Chapter 267: A Makeover
Today, Qingyun and Zhang Huaining are busy packing Su Qingwan's luggage for her trip to Beijing.
The things Su Qingwan brought this time were not complicated, just some seasonal clothes and a few commonly used items, simple and without too much elaboration. However, Qingyun was inexplicably depressed. She, Luzhu and Qingyi were all the maids who had accompanied Su Qingwan all the way. In the past, the four of them were inseparable, and their days together were full of laughter and joy. But now, she was left alone, continuing to stay by the girl's side.
Qingyi was gone, and there was no news from Luzhu. The past bustle was gone, leaving only a feeling of melancholy. They accompanied the girl back to Huainan, thinking that they would settle down in Huainan and live a simple life.
Who could have expected that things would change so fast, and now he would have to embark on the journey back to Kyoto. In Qingyun's view, Kyoto was a place where people were eaten. The eldest princess was so noble, but she eventually died in the capital.
Although the regent is in love with the girl, how will the other members of the Lu family view the princess? Qingyun's heart is full of hidden worries.
Thinking of this, Qingyun raised his hand and handed an exquisite sandalwood box to Zhang Huaining, saying softly: "I'm afraid I won't be able to make it to your wedding with General Xiaoning. This is my wedding gift to you. I wish you two a happy marriage, a son soon, and a happy life together."
Zhang Huaining has been living in the palace these days. During the time when Su Qingwan and Qingyun were injured, she managed the affairs of the palace in an orderly manner. She was good at these affairs, and after a few visits, she established a very deep friendship with Qingyun.
Hearing Qingyun's words, Zhang Huaining's eyes slightly reddened, and he responded sincerely: "I will definitely miss you and the princess. When the war subsides a little, General Xiaoning and I will go to the capital to visit you."
After hearing this, Qingyun's eyes turned red. He nodded vigorously and said, "Okay, let's make it a deal!"
After a pause, she continued, her voice choking with sobs, "I have another unwelcome request. If Miss Huaining has free time in the future, can you go visit Qingyi, Luzhu and Chenfeng more often for me? Qingyi and Chenfeng always like to drink, while Luzhu prefers osmanthus cake. Luzhu is usually so noisy and can't stop talking once she starts, but Qingyi likes quietness. If they live next to each other in the future, I'm afraid they will quarrel."
As he spoke, Qingyun's eyes turned red and tears welled up in his eyes. Zhang Huaining felt distressed and quickly reached out to hug Qingyun gently, saying softly, "Don't worry, I will definitely go to see them and take good care of them for you." After hearing this, Qingyun finally felt a little relieved.
Everything was ready. Ning Yuanhou and General Chen would arrive in Huainan City in three days. When they arrived, the imperial edict that would make Nian Qing the King of Huainan would also arrive. And it was time for Su Qingwan to set off for the capital.
The one Su Qingwan was most worried about was Nian Qing. Even though she had made very thorough plans for Nian Qing and had Yun Zhizhou and General Xiao Ning to help her, she was still very nervous.
Nian Qing was still young, and although she had never been a mother, she was now worried about Nian Qing like a worried mother. She was worried that Nian Qing would make mistakes when he was on the march; she was worried that his safety would be difficult to guarantee on the battlefield; she was afraid that he would have to support the palace alone again, and fall into the loneliness of being abandoned again.
Fortunately, Nianqing is so sensible that it makes people feel distressed.
He comforted Su Qingwan and said seriously, "Aunt, don't worry. I am not alone in Huainan. You have always been with me. It's just that you are in the capital and I am in Huainan. I never feel lonely. Aunt, you can live in the capital with peace of mind. Nian Qing will work hard to make Huainan your most solid support."
Su Qingwan's eyes moistened after hearing this. She reached out and touched Nian Qing's head, and said softly, "Okay, aunt has never doubted this. Nian Qing, you must take good care of yourself."
Afterwards, Su Qingwan solemnly bid farewell to Yun Zhizhou, General Xiaoning, and the elders of Huainan one by one.
Unfortunately, she couldn't attend the wedding of General Xiao Ning and Zhang Huaining, and she felt a little regretful. However, like Qingyun, she also carefully prepared a gift to show her feelings.
Although the few short months she spent in Huainan were not long, she still had too many regrets and nostalgia. What she found most difficult to let go of was that she was unable to bring Luzhu, Chenfeng and others back to the capital. All the laughter and joy she had once had turned into deep nostalgia in her heart.
Su Qingwan did not let Nian Qing and Yun Zhizhou see her off. Before dawn, she and Lu Jing quietly left Huainan.
She knew in her heart that after sending you a thousand miles away, they would eventually have to say goodbye. She was afraid that once she turned back and saw the familiar people and scenery, the reluctance in her heart would be like a flood that broke through the dam and could not be controlled.
