"Are you certain we should ride in this carriage? Won't it be too noticeable?" Yang Ning questioned once more, her concern evident in her tone. She couldn't help but think about the attack they had faced in Xinling City, and the need for caution was still fresh in her mind. Join the adventure on m-vl-e-mpyr
Zheng Liang offered her a reassuring smile and nodded, his pride evident as he spoke, "Indeed, my love. We can definitely ride in this carriage. This carriage is far more spacious and comfortable than the one we used for our journey to Xinling City. I assure you that you will experience no discomfort while riding in it."
Yang Ning, still concerned, leaned closer and whispered cautiously, "But didn't you mention that we were attending the festival in the guise of nobles? Many nobles frequent such events, and it wouldn't be unusual for us to attend as nobles without revealing our true identities. Besides, even nobles in the capital do not typically have access to white horses like these."
Zheng Liang nodded in agreement. "While we'll be attending the carnival in the guise of nobles, I don't want to completely hide our status and position. Once we step outside the palace, it's important that people are aware of who we are. Even if the carriage lacks royal emblems, the presence of these white horses should serve as a clear warning to anyone harboring ill intentions.
Attacking the Crown Prince and Princess will not lead to favorable outcomes for them," he emphasized.
"This is not Xinling City, where enemies could pose as bandits and attack the royal carriage. This is the capital, my territory. It will be a warning to those who harbor ill intentions against me. Even if they attempt to threaten me, I am prepared to confront them at any time, anywhere. Their petty attacks will not confine me within the palace walls forever, and one day, I will reach them.
That's a promise," he declared, revealing his resolute determination to Yang Ning.
Yang Ning smiled at Zheng Liang, recognizing the significance of his newfound openness. It marked a shift from their earlier interactions, where political matters often remained veiled. This growing trust and intimacy in their relationship made Yang Ning feel more connected to him.
She couldn't help but appreciate the growing depth of trust that was bringing them closer together.
With a smile, Yang Ning nodded in understanding. "So it's like an open declaration without openly confronting them?" she asked, seeking confirmation.
He looked at her and replied, "You know well. I have prepared everything, so do not worry about anything. Just enjoy the night and the Carnival. You do not need to worry about anything." His assurance was clear, and he wanted her to know that he would take care of everything to ensure her safety.
Yang Ning smiled and nodded in response. "I believe in you." With those words of trust, she placed her hand in his, ready to board the carriage.
However, boarding the carriage without a stool proved to be a challenging task for Xiaowei.
Due to her short legs and petite frame, Xiaowei struggled to board the carriage. Seeing her difficulties, Gu Lan sighed and extended his hand to offer assistance.
Xiaowei hesitated, flustered by the prospect of holding a man's hand. Thoughts raced through her mind—how could she simply hold his hand? What was he thinking? She tried to overcome her hesitation and climb in on her own, but her attempts were met with discomfort.
In response to her hesitation, Gu Lan's demeanor turned cold as he issued a stern ultimatum, "Take my hand, or I'm leaving you here." His words left her with little choice.
With a deep breath, Xiaowei reluctantly reached out and placed her hand in his. Before she could fully comprehend what was happening, Gu Lan grasped her hand firmly and, with a surprising display of strength, lifted her up. She practically flew through the air and found herself seated next to him within moments.
The experience left her in a daze, wondering, 'What just happened?' She had known Gu Lan was His Highness's personal guard and undoubtedly strong, but she had never realized just how powerful he could be, effortlessly lifting her as though she weighed next to nothing.
Xiaowei sat next to him but attempted to create some distance between them. However, before she could slide any further, she heard him issue a stern warning, "Keep sliding away, and you'll be thrown out of the carriage as soon as I start it."
His cold gaze bore into her, and he continued, "If you don't want to be flung from this carriage, potentially injuring yourself, you better hold onto me. I won't slow down the speed or stop the carriage just for you. I'll simply leave you behind."
Xiaowei pouted at his harsh words but had no choice. She hesitantly clutched onto the side of his robe at his waist, causing him to stiffen. Nervously, he cleared his throat and corrected himself, "I mean, hold onto my arm, not my waist."
Xiaowei's face flushed at his comment, and she immediately removed her hand from his waist, hastily taking hold of his arm, which was gripping the reins of the horses. She pursed her lips and averted her gaze, feeling the awkwardness between them.
Silence hung in the air until Gu Lan took a deep breath and announced, "The carriage is departing," to inform Yang Ning and Zheng Liang about their departure and remind them to hold on tightly to maintain their balance.
With that, he started the carriage, feeling the stiffness in his body due to Xiaowei's presence beside him. She was undoubtedly a handful, and if it weren't for the fact that only two of them were accompanying His Highness and the princess, he would have assigned her to another carriage with the rest of the servants. However, the circumstances left him with no choice but to have her sit next to him.