The way from Mount Qingcheng to the capital city of Yanjing wasn’t considered a far distance. Without being too hasty or slow, by travelling normally they could reach it within ten days.

The weather and the scenery changed incessantly as they travelled from the top of the mountain to the base.

As they journeyed forward, the weather gradually turned hotter. Despite the blistering heat, it could not deter Tong’er’s excitement and curious frame of mind. The closer they approached the capital city of Yanjing, the more frequently she carelessly opened the corner of the carriage’s curtain and stealthily looked at the scenery outside the carriage’s window.

Yu Xiang sat by Jiang Li’s side. Although Sun momo was sent to pick up Jiang Li, not knowing whether it was deliberate or accidental, she didn’t bring any servant girls to wait upon Jiang Li. Therefore, during the whole journey, it was still Yu Xiang and Tong’er who stayed close by Jiang Li’s side.

Contrary to expectations, the carriage was actually a good carriage and a soft mattress was set up in the inside. Tong’er, who was sitting within arm’s reach of the carriage’s curtain, turned her head and looked at Yu Xiang: “Yu Xiang jiejie, we will soon enter the capital. Young lady and I haven’t been to the capital for so many years already, we don’t know what’s popular in the capital nowadays, also what is the situation there? Yu Xiang jiejie, can you teach me so I won’t cause any disturbances and become a joke when I go back?”

There was not much difference between Tong’er and Jiang Li’s age. When Jiang Li was sent to Mount Qingcheng, Tong’er was at most also still an ignorant young servant girl. Her impression of the capital was actually very fuzzy.

Yu Xiang broke into a laughter and replied: “Throughout the whole journey, if you haven’t spoken these words ten times, at least you’ve said them eight times already. I have already told you everything I know and can be said. Besides, it is just returning to the capital and nothing more, what are you so nervous about? Look at second miss, she isn’t nervous in the slightest.”

Tong’er looked at Jiang Li, who was reading a book at the moment. Didn’t know what she was thinking about, but she suddenly laughed: “That is of course. Our young lady is not your average household young lady. It’s only natural that she won’t be nervous.”

Hearing what Tong’er said, Yu Xiang followed her in laughter. Nevertheless, she couldn’t help taking another look at Jiang Li. All the way, Jiang Li was either reading a book or relaxing with her eyes closed. It was very different from Tong’er’s growing curiosity. Regarding the matter of returning to the capital, Jiang Li did not pay any attention and displayed an especially tranquil appearance.

Yu Xiang did not understand, regardless of the reason why Jiang second miss was sent to Mount Qingcheng at that time, whether it was planned by the stepmother to frame her, or it was indeed a plot to harm her stepmother, she had left the Jiang residence for so many years. Now that she was returning to the capital, at least she should show a bit of reaction, right? Excited, nervous, curious, or perhaps anger, unwilling, or even something like homesickness?

However, there was none. Jiang second miss simply sat inside the carriage quietly, peacefully going on the journey. As for the matter of being about to see the capital, or having not seen her relatives for a long time, she showed no concern at all. Merely showing a meek and peaceful appearance. Sometimes when looking at her, it was as if she was cold and indifferent.

The carriage wheel produced a “gululu” sound as it travelled along the route. It was almost noon when it reached the city gate.

The garrison in the city walls saw Sun momo’s party and issued the order to let them pass. Once they entered the city walls, bustling noise could be heard.

Sun momo’s smiling voice sounded from outside: “Second miss, we have entered the city.”

Jiang Li raised the carriage’s curtain. As it opened, she faced the curious glances of the people outside. Tong’er was surprised and did not expect these many people to be outside, and she stared blankly for a while.

Yu Xiang explained with a smile: “The chief assistant’s carriage is refined and gorgeous. When the common people see it, they must have taken note of it. It seems that the matter of second miss coming back to the residence is already known outside. Today, the people behaving this way is probably due to the news they have received.”

Jiang Li smiled: “Thank you very much Yu Xiang jiejie for mentioning this point.”

Yu Xiang hurriedly avoided the praise.

The sun was right on top of the head and shone down harshly on the people. Jiang Li only glanced quickly, and soon after put the carriage’s curtain down. Tong’er still wanted to look outside but had no choice but to refrain herself. There was a feeling of unease in her heart as well as the thought of comforting Jiang Li with a few sentences. Who would have thought, Jiang Li simply leaned on the carriage’s cushion and neither slowly nor hurriedly sipped her tea.

As if there weren’t any worries at all.

Tong’er pulled Jiang Li’s sleeve, and said in a small voice: “Young lady, when we arrive at the residence, this servant will definitely protect young lady well.”

This anxious vow pleased Jiang Li. She shook her head and replied: “There’s nothing scary.” The carriage’s curtain separated them with the curious gazes from the people outside, yet it made Jiang Li’s mind turn even clearer, just like a mirror.

Thanks a lot for your support, and have a happy new year!