Hailin moved again, making room so that the guards outside could clearly see that there was indeed no one inside.
However, they couldn't get out of the carriage, because if they did, the soldiers guarding the city gate would definitely board the carriage to check, and they would find the princess hiding behind the curtain.
However, the guard was not easily fooled. Although he dared not be certain that Hailing had hidden the princess, he still had to do his duty. Therefore, he insisted that Hailing get out of the carriage for inspection. Although the people of the Crown Prince's residence were angry, they could not show their anger because it was the Empress's order.
For a moment, the two sides were deadlocked, and more and more people gathered in front of the city gate, many of them watching the spectacle.
The men from the capital's garrison rode over, dismounted, and surrounded Hailing's carriage. They were respectful on the surface, but refused to give in.
"Please alight from the carriage, Your Highness."
Those people unanimously agreed that since Hailing wouldn't get out of the carriage, they planned to just wait it out. If this matter caused a big commotion and alarmed the Empress, it would no longer be their business; whether she stayed or left would be up to the Empress.
Hai Ling looked at the people gathered around the carriage, feeling anxious inside, her palms sweating profusely.
She naturally knew that if this matter alarmed the Crown Prince and the Empress, Feng Qian would not only be unable to leave the capital, but she would also be punished.
Just as the two sides were locked in a stalemate and Hailin was getting anxious, she suddenly heard a deep, magnetic voice shout: "What's going on here?"
It was just a soft voice, but it made everyone feel inexplicably pressured.
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a luxurious carriage stop. Two handsome men stood respectfully beside the carriage, and one of them lifted the curtain.
A man dressed in a white brocade robe emerged from the carriage. The white brocade belt around his waist fluttered in the wind, exuding elegance and nobility. The white robe was embroidered with bright purple irises on the lapels and cuffs, giving it a magnificent and grand appearance. The morning sunlight shone through the clouds and mist, illuminating him as if he were gilded with gold. His dark hair was tied up with a white jade hairpin and fell to one side of his shoulder, like the finest brocade. He then leaped down from the carriage.
Only then did everyone realize that the person who had come was none other than the current Left Prime Minister.
The Left Prime Minister is indeed charismatic. It is said that although he has an ordinary appearance, his elegance is unmatched.
This is not something that can be described by appearance, but rather an innate charm.
Just as everyone was sizing up the Left Prime Minister, the Left Prime Minister himself led his two handsome subordinates over.
"What's going on? Why are we all gathered here?"
Upon seeing the Left Prime Minister appear, the city gate guard quickly pushed the eager-to-hand man forward: "Reporting to the Left Prime Minister, it is the Crown Princess's carriage. We were ordered to inspect it, but the Crown Princess refused to get out of the carriage, so we are in a difficult position."
Hai Ling lifted the curtain and looked out, immediately meeting the gaze of the Left Prime Minister Xi Lingfeng. His dark pupils were like a deep, unfathomable lake, and the sunlight shining into them gave them a strange pale blue hue, like fine gemstones, deep and mysterious. His sensual lips were slightly upturned, outlining a beautiful curve.
"This man must be extremely beautiful," Hai Ling thought vaguely, but her eyes were fixed on Xi Lingfeng. "Would this man make things difficult for them?"
Left Prime Minister Xi Lingfeng naturally saw the wariness in Hai Ling's eyes, and a sense of pleasure rose in his heart. "Little girl, you have your moments of worry too." But when he turned to look at the city gate guard, he was already feeling a chill: "Nonsense! You dare to stop the Crown Princess's carriage? As a member of the royal family, how could the Crown Princess not know the importance of this matter? How could she possibly let the princess leave the city?"
"Yes, yes, this humble official deserves to die."
The guards quickly responded. They dared to make things difficult for the Crown Princess because she had not yet married into the Crown Prince's residence, and they had heard that the Crown Prince did not like her. However, they were not foolish enough to confront the Left Prime Minister. Who in the Great Zhou Dynasty did not know how powerful the Left Prime Minister was? He was the Crown Prince's most favored person, and once the Crown Prince ascended the throne, he would be the most powerful person in the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Release them.
