Xiao Man had to return to the capital despite Nangong Yu's injuries not having fully healed.
A message arrived from Ying Xue indicating that something had happened at the General's mansion. It was likely that after she left, Madam Yan, seeing her in a dazed and sickly state, assumed she wouldn't recover and seized the opportunity to reclaim the authority of managing the household. If it were just Madam Yan, the Third Concubine and the others might have been able to resist. However, Xiao Ling had also returned to the mansion.
"Brother, I need to return to the capital. I'll leave tomorrow," Xiao Man said during dinner.
Xiao Luo nodded, his gaze sweeping over Chu Qingge. Whether it was his imagination or not, Chu Qingge seemed to have become darker and thinner over the past few days. He then placed a piece of meat in Chu Qingge's bowl. "You've been running around outside every day. Look at you, tanned and gaunt. When Lord Chu sees you back in the capital, he'll think I've been mistreating you."
Chu Qingge looked at the meat in her bowl and smiled. "Thank you, Young General."
"I'll send a troop of guards to escort you back to the capital."
"No need. We can't make a big show of returning," Xiao Man refused. "The people in the mansion don't know I've left. If I return ostentatiously, Grandmother will find out and I'll be punished."
Xiao Luo's expression turned slightly cold. Although he was far away in Yunzhong City, he was aware of the affairs in the capital. "She's quite ruthless, always bullying you."
Hearing this, Xiao Man looked up at Xiao Luo, noticing the undisguised disgust in his eyes. She couldn't help but wonder. Her brother seemed very displeased with the Old Madam, but he had never shown it before. Why was he so evidently unhappy with her today?
"You know Grandmother's temperament, she gets angry easily," Xiao Man explained. "But, she is indeed ruthless."
"I'll send a few people to protect you secretly. The capital is thousands of miles from Yunzhong City. I can't possibly rest easy with two delicate women traveling alone." Xiao Luo was extremely worried about his sister, fearing for her safety.
"Prince Qin's injuries..."
"Don't worry, I'll have the army doctors take good care of Prince Qin's injuries," Xiao Luo said immediately. Both in terms of reason and sentiment, he had to look after Prince Qin. Prince Qin had been injured on his territory, which was already a dereliction of his duty, let alone that the injury was sustained while saving his sister.
The next morning, Xiao Luo woke up early to see Xiao Man off.
Even though Xiao Man had said she didn't need guards, he still assigned a fifty-man guard detail to escort her. After all, the journey was long, and it was truly dangerous for two young ladies to travel without protection.
However, as their group reached the city gate, they saw an honor guard assembled outside. The leader was none other than Si Ye, who cupped his hands in greeting.
"General Xiao, we have troubled you for many days. My lord departs for the capital today. Thank you for your hospitality during this time."
"Prince Qin is also leaving today?" Xiao Luo asked in surprise. He hadn't heard any news.
The curtain of the carriage was lifted, revealing Prince Qin's exceptionally handsome profile. "Miss Xiao is also returning to the capital?"
Xiao Luo glanced at Xiao Man and Chu Qingge, then withdrew his gaze. "Yes."
"If that's the case, then let's travel together. We can look out for each other along the way," Nangong Yu's voice sounded very gentle.
"What does General Xiao think?"
Xiao Luo looked at Nangong Yu's retinue, which was filled with many skilled fighters. If they were to return to the capital with Prince Qin, his sister's safety would be guaranteed. Even though, in his heart, he didn't wish for them to have too much contact, his petty thoughts were insignificant compared to his sister's safety.
Chu Qingge was a bit anxious. If she traveled with Prince Qin, how could she possibly sneak away halfway? She would surely be dragged back to the capital by Prince Qin. She immediately tugged at Xiao Man's clothes, signaling her not to agree.
Xiao Man also did not want to travel with Prince Qin. She had secretly left home, and traveling with Prince Qin would be too conspicuous. If her Old Madam found out, not only would she be punished, but none of the maids in Shuiyue Courtyard would escape.
Xiao Man couldn't help but look at Xiao Luo and reach out to tug at his clothes. To her surprise, Xiao Luo readily agreed.
"That would be excellent. I'll entrust my sister and Miss Chu to Prince Qin's care." Xiao Luo made his decision after a brief moment of thought. He did not want Xiao Man to suffer any harm. The journey back to the capital was long, and with Prince Qin there, it would ultimately be much safer.
"It's just a matter of convenience," Nangong Yu lowered the curtain. "Please, the two young ladies, board the carriage."
"Yes, two young ladies, please."
Xiao Man felt helpless and looked at Xiao Luo. "Brother, I'm leaving."
"Mhm, once you arrive home safely, remember to write to me to let me know you're safe, so I don't worry," Xiao Luo instructed. Then, he looked at Chu Qingge. "Don't be mischievous again when you get back."
Chu Qingge turned her face away, her eyes darting around, thinking about how she could escape from Prince Qin's entourage. Otherwise, all her efforts would be in vain.
The guards brought a stool and helped the two ladies into Prince Qin's carriage. Prince Qin's carriage was very spacious, with a bed placed at the innermost section and tables and chairs on both sides. Prince Qin was currently sitting on the bed, perusing a military book.
"Your Highness Prince Qin."
"Sit down, we'll be departing soon."
The two found a place to sit. Xiao Man lifted the curtain and bid farewell to Xiao Luo.
Xiao Luo felt reluctant to part, but he also knew that Xiao Man could not remain in Yunzhong City.
"Wait for me a little longer. I'll be back in the capital soon, very soon."
Prince Qin's entourage slowly departed, until they were no longer in sight.
Only then did Xiao Luo turn back towards Yunzhong City, his mood understandably somber. The siblings had just reunited, only to part ways again after a few days.
Lu Wei noticed his young general's dejection and couldn't help but smile. "Young General, you look so forlorn. Are you reluctant to part with Young Lady Xiao, or Miss Chu?"
Xiao Luo glanced at Lu Wei, his eyes filled with annoyance. "I think you're asking for a beating."
"Young General, please calm your anger. Your subordinate knows his mistake," Lu Wei quickly said. He didn't want to be on the young general's bad side, as no one who was targeted by the young general ended up well. "However, Young General, don't you find Prince Qin a little strange?"
Xiao Luo's gaze deepened. The timing of Prince Qin Nangong Yu's appearance in Yunzhong City was too coincidental. He had only taken Pingxi City a few days ago when Prince Qin appeared in Yunzhong City.
The timing of his departure was also coincidental. Man'er was leaving, and he was also leaving, as if Prince Qin had followed Man'er to Yunzhong City.
This thought flashed through Xiao Luo's mind. Then he recalled what Si Ye had said. Why was Prince Qin trying to curry favor with his sister in such elaborate ways? Was he chasing her to Yunzhong City with ulterior motives, or was it purely for his sister's sake?
Xiao Luo did not wish for Xiao Man to have too much contact with Nangong Yu, especially concerning Xiao Man's identity. If Nangong Yu discovered Xiao Man's true identity, it would endanger her life.
Xiao Luo stopped in his tracks. It seemed he had to write to his father and ask him to pay more attention.