CFSSIR

‧₊˚ 36 ‧₊˚

This entourage heading south was just a routine change of post, without any urgent matters to attend to. As a result, the entire convoy was not traveling particularly fast. Presumably, it was also because Lu Zhao had considered Shen Qingyao's health and given her time to adapt.

In fact, Shen Qingyao didn't feel very tired along the way. The carriage was comfortably arranged, and the gentle swaying made her drowsy. Without resisting, she confirmed there was nothing pressing and allowed herself to drift into a deep sleep.

When she woke up again, she realized the carriage had stopped at some point. Rubbing her eyes in a daze, she called out for Cui Qiao but received no response. Turning her head to lift the curtain, she noticed it was almost dusk. Had she slept the whole afternoon?

At that moment, the curtain of the carriage door was lifted, and Lu Zhao bent down to enter. He must have heard her calling for someone. Seeing her awake, he wasn't surprised. He smiled at her and ruffled her slightly messy hair, "Awake? It's a good time to get out and rest a bit."

Shen Qingyao, not fully awake, nodded drowsily. She obediently placed her hand in Lu Zhao's outstretched palm and, with his help, bent down to stand up. Lu Zhao guided her out of the carriage. He jumped down first, then turned to extend his hand to her again, still smiling, "Can you come down?"

Shen Qingyao hesitated, glancing at the footstool already set up beside the carriage. She thought to herself, "I'm not disabled, just not in good health."

But before she could voice her defiance, she reconsidered. After the bumpy journey, she was indeed feeling sore all over. Admitting a bit of weakness wasn't a crime, after all!

So, she thickened her skin and shook her head, her eyes looking like a pleading fawn's as she stared at him, "Um... I can't get down..."

The system clicked its tongue at the barely half-meter high step, [Host, where's your dignity?]

Shen Qingyao didn't care, "Hmph, you're just jealous."

Seeing her adorable, helpless demeanor, Lu Zhao's smile deepened. Just as he was about to ask if she needed to be carried down, the young girl had already stretched out her arms, softly pleading, "Elder Brother Lu Zhao, can you carry me down?"

The second time came easier than the first. Carrying his wife was bound to happen countless times! Shen Qingyao smiled cheekily; she loved the feeling of being carried by Lu Zhao.

Lu Zhao was momentarily stunned but how could he refuse? Smiling, he withdrew his outstretched hand, turned around, and slightly bent over to make it easier for her to climb on, his voice doting, "Come on up."

Shen Qingyao cheered and jumped onto his back from the carriage step, her hands skillfully wrapping around his neck, her chin resting against his neck, making Lu Zhao feel a tickle in his heart.

"Elder Brother Lu Zhao, where are we?" Shen Qingyao leaned forward, looking around with curiosity. It didn't seem like a random campsite.

Lu Zhao chuckled softly and replied, "This place is some distance from the capital. It's an official post station set up on the outskirts of the capital. Usually, when foreign envoys or vassal princes enter the capital, they rest here before proceeding. Since we were traveling leisurely today, we can rest here."

"I see..." Shen Qingyao suddenly understood, then excitedly and somewhat regretfully said, "I've been in the capital for so long, this is the first time I've actually left it. I don't even know what it's like outside."

Before her engagement, she wouldn't even step outside the courtyard gate.

Lu Zhao tightened his grip and lifted her slightly, his warm voice promising, "It's alright, there's plenty of time. I'll take you to see everything, one place at a time!"