"Your Highness, please rest assured!"
Whether it was Qiu Qing or Tiao Hong, they patted their chests and assured Song Chaoyu, "We will not let any harm come to the Chang Prince's Mansion."
Including those left behind by Mu Changxi in the Chang Prince's Mansion, Song Chaoyu believed they could protect the entire Chang Prince's Mansion.
After settling everything, Song Chaoyu did not forget to instruct Tiao Hong, "It's alright if you can't make up your mind for a while. We won't be gone for too long anyway. We can figure things out together when we return."
"Alright."
Tiao Hong hesitated for a moment before asking Song Chaoyu, "Are you taking Wu He with you?"
Regarding this matter, Song Chaoyu and Mu Changxi had indeed discussed it seriously.
Currently, they did not know if the other party was from the Tan family, nor how much the Tan family knew about them if they were.
Therefore, Mu Changxi's opinion was that it would be good to bring Wu He along.
Song Chaoyu did not object and said to Tiao Hong, "We should bring him. Wu He is from the Southern Kingdom, and the Tan family is not familiar with him. We don't know how much the Tan family knows about us now. Bringing Wu He might make things more convenient."
Tiao Hong nodded, "That's good. We'll discuss it after he returns."
Thus, before leaving, there was one more thing Song Chaoyu needed to do.
That was to visit Concubine Liu.
On the day they returned to the Song family, Mu Changxi and Song Chaoyu went together.
To Song Chaoyu's surprise, Mu Hansu, whom she had not seen for a long time, was also there.
His former prestige had greatly diminished. His title had even been revoked, and he could no longer reside in the Ning Prince's Mansion. Instead, he had moved to a smaller, more remote princely mansion.
Yet, even though he had treated Song Yanjiao to such an extent, the Song family still treated him with their usual politeness when he came to the Song mansion.
Perhaps even Mu Hansu himself had not expected to encounter Mu Changxi and Song Chaoyu today.
So, as Mu Changxi and Song Chaoyu entered, Mu Hansu stood up, a hint of awkwardness in his eyes, "You... you've arrived?"
To be honest, even in her previous life, this was the first time Song Chaoyu had seen such a dejected Mu Hansu.
He was no longer the affluent and extravagant figure of the past. He wore a simple brocade scholar's robe, and his hair was tied up with the most ordinary jade hairpin. He looked somewhat haggard.
However, Mu Changxi's attitude towards him was still polite.
He cupped his fists and said, "Long time no see, Brother Prince."
Mu Hansu nodded slightly, then turned to look at Lord Song, "Father-in-law, if you have no further instructions, I will take my leave."
"Hmm."
Lord Song's expression was not pleasant, but he still stood up to see Mu Hansu off, "I hope Your Highness the Prince will seriously consider what I said today. You are still young, and there is no need to rush."
Mu Hansu smiled slightly, "I will."
With that, he turned and left.
Lord Song's expression grew even more displeased.
After Mu Hansu was completely out of sight, Lord Song sighed.
But when he turned to face Song Chaoyu and Mu Changxi, his eyes softened, "You've arrived? The meal is ready. Come, let's eat and talk!"
Since the meal was ready...
Song Chaoyu was a little surprised, "Why didn't Father invite Brother Ning to dine?"
"Hmph!"
Lord Song snorted, "He committed those wrongdoings, and he is no longer the Ning Prince."
It seemed that Mu Hansu had angered Song Yuan.
Before Song Chaoyu could ask, Mu Changxi said, "I'm afraid Brother Prince came today to tell Father-in-law that he intends to marry someone else?"
Mu Hansu was getting married again?
Song Chaoyu frowned, "No way? Has it only been so long since my sister passed away, and he's already remarrying?"
"Isn't that so?"
Speaking of Mu Hansu, Song Yuan became even angrier, "Although Jiao'er made mistakes, and Xiao Taozi is now being raised in your Chang Prince's Mansion, Jiao'er has only been gone for a short time. He told me today that although his title has been revoked and he is now just a Prince, a princely mansion cannot be without a master for a day. His mother said she wants to ask the Emperor to arrange a marriage for him."
This matter... was indeed Mu Hansu's fault.
Song Chaoyu said, "Even so, isn't he too hasty?"
"Forget it, let him be!"
Lord Song now knew Mu Hansu's character and sneered, "Which family in the capital would be willing to marry their daughter to him now? If he truly has the ability, let him ask the Emperor. It has nothing to do with our Song family anyway!"
He looked at Mu Changxi, "I heard that Noble Consort is unwell, and you are going to Tanzhou to investigate salt affairs. You must be extremely careful on your journey!"
They had reported to the Emperor, so the Emperor also agreed with their idea of not publicizing the matter.
Externally, it was announced that Mu Changxi was going to Tanzhou to supervise salt affairs.
And his health had always been poor, so it was normal for Song Chaoyu, as the Princess, to serve by Mu Changxi's side, and no one suspected anything.
Mu Changxi nodded, "Please take care of everything in the capital, Father-in-law."
Lord Song was now extremely respectful towards Mu Changxi, "You must also be very careful on your journey. I heard that Tanzhou produces medicine, and your grandmother's health is declining day by day. If there are any good tonics, remember to buy some for her."
There was no need for Lord Song to remind them; Song Chaoyu and Mu Changxi naturally understood this.
During the meal, Lord Song also took the initiative to say to Song Chaoyu, "We don't know how long this trip will take. You should go and see your mother later. Now... although she is not under house arrest, she refuses to go out all day. Sometimes even Xiao Qing'er cannot see her. I think only you can see her."
Compared to when he spoke of Concubine Liu before, Song Yuan now seemed more resigned.
Song Chaoyu nodded without saying much.
However, as the meal was nearing its end, Lord Song sighed.
He had finally compromised with Concubine Liu, "After you return, find her a courtyard in the capital. Find one that suits her taste. No matter how much it costs, just tell me."
Song Chaoyu truly did not expect him to compromise so quickly!
"Lord Father-in-law, it's alright, leave the matter of the courtyard to us!"
Mu Changxi smiled at Song Yuan, "As long as Father-in-law and Mother-in-law can understand, it will be the happiest thing for us juniors."
"No, this is something you must let me do. Consider it... my compensation to Shi Yi Niang."
Song Yuan insisted, "And don't tell her. Just say you bought the courtyard. Since she wants freedom, I will give her freedom. I will also think carefully about what I have done all these years!"
Was this still the Song Yuan that Song Chaoyu knew, her father?