"I agree to everything you say."
To be allowed out, Feng Jin was willing to do anything. She agreed to everything Ling Mohan said, fearing the man would go back on his word and not take her.
"I'll go change my clothes now. Wait here for me, and I'll be back shortly."
As she finished speaking, Feng Jin gathered her skirt and trotted back indoors. In just a moment, a dashing young man appeared before Ling Mohan.
"How's this? Dressed like this, no one will recognize me as a woman."
Feng Jin was grateful she had altered Ling Mohan's clothes to her own measurements. They were proving useful now. Dressing as a man was much more convenient for moving around outside than as a woman, and she didn't have to worry about gossip. Ancient times showed far too much favoritism towards men.
"Not bad. Don't forget what we discussed earlier. You're not allowed to..."
Ling Mohan was about to reiterate when Feng Jin covered his mouth with her hand. "Stop lecturing me. I can recite everything you've said by heart. Nothing will go wrong, you can rest assured."
She just wanted to go out quickly, and pulling Ling Mohan's hand, she headed outside.
When they reached the main gate, she noticed there were only two horses, with no carriage in sight.
"Where's the carriage? How are we supposed to get there without a carriage?"
They always had a carriage for outings. Ling Mohan was being truly stingy now, not even providing a carriage for her. It was too much.
"Since you're presenting as a man now, you shouldn't be riding in a carriage. We'll ride horses."
"Ride horses?" Feng Jin glanced up at the horse, which was taller than her, and felt a surge of fear. If the horse were to suddenly go wild, she, sitting on its back, would be the first to die.
"I don't know how to ride. Perhaps I should still take a carriage."
Although riding a horse with a majestic presence was appealing, Feng Jin chose her life over prestige. It was far more sensible to ride in a carriage. There was no rule stating that men couldn't ride in carriages.
While Feng Jin was lost in thought, someone suddenly grabbed her wrist. Her body was lifted into the air, and in an instant, she was securely seated on a horse. The feeling of her feet not touching the ground sent a wave of panic through Feng Jin. She gripped the saddle tightly, afraid of falling.
"Ling Mohan, you... find a way to get me down. I... I'm scared sitting up here..."
Feng Jin spoke haltingly, her lips trembling slightly, clearly showing her fear.
Ling Mohan shook his head helplessly, grabbed the saddle, and mounted the horse. He then pulled Feng Jin's slender body into his embrace. "We'll share a horse. I'll be here if anything happens, so don't worry."
As he finished speaking, the man gently urged his legs, tightening them around the horse's belly. Instantly, the horse galloped forward. Feng Jin, terrified, clutched Ling Mohan's arm.
"We're here." Ling Mohan dismounted and reached out to help the stunned Feng Jin.
Feng Jin nodded blankly and slowly placed her hand in Ling Mohan's, allowing him to help her down.
"With your abilities, you think you can go out alone? That's a dream."
The man's mocking voice sounded above Feng Jin's head. Feng Jin glared at Ling Mohan with resentment.
"Say less. No one thinks you're mute. Besides, I won't choose to ride a horse when I go out. I have hands and feet, can't I walk myself?"
Who decreed that one must ride a horse when going out? Couldn't she just walk?
"You're twisting facts."
"And you're being unreasonable."
Feng Jin snorted and stopped paying attention to the man behind her, walking straight ahead. The nightlife of Dong Chu was truly living up to its reputation. Look at this place, so full of excitement.
"Let's go listen to stories."
Feng Jin turned and said to the man behind her, then ran towards their destination. After finding a good spot, she even beckoned for Ling Mohan to join her. When the story reached an exciting part, Feng Jin even stood up to applaud.
Ling Mohan deeply regretted agreeing to bring Feng Jin out. Couldn't she be more composed and refined instead of causing such a scene?
After the storytelling, Feng Jin looked around, searching for other fun places.
"There are so many people over there. What are they doing?"
As Feng Jin finished speaking, she had already run over. Ling Mohan sighed helplessly and resignedly followed.
"Big brother, may I ask what's happening here that has gathered so many people?"
"Young brother, this is the daughter of Minister Li. She's throwing a silk ball to choose a husband. Everyone is here to join the fun. Little brother, you look quite distinguished. If you go forward later, perhaps Miss Li will take a fancy to you."
"Thank you for the information, big brother." Feng Jin cupped her hands in thanks. She looked for the man's figure and was about to go over when she was pushed out by the surging crowd.
Suddenly losing her balance, Feng Jin's eyes widened as she looked at the ground, preparing for an intimate encounter with Mother Earth. She simply closed her eyes, appearing utterly resigned to her fate.
However, she landed in a warm and sturdy embrace. The familiar scent wafted to Feng Jin's nose. Opening her eyes and seeing a familiar face, Feng Jin quickly got up and hugged Ling Mohan.
"Don't run around. If you do this again, you'll come home with me." Ling Mohan's warning voice clearly reached Feng Jin's ears.
Feng Jin nodded hurriedly and replied in a low voice, "I know. It's because you ran around carelessly that I..."
Ling Mohan's knowing eyes fixed on Feng Jin. "Your ability to blame others is truly impressive!"
"I'm telling the truth. It's clearly because you weren't diligently following behind me."
Feng Jin grumbled again, then immediately changed the subject. "The daughter of Minister Li is throwing a silk ball to choose a husband up ahead. Let's go take a look."
"No," Ling Mohan said firmly, pulling Feng Jin directly towards the exit.
"Let's go take a look, okay?" Feng Jin tugged at Ling Mohan's hand, almost pleading.
"No!"
The man flatly refused and, pulling Feng Jin, hurried away, giving her no chance to turn back.
"Shall we go listen to some music?"
"No!"
"Shall we go see what's over there?"
"No!"
"Let's..."
"No!"
No matter what Feng Jin said, Ling Mohan's answer was always no.
"If nothing is allowed, then why did I come out!"
"Fine, let's go home."
Ling Mohan agreed readily and without hesitation, pulling Feng Jin to go back.
"I'm not leaving. I haven't had enough fun yet."
Even just wandering outside was better than going home. Feng Jin finished speaking and pulled Ling Mohan forward.