Page 105

Midnight. All was deathly silent.

A strange noise came from outside the door. Su Li, who had been deep asleep, woke instantly, stealthily grasping the dagger hidden beneath her pillow.

Su Li quickly got up, leaning against the side of the bed, waiting quietly.

The door was slowly pushed open, and two figures dressed in black entered silently.

One raised a blade and slashed down towards the quilt.

The blade struck empty air.

"Damn it! We’ve fallen into a trap!"

Mo Yun leaped down from the ceiling beams in a flash, dispatching the two intruders in just a few swift moves.

Just then, the sounds of fighting erupted outside. Su Li opened her door and went out, with Mo Yun quickly following.

Inside the pitch-black little inn, shadowy figures flickered everywhere.

Su Li didn’t dare move recklessly, and Mo Yun stayed right by her side.

Suddenly, a dark figure lunged towards her.

"Watch out!"

Su Li was just about to scatter her medicinal powder when she fell into an embrace filled with a cool, faint fragrance.

Jun Mo shielded her with one arm while engaging the black-clad attacker with the other.

More dark figures surged forward, tightly surrounding the pair. Mo Yun also joined the melee.

Su Li’s hand reached for her waist, uncorking a small porcelain bottle.

The attackers engaged in combat with the Mo Guards suddenly felt their strength inexplicably waning.

The Mo Guards froze one after another, blinking in confusion.

They watched as their opponents, who had been vigorous and fierce just moments before, suddenly collapsed to the ground one after another.

Jun Mo ordered someone to light the lamps.

Su Li paused, taken aback.

The floor was littered with fallen attackers. They really went all out, she thought.

Mo Yang spoke, "Master, these men..."

Jun Mo instructed Mo Yang, "Leave a few alive. Interrogate them thoroughly."

Zhi Shu rubbed her eyes. When she saw the floor covered in black-clad figures, she was visibly startled.

"Miss, did you use poison again?"

The previous incident with the swarm of bees was still vivid in Zhi Shu’s memory.

Mo Yang instantly understood: they had been knocked out by Miss Su’s poison.

Mo Yu whispered, "The Princess Consort is truly formidable! Taking down so many in one go. But... how come we’re unaffected?"

His voice wasn’t loud, but everyone present heard him clearly.

Mo Yang said, "I believe it’s the effect of that pill."

Su Li raised an eyebrow. "I’m going back to rest. It’s late. You should all get some sleep too once you’re done here."

With that, she returned to her room.

The next morning, when Su Li awoke, Si Qin entered carrying a basin of water.

"Miss, let me help you get ready."

Su Li nodded and asked, "Where is Zhi Shu?"

She hoped the girl hadn’t been too frightened last night.

"She was up early, busy in the kitchen making breakfast for everyone."

Su Li nodded again. Among her maids, Zhi Shu’s cooking skills were indeed the best.

After freshening up, Su Li went downstairs with Si Qin.

"Make way! Piping hot crystal buns coming through!" Zhi Shu called out as she walked, carrying a steamer basket.

Unexpectedly, her foot slipped. "Ah!"

Just as the basket and buns were about to go flying, they hurtled straight towards Mo Yang.

With quick reflexes, Mo Yang caught the steamer basket in mid-air.

The buns landed safely back inside.

Zhi Shu breathed a sigh of relief, running over. "Oh, thank you!"

"Clumsy," Mo Yang muttered, bypassing her to place the basket directly on the table.

Behind his back, unnoticed, he flexed his fingers. That was hot.

Zhi Shu gritted her teeth, gave a cold huff, and walked over to Su Li.

After breakfast, the group resumed their journey.

Inside the carriage, the two of them passed the time as usual, drinking tea and playing chess.

"Have you found out who sent those men?" Su Li asked.

Jun Mo placed a game piece. "They were from the palace," he replied.

Su Li paused. Jun Hui? Consort Yun?

"It seems this journey won’t be peaceful," Su Li sighed.

"Is Li’er afraid?" Jun Mo asked.

"They’re targeting Your Highness. What do I have to fear?"

Jun Mo smiled. "You are my Princess Consort. We are linked now."

He continued, "I am very curious, Li’er. How did you persuade Minister Su, who cherishes you more than life itself, to let you go to the Shu region?"

