Once the Empress left, Changyu pulled Manbao to sit on the couch and winked at Mingda, "Someone wants to ask questions but is too shy."
Mingda laughed, "Why would I be embarrassed?"
She turned to Manbao, "It's been cold this year; three months in and we still have a cold snap. I heard from the Astronomical Bureau that it's probably still snowing up north. When do you plan to set out?"
After calculating the time, Manbao said, "I plan to leave around Tomb-Sweeping Day. I don't know when I'll reach Gaochang, and even when I do, it might take a while to find what we're looking for. Leaving early means we'll return early."
Mingda felt a bit envious, though she knew she couldn't go along. Even if she were married, her parents wouldn't allow her to travel to such a remote place as Gaochang.
She held Manbao's hand, "Write to us often about your safety and tell us about all the interesting places you visit."
