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After everything was settled, just to be safe, they waited an extra three days before finally setting off at dawn in the carriage.
Originally, they did not want to disturb anyone, but as they stepped out, Zhang Jingxue led the way, having changed into formal attire early in the morning to see them off with the highest level of courtesy.
As they passed by the Liang Family, it seemed that word had spread about Qi Hao's departure time, and the Liang Family also came to bid farewell, ensuring all formalities were observed. Since they took the lead, other families followed suit, creating quite a grand scene.
Qi Xiaomian did not return to the capital with them; the hidden dangers left by Qi Hao were too significant and would require some time to address. After spending a few months away, Sang Qingxiao finally understood what it meant to have a heart yearning for home.
The closer they got to Jingjing City, the more she wished for the horses to go faster. When there were no people around on the road, she even used a talisman, managing to shorten the month-long journey to just twelve days.
Upon entering Jingjing City, they encountered many diners along the way who greeted them enthusiastically, most curious about when the Small Tavern would open. Naturally, Sang Qingxiao wanted to rest for a few more days, but Misha bluntly stated it would be the day after tomorrow.
Well then, since the staff were so eager, she decided to let them take charge; being a hands-off shopkeeper felt quite good.
As soon as the carriage stopped in front of the Small Tavern, a group of people approached—clean-shaven and dressed in palace attire; they appeared to be eunuchs. She did not recognize them and had never seen them before.
Judging by his age and demeanor, this one held a significant position in the palace. She wondered if he was from the Qi Family Head?
"Excuse me, Cai," Sang Qingxiao asked, "What business do you have with Qi Family Head?"
The man before her seemed to know who she was; although he stood tall and firm, his tone was somewhat more polite than before. "Miss Sang, I am Zhao Chang, the chief steward beside the Empress Dowager."
Sang Qingxiao responded courteously, "Ah, so you are Zhao Cai."
"Miss Sang," he continued, "the Empress Dowager sent me here to invite Qi Family Head to the palace for a discussion."
Oh? The Empress Dowager has sharp ears and eyes! She had clearly shortened their journey and taken direct routes between points; mountains and lakes had been treated as flat ground. Logically speaking, the Empress Dowager's spies should not have been able to track their movements.
Most likely, someone had been arranged to keep watch near Jingjing City ahead of time. They had just entered the city when someone from the palace immediately came over without leaving them a moment's respite.
Such urgency suggested that things were not going well. The Empress Dowager's orders were difficult to refuse; Sang Qingxiao glanced worriedly at the carriage.
At that moment, another group approached from a distance, led by someone familiar.
"Cai Gonggong, are you also here to invite Qi Family Head into the palace?"
Cai Zhuo exchanged a few pleasantries with Zhao Chang, his words seemingly casual but laced with hidden intentions, constantly revolving around the Empress Dowager as if probing for information about her condition.
When Cai Zhuo learned that the Empress Dowager was indeed here to summon Qi Family Head, surprise flickered in his eyes.
At that moment, Huo Qi stepped out of the carriage.
Seeing his somewhat aged face, Zhao Chang felt an ominous premonition wash over him, and his astonishment was evident on his face.
Cai Zhuo noticed this and subtly gestured to a nearby young eunuch with a sidelong glance. The young eunuch quietly retreated and turned back towards the palace to deliver a message.
Zhao Chang had already begun to inquire, "Qi Family Head, what happened to your face?"
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