When they left Lijia Village, Feng Lezhen and Shen Suifeng carried enough provisions to last ten days, but left behind the so-called truth that “Mr. Shen is actually a eunuch from the palace.”
Before they knew it, it was noon. The sun wasn’t too harsh, but after leading the horse for a while, Shen Suifeng was already lightly sweating. Glancing back at the person riding the horse, he saw her relaxedly admiring the scenery along the road.
“Your Highness, may I ride now?” He finally asked.
Feng Lezhen looked down at him: “You may.”
Shen Suifeng doubted she would agree so easily, so he didn’t stop walking right away.
Sure enough, she added slowly, “Ride your own horse.”
He knew she still held a grudge about being carried all the way to Lijia Village, and merely smiled. “This one happens to be mine.”
He’d let hers go back when he carried her here.
“Yours?” Feng Lezhen raised an eyebrow. “Since when did the Eldest Princess’s horse become yours?”
“…If Your Highness puts it that way, it’s no fun. You owe me so much money—if we’re really counting, it’s not just a horse. Half the Eldest Princess’s estate might be mine.”
Shen Suifeng held the reins firmly, walking at a steady pace.
Feng Lezhen chuckled, “You still want the Eldest Princess’s estate? Such ambition.”
“Please, I don’t want it at all. I just want to ride now,” Shen Suifeng said quickly.
“Then get on.”
He paused and looked at her skeptically. “Seriously?”
“If you don’t get on now, I might change my mind,” Feng Lezhen raised an eyebrow.
Without hesitation, Shen Suifeng mounted the horse.
It was a bit crowded with two on the saddle. As soon as he settled, he couldn’t help but lean against her back, almost as if he was embracing her from behind.
They both went quiet for a moment. In the end, Shen Suifeng broke the silence, “Pardon me, Your Highness.”
“It can’t be helped. No need to apologize,” Feng Lezhen said lightly.
She had simply tied her hair in front today, leaving her slender white nape fully exposed. Even without intentionally looking, a glimpse of that smooth skin constantly crept into his peripheral vision.
Shen Suifeng’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He forced himself to change the subject. “Has Your Highness secured the leg padding?”
“Mm,” Feng Lezhen replied.
He nodded, then realizing she couldn’t see him, added aloud, “That’s good. For the sake of your injury, let’s not ride too fast. Let’s try our luck—see if we can buy a carriage in the next town.”
“I thought we didn’t have any money?” Feng Lezhen asked lazily.
Shen Suifeng chuckled, “Exactly—so we’re trying our luck.”
Feng Lezhen didn’t quite catch what he meant, but she couldn’t be bothered to ask. She vaguely agreed. Just as Shen Suifeng gripped the reins to set off, the person in front leaned back entirely into his chest.
The soft figure, carrying a faint powdery scent, leaned all her weight into his arms. Loose strands of her hair were swept across his face by the wind, tickling his skin.
Shen Suifeng suddenly froze.
“Why haven’t we moved?” Feng Lezhen was already feeling sleepy.
He snapped out of it and reached a hand to steady her arm.
“Your Highness, hold on.”
His deep voice rang by her ear. Feng Lezhen closed her eyes, lips curving into a small smile.
With a loud whinny, the horse galloped forward. The wind blew their garments and tangled their hair, whisking away much of their warmth—but the place where they leaned against each other remained warm, untouched by the breeze.
They traveled on and off for nearly two days and finally reached a town. Shen Suifeng led the horse slowly through the streets. The noble Eldest Princess riding behind him hadn’t eaten or slept well these past two days and looked dusty and wilted like a flower dulled by grime. Every time he looked back at her, he couldn’t help but smile.
“If you laugh at me again, I’ll dig your eyeballs out,” Feng Lezhen said expressionlessly.
Shen Suifeng grinned, “Why is Your Highness so irritable?”
Feng Lezhen shot him a sidelong glance, not even bothering to speak.
Shen Suifeng led the horse around, scanning the area. After spotting something, he chuckled. “I know it’s been hard on Your Highness these past few days. Just wait a little longer—I’ll take you to the best inn in town.”
“Do you even have money?” Feng Lezhen asked the most practical question.
Back at the Eldest Princess Manor, all she ever did was spend freely—Qin Wan took care of everything else. But now that it was just the two of them, with all their luggage lost while fleeing, the esteemed Eldest Princess had finally come to understand that without money, one couldn’t take a single step.
