Chapter 364

After Shen Yuanzhan read the letter, his expression couldn’t help but change slightly.

“He… really is quite cunning.”

The “he” in Shen Yuanzhan’s words, understood tacitly by Qiao Zhongguo and Xiao Hongda.

“Master Qiao, since Princess Nanning trusts you, it’s best for you to lead the delegation to Nanli Country.”

“Speaking of which, I also owe Princess Nanning a favor.”

Initially, it was Meng Guxue’s prophecy that the Emperor would try to poison him with wine that hardened his resolve.

Moreover, if Master Qiao’s trip could help Baili Chengyou ascend the throne, it would greatly benefit the peace between the two countries.

“Father-in-Law is more familiar with Nanli Country. Master Qiao and Father-in-Law have much to discuss. It’s imperative for you to return safely.”

Master Qiao respectfully agreed. As he was about to leave the study, he suddenly added, “Your Majesty, I should also bring Jiaojiao along.”

Shen Yuanzhan cherished Jiaojiao deeply, often welcoming her to the palace. Master Qiao deliberated on whether she could be brought along, and he guessed that the Emperor would agree.

“Jiaojiao too?”

As expected, Shen Yuanzhan was surprised and immediately showed concern.

“Master Qiao, Jiaojiao is still young and may not be used to long journeys.”

Master Qiao had already thought of what to say. With an air of “anxiety,” he replied:

“Your Majesty, as you know, Jiaojiao is young but very intelligent and assertive.”

“I merely mentioned it in front of her once, and she clung to my leg, crying and insisting on coming along. She even threw herself on the ground, rolling and refusing to get up—”

Shen Yuanzhan: “…”

Was Master Qiao sure he hadn’t been acting in his usual manner?

“If Jiaojiao really wants to go, Master Qiao must protect her well. I will increase the escort, and you must ensure her safe return.”

Master Qiao nodded repeatedly.

Naturally!

Jiaojiao was his little treasure, so precious that he was afraid she might melt in his mouth!

After getting the Emperor’s approval, Master Qiao began preparations.

Of course, he had to reply to Meng Guxue’s letter first.

Mrs. Qiao was upset when she learned about this and couldn’t sleep the whole night.

This journey to Nanli Country would take at least two to three months, and Jiaojiao had never been away from her for so long.

But Mrs. Qiao understood the bigger picture. She knew that this trip was important, and could only hold Jiaojiao close, shedding a few tears in secret.

Soon, the Emperor’s decree came down.

Led by Master Qiao Zhongguo, the mission departed for Nanli Country to celebrate the birthday. Ministry of Revenue official Qiao Tianjing accompanied the delegation.

Qiao Diyi also wanted to go.

But this August, the martial examination would be held, and he had already signed up. This event was vital and could not be missed.

Besides, Shen Yuanzhan was waiting for Qiao Diyi to assume an important role after achieving the top honors.

Qiao Tianjing had to go; he had a sharp mind. This trip would surely involve a showdown with Shen Yuanbai. It seemed that the fate of Qiao Tianjing would depend on this trip.

As for Jiaojiao, this extra was kept secret!

On July 20th, the delegation from Yong Dynasty departed from the southern gate.

Xiao Xi cried on her face, full of regret.

In fact, he had just argued twice and wanted to go to Nanli with Jiaojiao, but Shen Yuanzhan refused.

Now that Xiao Xi was almost ten years old, Shen Yuanzhan would let him go, but it was really inappropriate for a seven-year-old prince to visit another country for a birthday party.

Now he was held by Qiao Diyi and still holding Qiao Jiaojiao’s hand, he was unable to let go.

Xiao Xi: ｡ ° (° ¯ ᷄◠ ¯ ᷅ °) ° ｡

“Sister Qiao, the journey is long. You must take care of yourself.”

Qiao Diyi: ๐ · ° (৹ ˃̵﹏˂̵৹) ° · ๐

“Little sister, Second Brother can’t bear to part with you!”

Qiao Zhongguo: “……”

“What are you two like…”

Qiao Jiaojiao smiled and hugged her second brother and Xiao Xi.

“Second Brother, Xiao Xi, Jiaojiao will be back soon!”

