Chapter 52: Arrival

The ancient temple was hidden deep in the withered forest, where the carriage could not pass through.

They had no choice but to park the carriage and horses on the small path below the withered forest.

After dismounting, Feng Bai Su immediately walked to the carriage to help Wei Jing Mo alight.

“Watch your step.”

She steadied him by holding his waist, naturally tightened the cloak around his body, and pulled up the hood for him.

Only then did she look at Dong Qing and Dong Gua beside her, instructing them to bring the overnight necessities.

Feng Bai Wei also dismounted from her horse. Seeing Shen Ruo walk out of the carriage, she reached out to help him.

After seeing him steady on his feet, she instructed Heyi and Lianyi beside him: “The road is dark and slippery, be careful in supporting the gentleman.”

With that said, she walked towards the ancient temple above.

Shen Ruo stood in place, his peripheral vision catching Feng Bai Su adjusting Wei Jing Mo’s cloak before holding his hand and slowly walking towards the ancient temple.

Looking at Feng Bai Wei walking alone ahead, his eyes dimmed slightly.

He lingered for a few seconds before speaking softly to Heyi and Lianyi on either side: “Let’s go.”

As the night grew darker, the snow intensified, falling like goose feathers.

It was just a short distance from the small path at the foot of the mountain to the ancient temple, yet their bodies and hair were already covered in snowflakes, as if they were snowmen in silver attire.

The ancient temple seemed to have been abandoned for some years, with half of the roof collapsed.

The temple was now filled with accumulated snow and dust. The faded golden Buddha statue smiled benevolently, unmoved in the silent snowstorm.

Fortunately, the half of the roof that hadn’t collapsed could barely shelter them from the wind and snow, providing a small space untouched by the elements.

Feng Bai Su led Wei Jing Mo to stand in a clean spot. She walked to the corner herself, patted the firewood stacked there, and pulled out some dry wood from inside.

She then carried the firewood to the front of Wei Jing Mo and put it down.

Feng Bai Wei, standing nearby, saw Feng Bai Su put the firewood on the ground. Perhaps feeling awkward just standing there, she immediately bent down to light the firewood.

After the flames started burning, everyone sat down around the fire.

Feng Bai Wei took the dried food from Shen Ruo’s hand and spoke to Feng Bai Su across from her: “The snow is falling so heavily that even the official road so close to Fengling City is blocked by snow. I’m afraid it will only get worse as we go further. Who knows when we’ll be able to get through.”

Feng Bai Su took the dried food handed over by Dong Qing, first gave it to Wei Jing Mo beside her, and placed the water bottle next to him for ready use.

Hearing this, she finally raised her head and said unhurriedly: “The official road from Fengling City to Quanzhou happens to be on the shady side of Qishan Mountain, so heavy snow accumulation is to be expected. It should be better after we leave Quanzhou.”

The two conversed indifferently while Wei Jing Mo and Shen Ruo sat quietly beside them, listening.

In the silent ancient temple, the crackling sound of burning firewood could be heard from time to time.

As the night deepened, Wei Jing Mo’s small face hidden in the hood became flushed from the fire, his dark eyes misty with moisture. He couldn’t help but yawn.

Although the sound was extremely low, it was still sensitively caught by Feng Bai Su beside him.

She immediately stopped speaking and turned her head to look at Wei Jing Mo, asking softly: “Sleepy?”

Wei Jing Mo nodded with a somewhat drowsy head, making an indistinct sound of agreement.

It was long past his usual bedtime, and with the journey, his whole body was exhausted. He had been fighting the urge to sleep for a while.

Seeing this, Feng Bai Su turned her head to Feng Bai Wei and said: “It’s getting late, and we need to continue our journey tomorrow. Fifth Imperial Sister should rest early too.”

Feng Bai Wei saw her pull Wei Jing Mo towards the prepared bedding. Her eyes deepened, and she chuckled lightly: “Seventh Imperial Sister and Seventh Brother-in-law seem to be quite close. Even going to the border to fight, you still bring your brother-in-law along.”

Hearing this, Feng Bai Su tugged at the quilt covering Wei Jing Mo and turned back with a smile: “Isn’t Fifth Imperial Sister the same?”

As she spoke, her gaze fell subtly on Shen Ruo beside her.

Hearing this, Feng Bai Wei smiled silently, as if her previous words were just a casual remark.

