For over a month, the two had not been together like other young couples, constantly entwined. Instead, they had been discussing official business. After reviewing some information about Si'an Prefecture, Su Muqing mentioned that the personnel dispatched to take over its management were ready to depart.
Once the court-appointed personnel arrived to assist the common people in restoring their livelihoods and resuming farming, and the situation in the prefectural city gradually stabilized, Huo Qiyuan could lead the main army to continue advancing towards the capital of the Great Yu Dynasty.
After finishing their lunch and tea, Su Muqing sent the visibly fatigued Huo Qiyuan to the sleeping quarters to rest. He had yawned several times during the meal, claiming he wasn't tired while insisting on helping her with the tedious political affairs.
However, Su Muqing refused to agree. Seeing him disregard his own health, Huo Qiyuan eventually relented and went to her sleeping quarters for a short nap.
While Huo Qiyuan was resting, Su Muqing prepared many things in advance and summoned several important ministers of the court. She briefly explained the situation in Si'an Prefecture and expressed her intention to personally visit and assess the specific circumstances.
Si'an Prefecture's geographical environment was unique. It was a prominent watershed of the Great Yu Dynasty, and the entire prefectural city had a rich and varied terrain.
It was backed by deep mountains, bordered by the sea, and surrounded by basins and plains, thus possessing vast resources and convenient transportation. Emperor Rui had sent troops to garrison the area and provided continuous support afterward.
This was because, before the drought, Si'an Prefecture had considerable economic activity and a large population flow. It ranked among the major prefectural cities of the Great Yu Dynasty.
Therefore, this region held undeniable importance for both the precarious Great Yu Dynasty and the burgeoning Hua Xia Heavenly Kingdom. It was also one of the prefectural cities that Su Muqing and Huo Qiyuan had planned to develop vigorously from the outset.
Upon hearing Su Muqing's analysis of Si'an Prefecture's importance to Hua Xia, the ministers who had previously opposed her leaving Yaoking City finally ceased their objections.
Instead, they actively expressed their commitment to diligently handling all court affairs during the Empress's absence, which greatly reassured Su Muqing.
Huo Qiyuan had only intended to take a short nap and then spend some quality time with her. Having finally returned, they had spent the morning discussing official matters, and he wanted to dedicate some time in the afternoon to accompany Muqing.
To his surprise, he slept until evening. As the sun began to set, he knew he would have to depart again once darkness fell.
Never mind! He would find another time to accompany her properly after the Si'an Prefecture matter was resolved!
Huo Qiyuan quickly got up and tidied himself, then packed the spirit spring water Su Muqing had brought out at noon. This time, she had added several times the amount of supplies to his Qiankun bag, enough to sustain the army for a considerable period.
After packing everything, Huo Qiyuan blew his whistle to summon the absent eagle. He planned to have dinner with Su Muqing and then set off on his journey back that night.
Originally, his plan was to stay in Yaoking City for an extra day. However, the unusual illness spreading in Si'an Prefecture made him uneasy about potential changes, so Huo Qiyuan hastily changed his mind, shortening his trip from three days to two.
Just as Huo Qiyuan was putting away the Qiankun bag and preparing to find Su Muqing, she entered to wake him. She had changed her clothes, shedding the simple imperial robe she had been wearing for a more casual attire befitting a common woman.
Huo Qiyuan was unsure why she had changed her attire, but this made Su Muqing appear less mature and imposing, exuding a youthful charm and liveliness in her every movement.
Seeing Huo Qiyuan fastening his Qiankun bag, Su Muqing stood by without disturbing him, waiting. "You're awake? I was just coming to wake you. Since you're awake, quickly wash up, and then we'll have dinner together!"
Huo Qiyuan secured the Qiankun bag, quickly wiped his face, and then strode to Su Muqing's side, taking her hand as they walked out of the sleeping quarters.
"Alright, I was just about to come find you. Let's go eat first. I need to return to Si'an Prefecture once it gets a bit darker."
Unaware that Su Muqing intended to accompany him to Si'an Prefecture, Huo Qiyuan held her hand and spoke with a reluctant expression of farewell.
Su Muqing naturally noticed his extremely dejected mood. She found Huo Qiyuan quite amusing. Although he was eight or nine years older than her, some of his behavior sometimes gave her the illusion that she was in a relationship with a younger man.
With this thought, Su Muqing decided to playfully tease him. She didn't reveal her intention to travel with him and instead, with a smile, allowed Huo Qiyuan to lead her to the dining hall in the small parlor.
During dinner, Huo Qiyuan dismissed all the attending servants. It was just the two of them for dinner. Without anyone else present, there was no distinction between sovereign and subject, making their interaction more relaxed and comfortable.
Huo Qiyuan continuously urged Su Muqing to eat more, feeding her two bites for every one he took himself, as if afraid she, the Empress, might starve.
After they finished their intimate dinner, the sky had completely darkened. Huo Qiyuan reluctantly put down his chopsticks, but he still had to leave, as many important matters awaited their attention.
The eagle had already returned to the palace and was perched in its designated square. It had been a month since he last saw his three pets, so the black bear and Fatty La were playing with it.
In another open space, there were large prey that the eagle had hunted and brought back in several trips: wild boar, wild goat, and even a brown bear.
The smaller prey had been consumed as food, and this pile was specifically chosen by the eagle as a gift for Su Muqing.
Huo Qiyuan lingered for a while longer. Seeing that the sky was as dark as it could be, he knew he could no longer delay. He then took Su Muqing's hand and led her towards the small square where the eagle was.
