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The Empress held Shen Chuwei’s hand, giving her countless reminders and instructions.

"Crown Princess, be extra careful when you’re out and about. The human heart can be wicked, and with your beauty, it’s easy for malicious people to target you. Always have someone by your side to protect you, understand?"

Shen Chuwei nodded vigorously, "Mother, I remember. Aren’t I disguised as a man? The chances of encountering perverts should be quite low."

The Empress spoke again, "It’s always good to be cautious, don’t go to dangerous places."

Shen Chuwei responded, "I will keep Mother’s teachings in mind."

This was Xiao Jinyu’s first long journey, and the Empress was not only worried but also reluctant to part with him.

No amount of words could ease a mother’s worry upon her child’s journey of a thousand miles.

Xiao Jinyu stepped forward to pay his respects, "Father, Mother, I’m leaving now."

The Empress instructed, "You must also be at ease. Don’t act impulsively in anything you do, understand?"

Xiao Jinyu replied, "I’ve studied military tactics thoroughly, able to recite them from memory backward. Mother can be assured."

Initially, when his elder brother, the Crown Prince, had him copy military tactics, he did so many times over, making them impossible to forget.

The Emperor gave a slight cough, "It’s getting late, it’s time to set off."

Shen Chuwei and Xiao Jinyu bid farewell to Their Majesties and then turned to leave the palace gates.

Qin Xiao lifted the curtain of the horse carriage, "Crown Princess, please get into the carriage."

Shen Chuwei cast a glance at Xiao Jinyu and General Xu, who were both mounted on their fine steeds, then looked with some disdain at the horse carriage.

"Riding in a carriage is too slow, bring me a horse."

Qin Xiao reminded her, "Crown Princess, you have a delicate constitution and the journey is long—it’s not appropriate for you to ride a horse."

Shen Chuwei, anxious to save her husband, stood on tiptoes and puffed out her chest, lifting her chin, "Who says I’m delicate? Quickly, bring me a horse."

Qin Xiao looked at Shen Chuwei’s slender figure; even in men’s attire, her frailty was apparent, and he hesitated.

Shen Chuwei waved her hand dismissively, "Hurry up, I can’t delay in finding His Highness."

Qin Xiao hesitated briefly at her words, then went to the stable to fetch a fine horse, not forgetting to remind her.

"Crown Princess, please be careful."

Shen Chuwei placed Xuetuan on the saddle, then grasping the stirrup, she climbed onto the horse. To facilitate carrying Xuetuan, she had specially requested Chun Xi to make a crossbody pouch.

Once seated, she put Xuetuan into the pouch, "Xuetuan, be good and stay in there, I’m taking you to see His Highness."

"Meow." Xuetuan, with its azure blue eyes, stared unblinkingly at Shen Chuwei. Having never been apart from Taotao and Susu, it was very reluctant to leave them.

"We’ll be back soon. Finding His Highness is the most important thing right now," Shen Chuwei stated before pushing Xuetuan into the pouch—the pouch had good ventilation, so she wasn’t worried about him suffocating.

After taking the reins from Qin Xiao, she spurred the horse and caught up to Xiao Jinyu.

Qin Xiao quickly mounted his own horse and leisurely followed behind Shen Chuwei; his mission was to ensure her safety on the way to Mobei.

Upon leaving the city, their party spurred their horses into a gallop.

This was Shen Chuwei’s first time galloping on horseback; she was somewhat excited and kept waving her riding crop.

However, by midday break for a meal, she realized the truth of Qin Xiao’s words about her delicate constitution being unsuitable for horseback riding.

The inner side of her thighs had rubbed raw from the constant friction, the pain causing her to furrow her brows.

No matter where Shen Chuwei found herself, if no one pampered her, she would pamper herself, refusing to let herself suffer.

Moreover, after being doted on by Xiao Jinyan these past years, she was even more delicate and tender—unable to withstand even half a day’s horseback travel.

Shen Chuwei regretted not padding the saddle with an extra cushion, as the chafing had broken her skin, and it would take a few days to heal...

Qin Xiao, leading the horse by the reins, helped Shen Chuwei dismount before tethering it to a post outside the inn. When he turned back, he noticed the Crown Princess’s strange way of walking and quickly surmised the cause.

He strode over and extended his arm, "Crown Princess."

Seeing Qin Xiao’s arm, Shen Chuwei grabbed it and sighed deeply, "Qin Xiao, go and buy a horse carriage."

Qin Xiao replied, "As you command."

Xiao Jinyu noticed Shen Chuwei’s peculiar gait and approached with concern, "Sister-in-law, what’s wrong with you?"

Shen Chuwei exhaled a sigh and replied concisely, "My legs hurt."

Xiao Jinyu immediately understood and took Shen Chuwei from Qin Xiao, "Let’s go inside and rest for a bit."

Shen Chuwei instructed Qin Xiao, "Book a room, I need to bathe and apply some ointment."

Qin Xiao followed her orders and went to book a room, then had the innkeeper prepare hot water.

Shen Chuwei initially wanted to bathe and apply the ointment first, but after seeing the food being served, she changed her mind, deciding to eat first and then bathe afterward.

Inside the Imperial Palace

Taotao and Susu got up early for breakfast and not seeing their mother, ran into her room to wake her up for the meal.

When the two little ones ran in and saw the empty, quiet bed, their large eyes filled with confusion.

Chun Xi, in a mere moment’s turn, returned to the dining hall only to discover the young masters missing. Guessing they had gone to look for their master, she was about to head there when she saw Taotao and Susu running out one after the other.

"Young masters, have your meal first. After eating, I need to take you to pay respects to the Empress," Chun Xi said.

Susu threw herself into Chun Xi’s embrace, clutching her thigh and asked with a milky voice, "Aunty, where did momma go?"

Chun Xi comforted her gently, "Your mother has gone to find your father. She’ll be back soon. Can the young masters have their meal now?"

Taotao and Susu obediently nodded, "When momma and father return, we’ll eat together."

The two little ones adeptly climbed onto their chairs and began to eat independently.

Watching the two young masters, Chun Xi didn’t know how to explain that their father and mother would not be returning anytime soon.

After breakfast, Chun Xi led them toward Fengyi Palace.

Lady also found out today that Shen Chuwei had left for Mobei to look for Xiao Jinyan; she was indignant that her aunt had neither informed her of Xiao Jinyan’s mishap nor allowed her to go find him.

She was about to go to the Fengyi Palace to feel out the situation when she saw Chun Xi, leading the Crown Prince and little princess, step into Fengyi Palace.

With Shen Chuwei not around, it was a good opportunity.

Susu let go of Chun Xi’s hand and launched herself into her grandmother’s arms, "Nanny, Nanny."

Since the Crown Princess’s and Xiao Jinyu’s departure, the Empress had been filled with anxiety, having no appetite for food. Now, seeing Taotao and Susu, her attention was finally redirected.

"Darlings, did you have your breakfast?"

Susu said sweetly, "Done, custard buns."

Taotao added, "Nanny, we had custard buns."