After a night of travel, the team entered the capital at dawn.
The soldiers sent by Song Wanji escorted Zhao Jingyu all the way to the gate of Dingyuan Marquis' Mansion. They watched as Dingyuan Marquis and his wife, the prince, the young ladies, and the servants, who had rushed over after hearing the news, took Zhao Jingyu into the mansion before returning to the Xishan enclosure to report.
Marquis Dingyuan asked Chang Fu to prepare a generous sum of money for their journey.
Everyone surrounded Zhao Jingyu and took him back to the west wing, asking him about his well-being, whether real or fake, along the way.
Qin also acted like a loving mother. She personally took Zhao Jingyu's hand and asked him why he was so careless, and whether he felt uncomfortable anywhere else besides his head, and whether he wanted to go to the palace to ask the imperial physician to see him.
Zhao Jingyu said that it was not necessary, as the imperial physician had already diagnosed the condition in the enclosure and it was nothing serious and he just needed to rest for a few days.
Qin patted her chest and said, "That's good, that's good. You don't know, ever since I received the news that you were injured, my heart has been in turmoil. Your son is injured, but your heart is in pain. You must be well in the future, and don't let your father and I worry about you all the time."
"I understand," Zhao Jingyu said, "It's my fault for making mother worry. I will be more careful in the future."
Everyone, including Marquis Dingyuan, felt embarrassed by the "true love" between the mother and son.
When they reached the gate of the west wing, Marquis Dingyuan stopped everyone and said to Qin: "Just send them here. You take them back and do what you need to do. I will take Yu'er in."
Zhao Jingyu's yard had never been open to anyone else, and Qin didn't insist. After giving a few more instructions, she took her children and servants and left.
As soon as Xie Nanjia entered the mansion, she was squeezed behind the crowd and followed silently all the way, but her heart had already flown to her son. Therefore, when Qin took her people away, she also quietly followed the fourth young lady.
Zhao Jingyu was sent to the bedroom by his father and the guards and put on the bed. Looking at Yiyun feeding him water, he remembered Xie Nanjia. He looked around the room and didn't see her, so he knew she had sneaked away. He couldn't help but laugh at himself, thinking how eager she was to leave me
Marquis Dingyuan asked someone to bring a chair and sat at the head of Zhao Jingyu's bed. After the maids finished their work, he waved everyone away and talked to his son alone in the room.
Wei Jun and Huangfu finally stepped out, closed the door, and stood quietly outside.
The room became quiet. Marquis Dingyuan pulled the chair closer, grabbed Zhao Jingyu's hand, and covered it with both hands. Only then did he reveal his worry: "You little brat, you scared your father to death. Tell me, what happened?"
Zhao Jingyu's eyes suddenly turned red.
It has been more than ten years since he was taken in by Marquis Dingyuan when he was eight years old. In this huge marquisate and the capital city, Marquis Dingyuan is one of the few people who truly loves him and cares about him. He gave him a home and the fatherly love he lacked, holding his hand and accompanying him all the way through the ups and downs of growing up. In his mind, Marquis Dingyuan is the closest person to him besides his mother.
He was injured but he didn't cry out in pain in front of anyone. But now he met Marquis Dingyuan and was covered by his calloused hands. He was like a wronged child meeting his mother and couldn't hide anything.
"Dad!" he called earnestly and told Marquis Dingyuan everything that had happened in the enclosure.
After listening to this, Marquis Dingyuan pondered for a moment and asked, "Now that we have captured him alive, have you found out who ordered this?"
"That man insisted that he was sent by the madam and refused to say anything else. There are many people in the camp and several princes are also present, so we can't use severe punishment." Zhao Jingyu said.
"Qin? Does she have such great ability?" Marquis Dingyuan was a little unconvinced.
"I don't really believe it either." Zhao Jingyu said, "I was secretly watching her along the way just now. Apart from being a little hypocritical, I didn't see any clues."
"What does the emperor say?" Marquis Dingyuan asked again.
"The Emperor said he would send someone to investigate and told me to come back and rest for a few days. If the injury is not serious, I will go out with you to see the world while there are not many people in the capital."
"What do you want to see?" Dingyuan Hou was stunned for a moment, then his eyes widened. "The emperor wants you to learn how to handle government affairs?"
"Maybe!" said Zhao Jingyu.
Dingyuan Hou couldn't sit still any longer, and paced back and forth in the room. After pacing a few times, he stopped and said, "Isn't it too risky? After all, the queen is still in the palace, and her spies should not be underestimated."
Zhao Jingyu spread his hands: "This is not something I worry about. The emperor said you will have a way, otherwise what is the point of you being the Minister of War?"
