Chapter 267: Chapter 267: Departure to West Chen
July’s fiery stars descend, September brings forth winter clothes.
Continuous clear days make one unaware of summer’s departure; a single rain makes one realize autumn’s depth.
A night of rain, and when the window was pushed open at dawn, a thin garment already felt insufficient.
After breakfast with his parents, Jun Mo was already waiting outside the door.
Su Li bid farewell to Su Mother and boarded the carriage with Su Father.
Outside the city gate, Su Li looked at her father, whose temples faintly showed streaks of silver, and felt a pang of sadness.
She was truly undutiful, always making her parents worry.
Although Father never said it, always supporting her, a sense of guilt welled up within her.
"Father, please go back. Your daughter will take good care of herself."
Jun Mo also stepped forward and said, "Uncle, please rest assured. I, Jun Mo, guarantee that I will take good care of Li’er."
Su Father nodded and said, "Write back if anything happens. If necessary, reveal your identities. With your statuses, West Chen will still have reservations."
The two nodded, reassuring him repeatedly before Su Father finally allowed them to depart.
Su Li boarded the carriage, and the carriage set off.
Through the carriage window, watching the rapidly receding city gate and her father growing distant, Su Li felt a little down.
Jun Mo embraced her, saying softly, "Li’er, it’s alright. We’ll be back soon."
Originally a delicate maiden from the inner chambers, she had left her parents time and again, venturing into the unknown repeatedly, all for him.
Lowering the curtain, Su Li leaned against Jun Mo’s chest.
"It’s nothing, just that I’ve only been home for a few days and now I have to leave again. Looking at my father, I suddenly feel I’ve let my parents down."
Jun Mo held her, kissing the top of her hair. "I understand."
The carriage sped along the official road. Having adjusted her mood, Su Li lifted the curtain again to look outside.
Yesterday’s night rain had given way to clear skies today.
Mountains and rivers were bright, and the roadside grass was fragrant.
Jun Mo poured a cup of tea and handed it to her, its aroma lingering in the air.
"Li’er’s tea, even imperial tribute tea wouldn’t compare."
Su Li turned back to see him savoring the tea. The man wore an ordinary white robe, yet he exuded unparalleled nobility.
Truly, a gentleman like a precious jade pendant, his plain attire shining brightly.
Su Li smiled and said, "I only wish to live a life of brewing wine with pine flowers and making tea with spring water. Things often don’t go as planned, but I also refuse to shortchange myself. So, what I can avoid shortchanging, I will."
Seeing her naturally beautiful face, brimming with smiles, Jun Mo felt warmth in his heart.
"Once we are married, how about we live like Third Imperial Brother, bathing in the moonlight by mountain streams, resting on mountain breezes, and seeing all the beautiful sights of the world?" Jun Mo laughed.
He offered her a cup of tea, saying softly, "Taste my tea-making skills and give me your critique."
Su Li took the tea, first sniffing it, then taking a small sip.
"Initially fragrant, slightly astringent upon entry, and sweet in the aftertaste."
Jun Mo smiled faintly and said, "Li’er overpraises me."
The two of them enjoyed their tea, watching the scenery outside the carriage, content in their leisure.
The autumn sky was clear and crisp, and the breeze was gentle.
"This mood, this weather, a minor immortal with nothing to worry about," Su Li took a sip of tea, leaning against the carriage window and sighing.
Jun Mo looked up, teasing, "Oh? You were still gloomy just now, and now your mood has lifted?"
"The sadness of farewells comes and goes quickly. Thinking that we’ll be back in just a month or two, it doesn’t feel so bad anymore. Jun Mo, it’s been a long time since we played chess, how about a game?"
The official road was smooth, and though the carriage swayed, it wasn’t bumpy.
Soon, the sound of chess pieces landing on the board echoed within the carriage.
After traveling for half a day, approaching noon, Mo Yang’s voice came from outside the carriage.
"Your Highness, Princess Consort, let’s stop and rest before continuing our journey."
Su Li placed a piece, saying, "Don’t put away the board; we’ll continue playing later."
