Helian Zhicheng, left at the post station for a whole day, finally broke Zhao Jiaqi's patience by evening. No matter how angry he was, this was on her territory, and what could he do.
Early the next morning, Helian Zhicheng, with Duan Yao, went to the prince's manor. He expected the princess to still show him disrespect, but to his surprise, the princess received them respectfully.
In the front hall, Zhao Jiaqi, seated at the head of the table, relayed the latest news she had received the previous day to Helian Zhicheng. "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is safe now and is in Zijing Town. I believe the Prince will bring him back soon."
Upon hearing this, Helian Zhicheng's face broke into a long-lost smile. He looked at the Empress, who was equally delighted, and they exchanged a look, their hearts finally at ease.
Duan Yao's words upon arriving in the inner city were, "The Emperor and I only have Jinli as our child. If anything were to happen to him, we truly would..." She choked up at the end, her eyes filling with tears, showing her genuine concern for the child's safety.
Although she didn't finish her sentence, Zhao Jiaqi understood her meaning. "As a mother, it's natural to worry about your child's safety. That's unquestionable. I was incredibly relieved the moment I learned the child was safe; I even slept poorly all night."
Duan Yao nodded with a smile, finally finding a kindred spirit. "Yes, yes, that's exactly it. As adults, we just hope our children grow up safely, and that's enough. We don't ask for anything else."
Zhao Jiaqi didn't reply directly. From Duan Yao's brief words, she realized that the Emperor of Dingbeiliao had only one son, and the couple had only this one child, making him incredibly precious. It was already a great fortune for him to grow up safely. For someone born into royalty, to grow up without intrigue and smoothly was truly not easy. Therefore, a mother naturally wished for her child to be safe, healthy, and grow up happily.
From their initial sparring to the current harmonious atmosphere, it was a positive change. Just as the three were chatting happily in the room, the housekeeper arrived.
He bowed respectfully and said, "Princess, the Emperor of Xuanyuan Kingdom, Baili Kaien, has arrived at the manor gate!"
Zhao Jiaqi remained calm, showing no sign of haste. She instructed the housekeeper, "This Princess will personally go to welcome the Emperor of Xuanyuan. You may withdraw for now." It wouldn't do to not personally greet someone coming to visit her home, so as the hostess, she had to go out to welcome them, regardless of whether the visitor was angry or not.
Upon hearing that she was going to welcome the Emperor of Xuanyuan, Helian Zhicheng exchanged a look with Duan Yao. They did not leave, nor did they go to the manor gate, but remained in the front hall, waiting for the Emperor of Xuanyuan to arrive. Although this was not a formal meeting, with the leaders of three countries present, it was an unexpected encounter, and it was necessary to probe each other's intentions.
At the manor gate.
When Zhao Jiaqi emerged, Baili Kaien had already disembarked from his carriage and was standing at the manor gate, looking around. He was dressed in a dark purple robe, his hair tied with a jade crown, and sported a goatee. From afar, he looked like a disheveled old man. If it weren't for his years on the dragon throne and the regal aura he exuded, Zhao Jiaqi might not have recognized him as the Emperor. His appearance was too ordinary; he could easily get lost in a crowd without anyone noticing.
She walked forward with a smile and said, "Your Majesty the Emperor of Xuanyuan, your distant journey graces my manor and brings immense honor!"
Seeing a woman emerge, Baili Kaien's brow furrowed slightly. His gaze swept behind her, not seeing the Prince, and his expression turned displeased. With a cold face, he retorted, "You, a woman, should be in the inner chambers attending to your husband and children, not exposing yourself in public. What is this conduct!"
Zhao Jiaqi was taken aback, then chuckled. There were too many chauvinistic men in the world, and she couldn't possibly explain to each one. "This is the inner city. What this Princess chooses to do is none of your concern, Emperor of a vassal state! Your Majesty the Emperor of Xuanyuan seems to be overreaching!" Was it so unforgivable for a woman to manage affairs because she was in charge? First, an arrogant emperor, and now another one. Were they all here to mock her, pushing her too far?
She was already overwhelmed with grievances and worry for her children, and now another elder was lecturing her. What was happening?
The Emperor of Xuanyuan, having been retorted, felt he had indeed been meddlesome, but he couldn't take back his words. His face flushed, and he stood awkwardly at the manor gate.
Zhao Jiaqi didn't want to hear him speak further. Since he was waiting for the Prince, she would let the Prince receive him upon his return. Why should she be here pointlessly? She said, "The Prince is not in the manor. Your Majesty the Emperor of Xuanyuan should wait for the Prince's return before paying your respects!" With that, Zhao Jiaqi turned and went back into the manor, not even sparing him a glance.
Baili Kaien wasn't foolish. Seeing that he was about to be abandoned, he quickly called out to Zhao Jiaqi before she entered the manor. "Princess, do not go!"
Zhao Jiaqi ignored him. Was she supposed to stay and listen to his lecture? Her family lacked many things, but they certainly didn't lack fathers to discipline her. Thus, no matter how much the Emperor of Xuanyuan called after her, Zhao Jiaqi's steps remained swift.
Seeing that calling out wouldn't stop her, the Emperor of Xuanyuan immediately chased after her, reaching out to grab her sleeve, but was stopped by the guards behind him. "Princess, is this how you treat guests in your inner city?"
Zhao Jiaqi's ears twitched. She found his words very jarring. She turned back, stopped, and said calmly, "This Princess personally came out to greet you, yet you lecture this Princess. May I ask, is this the courtesy of your Xuanyuan Kingdom?" "This Princess is merely returning your own words. Why must Your Majesty the Emperor of Xuanyuan make such snide remarks!"
These two sentences left the Emperor of Xuanyuan speechless, but he was unwilling to admit his fault, as it would be beneath his dignity. Yet, he also regretted his impetuosity. He straightened his demeanor and said, "This Emperor has come regarding Fengge's matter. Do you, Princess, have nothing to say to this Emperor?"
Speaking of the main issue, Zhao Jiaqi no longer cared about the previous exchange. "The Prince is not here. If Your Majesty is willing to listen to this Princess, please enter the manor. If you wish to wait for the Prince to return and explain, then please feel free to do as you please."
Now, Baili Kaien was faced with a choice. However, with Fengge on his mind, he chose to swallow his pride and followed Zhao Jiaqi into the manor. He had come to be welcomed, but instead, he became Zhao Jiaqi's follower, trailing behind her into the prince's manor. This truly made him deeply regretful.
When Zhao Jiaqi led him into the front hall and introduced him, Baili Kaien finally learned that the couple sitting in the room were the Emperor and Empress of Dingbeiliao.