Su Li answered somewhat stiffly, "I have my own ways."

"I recall something the Minister said to me the day before we departed."

Su Li asked nervously, "What did he say?"

"The Minister said, ’Young man, don’t be impetuous in your affairs; the future is long.’ I’ve never quite understood his meaning. Does Miss Su know what he meant?"

Recalling the complex look in Minister Su’s eyes at the time, Jun Mo was genuinely curious about what she had told her father.

Su Li gave a slightly awkward cough.

"It held no special meaning. My father was simply reminding you that during this disaster relief mission, should you encounter issues, you should think things through carefully and not act rashly."

"Is that so?"

"Yes!" Su Li nodded firmly.

...And so, after traveling continuously for three or four days, they finally arrived at Yunshui City.

"Master, Yunshui City is just ahead," Mo Yang reported.

"Miss, it’s getting warmer the further south we travel. We don’t need this charcoal brazier anymore. Shall I put it out?" Si Qin asked during a brief stop.

Su Li nodded, looking up at the warm sun in the sky.

This is how autumn should feel, she thought. The padded jacket she wore felt a bit too thick now. Once they were settled in the city, she would change into lighter attire.

Once their rest was over, they continued on their way.

Upon entering the city gates, the clamor of the streets reached them. Curious, Su Li lifted a corner of the carriage curtain.

She saw streets lined with teahouses, taverns, pawnshops, and workshops.

The streets bustled with a constant flow of pedestrians: people hurrying along carrying goods on shoulder poles, others driving oxcarts laden with deliveries, some urging donkeys pulling carts, and yet others pausing to admire the sunset.

The high-flying banners of the shops, the gleaming carriages and horses, the ceaseless stream of pedestrians, and the tranquil, content smiles on every face – all reflected the prosperity and self-sufficient joy of Yunshui City’s people in this flourishing age.

The soft afterglow of the setting sun bathed the red bricks, green tiles, and brightly colored, upturned eaves of the buildings, adding a hazy, poetic beauty to the prosperous evening vista of Yunshui City.

Yunshui City seemed untouched by the snow disasters plaguing the north, nor was there any sign of famine; it remained a picture of prosperity.

The carriage slowly came to a halt before a large inn.

"Welcome, esteemed guests, please come in! You must be travelers from afar? Then you absolutely must try our inn’s signature dishes!" an enthusiastic waiter greeted them.

Mo Yang instructed, "Prepare several of your best rooms, and arrange for a meal."

"Right away! This way please, esteemed guests!"

After the party had freshened up, Su Li and her maids shed their heavy padded jackets, changing into lighter dresses. Once ready, they went down to the main hall for their meal.

"Is Yunshui City always this lively?" Mo Yu asked the waiter serving their food.

The waiter explained enthusiastically, "You might not know, esteemed guest, but today is the city’s annual Lantern Festival!

? People from all the surrounding villages come to join the festivities.

Tonight, the young ladies will go out together to release lanterns.

Oh, and there will be fireworks later too! It’s incredibly lively."

Upon hearing this, Zhi Shu’s eyes immediately lit up.

"Miss, let’s go see it tonight!"

Su Li nodded. "Alright."

After they finished eating, the sky had grown completely dark.

Su Li and Jun Mo walked ahead, with the two maids and Mo Yang following behind.

Watching the pair from behind, Zhi Shu sighed wistfully, "Miss and His Highness Prince Jing make such a perfect match."

Si Qin smiled. "Yes, a truly perfect pair."

The man was tall and elegant, dressed in a dark cyan brocade robe embroidered with black and gold dragons, exuding nobility and grace.

A silver coronet rested on his head, his dark hair flowing smoothly down.

He was speaking to the woman beside him, a faint smile playing on his lips.

The smile was like a subtly charming, harmless orchid blooming in the night.

Passersby couldn’t help but steal glances at him; he was simply too eye-catching. Some of the bolder young women even tossed handkerchiefs and scented sachets towards him.

A slight smile touched Su Li’s lips. "It seems to me," she remarked, "that Your Highness is the one who should be veiling his face."

"Is Li’er displeased?" Jun Mo asked, his smile deepening slightly.

"Why would I be displeased? It’s just... this is somewhat distracting from our enjoyment of the lanterns."