Zhao Jiaqi, hurrying on her way, sneezed violently. She rubbed her itchy nose and grumbled to herself, wondering who was thinking of her!
Another two sneezes, and it was almost certain someone was scolding her!
A fire fox cloak was draped over her shoulders, and he asked with concern, "Are you catching a cold? Should I send for a doctor!"
Traveling in the dead of winter, even a warm carriage had its drafts. His wife was frail and couldn't bear the cold!
"I'm not catching a cold, my nose is just itchy, I sneezed twice. Don't worry, I'm fine!"
She stopped Fan Zehao, not wanting to send for a doctor over such a minor matter, which would make her seem weak, as if she could be blown away by a gust of wind!
In reality, she was as strong as a bull, just not carrying much flesh!
Fan Zehao felt her forehead. No fever, her face wasn't hot, these weren't symptoms of a cold, but he couldn't be careless. He instructed Su Ya, "When it's time to eat, simmer a few more pots of ginger water and distribute them. It's too cold, don't let them get chilled!"
Fan Xudong, riding his horse, heard his elder brother's instructions and shook his head. These were all selected elite soldiers, capable of moving freely even in worse weather!
They were just accompanying them this time, with plenty of warm food and clothing, so they couldn't catch a cold!
His elder brother was now showing affection for his wife's sake, but drinking some ginger water wouldn't hurt; it would ward off the cold!
That evening, they set up camp outside the city.
Ten thousand soldiers, truly a magnificent sight!
To ensure everything was foolproof, Zong Han dispatched General Wu Yi to escort the former Emperor and Empress of Yun Country.
The city gates opened, and Wu Yi, riding the swift Red Hare and holding a cold spear, followed by a few men, galloped towards the encampment!
"Your humble servant Wu Yi, on the Emperor's orders, has come to escort the former Emperor and Empress into the city!"
He said this from atop his warhorse, with clasped hands, to the soldiers who had intercepted him!
Wu Yi was a renowned general in Zongsheng Country. The soldiers dared not be negligent and replied, "General Wu, please wait a moment. This subordinate will report immediately!"
In the tent, the soldier relayed Wu Yi's words verbatim!
Fan Zehao and Zhao Jiaqi were very familiar with this man. He had married their Yun Country princess, only to mistreat her afterward. Because of this, she had once had a very unpleasant encounter with Wu Yi!
Wu Yi had even nearly died at Fan Zehao's hands. If Zong Han hadn't intervened to protect him, his grave would have been overgrown by now!
Fan Zehao waved his hand at the soldier and, after a moment of contemplation, decided it was too late to disturb the city's residents.
He called for Fan Lao Er, "Go tell Wu Yi that it's too late, so I won't enter the city tonight. I'll depart for the Imperial Capital early tomorrow morning, and ask him to escort me then!"
"I'll go tell him right away!"
Fan Xudong went out, and Zhao Jiaqi sighed softly, "I wonder how the princess is doing. Since we're here, let's bring the princess along. It's been quite some years since I've heard from her!"
"A country that is not strong, using marriage alliances to connect with others, is truly foolish. How can one woman bear the ambitions of an entire nation!"
Fan Zehao, deeply influenced by Zhao Jiaqi, scoffed at marriage alliances!
To call it a marriage alliance was more like showing weakness, something Fan Zehao understood all too well. It seemed that in the future, he would have to issue another imperial decree upon returning to Yun Country.
Yun Country shall not engage in marriage alliances!
This included men!
Having made up his mind, he kept the matter to himself.
The next morning, after washing up and having breakfast, the couple set off again. This time, Wu Yi rode his horse directly to the imperial carriage.
"Your humble servant Wu Yi, pays respects to the former Emperor!"
Wu Yi, afraid Fan Zehao wouldn't hear him, spoke loudly. He knew clearly that although he was a former Emperor of a country, he was magnanimous.
In truth, he was the most petty-minded, narrow as the eye of a needle!
Inside the carriage, Fan Zehao's lips curved into a smile, and he said faintly, "You've worked hard, General Wu. Please lead the way!"
This general was extremely arrogant and looked down on everyone in Zongsheng Country. Only Zong Han could control him, but while he had his flaws, he was quite accomplished in warfare!
Zhao Jiaqi gently lifted the carriage curtain, glanced at Wu Yi sitting on his horse, ramrod straight, then lowered it again, and murmured, "He's a ruthless man. He hurt Princess Wanrong quite badly back then!"
The memory of Princess Wanrong being so terribly injured on the boat still gave her lingering fear. That scene had become an unforgettable memory of her life!
Because it was the first time she had witnessed domestic violence up close!
Fan Zehao gently patted the small hand of the woman beside him a few times, comforting her, "Princess Rong is now Zong Han's sworn sister, and she is also a princess of a country. Although life won't be easy in Yun Country, it won't be too difficult either!"
No matter how good things were outside, they couldn't compare to being comfortable at home!
She clasped his hand in return, "Husband, if Princess Rong wishes to return to Yun Country, perhaps you could speak to Xiao Ba and let her come back?"
"Of course, as long as Princess Rong wishes to return, I agree!"
Fan Zehao agreed without hesitation. Whether Princess Wanrong returned or not was entirely up to her, not them!
With Wu Yi leading the way, the journey was very peaceful. Wherever they went, the city gates were opened in advance, allowing them to pass unhindered.
The next day, their imperial carriage arrived at the foot of the imperial city of Zongsheng Country, the Imperial Capital!
Having received the news, Zong Han, along with the Empress Ren Yingjun, awaited them on the city wall. Seeing the imperial carriage halt,
Zong Han and Junjun hurried forward, personally welcoming the couple!
"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, you must be tired from your long journey!"
As soon as Fan Zehao and Zhao Jiaqi appeared, Zong Han spoke these words of address, using such a respectful term!
Fan Zehao playfully thumped his chest a few times, smiled, and turned to help Zhao Jiaqi alight. As they stood firm, Junjun lifted her skirt and bowed to them, "Daughter greets Father and Mother. Daughter is unfilial, causing Father and Mother to worry."
Zhao Jiaqi sighed softly and bent down to help her up from the ground, "Even if you were eighty years old, if anything happened, a mother would still worry."
Junjun, with tears in her eyes, nodded repeatedly. She understood that in the eyes of parents, no matter how old their children were, they were always their treasures!
Outside the city, Fan Xudong led his troops to camp in the suburbs. Fan Zehao only led a small contingent into the capital.
Ahead, Fan Zehao walked in the front, with Zong Han stepping aside. They walked and chatted, while Junjun supported Zhao Jiaqi from behind, mother and daughter sharing intimate words.
Behind them followed civil and military officials, and on both sides of the road were the common people, all cheering and welcoming them on their visit to relatives!
The Imperial Palace!
Ankang Palace!
Junjun pointed to the grand palace and smiled, "Mother, this is the palace I've prepared for you and Father. My palace is the closest, so if you want to visit Mother, it won't take long to get here, very convenient!"
Zhao Jiaqi nodded gently, tilting her head to see the characters hanging on the red lacquered gate. She said, "No matter how grand a palace is, one still lives in one room!"
She disliked the oppressive life in the imperial palace the most. What was the difference between this palace and a luxurious birdcage?
Perhaps living in this palace for a lifetime, you might not even walk through every corner of it. It was more comfortable to live freely!
Junjun felt the same way, but her heart belonged to Zong Han. Wherever he was, that was home!