Seeing this, Feng Bai Su said no more. She turned her head back and lay down next to Wei Jing Mo.

As soon as she lay down, she saw Wei Jing Mo in his sleep immediately roll into her embrace and tightly hug her waist.

The movement was natural and familiar.

Shen Ruo glanced briefly before lowering his head again.

Beside his ear, Feng Bai Wei’s voice came over: “You should rest early too.”

With that, she lay down on her own.

——

Early the next morning, the snow outside had temporarily stopped.

Feng Bai Su and Feng Bai Wei went down to the small path at the foot of the mountain to check on the horses and carriages.

After Wei Jing Mo led Dong Qing and Dong Gua out of the ancient temple, he was somewhat surprised to see Shen Ruo standing outside with Heyi and Lianyi.

He paused slightly and called out softly: “Cousin.”

Shen Ruo seemed to have intentionally waited here. Seeing Wei Jing Mo come out, he put on a smile: “Cousin, you’re awake. Her Highness and Seventh Princess went down the mountain first, shall we go together?”

Hearing this, Wei Jing Mo, although unsure of his intentions, calmly agreed: “Alright.”

The two then slowly walked down the mountain.

Halfway down, Shen Ruo suddenly spoke again: “I didn’t expect cousin to go to the border with Seventh Princess. Weren’t aunt and uncle reluctant to let you go? I’ve heard that the border towns have a fierce folk culture and harsh environment. Cousin has never left Fengling City before, I’m afraid you’ll have to endure some hardships on this journey.”

“A husband follows his wife. There’s no need to talk about hardships. Isn’t it the same for you, cousin? The snow disaster in Sichuan is severe, I’m afraid you’ll also face some difficulties on this journey.”

Wei Jing Mo’s dark eyes were cold and calm, his clear voice speaking smoothly.

Hearing his words, Shen Ruo laughed but didn’t say anything more.

After the two walked down the mountain, Feng Bai Su and Feng Bai Wei had already finished checking the vehicles and horses.

Although the snowstorm was heavy last night, fortunately, the horses and carriages were unharmed.

After Wei Jing Mo and Shen Ruo got into the carriages, Feng Bai Su and Feng Bai Wei each mounted their horses and continued on their journey.

Before noon, they finally arrived at Quanzhou.

Quanzhou wasn’t a very large town, and this snow disaster hadn’t affected them.

The accumulated snow on the main city road had already been cleared away.

Vendors on both sides still stood firmly at their stalls, calling out to passing vehicles and pedestrians.

Both Feng Bai Su and Feng Bai Wei had tasks at hand this time, so they didn’t alert the local officials.

They rented a room at an inn to briefly wash up and change clothes. After going out to replenish supplies, they immediately set off to continue their journey.

The distance from Quanzhou to the next town was quite far. If they wanted to arrive before dark, they really couldn’t afford any more delays.

Fortunately, the official road ahead was clear all the way, and they managed to reach the next town before nightfall.

After resting here for two days, they set off again.

After leaving this town, they would reach Jialin Pass, where the two groups would finally part ways.

Feng Bai Su, sitting on her horse, looked at Feng Bai Wei opposite her, cupped her hands and said farewell: “Fifth Imperial Sister, your younger sister will take her leave first!”

“Seventh Imperial Sister, farewell!” Feng Bai Wei, also sitting on her horse, cupped her hands and smiled.

One headed south and the other north, gradually disappearing from view in the vast distance.

Past Jialin Pass, another thirty kilometers ahead was the border town – Ye City.

Now with only their group left, Feng Bai Su directly handed her horse to the coachman and sent Dong Qing and Dong Gua to the carriage behind. She herself climbed into Wei Jing Mo’s carriage.

Having traveled with Feng Bai Wei all this way, she hadn’t felt comfortable sitting in the carriage. She had ridden on horseback through wind and snow the entire journey, and now she could finally rest.

Seeing her enter, Wei Jing Mo immediately handed over the hot water bottle he was holding.

“Your Highness, please take this to warm up!”

He looked at Feng Bai Su with some concern, also moving the small charcoal stove at his feet closer to her.

This time, Feng Bai Su didn’t refuse.

Holding the warm hot water bottle in her hands, she sighed comfortably before looking at Wei Jing Mo and saying: “We should be able to reach Ye City before dark.”

