Chapter 394 Mo Song (2400 words)
When Xiao Mo returned to the Frost King's Mansion, it was already evening.
The setting sun casts its light upon the entire world.
At the entrance of the Frost King's Mansion, a man who had changed out of his armor and was dressed in plain clothes sat on the steps carrying a wine jar.
Unlike men on the battlefield, who are covered in blood and gore.
After changing into ordinary clothes, the man looked like an ordinary wealthy man or a common martial artist.
"You're back."
Upon seeing Xiao Mo, Xiao Shi tilted his head back, took a sip of wine, and smiled.
"Father," Xiao Mo bowed respectfully, then asked, "Why is Father sitting by the door?"
"Of course I've been waiting for you," Xiao Shi said with a smile. "Are you free? How about we take a walk together?"
“Since Father has invited me, of course I can.” Xiao Mo nodded.
"Let's go then." Xiao Shi put down the wine jar, stood up, dusted himself off, and walked into the mansion.
Xiao Mo followed beside Xiao Shi.
The two chatted casually about things on the battlefield and exchanged some views.
Xiao Shi also asked what His Majesty had said to Xiao Mo, and Xiao Mo answered truthfully, saying there was nothing to hide.
After listening to his son's conversation with His Majesty, Xiao Shi fell into a brief silence, but did not say anything more.
As the two walked, Xiao Mo realized that they were getting closer and closer to his mother's courtyard.
Xiao Mo glanced at his father beside him and realized that his father did not seem to want to leave.
Half an incense stick later, Xiao Mo and Xiao Shi arrived at Zhou Ruoxi's courtyard.
Although Zhou Ruoxi is now the matriarch of the Xiao family, she still lives in this ordinary little courtyard.
Many of the collateral branches advised Zhou Ruoxi to move into the main courtyard of the Xiao family mansion, saying that this small courtyard was not worthy of Zhou Ruoxi's status.
Zhou Ruoxi just smiled faintly and said that she was already used to it.
When Zhou Ruoxi saw her child return, a look of joy flashed in her eyes.
However, when Zhou Ruoxi saw the man next to Mo'er, she was startled and quickly called out to Cui Cui in the kitchen.
Zhou Ruoxi stepped forward and bowed, saying, "This concubine greets Your Highness."
Cui Cui quickly stood behind and bowed, saying, "This servant greets Your Highness."
"There are no outsiders here, so there's no need for such formalities," Xiao Shi said with a smile. "Xiao Mo and I were just strolling around the manor when we unknowingly ended up here. I hope we didn't disturb you?"
Xiao Mo was speechless for a moment.
He clearly led the way here on purpose.
Thinking of this, Xiao Mo raised his head and glanced at his father.
She wondered if her father was embarrassed to come to her mother's courtyard, so he just happened to bring her along to ease the awkwardness.
"Of course not, Your Highness, please have a seat." Zhou Ruoxi invited Xiao Shi into the courtyard and said, "Your Highness, please wait a moment, I will go and make you some tea."
"No need." Xiao Shi shook his head, glanced at the kitchen, and smelled the aroma of food wafting from it. "Are you having dinner? Do you usually cook for yourselves? Why don't you leave it to the servants?"
"I haven't had much to do on weekdays, so I've been cooking with Cuicui. I've gotten used to it over the years," Zhou Ruoxi replied. "It's already evening. If Your Highness doesn't mind, would you like to stay for dinner?"
"Since Ruoxi has put it that way, then I shall respectfully comply," Xiao Shi said with a smile.
Zhou Ruoxi was stunned for a moment.
She had only asked out of politeness, but she hadn't expected the prince to agree so readily.
"Your Highness, please wait a moment, the food will be ready soon." Coming back to her senses, Zhou Ruoxi bowed again and quickly pulled Cuicui into the kitchen.
As Zhou Ruoxi cooked, Xiao Shi stood up and slowly walked around the small courtyard, his gaze revealing calmness and gentleness.
The meal was ready quickly.
The family was having dinner in the courtyard.
