Good news from Zong Shengguo quickly spread to every corner of Cangyi Continent.
Other vassal states sent memorials, not only congratulating but also presenting many gifts.
The Yun Kingdom sent General Leng to deliver gifts. The moment Zhao Jiaqi saw Leng Han in the imperial palace, her eyes never left him.
Fan Zehao saw his wife was quite nervous. He reached out, gently patted her, and whispered, "This is Zong Shengguo. If he dares to stir up trouble, he'll have to consider the consequences."
If one dared to cause trouble here, with Zong Han's methods, they were far more ruthless than Huangfu Xi. Causing trouble under his nose would undoubtedly be suicidal.
Zhao Jiaqi understood this point and no longer dwelled on it. As long as the child was watched over, other matters could be managed.
"Husband, in about ten days it will be our granddaughter's full moon banquet. After that, shall we go home?"
They had been out for a month, and she wondered how her two sons were doing at home.
Fan Zehao pondered for a moment and nodded, "Alright."
After the couple made their decision, they found Zong Han after the evening banquet and explained their intentions. Zong Han was helpless.
"I truly wish my mother-in-law and father-in-law would stay longer, but I also understand that there are matters in the inner city that require your attention. I won't force you to stay!"
Thinking of Junjun's disappointment upon hearing this, he added, "When the child is a little older, my wife and I will bring her back to celebrate the New Year, and we'll stay for a longer period then."
Zhao Jiaqi and Fan Zehao were very pleased. She said, "That would be wonderful! It's settled then. We'll be waiting for you at the prince's mansion during the New Year."
By then, the child would be able to crawl, unlike now, so soft and fragile that one feared dislocating their waist when holding her.
The next day, Helian Jinli arrived with generous gifts to congratulate Zong Han on the birth of his daughter. Seeing Zhao Jiaqi and Fan Zehao present made him even happier.
However, as happy as he was, his eyes were fixed on Yu Meng. Such sly, purposeful glances were all noticed by Zhao Jiaqi and her husband.
Fan Zehao silently stood in front of Helian Jinli, blocking his view. He then grinned at Jinli, patted his shoulder, and said, "You're still too young, Crown Prince Jinli!"
Helian Jinli awkwardly scratched his head, pretending not to understand, and continued to chat with Zong Han as if nothing had happened.
Even if Zong Han were foolish, he would know that Helian Jinli was there for Fan Zehao and his wife. After all, he had no connection with Ding Beiliao; on the contrary, the two countries were quite friendly.
However, adhering to the principle that having one more friend is better than having one more enemy, Zong Han treated Helian Jinli with great respect, inadvertently pushing Leng Han to the side.
On the eve of the full moon banquet, Baili Fengge also arrived. Zong Han felt a headache coming on. However, the Crown Prince of Xuanyuan Kingdom had arrived, and he couldn't possibly turn him away. He had no choice but to greet him, albeit reluctantly. Fortunately, Crown Prince Baili and Crown Prince Helian were old acquaintances.
Moreover, the two of them had a good relationship with his father-in-law and mother-in-law. He was already hosting one, so hosting a group was the same. He decided to let them keep each other company, while he, the host, would retreat to his harem, accompany his beauties, and playfully interact with the child, living a life of pure joy.
The full moon banquet.
Ministers and their families were all present. The banquet was filled with music, dance, and lively celebrations. Junjun sat on the phoenix chair, occasionally whispering to Zhao Jiaqi, her eyes filled with reluctance.
Zhao Jiaqi held her hand and said softly, "There's no feast that doesn't end. Zong Han also said you'll visit at the end of the year. By then, we'll only be apart for about half a year. It'll pass in the blink of an eye!"
Junjun wanted to throw herself into her arms and act spoiled, but in front of so many people, she held back, nodding gently. "I just miss it. Especially after giving birth, I don't know why I feel so homesick. It's strange."
Zhao Jiaqi didn't find it strange.
Postpartum emotions could be very volatile, and it was possible to reminisce about the past. Moreover, she had given birth to a daughter, and the immense pressure of establishing her as the Crown Princess meant that the burden she carried must have been substantial.
"Don't overthink things. Focus on recovering your health first. Let everything else happen naturally."
Without good health, what was the use of a good fate!
During the full moon banquet, everyone was happy. Zhao Jiaqi certainly didn't see any opposition from the ministers. On the contrary, Leng Han maintained a gloomy expression, making him an anomaly compared to the others.
The banquet ended, and the guests departed.
The next day, Zong Han and Junjun bid them farewell at the palace gates. Their departure marked the end of a long stay.
Helian Jinli and Baili Fengge had come specifically for Fan Zehao and his wife, so naturally, they would follow when they left.
The main reason was that they hadn't had enough time in the inner city last time and had matters to discuss further.
"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, have a safe journey. We'll return when the child is a little older."
Zhao Jiaqi disliked the sentimental scenes of parting. She waved to her daughter and son-in-law, holding back tears. "Your mother will be waiting at the prince's mansion."
Seeing his wife cry with sadness, Fan Zehao's heart ached. He helped his wife into the carriage. Before getting in, he cautioned Zong Han, "Treat my daughter well. If she's wronged and doesn't say anything, that's one thing. But if she tells me, you'd better watch out."
Zong Han chuckled and didn't refute. He knew that he would likely never have the opportunity to deal with his father-in-law in this lifetime.
As the carriage gradually moved away, Junjun stood at the palace gate until it was no longer visible. Only then did she return to the palace with Zong Han.
Walking along the palace path, she suddenly understood why her father didn't want to be emperor.
"This palace is like a cage. You can't get out, you can't do as you please, and you even have to think twice before saying anything!"
Her parents yearned for freedom, and now she also wished to fly out and see the vast world. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Zong Han listened to his wife's words and felt heartbroken. He held her hand and made a promise, "When our daughter grows up, we'll abdicate the throne to her. Wherever you want to go, I'll take you."
Junjun smiled and shook her head. "My mother hasn't dared to travel everywhere she wants to, let alone you, an emperor."
People should have dreams. What if one day they come true?
Let her carry her dreams and wishes, looking forward to each day in the future.
At that moment, on the way back to the inner city, Zhao Jiaqi and Fan Zehao were ambushed.
A group of black-clad figures descended from the sky, their targets clear: Fan Zehao and Zhao Jiaqi.
A dense crowd of people, all assassins at first glance. Zhao Jiaqi and Pingting huddled beside the carriage, hiding. However, Yu Meng was unfortunately injured during the fight and fell off a cliff.
Seeing this, Zhao Jiaqi let out a startled cry and, unable to bear it, fainted, falling into Pingting's arms, unconscious.
The assassins hadn't expected to accidentally injure Princess Yu Meng. For a moment, they stopped fighting and looked towards their black-clad leader.