Li Shengan thought for a moment and cautiously said,
"Marquis, it is said... matters beside the Emperor, this old servant shouldn’t disclose even a bit!"
"However... considering the Emperor’s trust in you!"
"I must give you a word of advice!"
"The Emperor has already made a decision on this matter, but what it is, this old servant doesn’t know!"
Xia Tingfeng knew better than to ask more.
"Thank you, Eunuch!"
Li Shengan waved his hand.
"No need to thank me; since the Emperor has decreed, Marquis, you can go with ease!"
Xia Tingfeng nodded and decided not to say more.
He took out an exquisite pouch from his bosom and personally placed it in Li Shengan’s hand.
Then he respectfully saw him out.
...
Ever since the Xia Residence received the Imperial Edict, Ni Manxue started getting busy.
Since it was a long journey.
Everything in and out of the house naturally needed to be well organized.
First, the outer farms and shops, after checking the accounts, must be handed over to reliable stewards for management.
Then it’s the estate inside, which cannot be neglected at all, and people chosen must be picked with utmost care.
Finally, the two children.
Their eldest son, Xia Chengze, had turned thirteen after the new year, and the youngest was already ten.
They were at the age of growing bodies and acquiring knowledge, so their studies couldn’t be neglected.
Even if teachers couldn’t accompany them, arrangements had to be made for their studies so they wouldn’t fall too far behind.
This busyness over a few days made Ni Manxue lose a significant amount of weight.
Xia Tingfeng felt distressed watching her.
"It’s just a pity I don’t understand these things and can’t share the burden with you!"
Ni Manxue shook her head while massaging her waist.
"This is all my responsibility!"
"Isn’t it the same for every matriarch of the house? Everything inside and out must be managed!"
"Besides, we’re going on a long journey, once we leave, it’ll be a year or more before we return!"
"So everything must be carefully organized!"
"Though I’ve been tired these few days, it’s worthwhile, everyone staying behind is trusted so we can leave with peace of mind!"
Xia Tingfeng smiled, gently placing his large hand on her waist to massage it slowly.
"Thank you for your hard work, Madam!"
Ni Manxue comfortably lay on the bed, letting him massage.
"Husband, thank you for your hard work as well!"
"In the past, you worked day and night, and I had to share more of the burden for you!"
"Now it’s better, you can finally rest, and I can relax a bit too!"
"We can finally go out and see the world!"
Xia Tingfeng gently stroked her long hair hanging over her shoulders.
On his normally cold and sharp face appeared a rare, tender smile.
"Yes, indeed!"
"I know you also cherish this great land, but never had the time. This time, I’ll be sure to accompany you well!"
Ni Manxue turned and smiled,
"Every time the Emperor and Empress went on a private visit, you didn’t know how envious I was!"
"I’ve always thought, when can we two go out on adventures?"
Xia Tingfeng placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Right now!"
Ni Manxue blushed.
"We’ve been together for ages, you old rogue!"
Xia Tingfeng feigned seriousness in protest.
"I’m not old!"
Ni Manxue couldn’t help but tap his broad forehead.
"You may not be old, but our son is growing up, and in a couple of years, we’ll be arranging marriages!"
"In a few more years... you’ll be holding grandchildren, will you still say you’re not old then?"
Xia Tingfeng felt a twitch in his lips.
Cursing inwardly: This brat, how did he grow up so fast!
Seeing his stiff expression, Ni Manxue burst into laughter.
"Alright, alright, let’s not talk about this anymore!"
"We’re leaving in two days, time for a good night’s sleep!"
Xia Tingfeng nodded.
He stood up, scooped Ni Manxue up by her waist, and said fiercely,
"I need to prove, I’m not old yet!"
Ni Manxue gasped and then pounded his broad shoulders.
"You’re really incorrigible, calling you improper was spot on!"
Xia Tingfeng kept his dispassionate face as he spoke flirtatiously.
"In front of my wife, do I need to be proper?"
He laid her on the bed, drew the curtains with one hand, and extinguished the lights with the other.
The sharp wind from his palm made the curtains fall, the lights go out.
Soon, a vibrant sound filled the room.
...
Three days later, the caravan set out.
Xia Tingfeng rode ahead with their two sons, Ni Manxue sat on a spacious carriage in the center with two trusted maids.
Two carts of luggage followed behind, with ten or so house servants escorting at the back.
The group left the Capital City and headed south.
The Emperor had set no deadline.
So, the family traveled leisurely, enjoying the scenery along the way.