Chapter 1462: Return
Editor: Henyee Translations
Qiao Xuan felt a sense of melancholy wash over her.
Shao Yunduan tenderly embraced her and gently patted her back to offer fort. “Princess Shuangfu is already doing quite well. Perhaps leaving the palace is a blessing in disguise for someone as unloved as her.”
Qiao Xuan began to feel a glimmer of relief and managed to force a smile. “You might be right. Prince Nuo Nuo seems to treat her well, but she’s e to a distant land for marriage. We can’t be certain when we’ll meet again, so she will undoubtedly feel a bit sad.”
Shao Yunduan replied, “Perhaps only for a while.”
Qiao Xuan burst into laughter, a warmth spreading through her heart.
The following day, as everyone prepared for their departure, Qiao Xuan, Qiao Wei, and the others went to bid farewell to Princess Shuangfu. Since they had already conveyed their goodbyes the previous day, they didn’t avoid Qiao Wei today.
Yet, Qiao Wei couldn’t hide her dissatisfaction. Despite the knowledge that she and Qiao Xuan were not on good terms and that Qiao Xuan was the favored wife of Lord Shao, the Crown Prince’s favorite, while she was just the daughter of the County Magistrate, she still couldn’t help feeling envious. If she had to choose between the two, Princess Shuangfu would undoubtedly favor Qiao Xuan. This feeling of being powerless and easily bullied weighed heavily on her.
Qiao Wei’s irritation was palpable, and she cast hostile glances at Qiao Xuan from time to time. Qiao Xuan, however, wasn’t in the mood to engage with her.
Qiao Wei, feeling ignored, grew even more infuriated.
Princess Shuangfu, unable to bear the tension, decided to escort her away.
Qiao Wei nearly lost her temper, but she didn’t dare to…
Yet, Qiao Xuan had her share of blame in this situation, and she longed to return home to make Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan taste the bitterness of her wrath.
That night, Qingdi organized a grand bonfire party to bid them farewell. Knowing they had an early departure the next morning, Shao Yunduan kept the festivities subdued.
The following morning, Prince Nuo Nuo led his men in escorting everyone out of the capital. Princess Shuangfu did not make another appearance.
After bidding their farewells just outside the city, the group officially embarked on their journey.
Qiao Xuan gazed up at the clear blue sky, the wind and sun on her face. She sighed and silently bestowed her blessings upon Princess Shuangfu.
The path homeward held a promise of joy. As they began their journey, the initial sadness of parting dissipated, and excitement filled their hearts.
“It’s finally time to head home!”
“That’s right. I’ve missed home so much. I’ve even dreamt about Beijing a few times.”
“Me too!”
“We can pick up the pace on the way back and aim to reach home as quickly as possible!”
“Yes!”
The group was in high spirits, covering nearly 200 miles before setting up camp for the night.
During the evening, Shao Yunduan gathered Sun Bai, Sun Qian, Ah-Ye, Mianmian, and Lixia alongside Qiao Xuan. He spoke with a serious tone, “With Princess and Prince Nuo Nuo no longer with us, I have my suspicions. I believe there may be some ill-intentioned individuals within our group. Besides all of you, I’m not certain whom I can trust.”
“In such an environment, any mischief could lead to catastrophe. Please remain vigilant and attentive. If you notice anything amiss, report it immediately. There can be no delays.”
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