Seeing Xiao Changyi and An Jing stand up, Gong Juese hurried to pull her husband Meng Lanqing, urging him to stand as well.
Gong Juese was utterly devoid of guile, her simplicity to the point of foolishness. Meng Lanqing did not wish to burst her bubble about the possibility that Gong Jue Chen might not return, causing her concern. As he stood up, he called out to Xiao Changyi with extreme complexity, "My lord..."
He wanted to go as well.
Even if going meant not returning, he still wanted to go. Like going to the battlefield, together with his lord and his younger brother—he had never considered the possibility of returning alive.
Xiao Changyi spoke indifferently, "While we are not here, you should manage the rice shop properly."
Meng Lanqing fell silent. His lord’s words were clearly meant for Gong Juese to hear, to keep her believing they would return alive.
Gong Jue Chen looked at Xiao Changyi with rare gratitude and thought to himself: My sister, even if I cannot return alive, you must be happy...
"We’ll take a look at the children before we go, see you at the city gate." Without further delay, Xiao Changyi finished speaking with Gong Jue Chen and hurried out of the general’s mansion with An Jing, heading back to Prince Yi’s Mansion.
"Se Se, help your brother pack some things quickly, I’ll be right back." Meng Lanqing hastened to follow Xiao Changyi back to Prince Yi’s Mansion.
"Oh, okay." Gong Juese readily agreed.
On one side, Gong Juese swiftly helped Gong Jue Chen pack his belongings, while on the other side, on the way back to Prince Yi’s Mansion, Xiao Changyi said to Meng Lanqing, "If we do not return, Jing’er, Star, Qinger, and Yun Er will be your masters."
Meng Lanqing’s throat tightened, but he still respectfully and firmly replied, "Yes, sir, your subordinate obeys!"
As soon as Xiao Changyi and An Jing returned to Prince Yi’s Mansion, they saw Meng Lanqing standing at the entrance with Qin Yi, Qin Er, Qin San, and Qin Si. All five were carrying simple bundles, and there were five horses at the entrance of Prince Yi’s Mansion—obviously for them.
"My lord, madam, your belongings have been packed and placed on the horses." Meng Zhuqing had guessed that their faithful and honorable lord and lady would venture to Nan Shen upon learning of the epidemic there.
Thus, he had the maidservants quickly prepare some clothing for An Jing and Xiao Changyi and hurried to arrange everything at Prince Yi’s Mansion so he could accompany them.
An Jing and Xiao Changyi always had confidence in Meng Zhuqing’s ability to handle things.
Seeing Meng Zhuqing and the others with their bundles, An Jing and Xiao Changyi understood that these five intended to accompany them.
An Jing and Xiao Changyi had initially planned to take a few people with them just in case, and this worked out perfectly.
Xiao Changyi exchanged no words with Meng Zhuqing and his group, hurrying inside Prince Yi’s Mansion with An Jing.
The four children were squatting in the courtyard’s corner watching ants at work, engrossed in the sight.
As soon as Xiao Changyi and An Jing found the children, they pulled them tightly into their embrace, the family of six holding each other in a scene both warm and heart-wrenchingly difficult.
The four little ones were unaware of what was happening. Even if they had known, they couldn’t grasp the grave implications. They simply smiled and asked as An Jing and Xiao Changyi held them, "Daddy, Mommy, you’re back!"
An Jing struggled not to let her true emotions show and smiled, "Yes, we’re back, but Daddy and Mommy have to go out again and can’t play with you. You go to the palace to play with your imperial grandfather and Brother Muchen, okay?"