Everyone outside was curious about where Xiao Luo had taken his people to hide. No one ever expected that Xiao Luo had never left Yushang, remaining within its borders the entire time.
Upon returning to the camp, Xiao Luo found Dugu Mingyu sitting alone in a corner, meticulously cleaning his sword, over and over, without tiring.
Xiao Luo stood with his arms crossed. "Do you have anything you want to ask?"
"No," Dugu Mingyu replied calmly. He had absolute trust in Xiao Man, more so than in himself. No matter what others said, he would not believe them.
"You don't have anything you want to ask about Man'er's situation either?"
"No." Dugu Mingyu glanced at the sword's blade, which seemed free of nicks and was thoroughly clean.
"Aren't you afraid that what Shu Xuan said might be true?"
"I only believe Xiao Man," Dugu Mingyu said without looking up. "Besides her words, I believe no one."
Xiao Luo was somewhat surprised, then relieved. "Thank you for choosing to believe my sister."
Dugu Mingyu sheathed his sword. "I believe her because I understand her, more than you can imagine."
Xiao Luo smiled. "Regardless, thank you."
"No need. I merely did what I ought to do." Dugu Mingyu looked outside. "My ride has arrived."
"You're leaving?" Xiao Luo asked in surprise.
"My mission is different from yours." Dugu Mingyu walked outwards. Indeed, a figure appeared in the camp. The guards were numerous and vigilant, yet this person had infiltrated stealthily.
"Young Master Dugu, General Xiao." The newcomer was none other than Chang Yan, whom everyone had been searching for. Chang Yan produced two letters from his怀 and handed one to each of them. "These are from the Merchant Lord."
Dugu Mingyu took the letter, read it swiftly, and then looked at Xiao Luo. "I must go. Take care."
"Take care." Xiao Luo clasped his fists.
Dugu Mingyu took a few steps, then stopped. "Xiao Luo, you must live well. We are her only family."
Xiao Luo understood that Dugu Mingyu was referring to Xiao Man. "Don't worry, I'm about to become a father. I have to live well."
"Alright. When the world is at peace, I'll treat you to drinks and tell you about my experiences."
"Good. Then I'll prepare the wine, and you prepare the stories."
Dugu Mingyu, with his sword, vanished into the night. Chang Yan also disappeared. Xiao Luo sighed. "Should I have let him go? After all, this secret cannot be known."
"Husband." Chu Qingge, now heavily pregnant and nearing her due date, held her waist with some difficulty. Xiao Luo quickly supported her.
"Why are you out so late? What if you fall?"
Chu Qingge shot him a playfully chiding glance. "When am I so delicate? I was just worried because you were taking so long to return. I came out to see..."
Chu Qingge sniffed Xiao Luo carefully. "Why do you smell of blood?"
"A wild boar stumbled into our trap. Though we weren't hunting pigs, if prey falls in, we can't just let it go. So I went to kill it."
"Where's the pig?"
"Killed it."
"The pork?"
"Discarded it."
"What a waste!" Chu Qingge exclaimed. "Wild boar meat isn't particularly tasty, but it's still meat. We could have brought it back for the brothers to have an extra meal."
Xiao Luo grinned from ear to ear. "That pig's meat was tough and sour. If you want to eat, I'll hunt for you tomorrow."
Chu Qingge licked her lips. "It's not that *I* want to eat..."
"Yes, it's not that *you* want to eat, it's that our child wants to eat." Xiao Luo immediately picked up her thread. "I wonder what our child wants to eat? Let's catch a few fish, steam one, braise another, and simmer a nourishing fish soup with fresh mushrooms. Then, get two wild rabbits, roast them until they're crispy outside and tender inside, sprinkle them with seasonings. One bite of rabbit meat, one sip of fish soup."
Chu Qingge licked her lips again. "Excellent. We'll eat like that tomorrow."
Xiao Luo's face was full of tender smiles. "And a few sweet and sour wild fruits after the meal, wouldn't that be even better?"
Chu Qingge nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes, yes. Some fruit after the meal. Aman said that eating more meat, more vegetables, more fruits, and exercising more will help the child grow well."
"Since Man'er has said so, I, your husband, will certainly satisfy your wishes. I'll personally show off my skills tomorrow."
"I do miss Aman's cooking." Mentioning Xiao Man, a hint of worry flickered in Chu Qingge's eyes. "Husband, is Aman truly alright by herself in Lan Yue Bianjing?"
"Don't worry, she'll be fine." Xiao Luo comforted her. "Besides, she's not alone. She has many hidden guards with her, and Wen Mohan is accompanying her."
"Young Master Wen is good, but he's a frail scholar after all. If any real danger arises..."
"You're pregnant now, don't worry about these things. If danger arises, there are hidden guards. If there are schemes, there's Wen Mohan. Moreover, our sister isn't easy to deal with. In all these years, have you ever seen her suffer a loss?"
Chu Qingge still felt uneasy. "After the child is born, we'll send the baby to my parents, and then we'll go help Aman."
Xiao Luo didn't know how to describe his feelings. He tightened his grip on Chu Qingge's arm. "Qingge, thank you."
Chu Qingge smiled. Although Xiao Luo had brought her to hide here, she understood that all of this was temporary. Xiao Luo would soon return to the battlefield, and when he did, their enemies would undoubtedly be formidable.
"Aman is your sister, your only family, and our child's only aunt. How can I stand by and watch her be alone in Lan Yue, bullied by others? After the child is born, we'll go and back Aman up!"
"Yes, we'll support her, and let everyone outside see that our sister has a family, and people protecting her."
"Oh, right. Isn't Aman's wedding date approaching?"
Xiao Luo nodded. Xiao Man's wedding date was indeed close, less than a month away. Chu Qingge's due date was also nearing. Though he longed to rush to Bianjing, Chu Qingge and their child needed him, so he remained here.
"Will there be any trouble at Aman's wedding?" Chu Qingge asked worriedly. After asking, she felt the question was redundant. Xiao Man was marrying Wen Mohan. Could Prince Qin stand by idly? Could the covetous Emperor Yun Qi stand idly? She had a feeling Xiao Man's wedding wouldn't be smooth.
"Husband, perhaps you should go ahead. I have a bad feeling about this. After I give birth, I'll go to Bianjing and meet you."
"No." Xiao Luo helped Chu Qingge into the house. "Man'er has arrangements made. I must be with you and the child. Only when I see you and the child are safe can I be at ease."