The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1638 - 1633: Farewell

Wang Yongzhu, feeling quite speechless, saw off the Emperor and his entourage together with the Empress.

It was truly beyond words.

Is this how an Emperor gives orders?

Finding someone by just dropping a name and handing a badge?

Is she supposed to run alongside Song Chongjin to the Grasslands Royal Capital, brandishing the badge daily in hopes someone will take the bait?

Or does she have to randomly approach women, asking if they are called Bi Zhu?

At the very least, some basic information should be provided, like gender, age, or any distinguishing features? Or any secret signs to look for?

Only a name was given, how is one supposed to find a needle in a haystack?

One would expect an Emperor to play such guessing games, wouldn’t this be a bit childish?

Wang Yongzhu admired the ministers of the Imperial Court; to work with such an Emperor, they must be adept at guessing his thoughts to accomplish tasks.

Once the Emperor’s figure had left Changchun Palace, the attendants nearby involuntarily breathed a sigh of relief.

The Empress gestured for those around her to leave, keeping only a few trusted attendants.

The two of them seated themselves as host and guest, and the Empress asked with concern, "Did His Majesty relent?"

Wang Yongzhu nodded with a troubled expression.

The Empress knew there was a story behind this, but being a very cautious and tactful person, she understood that since the Emperor had avoided discussing matters with her and chose to speak privately with Wang Yongzhu, he clearly didn’t want her to know.

Thus, she never pried, which had been her principle for survival within the palace, and also one of the reasons for the Emperor’s favor.

Because she knew her limits.

Even though she was now Empress, her caution had seeped into her bones, and she was increasingly prudent.

Therefore, she did not mention the matter again but changed the topic: "Given the situation, I suppose you won’t be able to stay long in the Capital City. We don’t know when we’ll see each other again after this—"

There was indeed a hint of reluctance.

From her entry into the palace to the present, the Empress appeared to be infinitely honored and favored, yet who knew of her constant dread?

In the deep palace, there are no confidantes, no friends, no sisters, only endless strife and intrigue.

Only in Wang Yongzhu did she find a trace of the feeling of having a female companion.

During childbirth, the things Wang Yongzhu said resonated deeply with her, giving a sense of knowing companionship.

Now, knowing that Wang Yongzhu would be leaving, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of melancholy.

To be honest, the Empress was the highest status among the women Wang Yongzhu encountered, with the deepest schemes, ambition, and cold rationality.

She had always admired such rational and calm women, and indeed had a measure of admiration for the Empress.

Wang Yongzhu could see clearly that the Empress wasn’t bewitched by the Emperor’s illusory favor, instead she was frighteningly lucid.

Her goal wasn’t merely to be Empress but to become Empress Dowager, which would be true success and true safety without worry.

Such clear-headed and rational women are rare, even in modern society.

Moreover, whenever the two sat down to talk and chat, there was always a silent understanding, the feeling of "Oh, you think that way too," which was rare.

So, she smiled at the Empress: "There is no feast that doesn’t end. Rest assured, Madam, even though we may be separated by thousands of miles, our tacit understanding will naturally remain unchanged."

The Empress understood and smiled.

Seeing that the outside sky was almost the right time, Wang Yongzhu had achieved her purpose for entering the palace today, and naturally, didn’t wish to linger.

Thus she rose to bid farewell: "Madam, I shall take my leave! During these days in the Capital City, I am immensely grateful for Madam’s care. I only wish that the next time we meet, Madam remains radiant, His Majesty’s favor not waning, the Ninth Prince healthy and smart, and all matters go smoothly!"

Tears welled up in the Empress’s eyes as she held Wang Yongzhu’s hand: "We got along well since the beginning, and if not for you, I wouldn’t have preserved the lives of me and my child. Great gratitude needs no words, rest assured, Qing Que and I will remember this!"

"This trip to Chicheng City to open up trade, though I don’t understand much, I know well the difficulties involved. If there’s any trouble, don’t force yourself, send a word back. Although the harem cannot interfere with governance, I can still convey some words for you in front of His Majesty!"

Wang Yongzhu understood; this was the Empress’s promise.

Feeling somewhat moved, she gave the Empress a salute before exiting the room.

Outside, Little Luzi naturally awaited, to escort Wang Yongzhu out.

Most of the attendants in Changchun Palace knew that after Wang Yongzhu left the palace this time, she would be venturing a thousand miles away, not knowing when they’d meet again.

As she walked out, all the attendants she encountered bowed to Wang Yongzhu.

Finally exiting Changchun Palace, upon reaching the Imperial Garden, she saw Chief Steward Su with several Little Chamberlains quietly waiting there on the walkway.

Seeing this, Little Luzi hurriedly bowed in respect.

He called out, "Little Luzi pays respects to Grandpa Su! I greet Grandpa Su!"

Chief Steward Su raised his eyelids, glanced over Little Luzi, nodded, and lazily spoke, "You little monkey, you are quite clever, rushing to be cheeky—"

Little Luzi grinned, "Grandpa Su, how come you’re here?"

Chief Steward Su glanced at Wang Yongzhu and laughed, "An old servant at His Majesty’s behest, waiting here for the Wife of the Heir-Apparent to escort her back home!"

Wang Yongzhu was taken aback; waiting here specifically to escort her back? She couldn’t believe it, as something odd suggested something uncanny. How could she trouble the chief steward by the Emperor’s side to wait for her?

Little Luzi’s heart skipped a beat; he understood better than anyone that there weren’t many errands that could trouble Chief Steward Su in the entire palace.

Let alone one that had him waiting here, he dared not think further.

He simply looked at Wang Yongzhu with concern.

Wang Yongzhu remained calm, respectfully saluting Chief Steward Su: "Thank you, Chief Steward Su."

Then she turned to Little Luzi: "Since Chief Steward Su is ordered to escort me back home, you need not bother yourself, Little Chamberlain Luzi. Please return to Changchun Palace to report to Madam."

Little Luzi understood at once, quickly bowing to Wang Yongzhu: "Then I shall go back to report!"

Having said this, he then saluted Chief Steward Su before hastily running off with two Little Chamberlains.

Chief Steward Su was an old hand; he naturally comprehend the little exchanges between Little Luzi and Wang Yongzhu.

However, the Wife of the Heir-Apparent was someone he couldn’t afford to offend, so he pretended not to notice.

Gesturing courteously: "This way please, Madam!"

Wang Yongzhu nodded: "Thank you, Chief Steward Su—"

Speaking, she slowly followed behind Chief Steward Su. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

The Little Chamberlains behind Chief Steward Su had keen eyes; two immediately stepped forward to clear the path, while two lagged a yard behind, preventing others from approaching.

Upon reaching the center of the Imperial Garden, Chief Steward Su slightly slowed his pace and casually spoke, "His Majesty has commanded that the Wife of the Heir-Apparent should act normally; just listen."

Wang Yongzhu’s expression remained unchanged as she quietly replied, "Please, Chief Steward Su—"