Chapter 227

As they left Jingzhou, the landscape gradually became desolate. The once lush grasslands had transformed into a sea of golden hues.

The prairie's changing seasons painted the landscape like an artist's palette, each hue more beautiful than the last.

Early winter draped the land in yellow.

The grass lay flat, as if the entire prairie had decided to take a nap.

Parting the withered yellow surface occasionally revealed a hint of green hidden beneath.

But mostly, it was a world of gold.

They set up camp on the grassland for the night.

Jiang Mianmian slept in the horse-drawn carriage.

The carriage had been made as comfortable as possible. Inside, cushions were layered according to her specifications, even providing some shock absorption. However, it couldn't be too large, as the road conditions along their journey weren't always favorable.

The carriage itself was quite wind-resistant. In fact, many everyday items from ancient times were already quite practical and well-made.

Moreover, they were all handcrafted – items that would likely fetch a high price in modern times.

It's said that Rolls-Royce cars are handmade.

The carriage Mianmian now rode in was also handcrafted.

Part of the journey to the Capital City was along official roads, which were relatively easy to traverse, but many sections were quite rugged.

The winter season meant fewer mosquitoes and insects.

But it also made travel more challenging.

Any further delay, and they might encounter ice and snow, significantly shortening the distance they could cover in a day.

The journey wasn't entirely peaceful, with the threat of mountain bandits, highway robbers, and wild beasts.

For Mianmian, it felt like a long-distance journey, albeit one with a sense of security. They traveled in a caravan with many people.

They could be considered a strong, well-equipped group.

Pangya and Wei Biao were specifically assigned to take care of her. She could call on them for anything she needed along the way.

It resembled a frozen fairyland, both desolate and dazzling.

Seeing that Mianmian was awake, Pangya climbed into the carriage to help her dress.

Mianmian put on her base layers – undergarments and long johns. She had insisted on having these made. Since she wore long robes on the outside, the pants weren't visible. Being away from home, she felt odd with her legs exposed, so long johns were a must.

After dressing, she wrapped herself in a thick robe, donned a rabbit-ear hat, and threw on a fur cape. She looked like a lively rabbit as she hopped down from the carriage.

Then, Jiang Mianmian excitedly jumped onto the grassland, hearing the crisp sound of ice crystals breaking beneath her feet, as if she were waking up a dreamlike world.

Nearby, Jiang Changtian watched his daughter, who had just woken up and was now jumping on the grass, breaking ice, with a smile on her face.

He couldn't help but smile too.

He loved his little girl's personality. Mianmian loved all beautiful things and was skilled at finding beauty in anything.

While others might complain about the bitter cold, she would say how beautiful the ice was and how lovely the sound it made.

Pride shone in Jiang Changtian's eyes and smile.

Then Qin Luoxia came galloping back on horseback from the distance, shattering the colorful world. In one swift motion, she scooped up her rabbit-eared daughter, who had been hopping about on the grass, and lifted her onto the horse.

"Aren't your feet cold? Jumping straight onto the wet grass as soon as you wake up! Your feet will be soaked through, and you'll catch a chill. You'll be miserable then," she chided.

For Jiang Mianmian, the transition from being airborne to nestling in her mother's embrace to hearing her mother's nagging happened in the blink of an eye.

If you've ever wondered whether those scenes in TV dramas where the hero effortlessly scoops the heroine onto his horse are done in one take, let me tell you – it's incredibly difficult.

Her feet were a bit chilly, but when she was suddenly lifted into the air, her head felt even colder.

"Mom, my rabbit fur hat fell off!" she exclaimed.

The hat promptly landed back on her head, messing up her hair.

Then, with a leap of the horse, they arrived in front of her father.

Qin Luoxia first dropped her daughter down.

Jiang Changtian anxiously reached out to catch her.

Jiang Mianmian, now in her father's embrace, slid down sheepishly, feeling a bit embarrassed as she wasn't a three-year-old anymore.

Qin Luoxia dismounted and patted the horse's back. "Husband, there's a valley ahead that doesn't feel right. It's too quiet. There might be an ambush."