Chapter 1880: 1868: The Villa

Chapter 1880: Chapter 1868: The Villa

As soon as the caravan left, Wang Yongzhu and her group felt more relaxed.

Bi Zhu found an opportunity to visit Wang Yongzhu again, mentioning that after the last banquet, the King of the Grasslands originally left with The Third Queen, but somehow ended up at Qi Le’s place midway.

The servants were sent out, and no one knew what the two discussed. In any case, the King of the Grasslands left Qi Le’s palace with a dark expression.

Now The Third Queen is in high favor, and the King of the Grasslands seems to love her even more than he initially did Qi Le.

The entire Wang City is guessing whether the King of the Grasslands has had a falling out with Queen Ah Lan and whether he might soon dispose of Queen Ah Lan to elevate The Third Queen to be Queen Ah Lan.

The Third Queen’s family feels they are on the rise, and relying on her favor, they are causing trouble for Queen Ah Lan’s faction.

Fortunately, Qi Le has been on the grasslands for many years and is no pushover. Her power is not much less than that of the King of the Grasslands.

The provocations from The Third Queen’s family are not a concern for now.

However, if this continues for a long time, with the King of the Grasslands backing them, joining forces with other queen’s factions, and Qi Le’s camp seeming to abandon their subordinates, things may change in a matter of days.

Bi Zhu naturally doesn’t want to fall into such a position and sees that half of the caravan and delegation have already left, increasing her worry.

If Wang Yongzhu and her group were to return to their homeland one day, she would lose another source of help, making it even more difficult.

So she came to seek advice.

Wang Yongzhu had already thought it over, whispered a few words to Bi Zhu, who then nodded with resolve and went off.

A few days later, word spread that The Third Queen had offended Queen Ah Lan. Before Queen Ah Lan could punish The Third Queen, the King of the Grasslands accused Queen Ah Lan of lacking tolerance and abusing imperial concubines.

Queen Ah Lan, furious, immediately ordered a punishment for The Third Queen, leading to a complete fallout with the King of the Grasslands.

After a huge argument between the couple, Queen Ah Lan packed her belongings and, with her trusted aides, went to the estate at the foot of the snow mountain on the edge of Wang City to relax.

As Queen Ah Lan’s confidant, Bi Zhu naturally followed her.

Now Wang City is abuzz, with everyone discussing the matter.

Bayar even came to vent to Wang Yongzhu, expressing his concern for Qi Le and murmuring about wanting to accompany Qi Le to the estate to cheer her up.

But both his father and mother forbade him, ordering him to rest at home, surrounded by dozens of attendants to prevent him from sneaking away.

While grumbling, they were informed that Queen Ah Lan had sent someone to invite Wang Yongzhu and her husband to the estate to relax.

Bayar’s eyes immediately lit up, and he clung to Wang Yongzhu’s leg, pleading, “Auntie, take me, take me—”

Before Wang Yongzhu could say anything, Song Chongjin entered and saw this, his face darkened: “If you don’t let go, I’m afraid your leg might break again—”

Bayar quickly released his grip, gazing hopefully at Wang Yongzhu, as if he had a wagging tail.

After asking someone to come in, Wang Yongzhu learned that Qi Le was reportedly unhappy at the estate, hoping Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin could console her.

Upon hearing this, Bayar jumped up, “I’ll go, I’ll go console Queen Ah Lan! She’s always doted on me, I’ll cheer her up, no problem!”

The messenger looked troubled and decisively declined, “Queen Ah Lan has issued an order, only wanting to see Lord Song and Madam! Please, young prince, don’t make things difficult for me!”

Bayar immediately wilted like a wilting eggplant, deflated.

If Wang Yongzhu couldn’t see that Prince Bayar harbored inappropriate feelings for Qi Le, she’d be blind.

She couldn’t help but sigh at Bayar’s eccentric tastes but nodded in agreement.

The messenger seemed in a hurry: “Please, Lord Song and Madam, quickly pack your things. We’re waiting outside. Just bring daily essentials; the estate has everything.”

So urgent?

Wang Yongzhu had Song Chongjin speak with the messenger outside to inquire about the estate’s situation while she packed.

It was really just a few changes of clothes and some daily essentials, which were easy enough to pack.

Once ready, she and Song Chongjin boarded a carriage, Fu Jian seeing them off at the door with instructions to be careful and exchanging a knowing glance.

Bayar looked pitifully as Wang Yongzhu and her husband boarded the carriage, wanting to follow but surrounded by a dozen burly men, had to dejectedly return home.

The estate wasn’t far from Wang City, just half a day’s journey.

Built at the foot of the mountain, it consisted of a few stone-built houses, with most still being tents.

Since Qi Le and Bi Zhu were here, soldiers patrol and guard the area.

A large camp was fenced with wooden palisades and stones around the estate, with soldiers’ tents on the outskirts.

Entering further, a series of small and large hot springs came into view, steaming and made the grass lush and green, punctuated by wildflowers.

Rare, tall poplar trees sprouted new leaves nearby, along with some lush shrubs.

This place was like another world compared to Wang City and its surroundings.

No wonder Qi Le wanted to come here to relax.

Upon entering the estate, female slaves led the couple to a tent, their accommodation at the estate.

Their luggage was also brought in.

The tent was spacious, with areas for entertaining, daily living, and resting, all well-appointed.

Thick felt carpets covered the ground, overlaid with rugs, and the decor was luxurious—with even drinking vessels made of gold inlaid with gemstones.

A small door at the back of the tent led to a naturally warm spring surrounded by thick felted walls.

The white stone-built pool was about half-human high, the water clear, perfect for a soak.

Wang Yongzhu’s eyes lit up at the sight.

The perceptive female slave suggested with a smile, “Noble Patron, after your long journey, perhaps a soak in the hot spring would be refreshing. The Queen will summon you in the evening.”

Why wait?

Wang Yongzhu asked the female slave to prepare the hot spring items, then signaled for everyone to leave, not needing them to serve inside.

She then took Song Chongjin to enjoy the hot spring together.

Song Chongjin blushed, tempted but knowing they were in Qi Le’s territory, he couldn’t bring himself to agree.

He only soaked briefly after Wang Yongzhu was finished.

Upon returning, the prepared outfits were grassland-style clothing.

Song Chongjin frowned, tossing the clothes aside, but Wang Yongzhu delightedly changed into them and had a female slave do her hair in a grassland style, looking like a pretty grassland maiden.

The attendant, an eloquent speaker, with fluent Great Chu language, flattered Wang Yongzhu’s beauty and grace, making her grin from ear to ear.

As the attendant promised, before dark, someone from Qi Le’s side came to invite them for dinner.

Upon reaching Qi Le’s tent, they found it to be massive, almost resembling a small palace.