“Not yet—but I will in a moment.” Shen Suifeng said, heading straight toward a tailor shop. He tied the horse by the roadside and went in on his own.
Still sitting on the horse, Feng Lezhen looked speechless. Noticing people glancing at her, she calmly covered her face with a handkerchief.
A quarter of an hour later, Shen Suifeng came out, followed by a man dressed like a shopkeeper, holding two large bundles and bowing repeatedly in excessive politeness. When he saw Feng Lezhen on horseback, he hesitated and asked Shen Suifeng, trying to curry favor, “This lady… is she Shen Second Madam?”
Feng Lezhen raised her brows slightly, looking unhurriedly toward Shen Suifeng to see how he’d answer. If he dared acknowledge it, she’d charge him with disrespect. But if he denied it and let the shopkeeper think she was a mistress or something… that would be even worse.
Her expression made her meaning perfectly clear, and of course Shen Suifeng understood. So he calmly replied, “She’s my ancestor.”
Shopkeeper: “?”
Without explaining further, Shen Suifeng took the bundles and led the horse away, leaving the shopkeeper stunned in place.
“That shop—was it owned by the Shen family?” Feng Lezhen asked slowly after they’d walked some distance.
Shen Suifeng didn’t look back. “No. They just do business with the Shen family.”
Feng Lezhen recalled the Shen family logo on the shop’s sign and said, with a touch of meaning, “Seems the Shen business really is spread all over Great Qian—there’s even a branch in a remote little town like this.”
“More than just Great Qian,” Shen Suifeng replied. “There are also branches in Tayuan and Moli. But relations have been tense in recent years, so we’ve scaled back. The Shen family doesn’t want to be accused of treason or colluding with the enemy.”
Feng Lezhen said, “Weren’t you disowned by the Shen family? How come you know so much, even down to which dealings have been reduced?”
“Disowned doesn’t mean cut off,” Shen Suifeng explained. “I still meet with my older brother once or twice a year. Brothers chat about family matters, and naturally these things come up.”
“So even after being disowned, you can still use the Shen family’s name to take goods and money from their trade partners?”
“It’s all borrowed on credit. When the books are reconciled, my brother will cover it,” Shen Suifeng replied.
Feng Lezhen’s eyes flickered slightly. “It seems your bond with the Shen family’s eldest son remains strong, despite the disownment.”
Shen Suifeng stopped, turned back with a smile. “No need to probe, Your Highness—it was a real disownment. One of the Shen family’s core rules is that the descendants must be merchants. No politics, no marrying into official families, no changing professions. Once broken, you’re permanently removed from the family register. I became a doctor, which violates the last rule. Even if I give it up, there’s no going back—not even my brother can change that.”
“So many rules,” Feng Lezhen said with a click of her tongue.
Shen Suifeng sighed. “Can’t be helped. When you’re that wealthy—rich enough to rival a nation—you have to be extra cautious, or someone will find a way to use you.”
The person with ulterior motives glanced at him but made no comment.
Shen Suifeng continued leading the horse slowly forward. As they passed a restaurant, the aroma of food drifted out, making Feng Lezhen turn her head to look.
“Your Highness is hungry?” Shen Suifeng asked.
Feng Lezhen: “Mm.”
“Then let’s go eat first.” He turned toward the restaurant, horse in tow.
“I don’t want to. Find an inn first. I want to rest,” Feng Lezhen said flatly.
“Didn’t you just say you were hungry?” Shen Suifeng raised an eyebrow.
“I’ll rest while you go buy food. I’ll dine in the room,” Feng Lezhen responded.
…Right. A true master indeed. Shen Suifeng resigned himself and continued on. After circling a few times, they finally found a decent-looking inn.
“How many rooms, sir?” The inn attendant, seeing the horse, came forward with a warm smile.
Before Shen Suifeng could speak, Feng Lezhen coolly said, “One upper room.”
Hearing her voice, the attendant looked over. Seeing her face, he was momentarily dazzled, then quickly turned to lead the way.
Only then did Feng Lezhen look at Shen Suifeng. “Back at Lijia Village, you insisted on standing guard even when it wasn’t your turn. Now we’re in an unfamiliar place, and you’re hesitating when it is your turn?”
“An inn has too many comings and goings. If I loiter outside the door, I’ll draw attention. If someone gets suspicious, it’ll do more harm than good,” Shen Suifeng replied helplessly.
Feng Lezhen gave him a side glance. “Who told you to stand outside? There’s an antechamber in the upper room—you’ll sleep there.”
