The Ace Bigshot Becomes A Farmgirl

The Imperial Banquet was something Shu Yu quite enjoyed.

Seizing the moment while the Emperor and Meng Yunzheng were engaged in conversation, she discreetly gathered most of the dishes into her own bowl.

Occasionally, the Emperor would glance at her, only to see Meng Yunzheng multitasking; discussing official matters while still managing to serve Shu Yu some food.

Shu Yu was also concerned that Meng Yunzheng might be too absorbed in talking, forgetting to eat. Whenever she found something delicious, she’d put a bit in his bowl and tug on his sleeve, reminding him to take a few bites.

It seemed as if the two of them had done this countless times, exhibiting a seamless and familiar rapport.

The Emperor, watching this, unexpectedly felt a tinge of envy.

He was surrounded by many women, from the Empress to concubines and beauties of all sorts, yet none interacted with him as Shu Yu did, like an ordinary couple.

So be it, he thought. As a solitary man who had chosen his path, why yearn for the commonplace life of ordinary folk?

After finishing the dinner, Shu Yu was escorted by the Chief Eunuch to the inner palace to meet the Empress.

The Empress had no vested interest in Shu Yu. Shu Yu was leaving the next day and Meng Yunzheng was on close terms with the Emperor, so her attitude towards Shu Yu was rather friendly.

Knowing they would marry upon returning, she bestowed a delicate headdress and gifted a pair of valuable jade bracelets.

When the eunuch, carrying these items, followed Shu Yu to the front hall to reunite with Meng Yunzheng, he also brought out a heap of things bestowed by the Emperor.

The two exchanged a glance and couldn’t help but laugh.

As night fell, Shu Yu and Meng Yunzheng didn’t delay any longer and hurried home for a wash and rest.

On their last night in the capital, everyone retired early. The next morning, several carriages departed from Futai Street.

Halfway through, the carriage Shu Yu was in headed alone to the Hong Family, while others exited the city first.

Aunt Hong was already waiting at the door, but standing there were not just her, but also the Hong Family’s two sons, a daughter, and their families—a crowd bustling at the entrance.

Shu Yu, ”...”

Aunt Hong took two bundles from her son’s hands, waved to Little Song Le poking his head out, and then embarrassedly said to Shu Yu, ”I have quite a bit of stuff...”

”Just two bundles, that’s hardly a lot. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of room.”

Ying Xi got off the carriage and helped Aunt Hong up.

The carriage interior was quite spacious, which slightly relieved Aunt Hong.

She, somewhat nervous, sat down and waved to the Hong family, ”Alright, I’m leaving now, you all head back.”

But Eldest Hong stepped forward, ”Mother, since this is your first time traveling far, we’re not at ease. We’ll escort you for a bit.”

”No need, I’m traveling by carriage, you can’t keep up.”

”It’s fine, it’s fine, we hired two mule carriages long ago, see, there they come. We’ll just escort you to the city gate, it’s not far.”

Aunt Hong was quite surprised. Turning her head, there indeed were two mule carriages, something she wasn’t aware of at all.

Meng Yunzheng spoke up, ”It’s alright, it’s rare for them to express such filial piety, let them escort you to the city gate.”

Whether the Hong family’s concern for Aunt Hong was genuine or not, they wished to see their mother off on her first long journey to the gate, which he couldn’t refuse.

Aunt Hong didn’t say much after that. In truth, she was a bit anxious; having her children escort her could somewhat divert her attention.

So Shu Yu’s carriage proceeded ahead, while the Hong family, jostling and vying for space, followed in the mule carriages, making their way out of the city to the gate.