Minister Qiao continued giving instructions, and Qiao Wanyan, growing weary, clung to his arm. "Father, don't worry, I remember everything. If you keep going, we'll miss the sunset. Besides, you know my sister and I are traveling alone. Instead of talking so much, arrange more guards."
Minister Qiao smiled. "The Crown Prince is heading to Qingzhou today to address the refugee crisis, passing through Yongzhou. He will accompany you. Do you still need guards?"
Qiao Yihuan was surprised and delighted. "Is that true?"
Minister Qiao confirmed, "Yes. I've spoken with the Crown Prince. He'll be waiting at a teahouse ten miles outside the capital. Wanyan, do your best."
How is the child so calm? It's as if she knew it from the beginning.
Snow began to fall in earnest, large, feathery flakes pirouetting from the leaden sky. Each snowflake seemed to dance a silent ballet as it drifted down, blanketing the world in a hushed, pristine layer.
Clutching a steaming hot water bottle, Qiao Wanyan peered out the carriage window, her eyes wide with childlike wonder. This was her first real journey since finding herself in this new world, and everything held a captivating allure. The rhythmic creak and groan of the carriage wheels provided a gentle soundtrack as they crunched over the snow-laden ground, transforming the landscape into an exquisitely beautiful, almost ethereal painting.
After what felt like the time it would take for a stick of incense to burn completely, they finally arrived at the rustic teahouse.
Qiao Yihuan, eager and animated, hopped down from the carriage first. As expected, she spotted He Zhiyu seated inside, calmly sipping tea. The rising steam from his cup mingled with the frosty air, creating a delicate haze.
Her face lighting up with undisguised joy, she quickly made her way to him, her voice filled with warmth, "Your Highness!"
Qiao Wanyan, taking her time, slowly and gracefully descended from the carriage. She cast a discerning eye over the Crown Prince's entourage, noting their deliberately casual attire, meant to blend in rather than stand out. Stepping inside the teahouse, she observed that the Crown Prince himself was similarly dressed in unassuming clothes, resembling more a refined young master than a royal figure.
She approached, her voice a melodious whisper, "Greetings, young master."
Qiao Yihuan raised a questioning eyebrow. "Sister, why address His Highness like that?"
Qiao Wanyan, sensitive to the cold due to her delicate health, was swathed in a luxurious fox fur cloak, her stunning face the only visible part. She blinked her luminous eyes, resembling a wary but adorable rabbit.
"I noticed His Highness's entourage is in plain clothes, and His Highness himself is dressed similarly. Father mentioned he's going to Qingzhou to address the refugee situation. I surmise His Highness wishes to conceal his identity to gather accurate information, not wanting his status known. Thus, I took the liberty of addressing him as 'Young Master'."
She then looked at He Zhiyu, her gaze questioning. "Did I say something amiss?"
A flicker of appreciation danced in He Zhiyu's eyes. "You're correct. Just call me Young Master along the way."
Qiao Wanyan smiled again, "But..."
He Zhiyu stated plainly, "Speak your mind."
Qiao Wanyan glanced at Qiao Yihuan, whose face was now stiff with disappointment, and quietly continued, "Father said my sister and I could travel with you, implying you would look after us. However, it's inappropriate for two unmarried women to travel with you, potentially causing you trouble."
He Zhiyu remained silent, his gaze steady and expectant, waiting for her to elaborate.
He had considered this point himself; traveling together would suit his purposes, but it could reflect poorly on the two women.
Qiao Yihuan looked at her sister, confused. What was she implying? Did she no longer wish to travel with His Highness?
Does she truly not desire to marry His Highness, and is she trying to prevent me from being with him? Qiao Yihuan wondered.
Qiao Wanyan then added, "Why don't you pretend to be my sister's husband? That way, we can avoid unnecessary explanations."
A delicate blush bloomed on Qiao Yihuan's cheeks. How could Wanyan suggest such a thing? she thought, flustered.
This is too forward!
She stole a glance at He Zhiyu, who was observing them intently, and quickly averted her gaze, lowering her head in shy embarrassment.
He Zhiyu's lips curved into a faint smile. "Wanyan's suggestion has merit, but we must, of course, consider Yihuan's feelings."
Qiao Wanyan moved closer to her sister, gently taking her arm, her eyes sparkling with an innocent charm. "It would be such a kindness, sister, to play along. It would greatly assist the young master and save him a great deal of trouble, wouldn't it?"
Qiao Yihuan's face felt as though it were on fire, an intense heat radiating from her skin.
It seems Wanyan genuinely has no desire to compete with me for His Highness's affections. Though her recent changes are unsettling, perhaps I simply misjudged her in the past due to a lack of understanding and interaction.