Dingyuan Hou: “…”
…
Xie Nanjia followed the fourth young lady all the way back. Because they were afraid of what people would say, they did not walk back until they entered the yard, closed the gate and returned to the house. Then the master and servants hugged each other happily, as if they were relatives who had been reunited after a long separation, and everyone's eyes were filled with tears.
"Xiu'er, you're finally back." Zhao Lanzhi held her hand and said happily, "Since you left, this yard seems to be half empty. We are all very uncomfortable with it."
"Yes, yes, when you are not at home, I feel empty inside all day long, and always feel like something is missing." Su He said.
"Me too, I not only miss you, but also the butter cakes, osmanthus cakes, and fermented rice dumplings you made." Zhen'er chirped.
"You are just a greedy monkey!" Nanny Li patted her lightly, feeling very happy.
It's strange to say, this girl Xiu'er seems to have some magical powers. Before she came to serve the fourth young lady, everyone's life was very depressing, and there was no laughter for ten days or half a month. After she came, the whole yard became alive all of a sudden, like a dead tree coming back to life. As soon as she left a few days ago, the yard returned to its original lifeless state. Today, as soon as she came in, everyone became happy again, and the long-lost laughter also returned.
Nanny Li is the Fourth Young Lady's wet nurse. She brought her up from childhood, just like a real mother and daughter. Therefore, she sincerely hopes for the best for the Fourth Young Lady, and hopes that she can live a happy and blissful life, and live the life that a rich lady should live.
She knew that she could not help at all with these things, but Xiu'er could definitely help, so she hoped more sincerely than anyone else that Xiu'er could always stay with the Fourth Young Miss, and preferably accompany her to get married in the future, so that the Fourth Young Miss would not be bullied when she arrived at her husband's house.
The enthusiasm of these people far exceeded Xie Nanjia's expectations. Although she was very tired, she still forced herself to chat and laugh with them for a long time.
Zhao Lanzhi seldom went out and was very curious about things outside, so she would pull her aside and ask her questions.
Xie Nanjia casually told her some things that happened in the camp.
Nanny Li was listening nearby and couldn't help interrupting her: "Xiu'er, there are so many young men, do you think there is anyone who is a good match for our fourth young lady? You have a say in front of the Marquis, if there is a suitable one, you might as well mention it to the Marquis..."
Zhao Lanzhi blushed immediately and interrupted her hurriedly: "Mammy, what are you talking about? Be careful not to make fun of others."
Madam Li said, "There are only a few of us in this room. What are you afraid of? Marriage is a matter of life and death for you, young lady. You are in this situation. If you don't plan for yourself, how can you expect Madam to plan for you?"
"That's right, Madam is right." Zhen'er agreed, "Madam only cares about the people she cares about. Look, she has managed to arrange a marriage between her niece and the prince..."
"What did you say?" Xie Nanjia perked up, "The prince and Qin Wanru are engaged?"
"Isn't it? It scared you, didn't it?" Zhen'er said with a smile.
Xie Nanjia hummed, and said, "It's really a bit unexpected. Didn't the old lady and the marquis disagree? What kind of magic did the lady use?"
Xiu'er lowered her voice mysteriously and said, "This spell is very powerful. It can make a person's belly bigger."
As he said this, he made a circle on his belly with his hands.
"You silly girl, you know so much. Don't tell anyone when you go out." Su He was amused by her look and poked her hard on the forehead.
Nanny Li also smiled and said that she had no shame.
Zhao Lanzhi said, "Alright, alright, this is not our business, so stop talking about it."
Xie Nanjia was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "Miss Fourth is right. It's better not to meddle in matters that have nothing to do with us. Speaking of the Marquis, I have to go to Hualou and ask her about the Marquis's diet during this period."
"Yes, yes, this is serious business." Nanny Li said, "The fourth young lady can only rely on the marquis, so you should quickly take this job back from the painting house."
Zhao Lanzhi said, "Xiu'er has just returned, there is no need to rush, why not take a rest before going."
"It's okay. I'll just go there first and then sleep well when I come back." Xie Nanjia said as he stood up.
Zhao Lanzhi let her go.
After leaving the hospital, Xie Nanjia quickened his pace unconsciously, wishing he could reach his son in one step.
When I arrived at the young master's Sijin Courtyard, as soon as I entered the door, I saw Feng Lun, Xiaofu and Xiaoxi guarding there.
"Sister Xiu'er, you're back?" Xiaofu and Xiaoxi hurried forward to greet her.
Seeing their genuine joy, Xie Nanjia suddenly felt very friendly and asked with a smile, "Are you here specially to welcome me?"
"Yes, Brother Feng said that you must come to see us as soon as you come back, so we are waiting for you here." Xiaofu said with a smile.
