Time passed quietly, and after more than ten days and nights, they finally arrived in Beijing.

In front of the Tao Mansion, the carriage slowly stopped. The gatekeeper saw the person getting off the carriage and immediately called the other servants in the mansion to come out hurriedly. Everyone quickly stepped forward and stood respectfully beside the carriage.

"Ah Xi, you really don't need me to take you in?"

As Shen Zhiyi spoke, he got off the carriage swiftly, then turned around, reached out his hand into the carriage, and carefully helped Tao Jiuxi get off.

"No, we're already at the door. Don't make your mother wait too long."

As she spoke, her gaze fell on Xie Ningqiu through the carriage window.

Xie Ningqiu came back all the way, and she and Tao Jiuxi met each other every time in this small boat. Although she couldn't say that she liked Tao Jiuxi, after all, she was the person her son held in his hands every day. She didn't say anything harsh to him, and the journey back was quite harmonious.

"Then I will prepare the gifts tomorrow and come to your house." Shen Zhiyi said with a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

"Ah."

At this time, Mu'er and Xiaohe from the carriage behind also came down with Fuya.

Tao Jiuxi was eager to go home and wanted to rush into the house to find Tao Qingwan immediately.

Only then did Shen Zhiyi get on the carriage reluctantly, looking back every few steps.

Tao Jiuxi stood under the carriage and saluted Xie Ningqiu dignifiedly: "Madam, take care."

Xie Ningqiu nodded slightly, but her eyes unconsciously glanced at Fu Ya not far away.

During this period, Fu Ya almost stuck to her side, bringing her a different kind of warmth. She felt a little reluctant to leave, and there was a hint of nostalgia in her eyes.

Tao Jiuxi understood and was happy to see Xie Ningqiu's attitude towards Fu Ya.

Xie Ningqiu retracted his gaze and said to Tao Jiuxi, "Tomorrow, I will come to your house with Yier."

Shen Zhiyi hadn't expected his mother to speak so suddenly. He had originally thought that perhaps he would need to ask the emperor for permission or ask the princess to intervene. Now, he was filled with surprise and froze in his tracks.

Tao Jiuxi was also stunned for a moment. She slowly looked at Shen Zhiyi with some surprise in her eyes, and there was a hint of surprise in that surprise.

She thought that even if Xie Ningqiu did not approve, their relationship would not be affected, but if Xie Ningqiu supported it, wouldn't that be better?

So, she smiled and said, "I will tell my father and wait for you tomorrow, Madam."

The carriage started slowly and then gradually drove away, and the sound of the wheels rolling echoed slowly on the cobblestone road.

The servants immediately rushed forward and skillfully carried the things taken from the carriage back to the mansion one by one.

Some of them were luggage, and some were exquisite items that Tao Jiuxi bought on the road and brought back as gifts for Tao Qingwan.

Today, Tao Jiuxi had a little plan in mind and deliberately did not let anyone tell Tao Qingwan about her return in advance. She was looking forward to giving Tao Qingwan a big surprise.

With this joyful heart, she stepped into the mansion. Tao Qingwan's former maid, Tao'er, immediately came forward, bowed respectfully, and said with a smile, "Second Miss, how are you? I have been waiting for you at the mansion on the orders of the eldest lady. She said that when you return, I will accompany you to your new residence."

"A new mansion?" Tao Jiuxi asked with a puzzled look on his face.

Tao'er quickly replied, "Young lady, that's what the eldest lady told me to do."

Then, she leaned closer to Tao Jiuxi and said in a low voice, "The eldest lady also specifically told me that it's best to avoid discussing this matter with Duke Shen."

Tao Jiuxi was even more surprised and asked, "What's going on?"

Tao'er then slowly explained, "Young lady, ten days after you left, the master returned to the capital. He stayed in the mansion for two days at first, but then I heard he went to the palace. After returning, he didn't want to stay in the mansion anymore, so he moved to the inn that same day."

When Tao'er spoke, there was a hint of caution in her eyes, as if she was afraid that she might say something wrong.

"The mansion bestowed by the emperor was received half a month ago, and the master is living in the new mansion now. The new mansion is just behind us, across the street from here." Tao'er said as she pointed in the direction behind.

After hearing this, Tao Jiuxi was puzzled and couldn't understand the reasons behind his father's series of actions.

After Tao Hongyuan and Tao Qingwan moved out, Tao Qingwan asked Tao'er to take charge of the affairs in the mansion. Tao'er was a little older and very sensible, and she managed all the affairs in the mansion in an orderly manner.

"Then let's go there now."

Tao Jiuxi came back to her senses and gave a decisive order. Then, she turned to look at Mu'er and said, "Mu'er, you stay in the mansion and arrange accommodation for Xiaohe and Fuya."

After saying that, she couldn't wait to follow Tao'er in a hurry.

Led by Tao'er, the two walked along the street and soon arrived at the Tao Mansion bestowed by the emperor.

From the outside, the Tao Mansion was indeed much smaller than the one Shen Zhiyi had bought. However, as it was a gift from the Emperor, the vermilion gate was majestic and solemn, and the carvings on the lintel were exquisite and delicate, giving it a very grand appearance.

When the two gatekeepers saw Tao Jiuxi, they showed a hint of doubt on their faces, obviously not knowing her. But they both knew Tao'er who was following behind them, so they immediately stepped forward.

"Miss Tao'er, who is this?" one of the servants asked curiously, looking at Tao Jiuxi.

"It's the second young lady." Tao'er answered respectfully in a clear and loud voice.

When they entered the house, the housekeeper had carefully explained that there were two young ladies in the house, one of whom was out and had not yet returned. They immediately understood and immediately bowed, saying, "Greetings to the second young lady."

After the ceremony, a servant cleverly stood in front, ready to lead Tao Jiuxi, while another servant turned around and hurried in to pass the message.

Tao Jiuxi stood in front of the mansion gate, looking at this unfamiliar mansion with curiosity in her eyes. She raised her head slightly and looked around. She saw that the mansion was shaded by green trees, lush flowers and plants, with a fresh and elegant layout and a quiet and pleasant environment. She couldn't help but admire it secretly.

"Kuki!"

Suddenly, Tao Qingwan's voice came from afar.

Tao Jiuxi looked in the direction of the voice and saw Tao Qingwan walking towards him in a hurry. She was wearing a light blue long dress, the hem of which fluttered in the wind, like a fairy descending to earth.

A bright smile suddenly broke out on Tao Jiuxi's face. She trotted over and happily pounced on Tao Qingwan. She hugged Tao Qingwan tightly, as if she wanted to put all the longing she had felt for her during this period into this hug.

"Sister, I miss you so much." Tao Jiuxi whispered in Tao Qingwan's ear, his tone full of coquettishness.

"I don't believe it. If you missed me, how could you not even write to me for such a long time?" Tao Qingwan complained. Although she said so, she held Tao Jiuxi's hands tightly, unwilling to let go at all.

"I was afraid that my sister would read the letter and cry at home alone, missing me."

In fact, although she missed Tao Qingwan very much, she was not from this era after all, and she had no idea of ​​writing letters. In her opinion, sometimes missing someone does not necessarily have to be expressed through letters.

"You're so funny. How come you've lost so much weight?" Tao Qingwan let go of Tao Jiuxi, gently held her arms with both hands, looked her up and down, her eyes full of heartache.

"I miss you so much that I can't eat or drink. Sister, what happened after father came back?"

Tao Jiuxi took Tao Qingwan's hand and asked in confusion.

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