Xiao Yun quickly entered the palace to seek the Emperor's grace.
As Wang Qingyao had predicted, the Emperor immediately approved, even issuing a decree that Prince Ding'an was to be sent to Yunnan-Guizhou on official business. The specifics of this business were classified.
The Old Grand Consort found it difficult to inquire further, but Xiao Yun revealed a little to her, making it seem more plausible.
"There's corruption over there, and the Emperor has sent me to investigate thoroughly. Yunnan-Guizhou is close to Nanzhou, so perhaps I can return with A'mo."
The Old Grand Consort nodded, suspecting nothing.
"I want to bring Yao Yao along. She's never left Duanjing since she was born, and I want to show her around."
This was indeed true.
The Old Grand Consort pondered for a moment and asked, "Does the Emperor know about this?" After all, taking one's wife on official business was not common, unlike taking a concubine for personal service. Taking one's principal wife was unheard of.
The Old Grand Consort feared the Emperor might object.
"He does, and the Emperor has permitted it."
Xiao Yun had told the Emperor that Xiao Mo was in danger. Meanwhile, Wang Qingyao, after the embellishments by Imperial Physician Lu in the palace, had become known as a mysterious and skilled physician. The Emperor thus assumed Xiao Yun was taking Wang Qingyao to facilitate Xiao Mo's treatment and did not question it further.
"Since the Emperor has permitted it, it's fine to bring Yao Yao along, but you must remain low-key."
Xiao Yun nodded.
While the Old Grand Consort was easily persuaded, the situation with the Consort Fang was much more difficult.
When Xiao Yun reported that he was to go to Yunnan-Guizhou on imperial orders, she showed no particular reaction, only urging him to be safe and return peacefully.
However, upon hearing that Wang Qingyao would also be accompanying him, she exploded.
"Why should the Princess Consort go? You are going on official business, not a pleasure trip! It's inappropriate for her to go. Furthermore, when the husband is away, as a daughter-in-law, she should remain at home to serve her mother-in-law and grand-mother-in-law. It's one thing for her to be lazy and undisciplined normally, but now she actually wants to shirk her responsibilities. Is she still a wife of the Xiao family? Does she still want to be the Princess Consort of Ding'an?"
Consort Fang was very angry and also felt a sense of unfairness.
She herself had upheld wifely virtues, remaining within her courtyard for years. Now, her daughter-in-law was to travel all over the land. What kind of logic was this?
Xiao Yun was fortunate that he had come alone and not brought Wang Qingyao with him. Otherwise, with Consort Fang's tirade, Wang Qingyao would have exploded too.
"She is not allowed to go!" Consort Fang, despite her dislike for Wang Qingyao and her usual subtle way of reprimanding her, was now furious and issued a direct command.
"Mother," Xiao Yun said, "the Princess Consort is going along because the Emperor has ordered it."
"What?" Consort Fang's anger, which had been rising, was doused as if by a bucket of cold water. Her rage was forced down, but a wisp of smoke still lingered.
"Why would the Emperor order her to go?" Consort Fang couldn't understand and momentarily suspected Xiao Yun was deceiving her.
Xiao Yun maintained a serious expression and, lowering his voice, said mysteriously, "The Princess Consort knows a little medicine, which might be useful on the journey."
Consort Fang was displeased. "Wouldn't it be more convenient to bring an imperial physician? Can the Princess Consort's skills match those of an imperial physician?"
After all, Wang Qingyao's supposed medical skills were only rumors; she had never personally verified them.
Xiao Yun continued with a serious face, "Mother, this is the Emperor's decision. How can we, as subjects, question it?"
Consort Fang's face turned a mottled purple, and she felt extremely depressed, unable to utter another word.
Going to Nanzhou was equivalent to a long journey. Many things needed to be prepared, especially in ancient times when a woman leaving home required over a dozen, if not twenty, trunks.
However, this would delay their departure, and Wang Qingyao was not so particular. She directed Yin Zhu and Zhi Zi to pack only two chests, which contained everything for both Xiao Yun and herself.
As Yin Zhu packed, she muttered, "How can we not bring the tea set and tableware? Things outside are so dirty! Only five sets of clothes are packed, how is that enough? The weather is getting colder, we need to prepare a brazier, and incense..."
Wang Qingyao smiled. "If we bring everything, when will we ever reach Yunnan-Guizhou? Besides, we're not short of money. If we lack anything on the road, we can always buy it, can't we?"
Yin Zhu sidled up to her. "My lady, how many maids are you planning to bring on this trip? I know Zhenzhu will definitely be brought along. What about me..."
Yin Zhu looked expectant.
Wang Qingyao had already made arrangements.
"Everything will be kept simple. We will only bring Zhenzhu and Yin Zhu. The others will stay home and take good care of the household."
Yin Zhu's face lit up with joy.
Wang Qingyao said faintly, "Jin Tiao will also go this time."
Yin Zhu's smile froze instantly.
"Isn't his injury not fully healed yet? Is there no one else in our Ding'an Prince's mansion that he, an injured person, has to go?"
Although her tone was sharp, it was filled with deep concern.
Wang Qingyao smiled. "It's nothing. He's almost recovered. The Prince knows what he's doing and will only have him do tasks like driving and caring for the horses. If there's fighting, Yuan Bao will handle it."
Yin Zhu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. When she looked up, she found everyone looking at her with knowing smiles. Her face flushed, and she made an excuse to escape.
The departure date was set for the eighteenth of October.
Zuo Yun was due to give birth next month. Not being able to witness the birth of her child and participate in the "three-day" celebration was a regret.