CHAPTER 303: CHAPTER 303: QUICK-WITTED AND THICK-SKINNED

"Do you think you can just leave whenever you want?" Meng Yao gave Zhao Ting a sidelong glance.

Zhao Ting nodded, "As long as you say the word, we can set off immediately."

"Why don’t you go first?" Meng Yao teased.

She wanted to go to the fief, but there were too many people to inform before leaving.

At the Duke Qi Mansion, she had to speak to Duke Qi, Qi Yunye, and the two from Dajiang, right? And she had to explain the movements of the three members of the Song Family to Song Xiu’er. Sending them to the quarry was for them to feel the hardships of the world, and also to intimidate them a bit. Neither she nor Song Xiu’er were people they could easily manipulate anymore.

As for how much they could be intimidated, that depended on how clever the three from the Song Family were.

If they’re smart, they’d know not to provoke.

If they’re not, it wouldn’t be quiet for a while.

So, Meng Yao not only had to tell Song Xiu’er about this, but she also had to mention it to Qi Yunye, asking him to look after things since she wouldn’t be in the Capital City.

Also, she couldn’t leave without saying goodbye to close friends.

After making rounds of goodbyes, it took three days.

Duke Qi was reluctant, having just reunited, and now parting again.

It wasn’t until Meng Yao promised to come back for the New Year that Duke Qi was happy.

As for Qi Yunye, eager and itching to tag along to Le’an, he was scolded by Duke Qi and didn’t dare speak up again.

Du Ruyi had the same reaction as Qi Yunye.

But unfortunately, she was directly stopped by Lady Du.

The reason was simple, Lady Du was busy arranging a marriage for Du Ruyi. If she left, how could the arrangements continue?

Noble Consort An learned from Emperor Jing that Meng Yao was leaving the Capital City, so she specifically summoned Meng Yao to the palace.

"Sister Meng, I really envy you," Noble Consort An said with a slightly melancholic expression, lacking her usual exuberance.

Meng Yao couldn’t respond to this, as women in the deep palace hardly had any chance to leave the Capital City.

So, Meng Yao couldn’t say, "Don’t envy me, you can also go out."

"I promised my grandfather to come back for the New Year. At that time, I’ll bring some specialties from Le’an for you," Meng Yao said.

"Great, then I’ll be waiting for Sister Meng’s specialties. Not only from Le’an but also from other places. If Sister Meng encounters anything fun on the way, don’t forget to bring me a share," Noble Consort An said with a smile.

"Okay," Meng Yao agreed.

"I never thought General Zhao would follow Sister Meng so resolutely. His Majesty was very upset about this decision. Among all the civil and military officials, only General Zhao dared to do so," Noble Consort An said, smiling as she returned to her usual demeanor.

If Zhao Ting were young, Meng Yao could say that youthful recklessness was natural.

But he wasn’t young anymore.

Meng Yao sighed, "To be honest, I didn’t expect it either, just like you."

Meng Yao was speaking truthfully.

"So, I don’t just envy Sister Meng for following her heart to Le’an. I envy the sincere devotion General Zhao has for Sister Meng," Noble Consort An said.

How many people in this world would abandon their career for a woman?

Meng Yao remained silent.

Noble Consort An was the most favored woman in the harem, some say even the highest-ranking woman in all of Zhou Country.

But these were just the appearances seen by outsiders.

What it was really like inside, only those involved would know.

After all, it’s like knowing whether a shoe fits — only you can tell, others can’t experience it.

"Sister Meng, have a safe journey," Noble Consort An said, "I’ll be waiting for your return in the Capital City."

"Take care, Your Highness."

The one most reluctant for Meng Yao to leave was Zhao Xiaohua. The little girl, with teary eyes, held onto Meng Yao’s hand tightly.

"It’s not like you won’t see me again; I’ll be back for the New Year," Meng Yao comforted her. "Be good, next time I go out, I’ll definitely take you with me."

This time, she outwardly aimed to visit Le’an, but in reality, she intended to make a trip to Gelle.

After all, the information given by Duke Qi suggested that the deaths of her birth parents were closely tied to the power struggle in Gelle.

Taking Zhao Xiaohua along was inconvenient.

"Mother, you better keep your word about taking me with you the next time," Zhao Xiaohua choked up as she spoke.

"When have I ever not kept my promises with you?" Meng Yao wiped Zhao Xiaohua’s tears. "But you shouldn’t be lazy just because I’m not here. Make sure to study the medical cases I’ve left for you well. I’ve spoken with Ah Xing; the two of you should keep each other in check. At the Medical School, help me keep an eye on things while I’m gone."

Thinking about the thick pile of medical cases, Zhao Xiaohua found herself too distracted to feel sad.

"Keep a lookout for your older brothers and sisters-in-law too, especially your eldest sister-in-law. You’re so attentive and reliable; you’re the most dependable in our family," Meng Yao instructed.

Hearing Meng Yao say this, Zhao Xiaohua felt a little proud.

Mother has entrusted her with the household, which was a huge show of trust, and she had to live up to it.

"Mother, you can go without worries. With me at home, there’s nothing to worry about," Zhao Xiaohua felt a surge of heroism rise within her.

"I’ll bring back specialties for you," Meng Yao said.

Zhao Xiaohua happily agreed, then turned to Zhao Ting and sternly said, "Dad, while you’re out, you must take good care of my mom, don’t let her get cold, or hot, or tired. Also, make sure to protect her well. Even though my mom is amazing, it’s still your responsibility!"

Zhao Ting hurriedly nodded, "Rest assured, I know how to take good care of people."

"Taking care isn’t just about daily needs, but also emotionally," Zhao Xiaohua spoke with the air of someone who understood well. "In short, Dad, your journey will be long, and your duties heavy!"

"Rest assured," Zhao Ting patted his chest, "I’ll definitely do everything to keep your mom satisfied."

"Mom, while you’re out, don’t feel embarrassed. Use Dad as you wish. He’s there for you to use," Zhao Xiaohua added, "Just don’t let him stay idle."

If mother becomes adept at using him on the journey, perhaps she’ll accept father again?

After all, Zhao Xiaohua firmly believed that her mother had feelings for her father, but accumulated too much resentment over the years.

Zhao Xiaohua winked at Zhao Ting, and Zhao Ting, understanding her intent, felt grateful.

He mused, they say daughters are little snug cotton-padded jackets, and it’s true.

That brat Zhao Dahe never went out of his way to help him like this. As for Zhao Dajiang, it was unclear whom he took after, but Zhao Ting had known him as neither naive nor simple. The Qi Family was full of clever people.

When Ah Yao said she wanted to go to Le’an, that simpleton Zhao Dajiang just replied, "Whatever mother wants to do."

His wife looked reluctant, but also said she supported whatever decision Ah Yao made.

The two didn’t consider his situation at all!

Luckily, he reacted quickly and had a thick enough skin!