Chapter 257

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Yue Yi did not deliberately conceal his whereabouts, but openly protected Qianqian, also to facilitate contact with the hidden guards.

"Xiao Zhuzhu, everything has been prepared properly; we can set out at any time," Yue Yi said respectfully.

Qianqian nodded slightly, and as her gaze shifted she suddenly asked, "What about Wangchen?"

Yue Yi hurriedly replied, "Reporting to Xiao Zhuzhu, Wangchen is also among the hidden guards. His lightness skill is extremely remarkable; if a truly dangerous situation arises and a fight breaks out, with his skill he can completely escape on his own."

Qianqian's fine brows furrowed slightly; after pondering for a moment she instructed, "Go tell him that if a fight truly starts, the primary task is to protect his own safety, watch for the right moment and flee quickly. It was hard enough to pull him back from the gates of hell; we must ensure he lives safely."

Yue Yi nodded in tacit understanding and answered, "Subordinate understands; Xiao Zhuzhu please rest assured." Having said that, he turned and left to convey Qianqian's order.

Not long after, everyone had finished packing and made ready for travel. One could see ten magnificent carriages lined up in a row on the broad street before the mansion, a rather spectacular sight. Inside one of the carriages sat precisely Qianqian, Shangguan Xingyan, and Shangguan Xingyu, the three of them;

another two carriages respectively carried Mantou, Xiao Huang, and the rest of the servants and luggage; while the remaining seven carriages were without exception filled to the brim with generous dowry. One must know the person marrying this time is the Eldest Princess of a nation, and moreover the betrothal gifts Yan Si sent were truly considerable in quantity,

therefore not only did the Empress meticulously prepare a generous dowry, but Shangguan Peilin also did not stint in selecting many rare treasures from the Shangguan family's private treasury as precious dowry for his beloved daughter Shangguan Xingyu.

However, regrettably, due to the urgency of time the three had to depart ahead of schedule. Shangguan Pei needed to attend court on time to handle state affairs and could not personally come to see them off.

But even so, the Empress who deeply loved her daughter still did not spare herself the trouble; she specially rose early to dress up and changed into a set of convenient attire, hurrying to the palace where Shangguan Xingyu resided.

At this time, Shangguan Xingyu and her attendants had already finished organizing their luggage and were sitting properly in the magnificent carriage, awaiting the moment of departure.

The Empress stepped forward quickly and called softly, "Yu'er!" Shangguan Xingyu heard the voice and looked over, hurriedly rising to salute, her eyes full of reluctance and gratitude.

The Empress smiled and said, "This palace truly cannot set her mind at ease, wanting to personally see you off. Although I cannot escort you all the way to Dachang Kingdom, before departure there are still a few heartfelt words I must entrust to you."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Xingyu hurriedly nodded in assent and swiftly instructed Xiao Huang beside her to go prepare another carriage so the Empress could ride it when she returned.

Before long, a brand-new carriage was ready and stopped before everyone. Thus the Empress, Shangguan Xingyu, and Shangguan Xingyan together boarded this spacious and comfortable carriage.

Meanwhile, Qianqian at the side walked gracefully to the carriage and said gently, "I suddenly feel an itch in my hands and want to go ride a horse freely for a while. You all chat first!"

Having spoken, she smiled faintly, turned and mounted the horse, whipped it and galloped away. The other three people present naturally understood in their hearts that Qianqian's action was intentional; she knew that staying in the carriage at this moment might be inconvenient, so she chose to leave on her own initiative to create a relatively private environment for the Empress and Shangguan Xingyu to converse.

Actually, the Empress originally only wanted to give Shangguan Xingyu a few simple admonitions; she had not thought at all of avoiding Qianqian to secretly say something. However, Qianqian's such understanding and reasonable action instead made every person present feel all the more comfortable and at ease.

At this moment, the three sat together in the spacious and comfortable carriage. The Empress did not exchange polite pleasantries with them as usual; one saw her hesitate slightly, then with gentle movements she slowly took out an exquisite silver money bag from her bosom.

That money bag, under the sunlight streaming through the carriage window, shimmered with a faint silver light, appearing exceptionally eye-catching.

The Empress handed the silver money bag in her hand to Shangguan Xingyu, her eyes full of kindness and concern, and said softly, "Yu'er, the dowry prepared for you earlier is naturally the important property for you to marry into your husband's family, but this bit of small money is what Mother Consort specially set aside as your private savings. You must keep it well; unless it reaches a moment of utter desperation, you must absolutely not use it lightly."

Pausing slightly, the Empress continued, "That child Yan Si is indeed an outstanding good child; this Mother Consort knows in her heart better than anyone. But worldly affairs are unpredictable; everything may have variables and accidents.

If one day he does not treat you well enough, causing you to feel deeply wronged, and even in this vast Dachang Kingdom you cannot find anyone to rely on, no one cares about your feelings, then the money in this bag is sufficient to support you returning smoothly to Dongying. Father Emperor and Mother Consort here will forever be your home.

Of course, Mother Consort sincerely hopes such a situation will never appear, only wishing you two can always love each other deeply and live harmoniously. So even if this sum of money is never used, that would be best of all!"

Shangguan Xingyu, deeply moved, received it and carefully tucked it into her bosom. At this time the Empress gently continued, "Child, Mother Consort as the Empress of a nation bears many responsibilities and affairs; this Dachang land's journey is truly too distant, Mother Consort truly cannot personally send you to Dachang. But Mother Consort will always keep you in her thoughts. Today, Mother Consort will see you off to the city gate."

Shangguan Xingyu held back her tears, nodded obediently, and replied softly, "Many thanks Mother Consort; your daughter will certainly take good care of herself; please you and Father Emperor take care of your health."

The Empress gently stroked Shangguan Xingyu's hair, her eyes full of reluctance and care: "Your Elder Brother will go to Dachang to visit you every so often, so if you have any grievances or difficulties, just tell him.

Ordinarily, remember to write us letters more often so we know your situation. If you miss us, bring Yan Si back to stay for a few days. Also, Mother Consort has already discussed with your Father Emperor; this time we will no longer bestow a Princess Mansion on you.

When you return, you will still reside in the Qin Gong that originally belonged to you; this way we can also meet often and keep watch over you at any time."

Hearing this, Shangguan Xingyu's nose suddenly soured, her eye rims instantly moistening. She bit her lip tightly, striving not to cry out, only nodding repeatedly to show she understood.

And at this moment the Empress was likewise emotionally stirred, her eye rims gradually reddening, her voice also slightly trembling. Mother and daughter both dared not look directly into each other's eyes, because they deeply knew that once their gazes met, those surging emotions could no longer be suppressed, and they would likely embrace and weep on the spot.