Chapter 250: Mrs. Shen is reluctant to leave
Chapter 250: Mrs. Shen is reluctant to leave
The two Dugu sisters returned home to rest for a while, but for Liu Jingyue, this so-called rest was nothing short of torture. Especially for someone like her who had traveled from the modern era, how could she have ever experienced such a thrilling event? Lying in bed, her thoughts were in turmoil, and she couldn't fall asleep.
Liu Jingyue tossed and turned in bed for a long time, feeling increasingly restless. Finally, she sat up and began to carefully dress, as she had something important to do that afternoon—a visit to the Shen residence.
On the other hand, Dugu Jingyao seemed much calmer and more composed. After all, she had fought in the military camp and experienced the baptism of war. Being assassinated was nothing new to her.
However, she was also very worried at this time, racking her brains to think about how to explain the situation to the Shen family so that Shen Yizhi would feel at ease and allow Shen Zhenzhu to go to Yunnan with them.
Although she and Shen Zhenzhu have become good friends now, if history repeats itself and other concubines need to be selected for Li Chu as in her previous life, then Shen Zhenzhu will definitely have to participate. After all, as the eldest grandson of the emperor, Li Chu carries the ardent expectations of the people, so it is naturally impossible for him to be accompanied by only two women, herself and Cui Caiping.
Therefore, Dugu Jingyao actually had some selfish motives in her heart when she invited Shen Zhenzhu to return to Yunnan with her.
Time passed quickly, and it was almost time to set off. Dugu Jingyao called Shi Jian and Si Jian over, asking them to help her wash and get ready again. After everything was packed, she walked towards the front yard with light steps.
When she slowly reached the main hall, her eyes instantly caught sight of a familiar figure—Liu Jingyue was already sitting there. This surprised her quite a bit, as she knew her sister would always stay in bed as long as possible, definitely the type to sleep in a little longer than getting up early.
She gathered herself, then walked gracefully into the main hall. With a gentle smile on her face, she said, "Yuer, why are you up so early today? Why don't you sleep a little longer?"
Before she finished speaking, Liu Jingyue quickly stood up like a cheerful little bird, trotting all the way to Dugu Jingyao's side. She took Dugu Jingyao's arm affectionately and said coquettishly, "Sister, I really couldn't sleep, so I got up early to get dressed."
Dugu Jingyao looked at her lovely and sensible sister and couldn't help but think to herself, "Yu'er might have been frightened by the plan we had discussed earlier." At this thought, she couldn't help but feel pity for her. She reached out her delicate hand and gently stroked the delicate buns on Liu Jingyue's head. "Yu'er, if you're really scared, I can find someone else to take your place. You don't have to force yourself."
However, after hearing this, Liu Jingyue immediately put away her coquettish look. Her eyes became extremely firm, and she responded in a sonorous and powerful tone: "Sister, please don't underestimate me! My last name is Dugu too! Although, facing such a situation, I am indeed a little scared, but I will never back down! Besides, sister has taught me many self-defense skills and martial arts. In case of danger, I also carry the Emei Spear with me. Maybe it can protect me in a critical moment!"
Hearing this, Dugu Jingyao couldn't help but raise her head and laugh out loud. The laughter was as clear and sweet as a silver bell: "Haha, you are really a good daughter of my Dugu family! Yue'er, I am here to protect you and will never let anyone hurt you!" Her words were loud and clear, full of determination and confidence.
Liu Jingyue smiled and nodded gently, as beautiful as a blooming spring flower, and said softly: "Well! I naturally believe in my sister. Come on, sister, let's go to the Shen Mansion now." After that, she took the initiative to take Dugu Jingyao's arm, and the two sisters depended on each other and slowly walked towards the gorgeous carriage parked outside the mansion.
The beautifully decorated carriage moved slowly along the spacious street, its wheels making a gurgling sound. The scenery outside the window kept changing. After about two quarters of an hour, the carriage finally came to a steady stop in front of the Shen Mansion.
The servant at the door was very sharp-eyed and immediately recognized the carriage belonging to the Yunnan Prince's Palace. He did not dare to neglect it and quickly ordered the people beside him to gallop to inform Shen Yizhi and his wife of the news.
He himself, with a beaming smile and enthusiastic manner, greeted them and bowed respectfully, saying, "Your servant greets the two princesses. You have been exhausted from the journey. Please come into the mansion and rest."
Dugu Jingyao raised her hand slightly, signaling the servant to excuse herself. She nimbly dismounted from the carriage, then carefully helped Liu Jingyue down as well. The servant hurriedly led the way, respectfully ushering them into the mansion and heading straight for the main hall.
Not long after, Shen Yizhi and his wife hurried over. Mrs. Shen was dressed in gorgeous attire, dignified and beautiful; Shen Yizhi was dignified and elegant. Following closely behind them was their beloved daughter, Shen Zhenzhu. Today, Shen Zhenzhu was dressed in a pale pink silk dress, appearing even more fresh, refined, and charming.
After several people greeted Dugu Jingyao and Liu Jingyue, Dugu Jingyao said, "No need to be so polite. Please stand up and sit down."
Then they gave thanks and sat down.
Shen Yizhi was the first to ask, "I wonder what brings you here, Princess?"
Dugu Jingyao also got straight to the point: "We are here to tell you that we plan to set off in three days. Sister Zhenzhu can also start packing your bags."
Liu Jingyue wondered, weren't we supposed to leave in two days? Why was it postponed again? This wasn't in the plan? But then she thought, maybe her sister didn't want to implicate Shen Zhenzhu, so she didn't say anything more.
Shen Zhenzhu was naturally full of anticipation, but Madam Shen was a little reluctant and whispered, "Are we leaving so soon?"
Dugu Jingyao tried to comfort Madam Shen, saying, "Aunt, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness the Prince of Guangping have already arranged for someone to escort us back to Yunnan. We also have the personal soldiers that our father left behind for us sisters, and Guo Ziyi has also arranged for someone to escort us. They will definitely keep us safe."
Upon hearing these names, Madam Shen felt a little relieved. However, she felt reluctant to let her daughter go away for such a long time. However, she still said, "Thank you for your thoughtful arrangements, Princess. However, I still feel a little reluctant to let my daughter go away for so long."
Liu Jingyue smiled and said, "If Aunt Shen wants Sister Zhenzhu to come back sooner, you can send a letter to Yunnan. We will definitely let Sister Zhenzhu return to Chang'an as soon as possible."
Everything had already been discussed, so it was difficult to go back on one's word. Therefore, Mrs. Shen compromised and said, "Then I'll have to trouble the princess to look after Zhenzhu. She has never been far away..." She choked up as she spoke.
Shen Zhenzhu was also a little reluctant to leave her mother because of her worry and sobbing, but she still wanted to go out and see the world, so she comforted her mother: "Mom, don't worry, I will be back soon. If you miss me, please write to me. I will tell you everything I saw and heard in Yunnan."
Mrs. Shen then said, "Okay, then mother will ask someone to help you pack your luggage."
This was how the matter was settled. After chatting with the Shen family for a while, they discussed what kind of luggage they should pack and what the weather was like over there, and then they got up and left.
On the carriage back home, Liu Jingyue, in order to verify her own thoughts, asked Dugu Jingyao: "Sister, aren't we leaving in two days? Why did you say three days?"
Dugu Jingyao looked at Liu Jingyue's searching gaze and said, "I don't want the Shen family to be involved in this turmoil. I will send a message to Li Chu and ask him to arrange for someone to escort Sister Zhenzhu to reunite with us."
AWB