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The following spring, the horse plague that struck Da Tong weighed heavily on Rong Shu's mind. If she couldn't prevent it, the mature horses she had selected this year would be a timely solution to the city's imminent shortage next year.

"Moreover, I've heard that the scenery is breathtaking over there in March. It'd be nice to appreciate the view early on."

The young lady's voice was soft and gentle, yet her expression was unwavering.

Madam Mu didn't try to dissuade her. Instead, she mentioned a few names and handed Rong Shu a waist badge, saying, "If you encounter any trouble in Da Tong that you can't resolve, use this badge to seek their assistance."

Rong Shu understood Madam Mu's affectionate intentions and accepted it without hesitation.

The next morning, a dozen carriages set off from Minglu Yard, galloping towards Da Tong amidst the rumble of hooves.

As they left Obeying Heaven Mansion, the gloomy sky darkened completely. Chang Ji had already made arrangements at the station, allowing everyone to settle in under the cover of night.

The moment Rong Shu stepped out of the carriage, Chang Ji approached her and whispered, "Miss, allow me to lead you inside. His Highness is waiting."

Rong Shu was slightly taken aback but quickly nodded, acknowledging his words. Turning to Luoyan, Yingyue, and the others, she said, "Wait for me in the station's lodgings."

With that, she lifted a lantern with a silk cloth shade and followed Chang Ji to a guesthouse in a corner of the station.

Knowing that Gu Changjin was there didn't surprise her in the slightest.

He had been overly occupied these days.

She hadn't found an opportunity to bid him farewell, but she knew he would be waiting somewhere. This inn was the last one under the jurisdiction of Obeying Heaven Mansion, making it the most convenient place for their goodbye.

The night wind whistled through her hood as Chang Ji stopped at the guesthouse and pushed the door open, bowing and saying, "His Highness the Crown Prince is inside."

Rong Shu stepped in, and just as the door closed behind her, the candlelight within flickered to life. Gu Changjin held a copper lantern, lifting the fabric curtain to look at her.

"Come here," he said, tilting the lantern forward to light her path. "Watch your step."

Indeed, the room was rather dim, but Rong Shu still had her own lantern, so she could see the way even if he didn't come out.

As they entered the inner chamber, Gu Changjin placed the candle lamp on the table and brought her a cup of honey water.

"You'll be leaving early tomorrow, so I prepared this instead of tea. It's honey water infused with herbs to aid sleep, so you can rest well tonight."

She had a terrible habit of being unable to sleep in unfamiliar surroundings. Having already anticipated a sleepless night in this inn, she was fully prepared to stay awake until dawn.

Little did she expect that he had even considered her minor habit.

A thin mist still hovered above the honeyed water. Rong Shu put down her silk lantern and quietly took the cup, sipping it slowly.

Gu Changjin leaned against the table, watching her with lowered eyes. When she finished the honeyed water, he asked, "Why didn't you leave with your mother?"

"Something went wrong with the Shen family's business in Daming Prefecture. Mother and Uncle Shi Yi need to detour there for a few days. So, they decided to let me go to Da Tong first and settle matters at the horse ranch. They'll come as soon as they sort out things in Daming."

The situation was unexpected, and upon receiving the news, Shen Yizhen hastily led her merchant group towards Daming Prefecture.

With Chang Ji and the Imperial Guards accompanying Rong Shu, they were not worried.

Gu Changjin nodded. "I'll send someone to Daming Prefecture tomorrow."

He was going to dispatch someone to assist Shen Yizhen and her group in dealing with the chaos in Daming.

Rong Shu opened her mouth, hesitated for a moment, but eventually expressed her gratitude. After all, she already owed Gu Changjin several favors.

The room fell silent once more.

Rong Shu waited for a while, but he didn't speak. She instinctively lifted her gaze, meeting his tranquil eyes, only to quickly lower her eyelashes again.

In truth, she knew what he wanted to say.

Likely, he also understood that she couldn't give him an answer, so whether he said it or not seemed insignificant.

Just as she was lost in thought, the man across from her suddenly spoke.

"When I was three, I could already handle a bow. Before I turned five, I could accompany my father into the mountains to hunt small game. After leaving the Floating Jade Mountain, my horsemanship and archery skills never wavered," Gu Changjin said slowly, enunciating each word. "Rong Zhaozhao, I can teach you how to shoot arrows, how to ride a horse, and help you achieve many things you desire."

Rong Shu looked up, stunned. For some reason, she sensed a hint of jealousy in his words.

But... where did this jealousy stem from?

Gu Changjin found her confusion both frustrating and amusing.

Well, once she arrives in Da Tong and understands Mu Rong's intentions, she will likely comprehend the meaning behind his words today.

"I'll be departing for Liaodong in two days. If you need to find me, have Chang Ji send a message," Gu Changjin mentioned, lifting her silk lantern gently. "Go back now; that honey water should be making you drowsy."

Rong Shu indeed felt a bit weary. She hummed in response and took the silk lantern, turning to walk towards the guesthouse's door.

Just as she was about to lift her hand to open it, the man behind her suddenly held her wrist tightly.

Gu Changjin's voice deepened as he finally couldn't resist asking, "Rong Zhaozhao, I've waited for you three years. Will you wait for me, just a little while?"

Chapter 108

The silk lantern in Rong Shu's hand swayed gently, casting a dim yellow glow like rippling water.

She turned back to look at Gu Changjin. His eyes were profound and sharp, but his gaze upon her wasn't intimidating. With a touch of warmth, his cold star-like eyes now held a gentle affection.

Back in Songsi Courtyard, when the curtains fell, Gu Yunzhi also used to look at her this way.

In her past life, she had waited for him for three years, and in this life, he would return that favor.

And he wanted her to wait for him so that, one day, he could openly and honorably marry her.

The qualities that had once captured her heart in this man had never disappeared.

Aware of all he had done for her in their past life and the opportunities they had missed, how could she not be deeply moved?

Between them, many words were unnecessary; they already understood each other's hearts.