"I'll be leaving soon. This time, it will likely be several months before I return. Take good care of yourself while you're in the palace. Also, remember not to always sit in the imperial study reading memorials; it's bad for your eyes."
"Mm, okay~" Su Muqing replied calmly. She didn't say any of the reluctant farewell words Huo Qiyuan had hoped to hear.
Her attitude was even somewhat distant, as if the Huo Qiyuan about to leave was merely an ordinary friend, not her fiancé.
Su Muqing's distant demeanor made Huo Qiyuan feel unsettled, and he hesitated to leave.
Had their feelings truly faded after being apart for over a month? Or had someone in court suggested to her again about taking more male consorts during his absence?
Huo Qiyuan's concerns were not unfounded. When the selection of a new ruler first began, some ministers had indeed proposed such ideas.
If a male emperor could have a harem, then an Empress could also establish a rear palace, providing opportunities for other fine men of Hua Xia.
Furthermore, Su Muqing was already over 17, well past the age for marriage. Although her relationship with Huo Qiyuan was known to all, as long as they hadn't officially married, the final outcome remained uncertain.
What if, over time, the Empress grew tired of the Regent? Or what if, after a while, she decided to establish a rear palace? Everything was unknown.
Absurdly, such a proposal had garnered considerable support in court at the time. Young and promising officials actively pushed for this, also seeking opportunities for themselves.
When this matter was raised, Huo Qiyuan was furious and almost lost control, wanting to physically assault someone in court. It was only later, when Su Muqing vehemently opposed it and adamantly refused to establish a rear palace, that the matter was temporarily shelved.
Seeing Su Muqing's aloof attitude towards him tonight, Huo Qiyuan narrowed his eyes, his expression filled with a dangerous glint.
Su Muqing, seeing him staring at her without moving, urged him on, "What are you thinking about? Hurry up and go! The colder it gets, the lower the temperature. It's best to set off as soon as possible!"
Her urging made Huo Qiyuan feel even worse. Did Muqing truly not want to see him anymore? They hadn't seen each other for over a month, and after finally spending a day together, he was leaving, yet she offered no words of retention, instead pushing him to go.
"Are you...?" Just as Huo Qiyuan could no longer hold back and was about to ask Su Muqing if her feelings had changed, another hurried voice sounded from nearby.
"Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress, greetings, Your Highness the Regent. It's fortunate you haven't left yet. As soon as I heard the news from Rongrong that you were leaving for Si'an Prefecture tonight, I started preparing these items at home. Fortunately, I rushed, and I haven't missed you." The speaker was Su Cuiping, who had been granted the title of County Princess, and her mother, Madam Wang.
Although their attire was not overly luxurious or flamboyant, it was much more refined than their previous outfits. Su Cuiping, with her heavily pregnant belly, was being supported by Madam Wang and servants as she hurried over. Two other servants carried several large bundles.
When Su Cuiping became pregnant, Su Muqing had initially not planned for Leng Kui to go to Si'an Prefecture. However, to provide a better life for his wife and child, and to earn his own merits step by step, Leng Kui decided to join Leng Ren and the others in working in Si'an Prefecture.
Leng Kui had initially expected that capturing Si'an Prefecture would not take much time. He could then request leave from the Prince and return to Yaoking City to accompany his wife during childbirth.
However, the journey was delayed, and coupled with the scheme by Xu Zhipeng, he was held up for more than half a year. With Su Cuiping nearing her due date and the strange illness appearing in Si'an Prefecture, time was further delayed.
"We haven't left. I already heard from Rongrong that you wanted to bring some things for Leng Kui, so I've been waiting here for you. And you, you're almost nine months pregnant, why didn't you let the household servants deliver the items? Why did you have to come in person? What if something happened to you on the road?"
Although Su Muqing's status had changed, her attitude towards those around her had not. As she spoke, she reached out to support Su Cuiping.
Seeing her large belly and her hurried pace, as if forgetting she was pregnant, Su Muqing couldn't help but worry about her.
Upon hearing Su Muqing mention Su Cuiping, Madam Wang felt she had found an ally. Unlike her husband, who was too soft-hearted to scold their daughter.
"Your Majesty is absolutely right. Please, speak to her properly! She's about to become a mother, yet she's still so careless every day, acting impulsively, rushing around, and not considering her own health or the child in her womb."
"Oh dear! My best Empress, and my dearest mother! Wasn't I worried that Your Majesty and His Highness had already left and I might miss them, which is why I hurried? I promise I won't do it again. Please don't be angry with me, okay?" Su Muqing swayed their arms back and forth, repeatedly pleading and assuring them.
Su Muqing wasn't truly angry with her. Madam Wang sighed and gently patted Su Cuiping's hand. "Alright, alright! Why don't you quickly have the servants hand over the items prepared for the son-in-law and the other Leng brothers to Her Majesty and His Highness! It's so late already, don't delay their journey."
"Yes, yes! Your Highness, I have prepared several copies of each item. Please trouble yourself to deliver them to the other Leng brothers for me. As for these two bundles, one is for you and Her Majesty. Although the craftsmanship in my residence cannot compare to the imperial chefs in the palace, it is our heartfelt gesture. We hope you won't dislike it. As for this bundle, it's for Leng Kui. Please help me pass it on to him." Su Muqing clearly stated the destination of each bundle, including one for Su Muqing and Huo Qiyuan themselves.
The largest and heaviest bundle naturally went to the protagonist, Leng Kui.
Only after all the items were hung on the eagle did Huo Qiyuan realize. Su Muqing's sudden aloofness tonight was a deliberate tease. She had planned all along to accompany him to Si'an Prefecture.