Jun Mo rose, alighted from the carriage, then carefully lifted her down.
"Your Highness, we’re in the middle of nowhere, with no village ahead or inn behind. We’ll have to make do with some dry provisions and continue our journey, reaching the next town before dark," Mo Yang said, offering a bag of dried food.
Su Li looked at the sun directly overhead and sighed, "We haven’t even finished one game of chess, and it’s already noon."
Jun Mo smiled, "When you meet your match in chess, time always seems to pass quickly."
He opened the dry provisions bag, took out some dried food, and offered it to Su Li.
Su Li took the water skin and pastries, and ate one piece.
"Have another piece. We’ll have something good to eat when we reach the next town."
Su Li shook her head and said, "I won’t eat anymore. You eat it."
Although it wasn’t hot anymore, one piece of this dry bread was enough.
Just then, Mo Yu’s excited voice rang out.
"Princess Consort, look what I’ve hunted!"
Su Li followed the sound and saw Mo Yu approaching, carrying something black.
Getting a closer look, Su Li exclaimed, "This... is a little wild boar?"
Mo Yu said proudly, "Yes, it’s enough for us to eat. Ever since I tasted the fish and rabbit the Princess Consort roasted last time, I haven’t been able to forget it. Princess Consort, I’ll go clean it."
Su Li nodded, then turned to Mo Yang.
"Let’s gather some firewood. Once Mo Yu is done, we can start roasting."
Mo Yang said, "Princess Consort, please wait. A few of us will go gather firewood."
Soon, a fire was lit. Su Li went to the carriage and brought out a small box, which had become her essential item for traveling.
Jun Mo watched curiously as she opened the box, revealing various small porcelain bottles, all labeled with different seasonings.
"Li’er, how much stuff did you pack in this carriage?"
Su Li replied, "This carriage was specially modified by me; it can hold a lot."
Mo Yu returned. Su Li took the already cleaned small wild boar. To ensure it absorbed the flavor quickly and cooked easily, she had Mo Yu cut it into smaller pieces before she began to rub it with seasonings and marinate it.
Everyone gathered around, watching Su Li’s practiced movements.
Soon, a rich aroma wafted through the air.
Jun Mo suddenly found the dry bread in his hand somewhat difficult to swallow.
The oil crackled as it roasted, combined with the enticing aroma in the air, making everyone swallow hard.
Su Li carved off a small piece of meat and handed it to Jun Mo, saying, "Try it."
Jun Mo took the small piece of meat and slowly put it into his mouth, then his eyes lit up.
Su Li looked at him and asked, "How is it?"
"It’s delicious!"
Su Li smiled and turned back, cutting the pig leg into smaller pieces and handing them to Mo Yu. "You all eat first; those pieces aren’t fully cooked yet."
"Princess Consort, please eat first. I’ll keep an eye on it," Mo Yun said.
Su Li shook her head, "It’s alright, there’s plenty more here, enough for all of us."
"Mo Yun, go to the carriage and get a few jars of wine."
Everyone looked at Su Li in surprise. The Princess Consort was traveling, but she seemed exceptionally well-prepared, didn’t she?
Anyone who didn’t know might think they were simply on a leisure trip.
Su Li smiled somewhat sheepishly, "This wine has many uses. When it’s cold, it warms you up. When injured, it can disinfect wounds. When you encounter delicious food, it can satisfy your cravings. I’m accustomed to carrying a few jars when I travel."
In truth, these were habits from her previous life.
With her master around, no matter where she went, she would prepare a few jars of wine for him.
Soon, Mo Yun returned with several jars of wine, and Su Li distributed them.
Initially, no one dared to take it, glancing at Jun Mo.
"Drink. Within Tianqi’s borders, there’s no need to be so cautious."
Only then did everyone happily take their wine jars.
Eating delicious food and drinking fine wine.
Mo Yu sighed, "With the Princess Consort here, we don’t have to chew on dry bread when we travel anymore."
After a satisfying meal, everyone contentedly began their journey.
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