Chapter 289 - 288: Farewell
The days of departure always come quickly; two days passed in a flash.
Xie Yunzhen wanted to leave quietly, and the Emperor agreed.
But that day, he still wore plain clothes to see the couple off.
Apart from the day of the victory banquet, this was the first time the Emperor saw Ji Mingzhu.
Compared to some time ago, she seemed a bit fuller.
Remembering the news received a few days ago, the Emperor’s gaze involuntarily fell on Ji Mingzhu’s belly.
Perhaps because of her slender limbs and waist, it wasn’t obvious yet.
But given her cautious demeanor, the Emperor knew that Ji Mingzhu was once again carrying Xie Yunzhen’s child.
There was still some bitterness in his heart.
But there was nothing he could do.
Ji Mingzhu was Xie Yunzhen’s wife; he had tried to be capricious once, but failed.
She had no desire to court favor with power, no matter if he presented her with the best of everything, she was indifferent.
Now, the Emperor understood.
What Ji Mingzhu wanted was a lifetime with one person; precisely what he couldn’t give.
Xie Yunzhen shifted slightly, blocking Ji Mingzhu from view.
"The weather has yet to warm up, Your Majesty, take care of yourself and return to the palace early."
The Emperor wasn’t offended.
Whenever it involved Ji Mingzhu, Xie Yunzhen was always possessive.
If Ji Mingzhu had the intention to enter the palace, no matter how troublesome it was to deal with Xie Yunzhen, he would keep her by his side.
Unfortunately, she had no such thoughts.
Even during the days of amnesia, she was on guard against him.
Given the chance, she ran off with Yuan Changan.
The hand behind his back rubbed, thinking about how Yuan Changan, though just a frail scholar, dared to outsmart him at crucial moments.
If Xie Yunzhen was hard to deal with, he could vent on Yuan Changan.
The Emperor pondered whether to grant Yuan Changan a marriage, so he could no longer think of Ji Mingzhu.
But worried that if Ji Mingzhu heard of it, she would despise him even more.
He sighed silently in his heart.
No wonder Xie Yunzhen did so many reckless things for a woman; if Mingzhu were willing to stay by his side, he’d probably be even crazier!
Forget it.
For Mingzhu’s sake, he’ll let Yuan Changan off this time.
If it happens again, he will not let it slide.
He clasped his hand into a fist at his lips, cleared his throat, "I’ll watch you board the carriage. The journey is long and the road is steep, take care of yourselves."
Xie Yunzhen offered a respectful bow.
Ji Mingzhu also curtsied.
The weather hadn’t warmed yet, and with her thick clothing and pregnancy, her movements were not as agile.
The Emperor’s gaze swept over them lightly.
Finally, he said, "Ah Zhen settled the rebellion for me, before... I didn’t protect you well. Please take care, and when the child is born, I will send a grand gift."
As for the so-called grand gift, Ji Mingzhu wasn’t looking forward to it, as long as there were no trivial matters.
She curtsied again, "I thank Your Majesty on behalf of the child."
Her stance was respectful yet distant, and with Xie Yunzhen’s hawk-like gaze, the Emperor found himself speechless.
Waving his hand, he said, "Depart now."
Xie Yunzhen nodded, supporting Ji Mingzhu towards the carriage at the city gate.
Having already said their goodbyes to family, not wanting a scene of tears, Xie Yunzhen asked them to only see them off to the mansion gate.
But as he boarded the carriage, he spotted his mother in the crowd.
Princess An He, who had lived her life flamboyantly, usually required grand displays when traveling.
Yet now, she wore simple clothes, wrapped in a cloak, with only a jade hairpin in her hair.
Standing unassumingly in the crowd, watching them leave.
Xie Yunzhen felt an inexplicable sadness.
No matter how many conflicts there were, his mother’s actions were always for his benefit.
She had compromised for him time and again...
Besides Mingzhu, there was a second person who loved him unconditionally.
Not for profit.
Simply for the person he was.
Ji Mingzhu sensed Xie Yunzhen’s emotions keenly; following his gaze, she saw a figure resembling Princess An He.
The person, perhaps fearing they’d be discovered, deliberately hid among the crowd.
When their eyes met, the figure quickly lowered their head.
Dodging as she did, made Mingzhu certain it was indeed Princess An He.
She was amazed.
In both lifetimes, it was Ji Mingzhu’s first time seeing Princess An He so "plainly" dressed.
For her son, Princess An He was indeed capable of anything.
Even now, Ji Mingzhu held no fondness for Princess An He.
But she could already coexist peacefully with her.
As she left home, for the first time, Ji Mingzhu used the term "mother-in-law" for Princess An He.
As long as the other didn’t trouble her, they could be a pair of mutually respectful, albeit distant, in-laws.
Ji Mingzhu asked Xie Yunzhen, "Want to say a few more words to mother-in-law?"
Xie Yunzhen shook his head, "After all, it’s still a farewell."
Having said that, he led Ji Mingzhu into the carriage.
Ji Mingzhu had no kin in the capital, so leaving was easy, and where she lived didn’t affect her much.
But Xie Yunzhen was different, as he had many relatives in the capital.
The carriage door closed, and it slowly moved forward.
Grasped by those dry big hands, Ji Mingzhu immediately clasped his hands in return.
She said earnestly, "Ah Zhen, the child and I are always here."
Xie Yunzhen’s sense of loss gradually faded, and he squeezed Ji Mingzhu’s hand tightly.
Feeling it wasn’t close enough, he simply had her sit on his lap.
He pecked her red lips, "Wherever you and the child are, that’s where I am."
Ji Mingzhu raised an eyebrow, "What about the future?"
Xie Yunzhen wrapped his arms around her waist to prevent her from falling, and snorted, "The future is nothing."
Ji Mingzhu held back her laughter, "No swearing."
Xie Yunzhen looked at her with a faux accusation, "Didn’t I learn it from you?"
Ji Mingzhu had never spoken coarse words before.
It was during the past year, accompanying Xie Yunzhen in battle, where she picked up a phrase or two in the barracks.
Initially, she was embarrassed and blushed whenever she spoke them.
After a few times, she got used to it.
Even feeling that, at times, only coarse words could accurately convey the emotions...
Pinching Xie Yunzhen’s lips, she feigned laughter, "What about prenatal education?"
Mentioning this, Xie Yunzhen had a way to "deal" with her.
From somewhere, he brought out a military book, "It’s a long journey, best not to waste our time."
Ji Mingzhu leaned against his chest pretending to sleep, "I got up too early; I’m tired."
Xie Yunzhen encircled her firmly in his arms.
"You sleep your sleep, I’ll teach my teachings."
The man, in all seriousness, actually began to read the military book.
Ji Mingzhu felt helpless.
Simply deciding to sleep soundly.
Secretly deciding that once the child was born, she’d leave him in Xie Yunzhen’s study room on regular days.
To let him teach to his heart’s content!
As the carriage moved further away, Princess An He finally dared to cry out loud.
Still mindful of her image, she covered her mouth with a handkerchief.
The close maid comforted her, "Madam, we can go traveling outside for two or three years, and next time we return to the capital, we can hold the young prince!"