Song Qingchao had originally intended to look for Song Qingmu.
Two years had passed without seeing him, and she wondered how the foolish boy was doing.
However, Zhou Zhengxi informed her that Song Qingmu was already on his way back.
So, she decided to sit and wait.
She waited until evening.
The Bai family soldiers who had returned with her were arranged lodging by Zhou Yi.
She herself returned to the main hall.
A table full of dishes had already been set.
According to Shui Luo, her husband had personally cooked them.
He had racked his brains to come up with so many different dishes.
Little by little, everyone arrived.
Looking at the lively gathering around the table, Song Qingchao suddenly felt a sense of home.
She raised her cup and stood up, about to say something.
Then she heard a voice call out, "Elder Sister."
"Mumu!"
She happily put down her wine cup and rushed towards the door.
The door was pushed open from the outside.
Song Qingmu stepped in, accompanied by the wind and snow.
As soon as he entered, he untied his cloak and hurried towards Song Qingchao.
"You're finally back!"
Song Qingchao nodded vigorously and finally embraced Song Qingmu.
However, Song Qingmu prevented her from holding him.
"I'm cold."
"It's fine."
Song Qingchao's nose stung.
Mumu always worried about her catching a cold.
She patted Song Qingmu's back, "Good boy, you've grown so strong and tall now."
"Elder Sister, I am now a mature man."
He emphasized the word "mature" with great weight.
As if saying it would allow him to protect Song Qingchao.
Then Song Qingchao heard him say, "You don't need Bai Youan to protect you, I can too."
Song Qingchao burst out laughing.
Before she could speak, Bai Youan pulled her out of Song Qingmu's embrace.
"If you want to protect someone, protect your own wife. Why are you snatching mine?"
Bai Youan retorted with a smile, though their exchange had already turned into a subtle battle.
Song Qingchao could only mediate between them.
"It's been two years, and you two haven't made any progress?"
"Hmph."
"Hmph."
Song Qingchao: "..."
She felt like a quail caught in the middle!
She looked up at the two men and suddenly smiled.
These two men had been bickering since they left Chang'an, and they were still like this after three years.
However, Mumu had indeed grown up.
Fortunately, their squabbling didn't last long before they took their seats.
After all, it was Song Qingchao's first day back, and everyone was happy.
Song Qingchao raised her wine cup again.
She had many things she wanted to say, but in the end, she swallowed them all.
Only managing to utter two words of thanks.
Bai Youan, however, stood up and took the hand holding the wine cup.
"When Cha Chao left Chang'an, she had three wishes: first, for the land to be clear and bright; second, for the country and family to be safe; and third, for eternal togetherness."
He looked down at Song Qingchao, "Now, the country and family are safe, and eternal togetherness has been achieved. So, for the next two years, let us raise our cups for a clear and bright land!"
"For a clear and bright land, for peace and prosperity."
Song Qingchao repeated.
Tears mingled with her smile as she watched everyone raise their cups, drink, and speak of their grand ambitions.
It seemed she would soon fulfill her father's wish.
As she sat down, Bai Youan whispered in her ear, "Today, I shouldn't be speaking of sad things, but Cha Chao, I promise you, I will make it happen for you."
Song Qingchao simply replied with a "Good."
That night, everyone got drunk, including Song Qingchao.
She knew that after the New Year,
She would have to return to Chang'an.
When she left before, it was to live for herself.
Now, returning, it was to live for more people.
Internal and external troubles,
The external troubles were resolved, and now it was time to deal with the internal ones.
She only wanted to deal with Prime Minister Wang, Feng Shaocheng, and Bai Youan's adopted father.
As for the Emperor, given that the common people were not in chaos, she would spare him for now.
All she wanted was her father and mother.
Bai Youan took out a token from hisζι, "Perhaps, this can be of use."
Song Qingchao smiled with blurry eyes, "Actually, without this, she would still help me, but I don't want her to be burdened."
After speaking, Song Qingchao sealed the token in an envelope.
"You'an, are you afraid?"
"With you by my side, I am not afraid."