Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 573 Jueqing Castle (1)

The carriage was filled with continuous laughter. What had been a dull journey was now enlivened by Jueqing’s presence, prompting someone’s jealousy to flare up, leading to cheerful banter and a leisurely trip towards Jueqing Castle.

Xuanyuan Zhen learned from his daughter-in-law Qinmeng that Feng Xuxu had brought the children back. He was so happy that he could not sleep for several nights, and even his own wife felt the same. They had ordered Qinxin Garden to be cleaned up early on and even personally made a little garment for each great-grandson and great-granddaughter. Thinking of their return, he wore a happy smile every day.

After six days of travel, they finally arrived at Jueqing Castle on the twelfth of October. The happiest were Qiqi and Yueyue; once out of the carriage, they were like birds freed from their cage, chattering nonstop, finding everything fresh and exciting.

"Commoner, paying respects to Your Majesty..."

Before Feng Xuxu could step forward to help Xuanyuan Zhen up, Dugu Chen lent a hand and, with a smile, said, "Grandfather, no need for such formalities."

"This..." Xuanyuan Zhen stared at Dugu Chen, astonished, his words stuck in his throat.

"Grandfather, Grandmother, Xuxu has missed you so much." Half-whining, she hugged her grandmother’s arm, smiling at her grandfather’s shocked face.

Jueqing chuckled and shook his head, picking up Yu’er from his wife Qinmeng’s arms, giving the child a kiss on the cheek. He had made his wife take the children to Jueqing Castle ahead of time for two reasons: first, to inform his father and mother that his cousin’s family was returning, so they could prepare for their arrival, and second, to bring joy to them. Looking at his delighted wife, he softly said, "My lady, you have worked hard."

Qinmeng’s cheeks flushed slightly as she smiled, "We are husband and wife, no need for such courtesy."

"Mother, we should have the Emperor, Empress, Crown Prince, and Princess enter the garden and talk inside," Xuanyuan Yan interjected, noticing that his parents had become too excitedly confused to the point of chatting about domestic affairs outside.

"Yes, yes, Your Majesty, Empress, please proceed," said Xuanyuan Zhen, coming back to his senses after his son’s reminder, making way for Dugu Chen and Feng Xuxu to go in first.

Feng Xuxu pouted, "Grandfather, if you call me ’Empress’ like this, I’m going back."

"Grandfather, let’s keep things casual, no need for too much formality, just as usual is fine." He paused, then added, "Just call me Xiao Chen."

"Hahaha, alright, I will disregard the formalities of ruler and subject then," laughed Xuanyuan Zhen heartily, admiring Dugu Chen and feeling that his granddaughter had made a worthy match.

The entire Xuanyuan Family knew that today the Clan Leader’s house had distinguished guests. Upon further inquiry, they learned that the Emperor and Empress had come for a visit. Every family member brought their spouses and children to pay their respects, but they were all stopped outside by Xuanyuan Zhen’s people. Later, the words of the Empress were conveyed, saying they would summon them only after a few days.

Unable to do anything, everyone left disheartened, waiting for the day when the Empress would remember to summon them.

The dinner was very sumptuous, but everyone had been traveling for six days, and their stomachs were uneasy. They ate sparingly, and after dinner, Xuanyuan Zhen did not keep them but instead urged everyone to rest quickly. Feng Xuxu, feeling grateful, cast a sideways glance toward her grandfather, carrying the already sleeping Yueyue off with her.

Dugu Chen, on the other hand, carried the drowsy Qiqi back to Qinxin Garden, placed the child in the next room, and after making sure everything was in order, both of them returned to Feng Xuxu’s bedroom from before she was married. They quickly washed up, and before Feng Xuxu’s hair had even dried, she was already lying in bed, eager to sleep, and was out like a light in no time.

After Dugu Chen finished washing, he saw his wife already fast asleep with her hair still wet. He reached out with his hand to touch her hair and gently used his Inner Strength to dry it, watching her relaxed figure. Dugu Chen felt his heart suddenly brimming with warmth.