Page 579

The corn was fresh, and she wrapped each ear in cling film and placed them in the preservation storage room within her Space.

The sweet potatoes were from last year’s harvest and had been retrieved from the cellar by Little Guizi that afternoon. She bagged them and also put them in the Space.

Thinking of Xiao Jinyan’s fondness for minced meat eggplant, ants climbing a tree, and shumai, she went to the vegetable garden to pick over a hundred eggplants.

She also picked ten pounds of chili peppers.

It didn’t take long for most of the vegetables in the garden to be picked by her.

Fortunately, there was an expansion of the vegetable garden in the Xiaoxiang Pavilion, enough for Chun Xi and the little ones to eat.

Early the next morning, Shen Chuwei donned a set of red male attire and tied her hair into a high ponytail.

Chun Xi delicately painted two petals on Shen Chuwei’s forehead. Even in male attire, she wanted her master to look beautiful.

Although Shen Chuwei was a mother of two, her delicate, young face made her appear like a teenager, and the painted floral designs did not look out of place.

It was fashionable for the young nobles of Daxia to wear teardrop-shaped flower markings, much like how men of another era adorned themselves with flowers.

Therefore, Shen Chuwei did not prevent Chun Xi from painting the two petals.

Once Shen Chuwei was dressed, she went to her beloved children’s room and, looking at her sleeping son and daughter, she felt reluctant to part with them.

However, Xiao Jinyan was right in saying that no matter how much she cherished them, they would eventually have their own families, and it was the two of them who would stay together for a lifetime.

Taotao and Susu were doted on by the Emperor and Empress, so she felt somewhat more at ease.

"Goodbye, my little ones. Your Mother Concubine will return safely with your father."

Shen Chuwei kissed each of her children on the forehead before she headed out the door, carrying Xuetuan.

The luggage had been taken out early in the morning by Qin Xiao.

Due to the long journey, General Xu and Xiao Jinyu both chose to ride horses, but a horse carriage was prepared for Shen Chuwei.

The Emperor and Empress personally came to see them off.

Both of Xiao Jinyu’s Concubines also came to bid farewell.

Xiao Jinyu was already reluctant to part with his wife, and seeing her come to send him off made him wish he could take her with him to Mobei.

"Ayan, I am leaving. You’ve lost a lot of weight recently. There are plenty of old hens in your sister-in-law’s chicken coop, which nourish the body well. Have someone catch some and stew them with ginseng."

Miss Han nodded, "I will remember that. The hen broth from the Crown Princess’s chicken coop is indeed tastier."

Xiao Jinyu didn’t know that the chickens and ducks in the coop were fed with Spiritual Spring Water, making their meat even more tender and delicious. Consuming the poultry nourished with Spiritual Spring Water could also help people excrete toxins from their bodies.

Wanxin stood aside, watching the couple who seemed like a loving husband and wife, yet she, the Concubine, was not acknowledged.

Miss Han clasped Xiao Jinyu’s hand, her eyes revealing a faint reluctance, "Remember to come back early."

Xiao Jinyu chuckled softly, "Don’t worry. With a lovely wife waiting for me at home, I won’t linger outside for long."

"..." Miss Han: "...You’re glib."

Xiao Jinyu smiled and didn’t mind, and as he turned to leave, Wanxin quickly stepped forward, grabbed Xiao Jinyu’s sleeve, and called, "Prince."

Xiao Jinyu stopped and knew by the voice that it was not his wife; Ayan’s voice was not so soft.

He turned back in confusion and saw Wanxin. He had always felt a bit guilty about her, having brought her into the household only to leave her alone.

"What is it?" he asked.

Wanxin took out a peace charm from her bosom and presented it to Xiao Jinyu, her tone gentle yet tinged with reluctance.

"This is your first time on the battlefield, Prince. Although I have never been there, I know it is fraught with danger. I am very concerned about you, so I embroidered this peace charm overnight, praying for your safe return."

Xiao Jinyu looked at the peace charm before him, made of red fabric with the words "peace charm" embroidered in gold thread. Even he, who had no knowledge of needlework, could tell it was beautifully done.

He took the charm from her hand and said, "Thank you."

Such a distantly polite response made Wanxin pause for a moment; she gripped her handkerchief tightly and smiled, "Why do you thank me, Prince? It’s what I should do. Your safe return is my greatest wish."

Xiao Jinyu said, "I appreciate this thoughtfulness. When I return, I will grant you..."

Upon hearing this, Wanxin felt a surge of excitement. Had the Prince finally recognized her true feelings, intending to make her a proper and acknowledged Concubine?

Xiao Jinyu looked at Wanxin and then continued, "I will grant you permission to return to Granny Empress’s side and choose another good match."

Wanxin was stunned, seemingly unable to believe that Xiao Jinyu would say such a thing.

After speaking, Xiao Jinyu turned and walked towards his mother, leaving Wanxin in her dazed state.