Chapter 109: Sending Away and Waiting for Arrival

The matter concerning Prince Huai was like summer rain—coming and going with the wind.

The emperor no longer mentioned it, nor did the Duke of Chengguo insist on sending soldiers to dispel the evil. This matter seemed as though it had never happened, but everyone knew it was far from over; it was just beginning.

At this moment, Miss Jun could not leave the capital, so the plan to escort Miss Xiao to her master's gravesite had to be postponed.

But Miss Xiao refused.

"You can write down the address and map it for us. We can go ourselves," she said.

Yang Jing and Xia Yong nodded in agreement.

"We can go; it's fine," they said.

"You don't need to worry," Miss Xiao said with a smile. "Actually, if you don't come with us, things will be smoother. They're keeping an eye on you, not on us acting alone."

This was indeed the truth. Now, it wasn't just the Jinyiwei watching her; even the emperor and Huang Cheng were wary of her. If she were to travel, the journey would undoubtedly be fraught with trouble.

But...

"Jiuling..." Miss Xiao placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "The thing is, I don't want to wait anymore. Nobody knows what might happen in the next moment—just like when he said at the time, 'I'll go and come right back,' and then..."

And then, he never returned.

Miss Jun sniffled.

"I don't want to wait anymore. If I say I'm going, it means now. And what you're doing also cannot wait," Miss Xiao said. "We all do what we must, and we don't wait for each other. Isn't it better if everyone accomplishes their goals separately?"

Miss Jun nodded.

"Yes," she said. "I will sketch it out and write it down now. Uncle Yang and Uncle Xia can look at the map, and you'll surely find the place. Take everyone along with you."

Miss Xiao shook her head, smiling again.

"There's no need. Brother Yang can take a few people along with me," she said. "Brother Xia and Niuniu will stay here."

Miss Jun and Xia Yong were momentarily stunned, but Zhao Hanqing showed no reaction.

"You've just said there's still a lot left to do—what we've gained now didn't come easily. We mustn't lose it again," Miss Xiao said. "You should remain here and safeguard what you've finally secured."

As she spoke, she lightly stroked Zhao Hanqing's face.

"Besides, Niuniu's face hasn't fully healed yet. Staying with your elder sister will ensure the treatments aren't delayed. Once it's completely healed, we'll go see…"

She paused briefly, nearly blurting out something unintentional.

Niuniu still didn't know the truth about Zhao Zhiyi's death. She had only been told that there was news and that they were going to that place to search for someone.

"When we meet him again, let him see—he won't even recognize you. It'll surprise him, maybe even embarrass him," she said.

Zhao Hanqing responded with an "Oh" and nodded.

"Embarrassed? Not really, isn't it? Sister said these prescriptions were gotten by Father," she said.

But if not for Jiuling, what would they have amounted to?

Then again, because of Jiuling, she was experiencing and remembering their father's love—even admiration and affection, without resentment.

Bittersweet yet comforting, Miss Xiao sighed inwardly.

"Alright," she said with a smile.

Since Miss Xiao had spoken, everyone stopped opposing the plan. Yang Jing and Xia Yong deliberated on the personnel to bring, Miss Xiao and Zhao Hanqing bid their farewells, while Miss Jun sat down to sketch the map.

It took three days to finish everything.

Unlike how they had arrived, Miss Xiao's departure was silent and discreet. Miss Jun didn't even go to see her off to avoid creating trouble.

"With Uncle Yang's pace, they should reach there in no more than half a month," Miss Jun said to Zhu Zan.

Zhu Zan showed little interest.

"Why would that concern me?" he said. "You should've gone with them."

"Even if I went, I'd still be the heir's wife," Miss Jun said smugly.

Zhu Zan scoffed and was about to retort when Manager Liu hurriedly entered.

"Miss, there's movement from the dynasty," he announced.

Zhu Zan's gaze sharpened while Miss Jun's expression remained composed.

"The court has issued a decree commending De Sheng Chang's charitable acts in the northern lands. It orders the young master to enter the capital for an audience," Manager Liu informed.

Being received by the emperor—that was an honor many dreamt of. Countless officials washed and prepared themselves for the chance, feeling that such recognition, even once in a lifetime, was enough glory—let alone for common folk.

But there was no trace of excitement in Manager Liu's voice, nor on the faces of the people in the room. Everyone's expressions were grave.

Not because of the imperial decree lying on the table in the hall.

"Another trip to the capital—is it no easier this time?" Seventh Chen muttered.

To go or not to go?

"Going or not going has never been for us to decide," Miss Jun said. "What we must choose is whether we dare or not."

Before anyone could speak, Fang Jinxiu suddenly laughed.

"I don't know about others, but Chengyu will dare for sure," she said.

........

.......

The rhythmic sound of footsteps echoed through the sprawling residence of the Yangcheng Fang Family.

The Fang Family estate, much like other wealthy and influential merchant households in Shanxi, was structured with layered tiers that created an intricate landscape. Courtyards doubled as rooftops.

A dazzling robe of embroidered silks flowed like vibrant clouds as the youth ran, weaving amidst bustling servants and maids.

"Young master, slow down!"

The maids called out melodiously.

The young man replied enthusiastically and leaped up stairs three steps at a time, then down again, eliciting giggles and playful scolding.

Amid these reactions, the young man sped all the way to Old Lady Fang's dwelling without a moment's break. The maids pulled back the curtains, laughing, as Fang Chengyu bounded inside.

His sudden entrance, akin to a sandbag being thrown in, interrupted the conversation within the room.

Fang Yunxiao shook her head, Fang Yuxiu concealed her amusement, and Lady Fang frowned.

"Grandmother, Mother, I'm all set," Fang Chengyu declared before they had a chance to speak.

His face beamed with excitement, his brows dancing, and the joy and anticipation in his eyes were radiant.

"I'll be setting off for the capital soon," he said.

This exuberance, clearly, was not due to the prospect of meeting the emperor.

Lady Fang shook her head.

"Chengyu, we've already discussed it earlier. You'll stay home, and I'll accompany your grandmother to the capital," she said.

Fang Chengyu immediately rushed forward and grabbed Lady Fang's arm.

"No, Mother! I'm the man of the family—how can I let you go instead?" he protested.

Lady Fang let out a scoff.

"What, do you look down on us women?" she retorted.

Fang Chengyu laughed.

"Mother, you know that's not what I mean," he said. "The journey's long, and Grandmother is advanced in years. I'm young and strong and the sole male in the family—it has to be me who goes."

"Exactly because you're the only male in the family, you must not go," Old Lady Fang interjected gravely. "Chengyu, you know full well that this commendation, this summoning—its intention is far from benevolent. We must be cautious."

Fang Chengyu's smile faded. He turned to look at Old Lady Fang.

"Grandmother, that's precisely why only I can go. You absolutely cannot," he said firmly.

What kind of reasoning was this?

Everyone in the room gazed at him.

"Grandmother, you once said that the Fang Family's secret must only be known by one person. It's only when you're no longer here that you can pass it on to me," Fang Chengyu said. "What we must guard against is letting this secret become an eternal secret."