Shao Mingyuan was momentarily stunned by Qiao Mo’s question.

Miss Li’s safety? Of course, he was worried about it. But he had no standing to accompany her, nor even any standing to show such concern openly.

Qiao Mo gazed deeply at Shao Mingyuan, revealing an enigmatic smile: “If possible, I hope the Marquis could accompany her.”

Shao Mingyuan remained silent for a long while, subconsciously lifting his teacup to his lips for a sip, only to discover the cup was empty. He awkwardly set the teacup down and met Qiao Mo’s profound gaze, asking: “Is this brother-in-law’s intention?”

Qiao Mo smiled: “Physician Li also once entrusted the Marquis to take care of Zhaozhao.”

“Very well, I’ll accompany her.”

Seeing that Shao Mingyuan had agreed, Qiao Mo found himself unable to describe the feelings in his heart. His tone shifted: “Zhaozhao has not yet left the boudoir. If the Marquis wishes to travel with her, I hope there can be a reason that won’t damage her reputation.”

Shao Mingyuan nodded again: “Very well.”

Since the brother-in-law didn’t mind him accompanying Miss Li, he would naturally find a suitable reason.

He couldn’t deceive himself—after Physician Li’s accident, no matter how many personal guards he assigned to protect Miss Li, he wouldn’t feel at ease.

“Then it’s settled. Zhaozhao’s safety is entrusted to the Marquis.” Qiao Mo suddenly rose and bowed solemnly to Shao Mingyuan.

Shao Mingyuan quickly stood up as well, avoiding Qiao Mo’s courtesy: “I will not fail brother-in-law’s trust.”

Qiao Mo still couldn’t feel entirely at ease: “The sea is fraught with dangers. If we encounter hurricanes or other natural disasters again—”

Shao Mingyuan spoke solemnly: “Natural disasters may be beyond human power to resist. I can only promise brother-in-law this: if Miss Li cannot return, then I won’t return either.”

He spoke these words plainly and calmly, but Qiao Mo’s heart trembled, and he looked deeply at Shao Mingyuan.

Shao Mingyuan’s expression remained largely unchanged: “Brother-in-law, then I’ll go make arrangements.”

He bid farewell to Qiao Mo and walked several steps toward the moon gate before suddenly stopping. Turning back to look at Qiao Mo: “Brother-in-law, do you unconsciously treat Miss Li as if she were Qiao Zhao?”

Qiao Mo’s eyes flickered, and he smiled: “Why does the Marquis say this?”

“Sometimes I have this illusion.” Shao Mingyuan lowered his gaze to stare at the silk tree flowers blown to his feet by the wind, self-mockingly tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Brother-in-law’s attitude toward Miss Li—hadn’t he harbored such illusions in the depths of night?

But this wasn’t fair to Qiao Zhao.

“Those who are gone cannot be retrieved; those who remain should be cherished. The Marquis should look forward.”

Shao Mingyuan smiled and turned to leave.

Qiao Zhao returned to the Li Residence and first told Old Madam Deng about her impending southern journey.

Old Madam Deng listened without speaking for a long time.

“Grandmother?”

Old Madam Deng came back to herself and spoke earnestly: “Third girl, the southern coastal regions are very dangerous.”

“I have considered all the dangers clearly, Grandmother.”

Old Madam Deng sighed: “Your journey south isn’t just to gather medicine for the Ninth Princess, is it?”

Qiao Zhao lowered her eyes and gently massaged Old Madam Deng’s legs: “I want to go to the South Sea shore and personally pay respects to Grandfather Li. Grandmother, whenever I think of how Grandfather Li, at such an advanced age, couldn’t even have his remains found in the end, I cannot sleep at night.”

Those relatives of hers who perished in the flames, and Grandfather Li—thinking of those familiar faces, she couldn’t bring herself to remain in the capital’s luxurious splendor, marrying and bearing children like ordinary girls, living out a mediocre existence.

She had to do something for them to find peace.

