Wang Qiu.
Seeing that she was about to leave, Wang Qiu gave her a palace token and said, "Manager Du, this token was given to me by Consort Wu in the past. It can be used to move freely in the palace. Keep it; it should come in handy."
Du Wanchun took it and thanked him, saying, "Thank you, Brother Wang."
Wang Qiu then added, "I have a few trusted confidants in the capital. If you need them, you can go to the south entrance of the city and find a man surnamed Meng. He will help you."
Du Wanchun secretly memorized the person's name and thanked Wang Qiu again.
Because the imperial decree came suddenly, they didn't pack much luggage. It was as if they were traveling as a family. They took a few valuables, got into the carriage, and set off.
Before leaving, Aunt Zhou saw him off at the door, very reluctant to part with him.
Du Wanchun comforted her, saying, "Mother, take good care of yourself and don't worry. Next time we go, we'll be the ones to take you back to the palace."
Aunt Zhou nodded. "Okay, I'll wait."
Du Wanchun waved to them with Xiao Mianmian, Yi'er, and Yu'er.
Little Mianmian waved her hand and called out, "Grandma, wait for us, we'll come and get you!"
Aunt Zhou was amused by her adorable appearance and waved the handkerchief in her hand, saying, "Good girl, you must listen to your mother—my father!"
Little Mianmian replied in her childish voice, "Yes! I understand, Grandma!"
She smiled sweetly, as if she never felt this was a separation.
They're just going home first.
The carriage slowly started moving, and Aunt Zhou stood at the door watching them leave.
The Third Prince helped Granny Zhou into the house and gently comforted her, "Children and adults alike naturally have their own places to go."
Aunt Zhou was quite accepting of it and nodded, "It's good that you're here with me..."
The Third Prince listened to her words with a smile on his face. He held her hand tightly and walked with a smile, saying, "I should be the one saying that. Fortunately, you are with me."
Several years ago, the Empress and the Crown Prince had an accident.
The Third Prince arrived too late. Upon learning of the Empress's death, he was devastated and nearly followed her in death.
But then he felt that Zhou'er must not be dead, that she must still be alive. He didn't know how to express that feeling. It was as if someone was constantly telling him, "Don't die, wait a little longer, wait a little longer."
Now, he has finally waited for it.
The two walked slowly into the house, looking like an old couple who had been together for many years.
As the sun slowly set in the west, the sky was ablaze with a purple glow.
Du Wanchun sat in the carriage, pulled back the curtain and looked out. She saw green mountains and clear waters shrouded in golden purple clouds, with wisps of white mist rising, as if she were in a dream.
Just then, Little Mianmian peeked out, her eyes sparkling like stars, and exclaimed sweetly, "Wow~ Mommy~ So beautiful~"
Du Wanchun hugged her from behind and said gently, "Yes, so beautiful."
Little Mianmian stretched out her tiny hand and gently touched a ray of sunset light. "Mother, is the evening in the Northern Barbarians the same as ours?"
Du Wanchun paused for a moment, then gently held her hand. "Same, of course the same. Although you and Xiao Qing'er are not together, you are under the same sky."
Little Mianmian was even happier after hearing this, her bright, watery eyes filled with innocence, and her laughter ringing out.
Along the road where the carriage had passed, purple and blue flowers slowly bloomed as her laughter echoed.
Zhou Ruiyuan sat outside the carriage, glanced back at his wife and children inside, and couldn't help but look up. The tenderness in his eyes was like a gentle breeze, stirring up the lush green grass around them.
Three days later, their carriage arrived at the post station outside the capital.
Zhou Ruiyuan instructed the driver to stop the carriage so that Du Wanchun and the children could rest at the post station for the night.
Little Mianmian and Yi'er had already fallen asleep in the carriage.
Hai Qingyang and Mr. Yuan, one carrying Yu'er on his back and the other carrying Yi'er on his back, got off the carriage first.
Zhou Ruiyuan carefully held the sleeping Xiao Mianmian in his arms and led Du Wanchun, who was holding Xiao Feifei, down from the carriage.
The group booked three rooms in total.
Du Wanchun slept in one room with Xiao Feifei, Xiao Mianmian, and Zhou Ruiyuan; another room was occupied by Hai Qingyang, Mr. Yuan, Yi'er, and Yu'er; and the remaining room was for the coachman and his servant.
The servant's surname was Wan. He used to be a servant of Zhou Ruiyuan in the county government. Because he was honest and loyal, he was brought along this time so that he could take care of Du Wanchun and the children on the way.
After settling them in, Zhou Ruiyuan personally went to the kitchen of the post station, cooked two dishes, and brought them to Du Wanchun's room.
He was dressed in a dark blue long gown, with two strands of hair hanging casually down his forehead and his sleeves rolled up, just like an ordinary young husband.
"Wanchun, are you hungry? I just made two of your favorite dishes."
Zhou Ruiyuan slowly put down the dishes in his hand.
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