At noon, the convoy reached the riverside, where everyone took a short break. At this time, the convoy had already left Huainan for a distance. Su Qingwan sat alone by the river, quietly enjoying the cool air, with a somewhat lonely look on her face, and was obviously in a bad mood. Seeing this, Lu Jing walked over. Seeing this, Qingyun understood and quietly left to leave space for the two.
Lu Jing walked up to Su Qingwan and asked softly, "After passing Lianyun City, we will meet the troops of Ning Yuanhou and General Chen. Should we say hello to them?"
Su Qingwan responded calmly with a calm expression, "No, I have already said everything I should tell Nianqing. If you have any special instructions, don't worry about me, just go ahead."
Su Qingwan knew that as the regent, Lu Jing might have many important military and national affairs that he needed to report to Marquis Ningyuan and General Chen in person.
Hearing this, Lu Jing smiled gently and explained, "The military power is now in the hands of the Duke. I never ask about these matters, so naturally there is nothing for me to specifically instruct you on."
He knew in his heart that even if he had some selfish motives, Ningyuan Hou and General Chen and others were extremely loyal to Southwest and Huainan. Now that they knew that Nianqing was the eldest princess's son, they might regard him as a political enemy, and even if he spoke, they might not listen.
Su Qingwan couldn't help but sigh after hearing this: "It seems that your situation is not all smooth sailing!"
Lu Jing raised the corners of his mouth slightly, and said half-jokingly: "I hope Xiaowu can help me in the future so that I can firmly sit on the position of regent."
Su Qingwan was speechless for a moment after hearing this, and she complained in her heart, this is really a bit shameless! So she simply didn't bother to pay attention to him. However, since leaving Huainan City, Lu Jing always seemed to find ways to make her happy. Perhaps he also understood that Su Qingwan was still immersed in the pain brought by this man-made disaster and had not yet completely come out, so he tried his best to make her feel better.
Lu Jing then suggested, "The journey back to the capital is long and must be a bit boring. Why don't I take the carriage with you? I can help you pass the time on the way."
Su Qingwan subconsciously asked after hearing this: "What about Qingyun? Will she ride in the carriage with us?"
Lu Jing replied without hesitation: "Isn't she a Wu maid? Wouldn't it be easier for her to ride a horse?"
Su Qingwan raised her eyebrows slightly after hearing this, thinking to herself, it was amazing that Qingyun could think of making such a long journey by horseback riding. She thought Qingyun would definitely refuse, after all, Qingyun had never had a good impression of Lu Jing. But to her surprise, Qingyun agreed immediately, agreeing to ride the horse himself and let Lu Jing accompany Su Qingwan in the carriage.
Su Qingwan didn't have many ways to entertain herself on weekdays. When she had nothing to do, she would read vernacular novels or play chess with others. But reading was too boring, and the carriage was bumpy on the way. Even if it was on the official road, the road conditions were not perfect. So Lu Jing taught Su Qingwan to play leaf cards. Leaf cards were originally a pastime for noble ladies and girls in Beijing.
Su Qingwan had played with Lu Yunshu before, but her skills were not very good. In people's impression, men rarely play leaf cards, but Lu Jing played very well, and after several rounds, he beat Su Qingwan again and again.
Su Qingwan couldn't help but feel puzzled and asked curiously, "How come you are so good at playing cards? Most men rarely play this."
Lu Jing's expression was gentle as he slowly explained, "There are many women in my family. When my father was alive, he especially liked to play cards with my mother. I watched and heard from her, so I naturally learned a little. On weekdays, I would occasionally play a few games with my sisters. My second sister Lu Yunshu taught you to play, but judging from your skills, I'm afraid you don't play often, and you seem quite unfamiliar with it."
Su Qingwan became more curious after hearing this and asked, "How do you know that my second sister and I have played it? We played cards several times, always in the courtyard, and never outside of Meilan Garden."
Lu Jing was slightly stunned. He wanted to say that Li An was eavesdropping and Lu Zhu always said bad things about him behind his back. Li An told him everything word for word. But when the words came to his lips, he swallowed them back. After all, Lu Zhu was gone now. He was afraid that mentioning these things would make Su Qingwan sad. After hesitating for a moment, Lu Jing coughed lightly and said, "Li An saw it by chance and told me when he came back."
Su Qingwan couldn't help but smile after hearing this. Lu Jing looked at her rare smile and his heart softened slightly. He hadn't seen Su Qingwan smile like this for a long time since the battle in Huainan.
He knew that Su Qingwan was not willing to marry him. If she had a choice, Su Qingwan would not marry him, but she had no choice. He couldn't help but feel that he was forcing her, and he felt sorry for Su Qingwan, and his mood was very complicated.
Su Qingwan said seriously: "Lu Jing, I don't plan to change my appearance when I go to Beijing this time. But have you ever thought about how to explain to everyone why I look exactly like your eldest sister-in-law?"
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