Chapter 251: One More
The sky was clear and bright, with scattered clouds shielding the fierce sun. A horse-drawn carriage made its way slowly along the footpath at the base of Weixing Mountain. The road that Zong Yunqian took was not the bustling official road; it seemed narrow enough for only one carriage to pass through.
Zheng Nianru gazed out the carriage window, curiously surveying the scenery. She watched the mountain rise gradually before her, the lush trees on both sides. The mountain range extended from her line of sight, the fragrance of the trees filled her nostrils, involuntarily prompting her to take a deep breath.
Xing Yu leaned on the carriage window alongside her, pointing at the trees passing by quickly outside the carriage, asking for their names.
Zheng Nianru did not know either. Truthfully, she did not, as the trees here were completely different from those in the gardens of the Imperial Palace. Those delicate winding branches and curves, each tree seemed to proclaim its own worth. But those before her eyes grew wildly, effortlessly conveying a sense of vigorous strength.
Nanny Yun seemed to be affected as well, having not viewed such scenery freely in many years, reminiscent of outings with young ladies her age, where their vibrant dresses so easily caught men’s gaze, whether it was disdainful, contemptuous or intentional—but no matter.
"Commandery Princess, we’ve arrived." The carriage stopped at the foot of the mountain. Gu Dao and Xi Feng immediately took out the picnic food and belongings. Gu Dao nudged Xi Feng, indicating him to carry something, but Yin He paid no attention to the two; he stood beside the carriage, eyes only on Zheng Nianru, who was descending from the carriage.
Xi Feng cast a glance at Gu Dao, the latter looking as if he didn’t have an ounce of flesh on his body to carry anything—better not to bother.
Zheng Nianru stepped down from the carriage, Nanny Yun hopped down first, wanting to assist, but Zong Yunqian had already taken a step ahead of her. His height advantage blocked Nanny Yun, and as Zheng Nianru was about to extend her hand, Yin He had already stepped forward, kneeling in front of the carriage; Zheng Nianru stepped on his back to alight.
Gu Dao and Xi Feng exchanged puzzled glances and, carrying the things, followed.
Xing Yu had already grabbed Yin He off the ground, helping him to pat off the dust on his body, and then pointed at the trees around for him to see.
Zong Yunqian walked ahead, not quickly, with Nanny Yun following Zheng Nianru, speaking in soft whispers, the occasional quiet laughter reaching the air.