"I won't be able to stay long. Things are unsettled in Nanchang, and I'll be heading back soon," Luo Wanqing said.
"When are you leaving? I'll see you off," Qi Zhenzhen replied.
"Your belly is getting bigger. You should stay put in the manor. It's a shame; I'd hoped to wait until after you gave birth before leaving. Before I go, I'll leave you some medicine for emergencies. I've chosen a skilled physician from my Hundred Herbs Hall. I've explained potential issues to her, and she'll look after you, which will put my mind at ease. However, her face is a bit frightening. Although she usually wears a veil, there might be times when her face is revealed. Don't be startled then, and don't let anyone in your manor speak rudely to her because of it," Luo Wanqing said.
"Frightening?"
"She had an accident, and half her face was burned away," Luo Wanqing said casually. "Don't pry when the time comes. If she answers, it's like reopening her wound. If she doesn't, it's disrespectful to you."
"Alright, I've noted it," Qi Zhenzhen nodded.
As they spoke, the carriage stopped.
Luo Wanqing was the first to alight, reaching out to help Qi Zhenzhen. "I need to see Gu Sinian about something. Lu Heng has a message for him."
"He's off duty today. He should be in his study right now. Erxi, quickly go and inform him," Qi Zhenzhen instructed.
"No need to rush. It's not urgent," Luo Wanqing said.
"After you're done, don't leave right away. You'll be gone soon, and I don't know when you'll be back. Let's talk more," Qi Zhenzhen said.
"Alright."
Erxi soon returned. "Crown Princess, I'll escort you to the study."
"I specifically brought your wife back, and not even a cup of tea?" Luo Wanqing raised an eyebrow. "You, the esteemed heir, are quite stingy."
"Are you here for tea?" Gu Sinian asked expressionlessly.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, so boring. I don't know how Zhenzhen tolerates you," Luo Wanqing pouted.
"You are not Zhenzhen, so how would you know what it takes to face me?" Gu Sinian, though not talkative, was always sharp-tongued.
Luo Wanqing tossed the sealed letter to Gu Sinian. "Look for yourself. I'm going to find your wife for tea."
"You drink it yourself. She's pregnant and shouldn't drink tea," Gu Sinian said.
"Do I need you to tell me? I'm a physician, don't I know?" Luo Wanqing left without looking back.
Gu Sinian opened the letter and his brow furrowed as he read. It was a tricky matter.
He put down the letter and paced. After a moment, he pocketed the letter and told the servant waiting outside to deliver a message to the inner courtyard. He had to go to the palace and didn't know when he would return, so Qi Zhenzhen shouldn't wait for him.
"Why the sudden trip to the palace?" Qi Zhenzhen asked, puzzled.
"Perhaps Lu Heng's secret letter mentioned something Gu Sinian can't handle," Luo Wanqing said.
"Is everything really alright in Nanchang?" Qi Zhenzhen asked, as the struggle for the throne was always fierce, regardless of the dynasty. Nanchang had many princes, and Lu Heng, as the Crown Prince, was constantly eyed by his numerous brothers.
"In that position, some things are unavoidable," Luo Wanqing said calmly. "If we don't want to do something, others will force us to, so sometimes one must be ruthless."
Qi Zhenzhen looked worried. "Will you be in danger when you go back this time?"
"Don't worry. Do I not have the ability to protect myself? Besides, can Lu Heng not even protect his own woman?" Luo Wanqing said with a smile.