Looking at Wei Jing Mo’s visibly tired face, she felt somewhat distressed, “You’ve had a tough few days on the road! Once we reach Ye City, you’ll be able to have a good rest.”

“I’m fine, Your Highness,” Wei Jing Mo shook his head, “It’s you who have been riding in the wind and snow all this way, while also taking care of me.”

He bit his thin lips, seeming somewhat ashamed, “Should I not have come with you?”

“Are you saying that on purpose?” Feng Bai Su flicked his forehead with her curved finger, “If I really didn’t let you come and left you in Fengling City, would you truly be willing?”

Wei Jing Mo: “…”

He blushed somewhat embarrassedly, pursing his lips and shaking his head slightly.

Alright! He indeed wouldn’t have been willing.

Feng Bai Su glanced at the expression on his face and chuckled: “So, let’s not say such things anymore.”

After warming up with the hot water bottle for a while, Feng Bai Su handed it back to Wei Jing Mo, along with pushing the small charcoal stove back towards his feet.

As her body temperature rose, coupled with the warmth inside the carriage, she couldn’t help but become lazy.

In a moment, she was resting her head on Wei Jing Mo’s lap.

Her right hand was still restlessly playing with his fingers.

They had been rushing on this journey, with no time for intimacy between the two.

Now that only the two of them were left in the carriage, Feng Bai Su felt a stirring in her heart.

Seeing her actions becoming more and more excessive, Wei Jing Mo immediately called out: “Your Highness!”

“Hmm?”

Feng Bai Su responded lazily with half-closed peach blossom eyes, somewhat carelessly: “What is it?”

“Take your hand out! We’re in a carriage, please be mindful!”

He spoke through almost gritted teeth, enunciating each word.

Feng Bai Su made an “oh” sound and withdrew her hand, showing some tact. However, she muttered softly: “No fun…”

Hearing this, Wei Jing Mo inwardly laughed coldly, observing dispassionately.

If she could let go of his hand while saying that, it might have been more convincing!

Resting her head on Wei Jing Mo’s lap, Feng Bai Su unconsciously fell asleep.

Who knows how long it had been when suddenly, the carriage outside stopped.

She immediately opened her eyes and heard the coachman’s voice: “Your Highness, we’ve arrived at Ye City.”

“Understood.”

Feng Bai Su sat up straight and saw that Wei Jing Mo had fallen asleep leaning against the carriage wall at some point.

Looking at his peaceful sleeping face, her peach blossom eyes couldn’t help but soften.

She gently laid Wei Jing Mo down flat.

She reached out to touch his jade-like small face before lifting the cotton curtain and walking out.

The news of Feng Bai Su’s arrival in Ye City today had already been sent ahead, and people were waiting at the city gate.

Seeing Feng Bai Su alight from the carriage, dressed exquisitely with a noble and outstanding aura.

They immediately guessed Feng Bai Su’s identity and came forward with smiling faces: “This official pays respects to the Seventh Princess. May Your Highness be safe and prosperous!”

This person was the city lord of Ye City, Hu Jiao.

Although the families of the stationed troops lived in Ye City, the city lord’s faction did not belong to the military.

While seemingly on good terms with the mighty general Wei Yang, they were not part of the same power faction.

Hu Jiao’s somewhat round face looked extraordinarily kind, her attitude enthusiastic yet not appearing sycophantic.

Looking at Feng Bai Su, she spoke again: “Your Highness, this official has already arranged your accommodation. Everything inside has been fully prepared, you can settle in with peace of mind.”

As she spoke, her gaze fell on the carriage behind Feng Bai Su.

“Is that Your Highness’s companion in the carriage? After the fatigue of the journey, it’s best to let the gentleman rest at the residence quickly!”

While saying this, her small eyes flashed shrewdly.

She had heard that the Seventh Princess was most licentious and unrestrained. Even coming to this austere border region, she didn’t forget to bring a small attendant to serve her. It seems the rumors were indeed true!

Thinking of the welcoming banquet prepared for tonight, she had some considerations in mind.

However, her face remained impassive, still wearing that smiling expression.

“Thank you for your trouble, City Lord. This Princess expresses her gratitude here.”

“I wouldn’t dare! This is all what this official should do!”

After exchanging a few courtesies, they then walked into Ye City.