On the tenth day of the tenth month, Wang Qingyao and her party entered Changfeng City in the Yun-Gui region. Changfeng City was the provincial capital of Yun-Gui. While not as bustling and prosperous as Duanjing, it was endearingly simple and picturesque.
From Changfeng City, it was only a three to four-day journey to Nanzhou.
It was at this time that Xiao Yun finally wrote to inform Xiao Mo that he had arrived in Yun-Gui and would be coming to Nanzhou to find him in a few days. Previously, he had kept it a secret from Xiao Mo, fearing he might alert him. Now that the information was out, even if the Dingnan King wanted to do something, it would be too late.
Xiao Yun had traveled very discreetly from Duanjing. Upon entering Changfeng City, he began to put on airs as the Ding'an King. He stayed at the best inn and sent word to the prefect of Changfeng City, Tian Yu, to come and welcome him.
Although Xiao Yun held an imperial decree, his journey had been quiet, akin to a private visit.
Tian Yu was momentarily stunned upon hearing of the Ding'an King's arrival. He quickly changed into his official robes and rushed to the inn to greet him. Seeing Wang Qingyao there, he was surprised again.
"Prefect Tian, long time no see!" Xiao Yun said with a smile, resembling a smug fox.
Tian Yu regained his composure. "This subordinate pays his respects to the Ding'an King and the Princess Consort."
"Prefect Tian, you may dispense with the formalities," Xiao Yun said. "Prefect Tian, you have governed Changfeng well!"
Xiao Yun's words were not mere platitudes. He was, after all, ostensibly acting on behalf of the Emperor. Although no one knew the specifics of his mission, he had to maintain appearances. Earlier, he had sent Yuan Bao and Yin Piao to discreetly inquire about the local prefect's reputation. Their unanimous conclusion upon returning was that Tian Yu was an upright official.
At the time, Xiao Yun had stroked his chin and mused, "Tian Yu is a talent! It's truly a waste of his abilities here!"
The rumors of his "top scholar" talent were not without basis.
Wang Qingyao said coldly, "What, you've grown soft?"
The situation was rather peculiar. It was Wang Qingyao who had been engaged to Tian Yu, so it should have been her who sighed sentimentally, followed by Xiao Yun's sour remark, "What, you've grown soft?"
That would have been more in line with the stories in romance novels!
Why was it that in their case, everything was reversed?
"You still resent him?"
"Of course," Wang Qingyao replied without hesitation. "I'm a Scorpio. Scorpios are the most vengeful."
Regarding the original owner's death, Tian Yu was not entirely blameless.
Xiao Yun: "What zodiac sign?"
"It's not important," Wang Qingyao waved her hand. "In any case, don't interfere with Tian Yu's career. We won't kick him while he's down or offer him a helping hand. Let's see how he fares on his own." She added after a moment's thought, "However, if his family members cause trouble again, don't blame us for kicking him while he's down."
As she said this, she cracked her knuckles with a series of pops.
Xiao Yun silently retreated, thinking how fortunate he was that he had never offended her.
Tian Yu, despite the praise, did not show any outward joy. He calmly clasped his hands. "Your Highness is too kind. This is merely what this subordinate should do."
In the short half-year he had been in Changfeng, his once fair skin had been tanned by the sun, he had grown a beard, and his physique had become sturdier. His gaze was steady and serene, making him appear much more reliable than his former youthful appearance.
He escorted Xiao Yun and Wang Qingyao to the prefect's yamen to stay. Wang Qingyao saw Bai Junlin again.
Bai Junlin was dressed as a married woman, wearing a bright red coat embroidered with golden clouds and flowing sleeves. Her abdomen was slightly rounded, and she appeared more plump overall, with rosy and radiant skin and a smile in her eyes. It was evident she was living a contented life.
She was also taken aback to see Wang Qingyao, but quickly recovered.
"Greetings to the Ding'an King and the Princess Consort." Her voice was no longer as sharp as before. As if pregnant, she seemed to be immersed in a slow-moving happiness, her voice even carrying a gentle tone.
Wang Qingyao quickly told her to dispense with the formalities and asked with a smile, "How many months along are you?"
After all, she and Bai Junlin held no deep animosity. Their only past conflict was when Bai Junlin had used a fake spider to scare her, but Bai Junlin had gained no advantage and had instead suffered greatly herself.
Unlike Tian Yu, Wang Qingyao harbored no hatred towards Bai Junlin.
Bai Junlin offered a gentle smile. "Replying to the Princess Consort, I am nearly four months along."
Wang Qingyao nodded and took off a gold bracelet inlaid with rubies from her wrist, handing it to her. "A meeting gift for the child."
Bai Junlin thanked her with a composed demeanor, accepted the bracelet, and handed it to a maid to put away, displaying the grace of an official's wife.
The welcome banquet was simple. Tian Yu was an incorruptible official, so there were no singing girls, dancing girls, or opera performers. The dishes were also quite ordinary.
Xiao Yun, however, was very pleased.
After the banquet, Bai Junlin requested an audience with Wang Qingyao, and Xiao Yun withdrew to the outer chambers.
Wang Qingyao felt she had nothing to discuss with Bai Junlin, and was somewhat perplexed.
Bai Junlin had come to apologize for frightening Wang Qingyao with the fake spider.
"I was young and foolish back then, and acted on someone else's instigation. I hope Your Highness the Princess Consort will be magnanimous and not hold it against me."
As she was pregnant, Wang Qingyao asked her to sit while speaking. Bai Junlin refused, stating that it was insincere to apologize while seated.
Wang Qingyao smiled. "I didn't take that incident to heart. I know it was Wang Qinglin who instigated you. I didn't suffer any losses, so there's no need to resent you."
She then insisted Bai Junlin sit down and examined her. "You've become much more sensible. It seems Prefect Tian is good at teaching people."
Bai Junlin gave a shy and sweet smile. "He has taught me many things."