"A Li, help me dress up," Feng Yao said softly.
"Yes, Your Highness," A Li replied with a bow. She quickly brought over a deep purple robe and laid it out neatly. Standing in front of the mirror, she gently combed Feng Yao's hair, her fingers moving with practiced ease. She added a pearl hairpin, placing it gently in her hair, then lightly brushed on powder and a touch of rouge to enhance the princess's natural beauty.
The Eldest Princess looked at her reflection and smiled faintly. "Thank you, A Li."
She turned and walked toward the door, ready to return to her room. A Li was about to follow, but Feng Yao paused and said, "No need to serve me for now."
A Li nodded and quietly stepped back.
When Feng Yao returned, she found Lang Huan still sound asleep. Her face looked peaceful, her breathing soft and steady. She gently pulled the blanket up to cover her shoulders, then leaned down and placed a light kiss on her forehead.
Just as she was about to leave, Lang Huan reached out and caught her hand, pulling her down onto the bed. Wrapping her arms around her from behind, Lang Huan murmured, "Where are you going, Your Highness? Why not stay and sleep a little longer?"
Feng Yao smiled and replied softly, "I have so many things to do. Once you're awake, we need to return to Luo City."
"Why so soon?" Lang Huan mumbled sleepily, nuzzling against her neck.
"I need to get back to the palace," Feng Yao said gently.
Lang Huan slowly let go. "Hmm… okay…"
Feng Yao stood and picked up the warm towel. "Come, let me help you freshen up."
Lang Huan sat up, her eyes still half-closed. Feng Yao took the warm towel and gently wiped her face—slow, tender strokes across her cheeks, brow, and neck. The quiet between them felt soft and peaceful, like the calm morning light.
Then Feng Yao walked over to a small nearby table and opened a wooden container. Inside was fine herbal tooth powder that smelled lightly of mint and dried orange peel. She picked up a slender bamboo stick with a soft, frayed tip, dipped it into the powder, and handed it to Lang Huan to brush her teeth.
Once she was done, Feng Yao helped her into new purple robes. Lang Huan smiled as she watched her—though Feng Yao was born a noble princess, with grace and pride in every movement, she still cared for her so gently, as if tending to someone precious.
Feng Yao carefully combed her long hair, tied it neatly, and secured it with a small crown and jade hairpin.
Then, the two of them stood together in front of the mirror, wearing matching purple robes.
"Are you satisfied?" Feng Yao asked, her voice soft and warm as she looked at her reflection.
Lang Huan turned her head slightly and smiled. "Very satisfied."
Feng Yao paused for a moment. She knew that the one who had always taken care of Lang Huan since childhood was Su Qing— the one who ensured she was always well-dressed and attentive to every detail of her appearance.
Leaning in a little closer, Feng Yao asked in a teasing tone, "So… who's better? Me, or Su Qing?"
Lang Huan laughed, already knowing how easily this woman could get jealous. Without hesitation, she turned to her and replied with a sweet smile, "Your Highness is the best in the world. Whoever marries you is the luckiest person alive."
The Eldest Princess smiled softly after hearing her answer. Lang Huan leaned forward, kissed her cheek, and whispered, "Thank you," before wrapping her arms around her in a warm embrace.
Their quiet moment didn't last long. A gentle knock came from the door—one of the inn servants had arrived with breakfast.
After they finished eating, the two stepped out of the room. The hallway was quiet, with soft sunlight spilling across the polished floor. But then, Lang Huan suddenly stopped in her tracks. Her eyes widened.
"A Cai?" she blurted out.
She rushed down the stairs to him, stopping close and lowering her voice. "What are you doing here?"
A Cai looked around warily before whispering, "I didn't dare go home after you were kidnapped. Madam would've scolded me to death, and Duke Ye… I couldn't face him. So I sent a letter saying that Young Master went with Master Xuankai to train in martial arts."
Lang Huan gave a small nod, quietly taking in the information. As she turned her head, she spotted Wan Bi at the far end of the corridor. She was standing silently, a faint smile on her face. She hesitated, wanting to thank her—but just then, the Eldest Princess called out, "Lang Huan."
At once, Lang Huan stepped back toward Feng Yao and gently picked her up in her arms. Although many people were watching, including her own subordinates, the Eldest Princess didn't seem to mind. She even wrapped her arms around Lang Huan's neck without hesitation.
As they walked pass Wan Bi, Lang Huan gave her an apologetic smile—a silent thank-you for her help. Then she carried Feng Yao down the front steps and carefully placed her inside the carriage.
From the carriage window, Lang Huan called out, "Xiao Bai!" and blew a short whistle. A moment later, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed—followed by a giant wolf leapt gracefully and landed beside the carriage.
All the shadow guards recognized Xiao Bai, but A Cai had never seen him before. His eyes widened in shock as the enormous white wolf approached. Xiao Bai let out a lazy yawn, flashing his sharp white teeth, then gave a low growl—just enough to send a chill down A Cai's spine. He quickly scrambled up into the driver's seat. A Li calmly sat beside him, unfazed.
Lang Huan let out a soft chuckle at the scene between A Cai and Xiao Bai. Then, with a light motion, she signaled for them to move.
The luxurious carriage began to roll forward at a steady pace, accompanied by the giant wolf and dozens of shadow guards in silent formation. Everyone at the inn stood frozen, dumbfounded by the sight of the majestic convoy passing through.
---
Lang Huan glanced at the Eldest Princess, who sat right beside her, completely lost in her book. Feeling bored and a little ignored, Lang Huan let out a soft sigh. Just as she was about to close her eyes and drift off, something nearby caught her attention—a small black box.
Curiosity sparked, she reached out to touch it.
Before her fingers could make contact, Feng Yao slapped her hand away without even looking up.
"Don't touch that," she warned calmly. "Unless you want to get poisoned."
Setting the book aside, Feng Yao stood up and, without a word, nestled herself into Lang Huan's lap.
Lang Huan blinked, caught off guard. Her curiosity hadn't faded. "What is it?" she asked, eyeing the box again.
Feng Yao gave her a teasing smile. "Knowing too much isn't good for you."
Lang Huan narrowed her eyes. "What evil plans are you scheming now, Your Highness?"
Feng Yao let out a soft laugh. "It seems you're starting to understand me."
She leaned her head gently on Lang Huan's shoulder, the mood suddenly quieting.
Lang Huan lowered her voice. "Is Master Xuankai… one of your spies?"
Feng Yao hesitated, just for a moment, then gave a small nod. Her smile faded when she noticed the concern tightening Lang Huan's brows.
"Are you going to be mad at me again?" she asked, almost in a whisper.
Lang Huan exhaled slowly. "How could I? Are you still upset about what I did?"
Before Feng Yao could respond, Lang Huan leaned in, her arms wrapping around her, and kissed her deeply. It was intense, filled with unspoken emotions. Feng Yao gasped for breath when they finally pulled apart.
Lang Huan looked at her silently, heart aching. There were still questions she wanted to ask—but she let them go. She couldn't bear to see Feng Yao sad again.
Since Feng Yao hadn't mentioned anything, including the matter of Lin Ruochen, Lang Huan didn't want to stir up more trouble.
Feng Yao pouted, clearly not done with the drama. "If you get angry with me again, I won't like you anymore. I'll find a real gentleman and fall in love with him instead."
Lang Huan burst out laughing. "You won't."
"Why not?" Feng Yao asked, lifting an eyebrow.
Lang Huan grinned, her voice playful. "Because you don't like men!"