Chapter 29 Strange Weather
The journey back to the capital seemed smoother than the trip out. Feng Xiran looked at the changing scenery outside the window, feeling more relaxed and finally understanding the feeling of "homesick as an arrow."
During the day, the weather was cool with a gentle breeze, but by noon, the large temperature difference between day and night became somewhat unbearable.
Feng Xiran, who had been quite excited, felt stifled and restless in the carriage. She stuck her head out to chat casually with Ling Shuang, but after getting sunburned and nearly squinting her eyes out from the glare, she withdrew her head.
The sun blazed down, making the ground feel hot, and the rapidly moving carriage seemed only slightly cooler ahead.
Ling Shuang, sitting on a tall horse and wiping sweat, saw the soldiers behind them, who were somewhat listless and moving slowly. She found some shade for a quick rest before continuing.
"This year's weather seems strange!" Ji Ming said, using a handkerchief to wipe Lan Yun's forehead.
"Cough, brother-in-law, we shouldn't speak such nonsense!" Feng Xiran had just taken a sip of the water Mo Yan handed her and nearly choked on Ji Ming's comment. It made her eyes water, and Mo Yan hurriedly patted her back.
That was no good news! Feng Xiran thought to herself.
Ji Ming merely smiled and didn't respond.
Having drank too hastily earlier, Feng Xiran now sipped more slowly, savoring the cool, sweet water which alleviated much of her discomfort.
Mo Yan, concerned about her heat, thoughtfully found a large leaf to fan her, bringing much-needed relief.
After resting in the shade for a while, the group continued their journey. By evening, as the sun set, the weather cooled slightly, and the soldiers who had been sunbaked all day felt rejuvenated.
Ling Shuang suggested they rest a bit more before speeding up to cover more ground while the weather was cooler, taking it easier during the daytime.
Yao Xiang, who seemed to have never been to the capital, kept asking Feng Xiran to describe the customs and local flavors of the capital city.
At first, Feng Xiran was willing to tell her about it, but as the weather grew hotter, she became dry-mouthed from talking so much and eventually became unwilling to continue.
Seeing that Yao Xiang still wanted to hear more interesting stories, Feng Xiran simply closed her eyes and pretended to nap.
In a few days, they reached the capital city. Someone had already sent a message to Feng Tianhuang. Ling Yu had arranged for Feng Xiran's residence to be thoroughly cleaned and prepared for her comfortable rest upon her return.
At the Taizi Mansion, Fei Yun received news from Fei Shuang, and the entire household was full of joy. The head of the Taizi Mansion particularly instructed the kitchen staff to prepare the Taizi and her husband's favorite dishes. They also arranged the Taizi's bedroom with soft and cool golden bamboo mats and decorated with freshly cut flowers.
"Everyone, be careful. Her Highness has suffered a lot these days. If you displease Her Highness, I will punish you."
In the Heavenly Empress's palace, Ling Yu had a male attendant help him with his grooming. He put on the gold and jade earrings Feng Xiran had chosen for him, then the phoenix crown, and after donning the phoenix robe, he saw that the mother and daughter waiting in the palace looked somewhat displeased. He urged the male attendant to help Feng Muqing change into the prepared rose-red gauze dress and had someone apply ab
"Ran'er, you've suffered these days. I will go to the city gate to welcome her shortly. Qing'er, your sister is coming back. Dress in something more vibrant. If your sister sees you looking well, she' ll be happy."
Feng Muqing, who had been waiting for a while after being called early by Ling Yu, stared at the floating tea leaves in her cup. Her fingers, gripping the cup, turned white. She quickly suppressed her displeasure, set down the cup, and forced a smile as the male attendant helped her into a new outfit. She stared at herself in the mirror, manipulated like a puppet, with growing resentment.
Feng Tianhuang frowned at Ling Yu's words, "She's not a victorious general. There's no need to go to the city gate. Just wait at the palace gate." Ling Yu, somewhat indifferent, replied, "Your Majesty, Ran'er has indeed done something commendable this time. Right, Qing'er?"
He also urged the male attendant to adjust Feng Tianhuang's crown and make sure the yellow robe's collar wasn't too stiff.
Feng Muqing clenched and relaxed her fists, supporting Ling Yu's words and speaking up for Feng Xiran.
As Feng Xiran approached the capital city of Tianfeng, she felt a stronger sense of homecoming. Remembering something, she smiled at Fei Yu and called her over. Fei Yu, delighted, approached.
Thinking about the old officials who had bet on her departure, Feng Xiran couldn't wait to see their reactions. The thought of returning with a pile of gold and silver made her eager to get going.
"Fei Yu, hurry up, or my silver will fly away. Otherwise, I'll dock your salary for a year."
Fei Yu complied, smiling as she spurred her horse to hurry into the city. Jing Sa, seeing Fei Yu's haste, couldn't help but recall the betting incident and urged Xing Zhu to collect the silver quickly.
Ling Shuang, unaware of the situation, looked puzzled at the hurriedness of the couple's attendants. She thought they were likely preparing for a feast or something and frowned, thinking Feng Xiran, having only suffered for a few days, couldn't handle it.
When Feng Xiran and her party arrived at the city gate of Tianfeng, they were surprised to see a crowd waiting for them. The crowd shouted, "Quick, the useless Princess is back!"
Feng Xiran didn't hear what others were saying about her, but she had never been met with such a reception before. Although she had experienced similar scenes when she was in the Grass House, this crowd was far more overwhelming.
Among the crowd, Young Master Mei Su fixed his gaze on the slowly approaching procession, his eyes reddening, and clutched his handkerchief tightly. The musician holding the umbrella for him said happily, "Young Master, the Princess is back."
Mei Su, suppressing his joy, replied indifferently, "She's back, so what? Let's just wait at the building." However, a smile played at the corner of his mouth as he thought about what Feng Xiran had said to him before leaving. He wondered if she was still angry with him. If she was, he'd just sweet-talk her a bit; after all, she would be his again. He wore a confident smile.
"The Princess is back!"
As Feng Xiran's carriage and horses approached, the crowd's excitement grew louder. Many had come to see how badly Feng Xiran had fared, while others were curious about how she had changed after the events.
Feng Xiran stuck her head out, triumphantly showing off to Ling Shuang, "Look, everyone is waiting for me. Have you ever had such treatment?"
Ling Shuang gave her a disdainful look, snorted, and spurred her horse to speed up, leaving Feng Xiran's face covered in dust.
"Ugh, ugh." Feng Xiran retracted her head, wiped the dust from her face, and said to Yao Xiang and the others, "This person, she's just jealous!"
Translation Notes:
Heavenly Empress's palace : The residence or palace of the Empress. phoenix crown : A traditional and elaborate headpiece worn by royalty or high-ranking individuals in ancient China. phoenix robe : A ceremonial robe with phoenix embroidery, often worn by royalty. Rose-red gauze dress : A delicate and brightly colored dress made of gauzy material. yellow robe : A traditional royal robe, typically worn by emperors or high-ranking officials. Grass House : Likely a reference to a place or situation associated with lower social standing or hardship. Jewelry : Precious gems and ornaments.
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