1687: I'm Sorry For Neglecting You

I'm Sorry For Neglecting You

Staring after the search party as they rode off vigorously into the distance, Lu Liangwei could not help feeling distraught.2

Where could Ji'er have gone?

"Mother, we should go too," said Long Yin next to her.

"All right." Lu Liangwei nodded.

Chu Qi had left to search for Ji'er, and since Ji'er was determined to stay hidden, Chu Qi would not be able to return to the West Water Frontier anytime soon.

The West Water Frontier needed the protection of a general. Therefore, Long Yin promoted one of Chu Qi's lieutenant generals to stand in for him and left Long Huaiyuan at the frontier as well.

Although Huaiyuan was still young, he had been learning military strategy and tactics from Long Xuan since he was a child and was hence familiar with commanding an army. While there was no war at present, he could at least gain some experience staying at the West Water Frontier. 

As for Qi Heng, he went with Long Yang and Chu Qi to search for Ji'er.

After making all the necessary arrangements, they set out on their journey back to the imperial capital.

On the way back, Lu Liangwei, Yaoyao, Hexin, and Baoyu shared a carriage. 

Everyone was in low spirits because of Ji'er's disappearance. For a while, a gloomy atmosphere filled the carriage, and no one spoke at all.

After some time had passed on the road, Lu Liangwei noticed that the youngsters were sitting upright, too scared to speak, and she rubbed her brow wearily.

Smothering her worry, she beckoned to Hexin. "Xinxin, come sit beside me."

Hexin got up and sat next to her. "Yes, Aunt Weiwei."

Lu Liangwei took her hand and studied her carefully.

Only then did she finally have the chance to get a good look at her.

Noting the facial resemblance between Yuan Xin and Hexin, she could not help thinking wistfully about how fast time flew.

Hexin was only six when she first visited Great Shang, but she had grown into a willowy, graceful young lady.

Lu Liangwei could not help feeling apologetic about neglecting Hexin, who had traveled all the way to Great Shang to celebrate her birthday. Patting her hand, she said, "With so much going on, I've neglected you, and I'm very sorry. I hope you're not too upset, Xinxin."

Hexin shook her head and said politely, "Don't say that, Aunt Weiwei. We've known each other for so long; there's no need to be so formal."

"Xinxin, you're a good girl," Lu Liangwei said approvingly.

Yaoyao snuggled up to her, pouting. "Am I not a good girl?" 

Lu Liangwei poked her in the forehead. "If you were, you wouldn't have sneaked off to the Yan Kingdom."

Yaoyao grew uneasy at the mention of the matter, and she glanced at her mother's seemingly calm face hesitantly.

Sensing her hesitation, Lu Liangwei smiled and asked, "What's wrong? If you want to say something, just say it."

Yaoyao shook her head, laying it on her shoulder. "It's nothing. I'm just worried about Ji'er." She had meant to tell her mother about her relationship with Beitang You, but it was clearly not the right time. Besides, she was not really in the mood as Ji'er was not yet found.

Lu Liangwei stroked her head. "Don't worry, Ji'er will be fine. Your father and Big Bro Lil Qi will find her."

Yaoyao immediately sat up straight. "I won't tease her anymore. As long as she's safe and sound, I'll let her do whatever she wants."

Lu Liangwei was glad. "I'm sure Ji'er will come back."

While Long Yang and Chu Qi's party had split up to search for Ji'er, the person in question had already wandered through numerous places.

Although she did not know where to go, she erased her tracks for fear that they would find her.

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