Wufu yawned, listening to Madam Zhou’s endless murmuring about the dowry, becoming more and more excited. She didn’t remind her, thinking that as a mother, this was probably the most exciting and tense time.

It was Qiu Xiang, who was serving beside her, noticing the fatigue on Wufu’s face, and said, "Miss, do you have something to say to Madam?"

Only then did Madam Zhou stop and look at Wufu, "What’s the matter?"

"It’s nothing else, I just wanted to let you know that tomorrow I will be going to Miaojiang with Ah Jiu, and will be away from home for some time."

Madam Zhou was surprised, "Miaojiang? What kind of place is that?"

"Well, it’s in the southwest."

Madam Zhou frowned and said, "Why do you need to go there? Is it dangerous? How many people are going?"

"There are some urgent matters that can only be handled over there, so we have to go." Wufu said with a light, casual smile, "We will bring enough people, so don’t worry. As soon as the errands are done, we’ll come back immediately, definitely in time for my brother’s birth."

Madam Zhou acknowledged with a sound but seemed somewhat uneasy.

"Mother, just focus on resting at home. The midwives have already been invited, so don’t worry. Take more walks around the house for exercise so when the time comes, the birth will go more smoothly. If you need anything, just have someone go buy it; don’t go out to avoid any inconvenience from insensitive people outside," Wufu instructed.

"I have no need to leave the house; my body is so cumbersome now, it would be troublesome to go out." Madam Zhou joked.

Being a traditional woman, staying at home was usual for her, even in the village she rarely left except to go to town for exchanging embroidery work for money or for supplies; where else would she have gone?

Wufu didn’t elaborate, for fear she might fall into someone else’s scheme.

They talked for a while longer, after which Wufu yawned again, prompting Madam Zhou to hurry her off to rest in her room.

"My daughter has grown up," Madam Zhou sighed. "Her wings have hardened. She can fly everywhere and even get married."

Seeing her look wistful, Qiu Xiang smiled and said, "Indeed, Madam, in a few days you can even have son-in-law tea."

Madam Zhou, hearing this, broke into a smile. "Indeed."

The next morning, after having breakfast, Wufu first gave instructions to Purple Jade about the household matters.

"In a place like Miaojiang, there are many Gu insects and toxic herbs. I’ll take Jadeite with me since she knows a bit about such things. You’ll be in charge at home," Wufu said, "I’ve also left Xiao Liu at your disposal."

"Miss, you’re only at home, you don’t need to do much. You take Chi Liu with you; it’s better to have one more person," Purple Jade said. "There are still Hidden Guards at home, that’s enough people."

Wufu said, "Better safe than sorry. With my mother’s condition, she has to be closely looked after. If anything happens, just follow your judgment. I’ll back you up, so don’t worry about offending anyone."

"This servant understands," Purple Jade smiled.

"I trust your ability, and I’m entrusting this responsibility to you," Wufu said, holding her hand, "Purple Jade, please take care of my mother and the others for me."

Purple Jade nodded.

"Send a message to Changping and Chuying as well, letting them know I won’t be around for a while." Wufu patted her shoulder, then went to bid farewell to Madam Zhou. Only then did she set out with Jadeite, Mo Lan, and a Xiao Qi.

The road to the southwest was long, so they all traveled light and quick.

On Ah Jiu’s side, preparations were already complete. To avoid being detected by people in and out of the palace, he directly explained the situation to the Emperor of Nanyue. He needed to go to Miaojiang to find some herbs, meet up with Wufu in a certain town, and with disguised attire, they set off together towards the southwest.