Chapter Thirty-Eight: A Journey to Yu County, Accompanied by Love

The morning light pierced the silence of the Eastern Palace. Li Chengyin stood in the courtyard, dressed in full military regalia, his posture tall and imposing as he prepared to embark on his journey to Yu County.

Usually, Xiaofeng would have been waiting there early like a cheerful bird, ready to see him off with her bright smile and reluctant gaze. But today, that familiar figure was nowhere to be seen; only the desolate morning breeze swept through the palace corridors.

Li Chengyin narrowed his eyes slightly, silently pondering that Xiaofeng must still be fuming over yesterday’s events. He recalled how she had pleaded bitterly to accompany him to Yu County, only for him to firmly refuse due to the arduous journey and various inconveniences. Her exasperated expression from that moment remained vivid in his mind.

He let out a helpless sigh, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Let it be," he thought. Upon his return, he would surely present her with her favorite wine and delicacies, followed by enough sweet talk to coax her back into a good mood. For now, however, time was as pressing as a drawn bowstring. He could not afford any further delays, so he buried his concern for her deep within his heart, turned resolutely, and strode toward the palace gates.

At the entrance, his attendants were already lined up, looking spirited and ready to depart at a moment’s notice. Li Chengyin’s gaze, sharp as a torch, swept over the men with stern authority. Suddenly, his eyes locked onto two figures at the end of the formation like a hawk spotting its prey.

The two attendants appeared visibly restless, their eyes darting about as they whispered to one another. Their furtive behavior stood out starkly against the disciplined ranks.

Li Chengyin shook his head slightly, his voice tinged with both helplessness and indulgence. "The two of you, stop hiding and come out. Did you really think you could deceive me with such a ruse? Tell me, who gave you permission to follow? Pei Zhao, was it you?"

Pei Zhao stiffened, as if rooted to the spot. He slowly lowered his head and remained silent, resembling a lamb that had committed a transgression.

Just then, a crisp, melodious voice filled with a hint of mischief rang out: "Don't blame Pei Zhao. It was I who forced him to bring me and A-Du."

Everyone turned to look, and there was Xiaofeng, stepping quickly from a corner. She was dressed in simple male attire with her dark hair tied up. Though she lacked the delicate allure of a woman, she possessed a vibrant, spirited heroism.

Her eyes were bright, like stars flickering in the night sky, as she looked at Li Chengyin with a playful, coaxing expression.

As Li Chengyin looked at her, the trace of reproach in his heart melted like snow under the sun. He gazed at her for a long time before finally letting out a helpless laugh.

"Fine, fine. You little fox, since you are so insistent, I have no choice but to take you along. But you must promise me that on this journey, you will stay close by my side and not stray even a single step. Do you understand?"

Xiaofeng nodded vigorously, her face blooming with a radiant smile like flowers in spring. "Mission accepted!"

Li Chengyin mounted his horse, then leaned down to reach for her, pulling her gently onto the saddle in front of him. His arms wrapped firmly around her slender waist. Resting against his broad, sturdy chest, Xiaofeng could clearly feel the steady, powerful rhythm of his heartbeat.

With a neigh, the horse galloped off. Amidst the swirling dust, the two set off on the road toward Yu County. Along the way, sunlight filtered through the mottled leaves, draping them in a cloak of gold. A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers and grass, and Xiaofeng could not help but close her eyes, intoxicated by the beautiful atmosphere.

Li Chengyin looked down at her, his eyes a mixture of tenderness and concern. He knew well that the journey to Yu County would be fraught with unknown hardships and dangers, yet with Xiaofeng by his side, he felt as if he had an anchor, making his heart feel incredibly secure. Even if the path ahead were filled with thorns, he possessed the courage to cut through them.

After traveling for a while, Xiaofeng’s initial excitement faded, and she began to look around with curiosity. Surveying the scenery, she asked, "Li Chengyin, what kind of place is this Yu County? Why must we rush there so urgently?"

Li Chengyin tightened his arm slightly to bring her closer and said slowly, "Yu County has been struck by drought. The people are suffering, and bandits have emerged, leaving the area in chaos. As the Crown Prince, it is my duty to provide relief, suppress the bandits, and restore peace to the people."

Hearing this, a sense of admiration swelled in Xiaofeng’s heart. "So you are doing something so noble. I knew you would never ignore the lives of the people."

The corners of Li Chengyin’s mouth lifted in a subtle, fleeting smile. "As the heir apparent, this is my inherent responsibility."

As they progressed, the road became increasingly rugged and difficult to traverse, and the surrounding landscape shifted from lush green hills to desolate wilderness. Sitting in the saddle, Xiaofeng found the jolting travel somewhat uncomfortable, but she gritted her teeth and endured, not wanting him to worry.

Noticing her discomfort, Li Chengyin asked softly, "Are you tired? Shall we take a rest?"

Xiaofeng stubbornly shook her head. "I’m not tired. Let’s keep moving; the people of Yu County are still waiting for us."

Li Chengyin felt a surge of pity for her, yet he knew time was of the essence. He had no choice but to pick up the pace, hoping to reach Yu County as soon as possible.