Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 653: Cheng (6)

"Yes, take me to the Emperor of Sunset," Feng Xuxu stated.

"As you command, please follow me," the guard replied.

Feng Xuxu followed behind the guard for about a quarter hour before they reached the Imperial Study, where the Emperor of Sunset, upon learning of her arrival, showed a moment of surprise before rising to greet her.

"Sister-in-law, why have you come in person? Please, come in quickly," he welcomed her.

"Alright," she agreed.

The two of them entered the Imperial Study, one after the other, with Feng Qing handing the memorial to the head Eunuch Zhu, who was standing beside the Emperor, before withdrawing.

"Your Majesty, the situation reported in the memorial is the same as we have observed, only, in some places, it is heavier," she explained. "The methods of governance do not need to change, it’s just that the effects will take longer to manifest—it will only be a month’s delay for the places with lighter issues."

Lou Qianyu was overjoyed, "That’s really great! This way, by next autumn, the land will be able to produce a good harvest."

"It’s true. As long as there are no natural or man-made disasters, and if we manage it well, we can eradicate the food shortages," she stated.

"Sister-in-law, I can’t thank you enough," he said excitedly, almost vowing to keep her there.

"Well, I figured that with your current situation, our cooperation might be delayed, and besides, I should head back to prepare the mulberry saplings. Once things here have stabilized, my preparations should be about complete as well," she mentioned.

Lou Qianyu frowned slightly, "You’re thinking of going back? But it’s only about ten days until the New Year... Maybe you could wait... "

"No, I am anxious to return home. If I make haste on the road, I should arrive by New Year," Feng Xuxu interrupted him.

"Then, when do you plan to depart? I need to prepare, and make arrangements to see you off properly," Lou Qianyu said, accepting that he could not persuade her to stay longer.

"Immediately," she answered.

Lou Qianyu was astonished, "So soon, sister-in-law... What if you leave tomorrow, I could—"

"I came to inform you of my decision. My heart longs for my children and husband, I am eager to return home. Today shall be our farewell, but there will be many more opportunities to meet when we cooperate in the future," she said, having settled all matters, and stood up, nodding slightly to him.

"If that is the case... then once Sunset Kingdom stabilizes, Lou Qianyu will certainly visit Dugu Brother and sister-in-law to express thanks," he assured her.

"Good, my husband and I will be waiting for you in Xueyan Country," she replied.

"Hehe, I will see you out," he chuckled.

Feng Xuxu nodded her head, and before long, they returned to Zhaoxia Palace, where the carriage was almost ready outside, just awaiting her return. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Noticing Xiao Jiazhen’s forlorn figure, Feng Xuxu took her hand, "We are about to leave. Don’t you want to say goodbye to him?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jiazhen looked up at Lou Qianyu and then lowered her gaze again, murmuring lowly, "Cousin, wait for me. I’ll be right back."

Feng Xuxu, registering the difference in her mood, said nothing more and turned to leave.

"Come here, I have something to say," Xiao Jiazhen walked a few steps ahead, waited until they were a suitable distance from the carriage, and then stopped.

Lou Qianyu, seeing her downcast spirit, stepped forward to take her hand, comforting, "Zhenzhen, I will come to see you in a few days. I’ll propose to Dugu Brother and bring you back as my bride."

But Xiao Jiazhen stepped back, shaking her head, "No, Your Majesty... "

Next to the carriage, Yingsu wrapped Feng Xuxu in a thick cloak. Watching the pair from a distance, she whispered softly, "Your Highness, I have noticed the cousin’s odd mood these past few days. Could there be something between them...?"

Feng Xuxu gestured her to stop and interrupted her. She glanced at the distance, then stepped into the stirrup, her body half-leaning into the Dragon Carriage. Then, as if remembering something, she turned back to Yingsu and said, "Keep a close watch on the cousin."

"Yes, Your Highness."

After another look at them, Feng Xuxu stepped into the Dragon Carriage. A short while later, Xiao Jiazhen, with tears in her eyes, ran over and quickly climbed into the stirrup, plunging into the carriage, leaving Lou Qianyu alone with his quiet sorrow.

Feng Qing, who was driving the carriage, saw that everyone had arrived, and began to slowly drive the carriage forward. Lou Qianyu, looking back, mounted his horse and led the way as Feng Qing followed behind with the carriage.

As they exited the palace gate, Lou Qianyu dismounted and stood beside the Dragon Carriage, "Qianyu wishes sister-in-law a smooth journey."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. You should return, it is cold," she replied.

After a moment of silence outside, a deep voice came through again, "Sister-in-law, here are a thousand elite soldiers to escort you back to your country."

"You are kind, Your Majesty."

Lou Qianyu wanted to say more, but hearing the sobs inside, he fell silent for a while.

Feng Qing, growing impatient, whipped the horses, and the carriage gradually picked up speed, heading towards the city gate.

It was only after the carriage disappeared from view that Lou Qianyu clenched his fists and returned to the Imperial Palace.