"Don't talk nonsense." Feng Lun was embarrassed for a moment and asked Xie Nanjia, "I heard that the second young master was injured. Are you okay?"
"It's okay, I'm fine!" Xie Nanjia lifted her skirt and turned around, "Look, I'm not hurt at all."
Feng Lun felt relieved. Looking at her bright smile, he vaguely felt that she seemed more lively than before. He wondered if it was because she had been out and seen the world that made her more cheerful.
He was not mistaken. Xie Nanjia's mood was indeed much better than before, because he saw his father, made soup for his father himself, and talked to his father. In addition, he unexpectedly met Song Huai, got to know a bunch of noblemen, received a lot of treasures from them, and even got the emperor's recognition. This trip was very rewarding and worthwhile.
"Are you all okay at home?" Xie Nanjia asked.
"All is good, all is good." Feng Lun said repeatedly.
"Sister Xiu'er, did you bring us any good things?" Xiao Xizi asked.
When he asked this, Xie Nanjia suddenly remembered that her bag was still in Zhao Jingyu's carriage. She was so anxious to see her son as soon as possible that she forgot to take it when she got off the carriage.
"I did bring it, but I forgot it in the Second Young Master's carriage. I'll get it back and give it to you later."
"Then Xiaofu and I will go get it for you, okay?" Xiao Xizi said excitedly.
"..." Xie Nanjia thought for a moment and said, "Alright, you guys go ahead and find Wei Jun or Huangfu when you get there. Try not to alarm the Second Young Master."
"Why?" Xiao Xizi asked.
"The second young master is injured and needs to rest." Xie Nanjia said.
"I understand." Xiao Xizi agreed, and happily ran away with Xiaofu.
In fact, Xie Nanjia was not afraid that they would disturb Zhao Jingyu's rest, but was afraid that Zhao Jingyu would find out and ask her to get it in person.
Qin Wanru is coming back, and she doesn't have the time to waste time with him anymore.
As they were talking, Hualou, Jixiang and the others heard the noise and came out of the house. When they saw that it was Xie Nanjia who came, they were overjoyed and came forward to greet her.
Xie Nanjia was thinking about her son, and after a few pleasantries, she couldn't wait to ask Hualou: "How is the young master? I haven't seen him for a few days, and I miss him a lot."
"Thank you for your concern. The young master is fine!" When Hualou saw her, it was as if his backbone had returned. He had a lot to say to her. He took her arm and said, "Come on, I'll take you to see the young master."
Xie Nanjia smiled and waved to everyone, and followed her to the nursery.
The little boy had just woken up and was drinking milk in his wet nurse's arms. He was dancing and gesticulating while drinking, which was very adorable.
When Xie Nanjia saw him, her heart melted, her nose felt sore, and tears started streaming down her face.
She held back her tears, squatted in front of her son, grabbed his little hand and kissed it, choking with sobs, "Little Master, do you still remember me?"
The child sucked on the pacifier, rolled his black eyes and looked at her twice, then suddenly let go of the pacifier and smiled, revealing his pink gums and two white little teeth.
Xie Nanjia's tears suddenly flowed out.
"How come teeth grow out after not seeing them for a few days?" she asked while wiping her tears with a handkerchief.
"It has grown out a long time ago." The nurse stroked the child's face lovingly. "Now it bites me. Every time it feeds me, it makes my eyes tear up."
She said it hurt, but naturally stuffed the pacifier into the child's mouth and coaxed him, "Be good, eat quickly, you will grow up when you are full."
Xie Nanjia listened and couldn't help wanting to cry again. At this moment, she really envied her wet nurse. She wished she could switch identities with her and let her son bite her.
The child continued to drink milk for a while and was finally full. The wet nurse then handed him to Xie Nanjia to hold while she went to clean the milk stains.
Xie Nanjia took the child, her whole body trembling, and hugged her son tightly to her heart, like a treasure that had been lost and found again.
People often say that a day without seeing someone feels like a long time. To her, it felt like several lifetimes.
Hualou stood by and looked at her, and said with emotion: "Seeing you treat the young master so well, it feels like my young lady has returned."
Xie Nanjia suddenly came to his senses and realized that he had lost control again. Fortunately, Hualou and the wet nurse were not outsiders, otherwise it would have aroused suspicion again.
She restrained her emotions, patted the child and asked, "Did you serve the Marquis supper smoothly these days? Is there anything wrong?"
Hualou was stunned, hesitated for a moment and said: "It went smoothly, there is nothing wrong."
Xie Nanjia's eyes were so sharp that he immediately caught her hesitation and his face became serious: "Tell the truth, don't be so secretive, is someone trying to embarrass you?"
(End of this chapter)