Shen Suifeng: “…”
They followed the attendant into the room. Just as she said, the upper room had two sections. The inner room had a soft bed and fine furnishings; the outer room had a hard wooden couch, clearly meant for servants.
Looking at the rock-hard couch, Shen Suifeng sighed in resignation.
“Please have a seat, honored guests. Here’s some fresh tea we just received. Try it,” the attendant said, setting down a steaming pot and handing them a key. “This is the only key to this room. Please lock up when you go out and return it upon checkout.”
Shen Suifeng accepted the key, paid for the room, and then flipped a silver bit from his sleeve. The attendant caught it with a wide grin and bowed his way out.
Finally, some peace. Shen Suifeng let out a long breath and had just poured himself a cup of tea—only to turn and see that Feng Lezhen had already sprawled herself across the servant’s hard couch.
He paused slightly, then said, “Didn’t we agree I’d sleep in the outer room?”
Feng Lezhen turned her head to look at him.
Shen Suifeng’s expression softened. “There’s no need for formality between us, Your Highness. Even if you weren’t the Eldest Princess, it would still be improper to let a lady sleep in the outer room.”
“You’re overthinking it. I only laid down on your bed because I didn’t want to dirty mine with my dusty clothes,” Feng Lezhen replied mercilessly.
Shen Suifeng: “…”
“Go buy the food. Don’t forget to get a serving of snow fungus soup. But make sure it doesn’t have bird’s nest in it—I don’t eat things spat out by swallows.” Feng Lezhen took off her shoes and lay down fully.
Expressionless, Shen Suifeng replied, “Don’t worry. In a small town like this, even finding snow fungus is already a stretch. Any bird’s nest you find is probably just starch powder anyway.”
Feng Lezhen turned to glance at him, but he was already out the door with the key in hand.
Shen Suifeng went straight to the same restaurant from earlier. Just as he entered, he caught a dispute between a customer and a server over a canceled order.
“The food hasn’t even been served. Why can’t I cancel it?” the customer argued angrily.
The server looked equally frustrated. “It’s already being cooked. How can you cancel it now?”
“Then sell it to someone else.”
“Who would buy it?!”
As the two bickered on, Shen Suifeng glanced around the crowded dining hall and casually asked, “Is there snow fungus soup in the order?”
The server, confused but obliging, said, “Yes.”
Fifteen minutes later, he returned to the inn with the food packed up.
The room was still locked as he had left it. Shen Suifeng opened it with the key and stepped inside. “That place is far too busy. If we’d waited in line, who knows how long it would’ve taken—thankfully…”
Just as he reached the doorway to the inner room, he looked up—and froze.
Steam billowed from a wooden bathtub. Leaning against the edge, Feng Lezhen sat immersed in hot water, her shoulders flushed pink from the heat, while her neck remained fair and smooth. Her damp cheeks glowed like peach blossoms, and even the glance she threw his way seemed soft and dewy.
“Do I look good?” she asked slowly in the silence.
Snapping back to his senses, Shen Suifeng immediately turned around. “I didn’t—! You should’ve said something if you were bathing!”
Feng Lezhen leaned forward, resting her arms on the edge of the tub. “How was I supposed to know you’d come back early?”
She had thought, judging from how busy that restaurant was, that he’d be gone at least another half hour.
“…So now it’s my fault?” Shen Suifeng said, somewhat helpless.
“Isn’t it?” she retorted, stepping out of the bath as she spoke.
The sound of water trickling down her body filled the quiet room. The dense steam made the air heavy, almost suffocating. Shen Suifeng hurried to the outer room, keeping his eyes down as he laid out the food on the table. By the time Feng Lezhen emerged, the table was already full.
“Not bad,” she commented, sitting down beside him.
Hearing her voice, Shen Suifeng looked up—only to realize she was dressed in nothing but an inner layer.
He rubbed his temples. “Your Highness, are you planning to eat dressed like that?”
“What’s wrong with it?” Feng Lezhen glanced at herself. “You got these from the clothing shop, didn’t you?”
Wrong. Very wrong. Her body was still damp from the bath, the thin undergarment clinging to her curves, transparent in the places where it had soaked through, faintly revealing her pale skin beneath. Her hair was still wet. Shen Suifeng prided himself on being a gentleman and tried not to look, but every glance inevitably caught something he shouldn’t see. In the end, he draped a coat over her.
