The Emperor was already imagining that he would probably be a picky eater for a while after returning to the Capital, feeling a twinge of silent jealousy toward Mo Wushang.
When Mo Lixia returned, she carried a basket filled with fresh blooms. Seeing the elders munching on plain buns, her eyes filled with apology. "Uncle Yi, Uncle Yang, please stop eating those. Li'er will cook for you right away."
"It's fine, truly. This mushroom sauce of yours is exceptional," the Emperor replied with a satisfied smile.
"If Uncle Yi likes it, I shall make more and send it to you once we arrive in the Capital."
"That would suit me perfectly!"
"Now, Niece, you mustn't forget your Uncle Yang," Yang Baiwen interjected with a chuckle.
"I won't. Rest assured, Uncle Yang. Today, I gathered some locust flowers in the village. I'll prepare a stir-fry for you in a moment."
"What? Locust flowers can be eaten?"
"Indeed. They can be steamed, stir-fried, or made into pancakes."
"Haha! Then we shall save our appetites and wait for Li'er's 'Locust Flower Feast'!"
"Master, Mochen wants some too!" the boy chimed in.
"Alright, it will be ready soon."
That day, everyone ate until their bellies were round and full.
In the following days, as Uncle Yi's wounds healed, Mo Lixia began to pack her belongings and pay her final visits to the villagers.
On the day of departure, she went specifically to the Shen residence, hoping to say goodbye to Shen Muqing.
"Qing'er has been gone for some time," Aunt Shen said, her voice tinged with regret. "He said he'd be back by now, but for some reason, he hasn't returned yet."
"It seems we are destined to miss each other," Mo Lixia sighed. She handed a small wooden box to Aunt Shen. "These are the keys to my house. I hope Aunt Shen can look after it for me."
Tears welled up in Aunt Shen's eyes. "Lixia, once you leave, who knows when we shall meet again?"
Mo Lixia hugged the older woman gently. "If I miss this place, I will come back to visit. We will surely meet again."
"I hope so, child."
"Please don't cry, Aunt Shen. And... give my regards to Brother Shen."
Shen Lianmei wiped her tears and nodded. "I will. Travel safely."
After Mo Lixia left, Aunt Shen opened the box. Inside, alongside the key, lay a banknote for one thousand taels of silver. "Oh... this child!" she whispered, overwhelmed.
Mo Lixia also visited Grandma Li. Grandpa Li was away in town.
"Miss Xia'er, are you really going to the Capital?" Grandma Li asked, clutching Mo Lixia's hand.
"Yes, Grandma."
"Child... if you see Ah Kui in the Capital, please send word back to me." Grandma Li knew it was a long shot, but she needed something to hold onto. Ah Kui was her grandson who had joined the army years ago.
"I will remember, Grandma."
Before leaving, Mo Lixia secretly tucked a one-hundred-tael banknote under Grandma Li's pillow. It wasn't a fortune, but it was enough to ensure her old age would be comfortable.
Finally, she visited Uncle Liu. She gave him the remaining mushroom sauce, some rice, and flour. She also left five hundred taels for him. When he refused, she insisted it was for the upkeep of her master's grave. She even gave him the special whistle used to control the giant python that guarded the mountain.
She couldn't bear the thought of her master being lonely. He needed someone to sweep his grave and keep him company.
The day of departure arrived. The stars were aligned for travel.
At dawn, Mo Lixia began her final preparations.
A grand convoy awaited at the foot of the mountain. Lord Yan's men were busy loading the carriages. Leading the way was a magnificent carriage adorned with green silk and emerald tassels for the three elders. Following it were two elegant carriages with red-wheeled canopies—one for Mo Lixia and Mochen. Two more heavily guarded transport carriages brought up the rear.
The sheer scale of the departure would surely be the talk of the village for months to come. Mo Lixia had a surprising amount of luggage—two full carriages worth. She had even wanted to bring her master's custom-made iron stove, but it was too heavy. Her father had spent a day sketching the designs and promised to build her a new one in the Capital.
She also wanted to transplant her cherry and grape trees, but her father convinced her that they might not survive the journey. He promised to plant new ones for her in their own courtyard.
The Emperor and Yang Baiwen watched the interaction, teasing Mo Wushang for having such a "meticulous" daughter. Mo Wushang only smiled, seeing his family's traits reflected in her independent nature.
Lord Yan escorted the convoy to the border of Fucheng before turning back, leaving behind a group of elite guards and hidden shadow agents.
Mo Lixia and Mochen shared a carriage, while her father and the two elders were in another. For half a month, they traveled. Mo Lixia spent most of her time teaching Mochen to read medical texts and monitoring Uncle Yi's recovery.
By the time the magnificent walls of the Capital appeared on the horizon, Mo Lixia's legs felt like jelly from the long ride. But as they approached the gates, the excitement in the air was palpable.