After returning from the Imperial Academy, I canceled all social engagements and focused on packing at home.
Axiu, unable to stay idle, was sent out to gather information and indeed, she heard many rumors about the Second Prince, Xiao Fu. The Emperor was not yet fifty, yet his subordinates were already showing signs of restlessness.
However, this was not something for a young woman like me to worry about. Even Situ You had become wary, so the Emperor and the Crown Prince would surely not be ignorant.
One day, my mother had to report to the Empress and took me along, claiming it was to bid farewell.
The Empress seemed momentarily stunned upon learning I was going to Meicheng, but quickly smiled, saying she had traveled to many places with the Emperor in her youth.
The devoted affection between the Emperor and Empress was a celebrated tale in the Great Yin Dynasty, with storytellers still singing their praises.
It was a pity no one dared to portray the Emperor and Empress on stage, otherwise, the opera houses would have seen many more breathtaking performances.
The day after our visit to the palace, my father called me over: "Nannan, Father has had a house purchased for you in Meicheng. You can depart anytime."
"Father, it's just a branch shop, do we need to buy property?"
"Living in our own home is more comfortable than renting. If the branch shop opens successfully, this house will be your dowry."
I laughed, "Then I'll work harder and aim to get a few more houses. That way, even if I don't work in the future, I can still live comfortably on the rent."
My father patted my head, "Silly girl, you can live comfortably by renting out your dowry, can't you?"
I asked curiously, "Father, how much have you saved for me?"
"Why are you asking about your dowry before you're married? Go, go, say a few words to your mother. You'll depart tomorrow, and return soon, so you don't miss the New Year."
While a mother worries when her child travels far, it was my father who seemed to be the one with concerns.
The next morning at breakfast, my father sighed sentimentally, "Nannan, what will you do if someone bullies you while you're traveling to Meicheng alone?"
My mother scoffed, "With Nannan's martial arts and strength, who could possibly bully her?"
Excellent, the parting atmosphere my father had so carefully cultivated was instantly ruined. I finished breakfast quickly and was about to slip away. The carriage to Meicheng was already waiting at the mansion gate. The winter sunrise was late, and the sun had not yet risen when we exited the city gates. The misty carriage dared not travel fast.
As we were moving, the carriage suddenly stopped. The coachman said, "Miss, we've encountered His Highness the Crown Prince."
I lifted the carriage curtain and saw a group of people stopped by the roadside. Situ Yao, leading his beloved horse, stood at the front, while his subordinates behind him were all mounted. Seeing me, they called out in unison, "Greetings, Miss Wang."
The imposing display startled me. I quickly returned their greeting and then formally paid my respects to Situ Yao.
Situ Yao, with a composed expression, told me to rise and then smiled, "I heard yesterday that Miss Wang was heading to Meicheng. I didn't expect us to meet on the road."
I truly didn't understand, when did a carriage become faster than riding a horse?
At this point, Peng Cheng stepped forward to explain: "Miss Wang, are you going to Meicheng?"
"Yes."
"That's wonderful! Our party didn't prepare a carriage, and after leaving the city, we discovered His Highness the Crown Prince's injuries had not yet healed, and he couldn't ride a horse. We happened to meet you, Miss Wang. Could you be so kind as to give His Highness a ride?"
I really didn't see any sign of Situ Yao's injuries, but since Peng Cheng had asked, I couldn't refuse. I could only invite Situ Yao into the carriage.
Axiu sat on the carriage shaft with the coachman.
Peng Cheng smiled, "His Highness the Crown Prince was traveling too slowly, he was making us anxious. Now that we've entrusted him to you, Miss, we will be taking our leave."
"Wait, aren't you concerned about the Crown Prince's safety?"
"Miss Wang's martial arts are first-class. With you here, we are completely at ease, subordinates."
And then they truly ran off.
However, I felt that the Crown Prince's guards wouldn't be so unreliable. There must be hidden guards concealed somewhere.
Situ Yao settled into the carriage, then took out a medicine bottle and bandages from his embrace. "Miss Wang, would you trouble yourself to apply some medicine for me?"
With that, he began to undress himself naturally.
I was utterly bewildered. Hadn't we fallen out before? He was clearly very angry then. What was he up to now?