If this were truly the case, it would be a great virtue for Zhongzhou and for any place that might be harmed by locusts in the future.
Xu Mingyue took the book and was about to return to study it. Before leaving, she also warned Feng Jinyao not to overthink things, emphasizing that nurturing the fetus was most important at this time.
Feng Jinyao took the fan from Yunxu's hand and fanned herself, saying as she fanned.
"When will there be no more sickness or disaster in the Great Jin territory."
"Even people who eat grains have three disasters and illnesses, let alone the heavens? Your Highness, please relax. These matters are for His Highness and the others to arrange."
Feng Jinyao thought that was reasonable. Even if she wanted to help now, she couldn't, so not causing trouble was the best she could do.
"If this method of Second Sister-in-law's is useful, it will certainly require many large pots and sesame oil. Go to Uncle Lin to get some money, and prepare what you can first."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Uncle Lin was the steward of the Ding Prince's mansion and had also come along.
While Jinling City was bustling with activity, the Bai family in Dongdu City was also very lively.
After more than three years, Bai Shanwei had finally successfully retired from the southwest and returned.
The first to be happy was the First Madam, Madam Lin.
For these three years, she had accompanied Princess Wenyi in caring for the newborn child, and her days were not lonely. However, whenever it was late at night, she would still worry if he was eating and sleeping well alone outside.
Therefore, even though Bai Shanwei was in the southwest these past few years, the care from Madam Lin never lessened.
At one moment, she worried he wasn't eating well and specially sent a cook from home, who made excellent Dongdu cuisine.
At another moment, she worried he wasn't sleeping soundly and sent a large batch of calming herbal medicines and sachets to the southwest.
Bai Shanwei truly felt motherly love from her.
Thus, their reunion was even more intimate than that of ordinary mothers and sons. Madam Lin almost wanted to embrace him and cry.
"I've been longing for you day and night, and you're finally back. You're not allowed to leave again this time!"
"Mother, please rest assured. Your son will not leave again after returning this time. Even if I have to go to an official post in the future, I will bring Mother to live with me and serve you."
"Good, good, my good child."
Their scene of motherly love and filial piety was moving to behold.
Bai Dalang also felt relieved, and Prime Minister Bai's eyes were filled with affection. Princess Wenyi stood by, holding a toddler who was over one year old and almost two, curiously looking at this unfamiliar older brother.
Suddenly, a childish voice interrupted.
"Mother, is this Brother Ming?"
"Yes, it's this Brother Ming that your aunt has been talking about every day. Douger, hurry and go say hello."
The child called Douger was the son Princess Wenyi had given birth to two years ago.
He had been born prematurely at seven months and almost didn't survive.
If it weren't for the divine physician Zhang and the constant supply of precious medicinal herbs from the Bai family and the Kang Prince's mansion for meticulous care, he would have been gone long ago.
Now, his health had greatly improved, and he was as cheerful and talkative as any ordinary child. He was given a common name to bring good fortune.
So everyone called him Little Douzi.
This was Bai Shanwei's first time seeing Douger, and he naturally found it novel.
After coming to the Bai family, he had sisters, but having a younger brother felt truly... magical.
So he squatted down, took out a rattle from his embrace, and offered it, saying in a friendly tone.
"Hello, Douger. This is a见面礼 from Brother Ming. Do you like it?"
Douger pouted, his little face plump, his eyes showing a hint of difficulty, but out of good upbringing, he had to accept it and then said.
"Thank you, Brother Ming. Little Douzi likes it very much."
Princess Wenyi and Madam Lin had raised him for so long, so they naturally knew his temperament.
Madam Lin, in particular, teased him.
"Oh, what's wrong with our little tyrant? You usually throw away things like this as soon as you see them. Why are you so obedient today?"
"Father said that gifts are about the thought behind them. Little Douzi likes Brother Ming, so he likes the gift."
This remark made everyone laugh heartily.
It was unclear whether Little Douzi had inherited the intelligence and talent of the Bai family. A child not yet two years old could speak clearly, and even utter such logical words, which was astonishing.
It had to be said that the next generation of the Bai family was truly outstanding, each one better than the last.
No wonder Prime Minister Bai was so pleased.
Bai Shanwei reached out and stroked Douger's head, then walked towards Prime Minister Bai and Bai Dalang, and respectfully knelt down, bowing his head carefully.
"Your unworthy grandson, Bai Shanwei, has been away for three years and has finally returned home today, causing my grandfather and father worry."
"Good child, get up, get up quickly."
Bai Dalang also felt sorry for his son. Although he was not his biological son, he was related by blood. Over these years, every time he heard news from the southwest, he would pay extra attention.
Prime Minister Bai also looked at him with a smile, overjoyed at his return.
"It's good that you're back."
"My grandson will have to rush to Yunqi Academy a few days after returning home. I want to seize this time to study diligently and strive to be listed among the successful candidates in next year's imperial examinations, so as not to disgrace the Bai family's reputation!"
Bai Shanwei's words were firm and resonant, making everyone both happy and sad.
Especially Madam Lin, who hadn't even recovered from the joy of his return when she heard him say he was going to Yunqi Academy again.
Although students could take leave and return home, to study well, it was best not to delay.
Her son had returned, but if he wasn't present, wasn't it the same as not returning?
She was about to say a few words when Bai Dalang stopped her.
As expected, when Prime Minister Bai heard his well-planned words, his satisfaction grew even more.
So he nodded and said.
"Hmm, having ambition is a good thing. However, you haven't been home for many years, so you should rest at home for a few more days. It won't be too late to go to Yunqi Academy in September."
Upon hearing this, Madam Lin's eyes lit up. Her father-in-law truly understood her feelings as a parent.
So she quickly said.
"Exactly, exactly. If you want to study, you can just study at home. Mother guarantees no one will disturb you!"
Madam Lin had already made preparations for this.
The study in Bai Shanwei's courtyard had already been enlarged. One reason was to accommodate more books, and the other was to create a more comfortable environment.
This way, he could study more freely.
Hearing his elders say this, Bai Shanwei did not insist on leaving.
After all, September was the official start of classes at Yunqi Academy, so going then would be normal.
As for his achievements in the southwest, they had already been written in Wen Zhe's memorial. It would be too conspicuous to be rewarded now. It would be better to grant him an award after he succeeded in the imperial examinations, which would be a double blessing and auspicious sign.
Therefore, he didn't need to deliberately go to the palace to report for duty.
Prime Minister Bai's resignation had been submitted to the new Emperor Ren Di's hands half a month ago.