Old Madam Deng reached out to stroke Qiao Zhao’s hair and let out a long sigh: “Very well. Grandmother knows you’re a clever child with your mind. Since you’ve decided, and the Empress Dowager has arranged for someone to escort you, then go. But remember one thing—you must return without a hair harmed.”

“I will take good care of myself, Grandmother, please don’t worry.”

“Go and speak properly with your parents. With your mother’s temperament, when she learns of this, she’ll probably tear the house down. Your father—” Your father will pretend to be calm on the surface, but will probably secretly shed tears behind everyone’s back.

Old Madam Deng was a kind-hearted person and decided not to expose her son after all.

“I will speak properly with Father and Mother.” Qiao Zhao smiled brightly: “Perhaps there will be good news soon that will improve Father and Mother’s mood.”

Old Madam Deng’s heart stirred, and she asked: “What good news?”

“Uh—” Qiao Zhao hesitated.

After all, it was something without substance, so it wasn’t appropriate to speak of it now.

Old Madam Deng smiled: “You girl, when did you learn to say auspicious words to make people happy? Go quickly and tell your mother. Don’t wait for the Empress Dowager’s decree to arrive first—there’s nothing your mother wouldn’t dare to do.”

When Qiao Zhao left Qingsong Hall, Second Madam Liu happened to be entering.

“Second Aunt.”

“Third Miss has returned from the palace?”

“Yes, just returned.”

Liu smiled with crinkled eyes: “The palace has many rules and is quite stuffy. If Third Miss has free time, you can visit Yan’er and the others for entertainment. Those two girls have no other talents—they only know how to play.”

Qiao Zhao smiled slightly. She increasingly felt that this Second Aunt was quite an interesting person.

“I understand, Second Aunt. I need to return to Yahe Courtyard first.”

After watching Qiao Zhao’s departing figure, Liu then entered and said with a smile: “Old Madam, I told you Third Miss wouldn’t have any trouble even going to the palace.”

Old Madam Deng looked at her with amused exasperation: “You certainly have confidence in Third girl.”

Liu pursed her lips in amusement.

How could she not have confidence? Anyone who crossed Third Miss ended up unlucky!

“I came to discuss something with Old Madam.”

“Speak.” Recently, the second daughter-in-law and eldest daughter-in-law hadn’t been at each other’s throats, and the old lady felt her ears were much quieter.

“You see, the women’s school in the East Residence has closed, and Yan’er and Chan’er are at the age when they should be learning skills. They can’t just idle away their time like this. I was thinking, perhaps we could ask Third Miss to spare half an hour each day to guide the two younger sisters in practicing calligraphy. What does Old Madam think of this idea?”

Old Madam Deng nodded: “It’s a good idea, but the Third girl probably won’t have time to guide Yan’er and the others.”

Liu looked at Old Madam Deng uncomprehendingly.

“Third girl is going on a long journey—she’s been ordered by the Empress Dowager to handle some business.”

“There’s such a thing?” Liu was stunned upon hearing this, then clicked her tongue: “Third Miss is truly capable. Now she can even handle business for the Empress Dowager.” She tactfully didn’t ask what specific business it was.

“Don’t be anxious about Yan’er and the others. The autumn examinations are approaching. When the time comes, we can hire some failed old scholars to serve as teachers.”

Liu nodded repeatedly upon hearing this: “Old Madam thinks things through thoroughly. Then we’ll wait a bit longer. During this time, I’ll teach them needlework.”

Old Madam Deng sighed, thinking of something: “Actually, being somewhat lacking in learning isn’t necessarily bad. Cultivating the two girls’ characters properly is most important.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Meanwhile, Qiao Zhao returned to Yahe Courtyard and told He Shi about her impending southern journey. Upon hearing this, He Shi completely lost her composure.

“Mother, please let me explain.”

“I won’t listen, I won’t listen!” He Shi covered her ears and immediately headed outside.

She knew that if she listened, she’d be persuaded by her daughter!