The departure time was approaching, and Qiao Zhongguo also became serious.

“Second Brother, only you are left in the family of big men.”

Qiao Tianjing also stepped forward and patted Qiao Diyi’s shoulder, full of reluctance.

Qiao Diyi saw this and nodded solemnly, “Dad, Big Brother, rest assured!”

Then, Qiao Zhongguo carried Qiao Jiaojiao into the carriage, with Aunt Liu accompanying and taking care of her along the way.

With a grand entourage and lavish gifts, they set off for Nanli Country.

Qiao Jiaojiao leaned out of the carriage window and waved to Qiao Diyi and Xiao Xi.

Qiao Jiaojiao: ( o̴̶̷᷄ ·̫ o̴̶̷̥᷅ )⑅୨

Qiao Diyi, Xiao Xi: =͟͟͞͞(๑•̩̩̩̩＿•̩̩̩̩ ﾉ)ﾉ

Instantly, tears welled up in their eyes.

—

In Nanli Country,

Meng Guxue nearly jumped three feet high in place upon receiving Qiao Zhongguo’s reply!

Xiao Tao knew that her mistress and General Qiao had been corresponding by letter. Seeing her mistress dispel the gloom of these days, she couldn’t help but ask with concern,

“Mistress, is there good news?”

Meng Guxue hurried over, embraced Xiao Tao, and joyfully exclaimed,

“Xiao Tao, Master Qiao is really coming!”

“Wu wu wu, as soon as I heard that Master Qiao was coming, I felt reassured!”

Xiao Tao couldn’t help but smile. After all, it was General Qiao who had saved her and her mistress’s lives back then!

“Mistress, that’s really great! Now you don’t have to worry all day long!”

Thinking of the difficult times recently, Meng Guxue couldn’t hold back her tears. She turned her head and suddenly walked out the door.

Xiao Tao hurriedly followed, “Mistress, where are you going?”

Without looking back, Meng Guxue said, “To find Baili Chengyou. I’m going to bring people to welcome General Qiao!”

Shen Yuanbai was now in the capital city. He would surely soon learn the news that General Qiao was coming to Nanli Country.

With his means, what if he laid an ambush for General Qiao halfway?

General Qiao was coming to support her. She couldn’t be a drag!

—

At the Crown Prince’s Residence,

Yinzhu hurried into the courtyard and knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

A cold voice came from inside the room.

Yinzhu pushed open the door and saw Shen Yuanbai standing at the wooden table by the window practicing calligraphy.

“Young Master, there’s important news!”

Shen Yuanbai didn’t look up, just asked calmly, “What news?”

Yinzhu took a deep breath and quickly said, “The envoy from Dayong Dynasty has set off to celebrate the birthday in Nanli Country, led by Qiao Zhongguo!”

Shen Yuanbai’s right hand trembled. The half-written paper on the table was instantly ruined.

However, he seemed unaware, slowly lifted his head, and asked again to confirm,

“Not Xiao Hongda, but Qiao Zhongguo?”

Yinzhu nodded repeatedly, “Yes, and accompanying him is Qiao Tianjing. This time, Qiao Zhongguo even brought his young daughter!”

At these words, Shen Yuanbai’s breathing suddenly became rapid, and the veins on the back of his hand faintly swelled.

“Very good, very good—”

“Yinzhu, this time we must strive to keep Qiao Zhongguo permanently in Nanli.”

Yinzhu’s face was full of fighting spirit upon hearing this and immediately nodded.

“Yes!”

The name of Qiao Zhongguo, Yinzhu would never forget.

And this time, Qiao Zhongguo had voluntarily walked into her trap and come to her territory!

“Let me think about it…”

Shen Yuanbai lightly tapped the wooden table with his fingertips, his face showing a trace of contemplation.

The next moment, he suddenly looked up and asked, “Yinzhu, have you prepared the things for the Third Empress?”

Yinzhu immediately took out a small wooden box from her bosom and handed it over to Shen Yuanbai.

“Young Master, this is it!”

Shen Yuanbai nodded at the words but didn’t reach out to take it. He just said calmly,

“Find an opportunity. It must be planted on her—”