Huan’s father smiled with earnest, comforting his little daughter, "I heard you say the Thirteenth Princess and the State Preceptor have a close relationship. I reckon she’s likely going to visit Dragon Tiger Mountain. Ah Zhi has a quick wit; she must have discussed it with the princess. There’s nothing else to it."

Huanhuan’s long eyelashes fluttered gently; it made sense to her too.

"Then I’ll ask them some other day. Tomorrow, Changzhou has a day off, and we plan to go shopping."

Saying this, she beamed at her fiancé.

Changzhou gave her a gentle smile, "Alright, whatever you want to buy, I’ll abide."

The night descended gently; the cozy and quaint hall was filled with warmth and joy.

Lingbo Fairy thought her son-in-law spoiled her daughter too much; wouldn’t she become unruly in the future?

She scolded him lightly, "Changzhou, don’t let her have her way too much. She needs to curb her lavish spending habits. In the future, she has to manage the household. Otherwise, how would she not squander the sizable family fortune?"

Huanhuan countered, "Mother, you’re overthinking. His meager salary, how much is it really? How can it sustain my squandering..."

The mentioned Changzhou’s handsome face turned a faint red, and he lowered his head slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Indeed, his salary was somewhat low...

Lingbo Fairy naturally noticed the strange appearance of her future son-in-law, casting a glance at her daughter, "You child, your tongue is unrestrained. Changzhou is just starting; it’s okay for the salary to be a bit low. It’s not like he’s a corrupt official with plenty of silver."

Huanhuan’s gaze was clear and she spoke innocently, "But Xiao Chen quietly opened many Phoenix Pavilions. Ah Zhi, marrying into that, wouldn’t have to worry at all."

At this, Changzhou’s head lowered even further...

Huan’s father came to mediate, changing the subject, "Come, come, let’s eat. Huanhuan, try this three-flavored duck, your favorite."

He reached out to serve a piece to his daughter.

A piece of crispy-skinned, tender duck meat appeared in Huanhuan’s bowl. Her attention instantly shifted, picking it up and placing it in her mouth, her cheeks puffing up like a little squirrel as she chewed.

...

Three mornings later.

Two carriages slowly departed from the Capital City, heading towards Dragon Tiger Mountain.

Qinglian, along with Chun Xing and Lingbo Fairy, sat in the first carriage.

Huan’s father rode alone in the back carriage. Initially, he intended to ride a horse, but his wife said she didn’t like his tanned appearance, so they hired an extra carriage for him to ride alone, while the three other women shared one.

Lingbo Fairy could escort them alone, but the journey was long, and the princess was noble-born. Fearful of any mishap along the way, she couldn’t handle it alone, so she brought her husband along. Her husband, having studied under Spear Immortal, was highly skilled in martial arts. With him there and no enemies to contend with, they were assured of a safe journey.

...

On the other side.

Ye Zhi was also preparing. She learned that in five days, a large ship would be taking the water route to Yan Country for trade, stopping by other small countries along the way. It would take about one to two months at sea to reach Yan Country.

Her plan was to knock Zhao Yi unconscious, throw him onto the ship and lock him up, then use some Soft Muscle Powder, and hire someone with silver to watch over him without harming his life. Once they reached Yan Country, they’d release him. Returning to Daqing would also take time. By then, the Little Fairy would have reached Dragon Tiger Mountain, and the State Preceptor would naturally send word from afar to the Capital City, allowing sufficient time.

Once the edict is issued, even if Zhao Yi returns, it won’t matter.

This was the only possible solution, ensuring no harm came to him while placing him appropriately. In the Capital, even if the government’s people searched, they would never find him at sea.

Keeping him in the Capital, amidst a mix of ears and eyes, she couldn’t guarantee it wouldn’t slip out.