Although Xiao Mo was not the birth son of the Xiao family, he was closer to Xiao Yun than biological brothers. The Emperor also saw this. Xiao Yun was worried about his brother, no differently than he worried about his son. He had no reason to forbid Xiao Yun from going.
Xiao Yun realized that Wang Qingyao had a remarkable talent for deceiving people. Even when dealing with the Son of Heaven, she felt no burden.
She seemed to have no reverence for the imperial power of this era, yet she knew she had to rely on it to survive. Therefore, she often displayed feigned reverence and deliberate flattery, as she did with Consort Wei.
For some reason, Xiao Yun felt a pang of discomfort. It was as if, because he, as a husband, was incompetent, his wife had suffered a grievance.
Wang Qingyao, unaware of Xiao Yun's subtle change in expression, continued to advise the Emperor with great enthusiasm.
"If His Majesty can't think of a reason, you can offer a little reminder. Something about corrupt officials in Yun and Gui provinces, requiring you to go incognito for an investigation. Besides, Yun-Gui is very close to Nanzhou. You can then detour to Nanzhou to meet Xiao Mo. Prince Dingnan won't suspect anything. Or, His Majesty could say a royal dragon vein has been found in Nanzhou, requiring your secret investigation. Hahaha, this is a good one! Throughout history, which emperor hasn't had a few illegitimate children!"
Xiao Yun could no longer bear it and covered her mouth, whispering, "Do not speak ill of His Majesty."
Wang Qingyao removed his hand and, with a guilty look, stuck out her tongue.
"However," she mused, tilting her head, "if the murderer is indeed Prince Dingnan, wouldn't you be walking into a tiger's den by going to Nanzhou? No, no, too dangerous, you can't go."
Xiao Yun's heart warmed. He reached out and rubbed her small hand in his. "Since I am prepared, he will not have an opportunity. Moreover, I am the dignified Prince Ding'an. If something happens on his territory, he cannot escape responsibility. His Majesty will surely investigate thoroughly."
Wang Qingyao scoffed, "How could he not escape? A curse can clear him of all blame." She appraised Xiao Yun from head to toe. "You'll be twenty-two after the new year, won't you? It's about time for you to die."
Xiao Yun: "..."
"How about I go with you?"
"No," Xiao Yun refused without a second thought.
Wang Qingyao naturally knew he was afraid for her safety.
She said, "Firstly, I have intuition. At critical moments, I can protect myself and save you. Secondly, only you and I know the truth about the Xiao family curse. If Prince Dingnan really poisons you, I can find the antidote to save you. Thirdly, I have Pearl's protection. See, ever since Pearl started following me, haven't I been safe?"
Both Xiao Yun and Wang Qingyao knew Nanzhou was dangerous. This trip was clearly a case of knowing there was a tiger in the mountains and heading straight for it.
However, neither Xiao Yun nor Wang Qingyao could abandon Xiao Mo to danger.
Xiao Yun hesitated for a long time, unable to make up his mind. Wang Qingyao said slyly, "If you don't take me, I'll follow you secretly. Which do you think is more dangerous?"
This was outright blackmail. Xiao Yun was stunned by her unconventional behavior and finally succumbed to her tyrannical will.
"Even if I agree to take you, how will you explain it to Grandmother?"
"Just say I want to go out and play. Grandmother dotes on me so much, she'll definitely agree. Besides, I haven't conceived yet. If you leave for at least two or three months, wouldn't I miss a good opportunity to get pregnant if I don't go?"
Xiao Yun: "..." Could one speak so casually about getting pregnant?
Xiao Yun's face flushed slightly.
To his ears, Wang Qingyao's words were a desperate desire to conceive his child. His heart instantly softened.
"I will speak to Grandmother and Mother."
Wang Qingyao's eyes curved into crescents. She gently shook his wrist. "Xiao Yun, you're so good."
When others were present, she called him "Your Highness." In private, she called him by his full name. While other couples might use nicknames or courtesy names in private, only she used his full name, which somehow felt uniquely intimate.
"It's good that you're coming along," Xiao Yun said. "Your birthday is October 26th. I was worried I wouldn't have time to celebrate it for you."
Wang Qingyao froze.
Her birthday?
Xiao Yun noticed her expression and, thinking of something, asked, "When is your birthday in that world you dreamt about? Since you only remember things from that world, we'll celebrate according to that world's birthday."
"It's also October 26th. That hasn't changed," Wang Qingyao replied. "I just don't usually celebrate my minor birthdays, so I momentarily forgot."
The birthdays in both worlds were the same?
Xiao Yun thought that perhaps this was the reason Wang Qingyao could "possess a borrowed corpse and return its soul." Since it was so important, it had to be celebrated.
He said, "You didn't have to celebrate before, but now you are the Princess of Ding'an. Even a minor birthday must be celebrated. However, if we are on the way to Nanzhou, we can't have a grand celebration."
"It doesn't matter."
"What gift do you want?" Xiao Yun asked.
Wang Qingyao instinctively thought of acquiring a fortune, but she quickly realized this was a good opportunity to gain favor. She immediately gazed at Xiao Yun with deep affection. "Being with you is the best gift."
Xiao Yun was indeed deeply moved. He embraced her and sighed, "With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?"
Wang Qingyao: "Hahahaha..."