“There’s nothing wrong with the clothes,” he said as he sat down again. “But it’s not proper for a woman to dress like that in a room shared with an unrelated man. You may be used to having people serve you, Your Highness, but surely you still understand the difference between men and women.”
“You’re not an unrelated man,” she said offhandedly.
Shen Suifeng paused mid-reach for his chopsticks, then let out a soft chuckle. “Then what am I?”
Feng Lezhen, having said it casually, now met his gaze. Shen Suifeng’s lips quirked with amusement, waiting to hear what she’d say.
“You’re my little golden treasure,” she said earnestly.
“…Your Highness is certainly blunt,” Shen Suifeng muttered.
“Eat. Afterward, help dry my hair.” When it came to giving orders, Feng Lezhen was utterly natural.
Shen Suifeng stared at her for a moment—then gave in.
They stayed in the town for the night, and after resting well, they set out again. This time, Shen Suifeng bought a carriage and laid down two thick quilts inside. During the journey, he drove while Feng Lezhen rested.
With the carriage, there was no longer any worry about her getting injured. They traveled at a leisurely pace, and on the sixth night, they finally arrived at the gates of Zhenan City.
The city gate was already closed, so they had no choice but to camp in the wild outside. Shen Suifeng gathered dry wood and lit a fire for warmth. Beside him, Feng Lezhen sat expressionless, holding a flatcake and chewing slowly.
“Not tasty?” Shen Suifeng asked knowingly.
“What do you think?” Feng Lezhen said flatly.
She wasn’t picky about food, but after traveling with Shen Suifeng—who managed to provide decent meals despite the rush—this now-stale flatcake was truly hard to swallow.
“If Your Highness doesn’t like it…” Shen Suifeng trailed off, then, like a magician, pulled out a package of pastries. “Would this be better?”
Feng Lezhen paused. “When did you buy that?”
“Last town,” he said. “Just in case we ran into a night like this.”
Feng Lezhen curved her lips and took one from him. “Shen Gonggong really is thoughtful.”
“Oh? Is the noble Eldest Princess going to reward her humble servant?” Shen Suifeng raised a brow.
Feng Lezhen: “What does Shen Gonggong want as a reward?”
Shen Suifeng chuckled, “Is there anything Your Highness can actually give me?”
Feng Lezhen thought for a moment. “Not money—I don’t have any.”
The smile in Shen Suifeng’s eyes deepened. “But if I recall correctly, didn’t His Majesty give Your Highness two chests of gold and silver?”
“I left those in the capital,” Feng Lezhen replied. “Wanwan needs funds to manage social relations—gold and silver are indispensable for that. As for me, I don’t have many personal expenses.” She glanced at him. “Except when I get swindled by you.”
“I always charge fair prices,” Shen Suifeng said with a look of innocence.
Feng Lezhen gave a soft snort and lay back, quietly gazing at the sky.
“What are you looking at, Your Highness?” Shen Suifeng asked.
“Lie down and you’ll see,” she replied.
He hesitated, wanting to say he had no interest in lying on the ground. But seeing the seriousness in her eyes, he couldn’t help lying down beside her.
“Do you see it now?” Feng Lezhen asked.
Shen Suifeng stared at the sky for a while and replied, “Aside from the moon and a few stars, there’s nothing.”
“That’s exactly what I’m looking at.”
“…”
Feng Lezhen turned on her side, resting her head on her arm, and looked at him. “Why aren’t you saying anything?”
“I don’t know what to say,” Shen Suifeng replied honestly.
Feng Lezhen turned her gaze back to the sky. “Then let’s just enjoy the moon. It’s quite nice tonight.”
Following her gaze, Shen Suifeng looked up as well.
It really was quite beautiful, like a large silver disc emitting a soft glow. Just looking at it brought a sense of peace. He stared for a long time until a cold wind blew, stripping away what little warmth remained. He finally returned to himself. “Your Highness, let’s get to the carriage—”
Before he could finish, he saw Feng Lezhen fast asleep.
She wasn’t exactly delicate—always wanting to be waited on—yet here she was, sleeping soundly in the open. Shen Suifeng didn’t know whether to laugh or sigh. But as he looked at her from up close, his faint smile gradually faded.
After a while, he gently picked her up and headed toward the carriage. Half-asleep, Feng Lezhen stirred and opened her eyes. “Shen Suifeng…”
Her voice was drowsy and soft, somehow a little affectionate.
