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Xie Jin took the bundles from Shen Lantang's hands and passed them to a servant. As she accepted a cup of tea from Lan Xin, she heard him say:

"I came back to take you to Tongxiang to visit Grandfather."

Shen Lantang looked surprised. "Grandfather? What brought this on?"

Xie Jin nodded. "Grandfather spent much of his youth at war. His health suffered, and he's been recuperating in Tongxiang ever since. He rarely sees visitors and never travels far. He couldn't come to our wedding, and I've always wanted to take you to see him."

For the first decade or so after the Jing Dynasty was founded, the realm was largely settled, but foreign tribes still harassed the borders. Many of the generals who had helped found the dynasty were still alive, and their sons were formidable warriors too. Xie Jin's grandfather was the bravest and most skilled among them. As the Princess's husband, he also enjoyed the imperial family's deep trust.

It was fair to say that every enemy the Jing Dynasty had faced since its founding had fought him—or rather, had been beaten by him.

Shen Lantang had great respect for such a legendary figure and was curious to meet him.

Xie Jin continued, "His Majesty has granted my request. He hasn't forgotten Grandfather either, and has specially authorized this trip as official business so I can pay Grandfather a visit on behalf of the imperial family."

"I see."

The timing was rather good. Xie Hongwen was away from home, and as his stepmother, she had little to do. Since the emperor had already approved the trip, Shen Lantang did not object.

"I understand. When do we leave?"

"The day after tomorrow."

"Then I'll go pack."

Now that the visit to Grandfather was settled, Shen Lantang had only