Chapter 11: Chapter 840: Departing for Apocalypse

Mu Qingge was there on business. After parting ways with Rong Qingzhi, she returned to her room to rest. When she woke up the next day, she continued to busy herself traveling between the mountains and fields for her survey. She never encountered Rong Qingzhi again while in Jueyan.

She spent another half a month surveying, nearly finishing her tasks, before setting off to return to the Jueyan imperial capital.

"Mother!"

Having received news of Mu Qingge’s return, the little Prince and Ji Ziyan had long been waiting in the palace. As soon as Mu Qingge entered, the little Prince ran over, stopping three paces away from her to look up.

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow: "Won't Zhan'er come over and give Mother a hug?"

"I will."

The little Prince was actually a bit shy; he wanted to hug her but was afraid of being improper. After Mu Qingge said that, he threw himself into her arms.

Mu Qingge laughed softly and scooped him up.

She swayed slightly while holding the child, smiling with satisfaction: "Zhan'er has grown a bit taller and heavier."

Ji Ziyan chimed in from the side: "Zhan'er has been very obedient. He has been eating well and studying his lessons well." After saying this, he reached out to take the little Prince, set him on the ground, and sighed at Mu Qingge: "Little Aunt, you’ve worked hard. These past two months, you’ve really worked hard."

In truth, when he learned she was returning, he had even wanted to go to the palace gates to welcome her, but she hadn't allowed it.

Because her identity was inconvenient to reveal, she had used a different persona to conduct her business; naturally, she couldn't let her identity slip upon returning.

To avoid unnecessary trouble, he had to agree.

"It doesn't count as hard work."

"You still say that, you've even tanned." He had known her for so long and had never seen her tanned to this extent!

Moreover, she looked a bit disheveled, and one could tell just by looking that she had been exhausted and busy these days.

"I'll turn fair again soon."

Mu Qingge didn't really care about her skin tone. She took her son's hand, sat down on the chaise longue in the palace, and slumped onto it with satisfaction: "If you really feel bad for me, hurry up and bring some food. I want to eat something good; I’m starving after the journey back!"

"Alright."

Actually, the meal had already been prepared and just needed to be brought out. He ordered the servants to serve the food and asked Mu Qingge: "After you eat, do you want to bathe?"

"I must." Mu Qingge sighed: "I’m sour and smelly; even I find it unbearable."

The little Prince shook his head gently: "Mother doesn't smell."

Mu Qingge laughed out loud, touching the little Prince’s soft, tender cheeks, her heart softening: "A child doesn't find his mother ugly—my son is truly the best."

While eating, Mu Qingge said to Ji Ziyan: "I’ll rest here for the night, and tomorrow I’ll be heading back."

Ji Ziyan was very reluctant: "Tomorrow? You’ve only been out for two months; won't you rest for a few days before setting off?"

"No, I’ve been away for too long this time. I need to hurry back."

"Fair enough." Ji Ziyan grumbled: "In these two months, Brother has already sent several letters."

"Oh?"

Mu Qingge was curious. "What did he say?"

The little Prince said in a milky voice: "Mother, most of Father’s letters were for Zhan'er. Father asked about Zhan'er’s lessons and whether I was doing well, and he also asked about Mother a few times. Shall we go to Zhan'er’s room later so you can take a look?"

"Alright."

Mu Qingge smiled, rubbed the little Prince’s head, and asked Ji Ziyan: "No letters for me personally?"

Ji Ziyan shook his head.

Mu Qingge touched the tip of her nose and buried her head in her meal.

It wasn't that she felt disappointed or anything; it was just that she was traveling everywhere and not in the imperial capital, so even if he had written to her, she wouldn't have received it immediately. It was normal for Rong Jue not to write to her.

After the meal, Mu Qingge went to report her findings to Ji Ziyan and handed over the notebook she had compiled. After Ji Ziyan finished listening to her, he asked: "Leaving tomorrow, what do you need to bring?"

"Just prepare some food, but don't prepare too much. It spoils easily in this weather. Just prepare enough for one day; we can find food ourselves on the way. You don't need to worry."

"Alright."

Ji Ziyan also had many things to do. After chatting with her for a while, he was hurriedly called away.

Mu Qingge took a bath, chatted with the little Prince, and then lay down on the bed and fell asleep.

She slept until nightfall before waking up.

When she woke, she saw the little Prince sitting upright at the table by the window.

She took one look and couldn't help but curl her lips into a smile.

Presumably, she had moved, and the little Prince had heard the sound. He turned around and saw her lying there looking at him.

The little Prince jumped off the chair and wanted to run to the bedside, but stopped after two steps, walking over properly instead, and asked: "Is Mother awake?"

"Mm."

Mu Qingge found her son’s eager yet restrained behavior adorable. She sat up, pulled him over, scooped him onto the bed, and kissed his cheek before asking: "It’s late, why aren't you asleep yet?"

The little Prince said obediently: "I haven't finished my book."

"Then read it tomorrow."

"I can't, there are three pages left." The little Prince held up three tender little fingers in Mu Qingge’s arms.

Mu Qingge felt helpless. Since the child said he couldn't, she respected his wishes and asked: "Have you had dinner?"

"I ate with Little Uncle."

"Good." Mu Qingge was relieved. She rubbed his head and negotiated with him: "Then Mother will have someone bring some food. You go ahead, and when I finish eating and you finish reading, we’ll go to sleep. How about we head back to Tianqi together tomorrow morning?"

"Alright."

Thus, the two went about their own business, and once finished, they went to bed to rest.

They didn't wake up very early the next morning. After they washed up, Ji Ziyan had already returned from the morning court, so the three of them were able to have breakfast together.

During the meal, Ji Ziyan told Mu Qingge some things to watch out for on the way back. Mu Qingge patted his shoulder and said helplessly: "You’re so long-winded. You’re an Emperor, after all; don't be such a nag. Am I still a child? I’ll pay attention to these things."

Ji Ziyan was so angry he glared at her, and Mu Qingge burst into laughter.

After the meal, Mu Qingge packed her and the little Prince’s things and prepared to depart.

Before getting into the carriage, Mu Qingge reached out and ruffled Ji Ziyan’s hair: "If there’s anything you don't understand, or if you encounter difficulties, you can write to me and your brother."

"Mm."

Ji Ziyan lowered his head, not looking at Mu Qingge, and instead crouched down to hug the little Prince: "Zhan'er, remember to write to Little Uncle after you get back."

The little Prince nodded obediently, his eyes red as he looked at Ji Ziyan, clearly reluctant to part.

Ji Ziyan was actually reluctant as well; after all, this parting meant it would be a long time before they saw each other again.

He was still a youth, and he didn't want anyone to see his eyes get wet. He personally helped the little Prince into the carriage, had someone help Mu Qingge up, and immediately ordered the curtain to be lowered. He said to the coachman, who was disguised as a guard: "Set off. Remember to protect the safety of the two masters at all times."

"Yes."

As the carriage set off, Ji Ziyan stood where he was, watching the carriage gradually fade into the distance.