This was the first time Xiao Mo had ever had dinner with his family of three like this, and he felt rather unaccustomed to it.
Xiao Mo asked Cuicui to sit down and eat with him, but Cuicui kept shaking her head and refused.
Finally, Xiao Shi told her to sit down and eat with him, and Cui Cui nervously sat down in the chair and ate her food in small bites.
After dinner, Xiao Mo noticed that his father seemed to want to say something to his mother, so he made an excuse and went out with Cuicui.
After Xiao Mo and Cuicui left, only Xiao Shi and Zhou Ruoxi remained in the courtyard.
Zhou Ruoxi looked somewhat restrained.
After all, Xiao Shi had spent very little time with Xia Qingke, let alone with Zhou Ruoxi.
Now that they are alone together, they naturally feel a little uncomfortable.
"You've worked hard these past few days," Xiao Shi said slowly. "I know there's a lot going on in the Xiao family, not to mention the trivial matters of the collateral branches, all of which require your attention."
"No matter how hard I work, it's not as hard as Your Highness's work." Zhou Ruoxi smiled and shook her head. "Besides, these are all things I should do. However, since becoming the mistress of the Xiao family, I've come to understand how difficult it was for the First Madam."
“You’ve all had it tough,” Xiao Shi sighed. “If it weren’t for you, with me constantly on the battlefield, I don’t know what kind of chaos would have ensued at home.”
Zhou Ruoxi turned her head, blinking as she looked at Xiao Shi, and asked, "Your Highness, is there something you wish to tell me today?"
"It's not really anything serious, it's just that people only see things clearly after a certain period of time."
Xiao Shi took a sip of tea and exhaled deeply.
"The other concubines married me because of my power and wealth, and I also gave them power and wealth, helped their fathers rise to prominence, and made them rich and powerful, with no worries about food and clothing."
But it's only you and barley that make me truly feel guilty.
Qingke was the only daughter of the former Prime Minister Xia. She gave up the position of imperial concubine and insisted on marrying me. As a result, I might not be able to see Qingke even once every two or three years.
You were originally the daughter of a city lord, and could have married a man of equal social standing. But in the end, I snatched you away to be my concubine, and you spend your days in this courtyard.
You are different, yet very similar.
You have never cared about wealth, fame, or power; you only want to live a peaceful life.
But that's precisely what I can't give you.
"Your Highness is too kind."
Zhou Ruoxi shook her head, clutching the hem of her dress.
“I was given to the prince by my father, so it can’t be said that the prince took me from him.”
Since arriving at the Xiao residence, although I am a concubine, I have never been mistreated, and I am already very content.
Most importantly
Zhou Ruoxi raised her head and looked out of the courtyard: "Since I had Mo'er, I have never felt lonely."
"Sigh, it's precisely because you and Qingke both have these kinds of personalities that I'm even more at a loss."
Xiao Shi sighed again, finished his tea, and stood up.
"Ruoxi, I'm leaving."
I never said goodbye to you when I left before.
This visit to your yard is both to have a chat and to say goodbye for the last time.
"Is the Prince about to go to war?" Zhou Ruoxi asked, standing up.
Xiao Shi shook his head: "It's not an expedition, but I'm going back to the Northern Wilderness in a few days. Xiao Mo will also be going back to the Northern Wilderness this time, but don't worry, Xiao Mo will be back soon."
"When will the prince return?"
Zhou Ruoxi asked.
In the past, Zhou Ruoxi would not have asked this question.
But for some reason, Zhou Ruoxi felt a vague and inexplicable worry.
Hearing his wife's question, he did not answer, but simply bent down and bowed deeply to her with a smile.
Watching her husband bow, Zhou Ruoxi's eyes flickered, lost in thought.
This was the final farewell ceremony between a man from the Qin state and his wife when he left home.
Very common.
But this is the first time.
"Don't send it."
Xiao Shi straightened up, turned around and left.
Zhou Ruoxi realized what was happening and took a step forward with her small feet in embroidered shoes, but Xiao Shi had already walked far away.
(End of this chapter)
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