Lu Taobao felt a little more at ease after receiving Sima Han's promise.
He decided to leave, not just because of Sima Han's presence, but also because his mother, though nearly forty, had been in good health due to the fruits and vegetables Shen Xiaoyan had given her over the years. Recently, she had been diagnosed as pregnant.
Regardless of whether this child was a boy or a girl, there would eventually be someone to care for them in their old age. With a late-born child, their parents' attention would be entirely focused on the little one, and his presence or absence would make no difference. While he might not be entirely accustomed to it, it would only take a few days to get used to.
"I won't say too much about my gratitude. If possible, I will return as soon as I can."
Though he said this, they all understood that this parting might mean they would never see each other again.
Shen Xiaoyan did not intend to say goodbye to Yue Qingxin again. Everything that needed to be said had already been said, and anything more would only be reluctance.
Emerging from the Hall of Diligent Governance, Shen Xiaoyan immediately summoned Xiao Rongrong. They all boarded one by one, and Xiao Rongrong slowly ascended. Just as they were about to leave, Shen Xiaoyan saw Yue Qingxin running quickly towards them, followed by Huo Fen and Huo Ying, and Sima Shuizong held by a young eunuch.
Her heart ached, and Shen Xiaoyan's eyes instantly welled up, but she still didn't stop Xiao Rongrong.
Xiao Rongrong was incredibly fast, and in the blink of an eye, they were several hundred meters away.
Shen Xiaoyan turned her head, looking at Yue Qingxin and the others, who were gradually shrinking into a black speck. She slowly closed her eyes.
"Mimi..."
Zheng Wei gently put his arm around Shen Xiaoyan's shoulder, unsure of what to say.
Shen Xiaoyan shook her head, signaling Zheng Wei not to say more. Although Zheng Wei was partly the reason for her departure, she hadn't intended to stay in the first place.
Suddenly, Shen Xiaoyan remembered something. "Yizixie, where is your Four Seas House?"
Upon hearing this, Yizixie rolled his eyes at Shen Xiaoyan. "Naturally, I put it away."
Shen Xiaoyan: ...
The person who had spoken just now must not have been her, but someone who had transmigrated. How could she ask such a foolish question?
Most of the servants at home had been given some money and dismissed. With this money, they should be able to live a life free from worry about food and clothing. However, Huo Fen and Huo Ying had entered the palace with Yue Qingxin. As for Huo Siqu and others, they had opened a restaurant in the capital. Fan Yong and his son had entered the Imperial Hospital; both father and son were passionate about medicine and would not be undervalued.
With everyone in the household having found their place, Shen Xiaoyan felt no more ties. Whether one called her soft-hearted or something else, those people had followed them for several years, served them diligently, and none of them were idlers. She felt it was necessary to find a way out for them.
It had taken them a very long time to travel from the capital to Baiyun Peak. But now, with Xiao Rongrong, it only took half a day to reach the foot of Baiyun Peak. They did not plan to enter Baiyun Manor, nor did they want anyone to know they had returned, as they might have to leave again soon.
Looking at the still lush and green Baiyun Peak, Shen Xiaoyan felt a sense of déjà vu. The mountain was still the same mountain; it had not changed in the least because of their departure. Looking at the unchanging scenery, Shen Xiaoyan surprisingly felt as if she had never left. Yet, the change in her state of mind truly told her that she had been away for nearly a year. A year was not long, nor was it particularly short.
"Mimi, let's go."
Zheng Wei said, gently patting Shen Xiaoyan's shoulder. Shen Xiaoyan turned her head and saw Zheng Wei looking at her with a faint smile. Shen Xiaoyan's heart warmed. No matter how much time passed or what changed, Zheng Wei would never change.
"I say, you two, that's enough. Acting so lovey-dovey in front of me, have you considered my feelings?"
Lu Taobao watched Shen Xiaoyan and Zheng Wei smile at each other, the sweet atmosphere between them making his heart sour. Shen Xiaoyan heard this, her smile faded as she looked at Lu Taobao. Seeing his displeasure, she suddenly smiled again, but this smile was different from before.
"You know, I recently read a book, and there's a word in it that's perfect for you."
Both in tone and expression, Shen Xiaoyan was exceptionally sincere at this moment. It was precisely because of this demeanor that Lu Taobao humbly asked, "What word is it? Does it describe me as very handsome?"
Shen Xiaoyan nodded. "Yes, the word is... 'single dog'."
"What dog?"
Lu Taobao looked bewildered. What was this word?
Shen Xiaoyan did not explain immediately, but continued, "And how would you describe me and Ah Wei just now?"
"I don't know."
"That's called... torturing single dogs."
As soon as Shen Xiaoyan said this, even though Lu Taobao hadn't understood her meaning at first, he now understood. Zheng Wei had been smiling faintly the entire time and hadn't said anything, but the doting expression on his face said it all.
Lu Taobao glared resentfully at Shen Xiaoyan and Zheng Wei for a moment, but in the end, he said nothing. It was one against two, with no chance of winning. He would wait until he got his Yingying back, and then he would flaunt it in front of them every day.
Though he thought this, Lu Taobao couldn't help but ask, "Sister-in-law, what exactly do you mean by 'single dog' you just mentioned?"
Shen Xiaoyan's lips twitched. This was really hard to explain.
"Well, it means you are all alone now, somewhat like a lonely dog."
Lu Taobao listened and pondered for a moment, then seriously nodded. "Sister-in-law, you're right. Old Black and Hei Zi at least have each other as companions. I'm all alone, aren't I more pitiful than a dog?"
"In that case, from now on, you can call me 'single dog'."
Shen Xiaoyan: ! Her original intention was not this. What kind of a brain circuit did this person have to say such things?
No matter how hesitant Shen Xiaoyan was, wanting to explain properly, Lu Taobao had already decided that he was like a single dog. And he had already referred to himself as a single dog. Shen Xiaoyan was truly speechless about this. Shouldn't she not have brought up this topic?
Zheng Wei looked at Shen Xiaoyan's regretful expression and smiled helplessly.
"Mimi, are you particularly worried about Ruan Ruan and the others?"
Shen Xiaoyan was taken aback. "How did you know?" Was she that obvious? She had tried her best to act calm, so how had Zheng Wei noticed?
Zheng Wei looked at Shen Xiaoyan's confused expression and explained with a smile, "This kid Lu Taobao is as sharp as a monkey. Even without you explaining, he could guess what 'single dog' means?"
"Then just now..."
"He saw you were distracted and deliberately tried to cheer you up."
Hearing Zheng Wei's explanation, Shen Xiaoyan had a moment of realization. But even more so, she felt like crying and laughing. Was she so worried that she couldn't even hide her emotions anymore? Even the most carefree Lu Taobao could tell she was distracted.
Shen Xiaoyan wanted to laugh, but the smile that reached her lips turned into a bitter one. Although she told herself that nothing would happen, the children were still so young, and being away from her for several days still made her worry.
Knowing Shen Xiaoyan was anxious, the others didn't delay any longer and walked forward quickly. When the three of them caught up with Yizixie and Namuzhong ahead, Yizixie teased, "We thought you three were so captivated by the mountain scenery that you didn't catch up for so long."