Yes, yes.
Since the Left Prime Minister had spoken, the garrison commander naturally released the prisoners, and the people from the capital's garrison command had no choice but to mount their horses and retreat.
Hailing lowered the carriage curtain, and through that tiny gap, she caught a glimpse of the Left Prime Minister's gaze. The light was dim and intoxicating, carrying a rich fragrance like winter plum blossoms. This man is truly an enigma, Hailing thought. Only after the carriage had left the city gate did she remember something: she hadn't yet returned the jade flute he had given her. Today, she had incurred his favor again. If he ever needed her in the future, she would certainly repay him.
An hour later, the carriage arrived at Qihan Mountain in the suburbs. Shuiyue Nunnery was located halfway up the mountain, surrounded by lush and verdant trees, with wisps of incense swirling like clouds around the mountainside.
The carriage stopped at the foot of the mountain. As Hailing and Yanzhi were about to get off the carriage, they respectfully said, "Take care."
Feng Qian whispered, "Thank you."
At the same time, I added in my mind, "I will never give up on you as a friend."
Hailing got off the carriage, and Yanzhi took incense and candles to go up the mountain to pray for blessings. Since they were there to pray for blessings, they had to act it out properly. Besides, she also had to take Agu and the others away from here, so that Feng Qian could leave smoothly.
The group went up the mountain, leaving only a coachman to guard the carriage.
Feng Qian waited until everyone had left before quietly emerging from behind the carriage curtain. She saw the coachman pull the carriage aside and sit in the shade to cool off. Now was the perfect time to leave, so Feng Qian quickly found an opening and leaped into the nearby woods. Hidden among the trees, she gazed at the distant figures, her heart filled with sorrow. She knew that Hai Ling's marriage into the Crown Prince's household would be difficult, and she had originally intended to help her, but instead, she had been forced to leave the capital.
Hailin, please take care. If I ever settle down somewhere, I will definitely send you a letter.
After Feng Qian finished speaking, she turned and left. If she stayed any longer, she would not want to leave. This friend was a friend for life.
Hailing led Yanzhi and the others to Shuiyue Nunnery, where they were warmly received by the nuns and treated as honored guests. They were led to a side room, served tea, and accompanied on a leisurely stroll. As noon approached, the nunnery prepared a vegetarian meal. However, Hailing was worried about Fengqian. Although she knew that Fengqian might have left, she was still uneasy. So she bid farewell to the nuns' hospitality and donated money for incense oil to offer to the Bodhisattva.
The group quickly descended the mountain. Once down, the carriage was empty. Feng Qian had indeed left. Hai Ling breathed a sigh of relief, but couldn't help feeling a little worried. Feng Qian was still a princess, pampered and privileged since childhood. Could she really adapt to life in the martial world?
"go back."
Hailin and Yanzhi boarded the carriage, while the others mounted their horses and headed down the mountain.
On both sides of the mountain path, there are tall and lush branches and leaves that stretch out to block out the sunlight, making it exceptionally cool. Suddenly, birds fly by in mid-air, and a series of fluttering sounds are heard, but soon silence returns.
The mountains and forests were eerily quiet.
Hailin looked at Yanzhi and said in a deep voice, "Something's up."
"Miss?"
Rouge nervously held Hailing's hand. The princess was gone; who would bother them now?
"They're after me."
Hailin knew what Yanzhi was thinking, so she spoke up decisively.
"Ah, what about Agu and the others?" Rouge wanted to ask if they should inform Agu and the others, but Hailing shook her head. Agu and the others were skilled enough to know that there were people in the shadows, but they just pretended not to know and continued down the mountain.
It was noon, and there wasn't a soul on the mountain path. Some of the people who had offered incense in the morning had gone down the mountain, while others were still having their meal at the temple. It was impossible for anyone to appear at this time. She had really chosen the right moment, giving the enemy an opportunity.