The group marched for a short while before meeting up with the returning Northwest Army. Yun Zong's assassins dared not advance any further, and half a month later, everyone arrived safely in the Northwest.
When Tong Su arrived in the city, she was taken directly to Xi Chenzhou's general's mansion.
She carefully stepped out of the car, lifting her skirt. The long journey had made her feel much more relaxed, and the crisp, clean air of the Northwest made her feel even more cheerful.
Tongsu knew that the Northwest was always bitterly cold. Xi Chenzhou had given up his high-ranking official position and lucrative salary in the capital to rescue her from the palace. She felt quite guilty and asked Qinghe to prepare clothes that were not extravagant.
Qinghe chose a relatively simple Chaoyun Jinxiang hairstyle, only adorned with two jade flowers, and wore a hibiscus-colored brocade dress with butterflies. Even so, Tongsu still felt somewhat uncomfortable after stepping onto the ground of the General's Mansion.
The mansion is decorated simply and elegantly, full of the rugged style of Northwest China. The passageways are wide and straight, the ground is paved with rough tiles, the houses are simple and neat, the roofs are flat, and the green plants in the mansion are the simplest tall trees.
Tong Su had tried to keep her outfit simple, but her clothes still looked exceptionally luxurious here, attracting curious glances from countless people.
She didn't show it on her face, but secretly reminded herself that she should wear less of the exquisite and luxurious clothes from the capital in the future, so as not to be out of place in the Northwest, displease the soldiers in the Northwest, and cause trouble for Xi Chenzhou.
Qinghe and her people unloaded things from the car, and many children with dirt still on their cheeks ran over, calling out curiously from afar:
"Is this the general's wife?"
"—It's the Marquis's wife! The general is now a marquis!"
"Madam, you are so beautiful! I like you so much. May I give you the little knife my father made for me?"
Xi Chenzhou was summoned away as soon as he entered the city, seemingly due to some urgent matter. Now, accompanying Tong Su are Qing He and his deputy.
"The residence that the Marquis has prepared for you is Yuanrong Courtyard, which is the main courtyard of this mansion. It should have been the General's own residence, but the General is busy with military affairs and usually only rests in the outer study. He has not returned to Yuanrong Courtyard many times. Not long ago, the General had it renovated and is now waiting for your arrival."
Just then, a child who looked only three or four years old came running from a distance. He seemed to have just rolled around in a ditch, and his clothes were all dirty. He reached out and pounced on Tongsu, shouting, "Fairy Sister!"
The servants attending to them tensed up and scolded, "Don't talk nonsense! This is a distinguished guest from the capital. How can you offend him? Go find your parents and don't disturb this important person!"
Before the servant could finish speaking, Tongsu had already squatted down, asked the child who had rushed towards her, not caring at all that the dirt on his body had soiled her dress, took out a handful of candy from her purse and gave it to him, asking with a smile, "Whose child is this?"
As she spoke, she stood up, holding the child. A woman hurriedly squeezed through the crowd, sweating profusely, and said nervously, "It's...it's my daughter..."
Qinghe explained to Tongsu in a low voice, "This is a stewardess in the manor. She is married to a centurion in the army and is highly regarded by the Marquis."
The child, oblivious to the world's ways, happily ate his candy while reaching out to the woman, cheerfully exclaiming, "Mommy! Sister gave me this candy! It's delicious!"
Tongsu patted his head: "Eat slowly, I have more here."
The woman thanked Tongsu profusely, took the child, and then, both angry and anxious, slapped him: "Eat, eat, all you know is how to eat! If you offend someone important in the future, you'll be in for a world of hurt!"
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