Chapter 268: Farewell

The female official let out a chuckle and said, “You are too stern with Her Highness. She thinks you dislike her, so how could she dare to approach you rashly?”

The Empress Dowager: “…”

She felt a knot of frustration in her heart but couldn’t help giving the order: “Go notify Qi Min and have her draft an edict. Dispatch an envoy to accompany Su Wan back to Great Zhou. Inform the Great Zhou royal family that Su Wan has rendered meritorious service in saving the sovereign, making her a benefactor of Xiliang. The iron cavalry of Xiliang will be at her disposal.”

This was a blatant message to Great Zhou that Su Wan was someone Xiliang would protect, and they had better not mistreat her.

The female official responded cheerfully, “This servant will inform the Empress immediately.”

—

Su Wan and Gu Huaizhi headed to the Mingxin Hall.

Qi Min and Ji Xuan were playing a game of chess.

As the young couple arrived, Qi Min put away the chessboard and said, “You’ve come at the right time. Join us for dinner.”

“Alright,” Su Wan agreed, sitting directly next to Qi Min. “We came to say goodbye. We’ll be departing for Great Zhou early tomorrow morning.”

Qi Min’s smile froze, and she looked blankly at Ji Xuan beside her. Su Wan’s decision was too sudden.

“Fate brings people together no matter where they are; we’ll have a chance to meet again,” Su Wan explained briefly about Gu Qingsong’s relationship with Gu Huaizhi. “I’m worried about my mother-in-law being alone with the childs in Great Zhou, so I’ll accompany her for the New Year.”

Qi Min was reluctant to let Su Wan go; this would have been their first New Year’s reunion as a family. However, she understood Su Wan’s feelings, especially considering the care Gu Huaizhi’s mother had given Su Wan. In her heart, she felt grateful to Mother Gu.

“If you’re free next year, come to Xiliang, or your father and I will find time to visit Great Zhou and spend the New Year with you.”

In the end, Qi Min didn’t insist on them staying. She glanced at Gu Huaizhi and Ji Xuan and said, “The two of us women have private matters to discuss.”

Ji Xuan had something to discuss with Gu Huaizhi, so the two men went to the side hall.

“I’ll stay in Xiliang, so the affairs of Great Zhou will be left for you to oversee,” Ji Xuan said, handing a token to Gu Huaizhi. “It’s good for you to return early. Without anyone to restrain the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince, I fear they’ll gain too much control. Your path ahead will be even more difficult.”

“As long as the Empress and the Chief Minister remain standing, the Crown Prince and the Empress Dowager will not be able to rise to power.”

The Empress had Zhao Wei supporting her, making her position exceptionally secure.

“Once you return, reveal Jing Yun’s identity to the Empress and directly support him to ascend to power. With the authority you hold over the Regent’s residence, you’ll be able to assist Jing Yun and govern on his behalf.”

Ji Xuan had valued Gu Huaizhi from the start. Now that Gu Huaizhi was his son-in-law, Ji Xuan felt even more at ease entrusting the affairs of Great Zhou to him.

“Understood,” Gu Huaizhi replied.

Ji Xuan spoke in a low voice, “Treat Zhao’er well.”

Gu Huaizhi’s expression turned solemn. “I will never fail her in this lifetime.”

Ji Xuan suddenly chuckled. “If you ever do, there’s no need for me to intervene—she’ll handle you herself.”

Gu Huaizhi thought of Su Wan, his gaze softening. “Sweet as honey.”

The news of their departure from Xiliang quickly spread throughout the palace. Wei Yang, the Imperial Consort, and their pair of children came, as did the Empress Dowager. Everyone gathered around the table for dinner, laughter and joy filling the air. There was no sorrow of parting, only warmth and harmony.

Meanwhile, in the Qin residence, the lights shone brightly.

Qin Yang was packing his belongings while Lady Qian sobbed beside him. “Husband, where are you going? If you leave, what will become of us?”

“Wait for me here. I’ll be back in no more than a year.”

Qin Yang had heard the news that Gu Qingsong had sent Gu Yunzhen to Baima Temple. That child was the offspring of Lady Liu and Xu Chou. Gu Huaizhi refused to reconcile with Gu Qingsong, and the rift between father and son ran deep.

He was the key figure in fostering this misunderstanding and now planned to take a roundabout approach to resolve it. He intended to go to Great Zhou, confess his guilt to Mother Gu, and explain the true circumstances to her.

Lady Qian was stunned. “A year?”

Qin Yang had no intention of explaining further. He brushed past Lady Qian, who was blocking his way, donned his cloak, and strode into the night.

“Husband, husband—” Lady Qian called out as she ran after him.

Qin Yang paid no attention. He mounted his horse and galloped swiftly toward the city gates.