Shen Suifeng’s steps paused. After a moment, he whispered, “Sleep, Your Highness.”
She responded with a sleepy murmur, nuzzling her cheek against his collar. Shen Suifeng stood still for a while before a gust of wind pushed him into action, and he quickly placed her into the carriage.
The next day, before dawn, the city gates opened.
Shen Suifeng drove the carriage slowly into the city. Inside, the woman stretched and woke up groggily.
“We’re in the city?” she asked.
Shen Suifeng’s voice came through the curtain. “Mm, we’ve arrived.”
“Zhenan City’s meatball soup is said to be excellent. Let’s try some,” Feng Lezhen lifted the curtain and sat beside him.
Shen Suifeng glanced sideways at her. “Isn’t Your Highness eager to reunite with Miss Ah Ye and the others?”
“A little delay won’t hurt.” Feng Lezhen smiled and bumped his shoulder gently. “Shall we go eat?”
It was rare to see her act so lighthearted. Shen Suifeng chuckled but didn’t get to respond—out of the corner of his eye, he caught a familiar figure.
“Jinan?” Feng Lezhen’s voice suddenly rose.
The boy leaning against the city wall stood bolt upright when he heard her voice.
When Feng Lezhen saw that it was indeed him, a look of relief finally broke across her face. She waved to him while gesturing for Shen Suifeng to stop the carriage.
Shen Suifeng, face calm, followed her instructions and brought the carriage to a halt. Even before it stopped completely, Feng Lezhen had already jumped down and was lifting her skirt as she ran toward the boy.
“Jinan!”
The boy, now certain it was her, darted through the crowd at top speed.
When there were still five or six steps between them, Feng Lezhen stopped and smiled brightly at him. Chen Jinan, usually composed, now had a flicker of emotion in his eyes.
“Your Highness…” His voice was hoarse, his eyes locked on her as if trying to confirm she wasn’t a dream.
“How did you get so thin?” Feng Lezhen pinched his arm. “You’d only just started putting on weight—now it’s all gone.”
“You’ve gotten thinner too, Your Highness.” Chen Jinan looked at her hand on his sleeve, finally convinced she was really back.
“What are you doing here?” she asked. “Where’s Ah Ye?”
“Miss Ah Ye is well,” Chen Jinan replied.
“Good, good, as long as she’s well…” Feng Lezhen said, then noticed the dark circles under his eyes and laughed. “How long has it been since you got a good night’s sleep?”
Chen Jinan’s throat moved, but before he could respond, a familiar voice shouted from afar, filled with disbelief: “Your Highness?!”
Feng Lezhen turned to look.
“Your Highness!” Ah Ye was now sure—it was her. She ran over screaming and swept Feng Lezhen up into a tight hug.
Feng Lezhen yelped and laughed as she let Ah Ye spin her around.
Only after holding her for a while did Ah Ye put her down, voice already choked with emotion: “Your Highness, why are you only arriving now?”
“There was a delay on the road,” Feng Lezhen explained. “You must’ve been worried.”
“More than worried! If Your Highness hadn’t instructed us to wait in Zhenan, I’d have gone looking for you long ago.” Ah Ye wiped her eyes.
Feng Lezhen patted her head gently. “Don’t cry. See? I’m back safe and sound.”
“Your Highness is hurt?” Chen Jinan suddenly asked.
“No, I’m fine.” Feng Lezhen replied.
Chen Jinan frowned slightly, clearly not convinced. Feng Lezhen smiled and changed the subject, “What were you doing by the wall just now?”
“I…”
“Don’t even ask, Your Highness,” Ah Ye cut in. “I’ve never seen anyone as stubborn as him. He’s been standing here since the day we arrived in the city. Wouldn’t listen no matter what I said—insisted on waiting here for Your Highness. He waited day and night, barely ate. I was afraid you’d arrive only to find he’d worn himself out first.”
“Is that so?” Feng Lezhen raised her eyebrows.
Chen Jinan looked like he’d done something wrong, silent and not daring to meet her eyes.
Feng Lezhen stared at him for a moment before she couldn’t help but laugh.
Chen Jinan paused, and upon seeing the smile at the corners of her eyes and brows, he also smiled for once.
“Hungry?” Feng Lezhen asked.
Chen Jinan hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
“I’m hungry too. Want to go eat together?” she suggested.
He nodded again. Feng Lezhen chuckled and reached out to pinch his cheek.
Shen Suifeng leaned against the carriage, watching the touching reunion with a half-smile.
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