flstandardbreds Chapter 146
Chapter 146
The next day.
Because Hongyun was injured and unable to ride a horse, and Jingchi was still unconscious, the carriage that originally carried only two people was expanded to carry four. Fortunately, the carriage was big enough that four people were not too crowded.
The first time Hongyun shared a carriage with Nalan Jingwen, she had no expression on her face and sat upright, but she was inwardly tormented. She didn't dare to look around, for fear of offending Nalan Jingwen.
Nalan Yin liked to lean against Nalan Jingwen, as if she had no bones. Her fair, delicate hands played with her black hair. Looking at the upright-sitting Hongyun, she chuckled softly and said to Nalan Jingwen:
"Why are you so nervous, guard? Anyone who didn't know better would think you were some kind of monster."
Nalan Jingwen opened his eyes and looked at Hongyun, who immediately replied in a serious tone, "This subordinate should always be vigilant and protect Your Highness's safety."
Nalan Jingwen didn't say much, but gave the man who was leaning against her with a warning look.
A dangerous glint flashed in Nalan Yin's eyes as she slowly said, "Your master is Rong Hengyu, isn't he? Why aren't you with your master, but instead you've come to follow Nalan Jingwen? Or did your master send you here to spy on us?"
As he spoke, he looked up at Nalan Jingwen and asked, "You're really comfortable keeping her by your side like this?"
Sensing the hostility in his words, Hongyun's expression turned serious, and she said earnestly, "The Prince Consort sent his subordinates to follow Your Highness to protect Your Highness's safety, not to spy on you. Please understand, Your Highness."
Nalan Jingwen glanced at Nalan Yin and said indifferently, "These things are none of your concern."
Nalan Yin knew many things and disliked the people around her. He repeatedly tried to sow discord among them, also to remind her to be careful of the people around her. However, she could not get any information out of him unless she agreed to his demands.
Upon hearing this, Nalan Yin snorted and closed her eyes, no longer speaking.
The carriage fell silent again, each person lost in their own thoughts, and an eerie atmosphere filled the air.
Jingchi recovered quickly, fully recovering in just three or four days. However, knowing he felt guilty towards Nalan Jingwen, he did not stay in the carriage any longer and rode his horse alongside it.
Nalan Jingwen did not press the matter. The previous incident had not been fully explained, and if he did not explain himself, there was nothing more to say between them.
Nalan Yin was physically weak and his wounds did not heal easily. This happened repeatedly, and he even had a high fever several times. Each time, it was extremely difficult to bring the fever down. However, he was much quieter while he was sick.
Nalan Jingwen looked at the man lying on her lap, her brows furrowing slightly. She raised her hand to cover his forehead, which was burning hot. His eyes were closed, and an abnormal blush appeared on his face. His beautiful brows were furrowed, and he was sleeping restlessly.
Even when he was asleep, his hand was still tightly gripping Nalan Jingwen's clothes, seeking a sense of security.
"Your Highness, there's a small town just ahead. Would you like to stay there for a few days and find a doctor to treat Young Master Yin?"
Nalan Jingwen remained silent for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
Nalan Yin's body was not suited for long journeys, but he insisted on following her, and she couldn't leave him stranded halfway through the journey.
She paused, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "How many days are left until the fifteenth?"
"Two days."
"Then let's rest in town for three days before setting off again."
Although she didn't understand why Nalan Jingwen asked such a question, Hongyun didn't press further, since staying for a few days wouldn't be a problem.
No sooner had she finished speaking than the carriage came to a sudden stop, and Nalan Yin nearly tumbled off her lap, but luckily she caught her in time.
"Stop! You beast! You dare to run?!"
A woman's angry shout suddenly came from outside the carriage.
Hongyun immediately jumped off the carriage to check the situation and returned quickly.
“Miss, there’s a hunter ahead who says the fox she shot has wandered into our group and she wants us to hand it over.”
A fox? Nalan Jingwen inexplicably recalled the white fox from the Prince's mansion.
"Is this possible?"
Hongyun's voice was somewhat hesitant, "I just made a round of inspections and did not see the fox she mentioned."
Nalan Jingwen carefully placed the person in his arms on the couch and got off the carriage.
As soon as she stepped off the carriage, a red light flashed and rushed towards her. Nalan Jingwen instinctively dodged it, and upon closer inspection, she saw that it was a red fox.
He realized that the hunter must be referring to this fox.
This little fox is very beautiful, even more beautiful than the white fox in the Prince's mansion. Although its red fur is a bit dusty, it is still soft and shiny. The fur on its tail is very fluffy, so it looks very big.
His eyes were fixed on her, dazzling like obsidian, filled with tears, a mixture of shock, sadness, and a barely perceptible hint of hatred.
Amazed by the intelligence of the creatures on this continent, she was even able to discern emotions in the eyes of a fox.
She reached out her hand, intending only to test the waters, but the fox instinctively took two steps back. After hesitating for a moment, it nimbly jumped onto her hand.
Nalan Jingwen led the little fox to the front of the group. The hunter's eyes lit up when he saw the fox in her hand, and he was about to snatch it away when Hongyun drew her sword and blocked Nalan Jingwen's way.
The hunter was startled and quickly stepped back a few paces, withdrawing his hand.
"What do you mean?"
Hongyun said sharply, "Watch your hands!"
"I just want my things back, why are you drawing your swords?!"
Nalan Jingwen's expression shifted slightly, and he looked up at her.
"Yours? Do you have any proof?"
The hunter put his hands on his hips and said, "What I caught is mine, of course. You can't just take it from me just because you outnumber me!"
"You caught it? It's in my hands now, how can you prove it was you who caught it?"
"you!!"
Nalan Jingwen didn't want to waste any more words, so he gave Hongyun a look, and the latter immediately understood, taking out a silver note from her pocket and handing it to her.
The hunter's eyes lit up when he saw the silver note. He slapped it away and said, "Who are you trying to fool with this little bit?! That fox is of such good quality, and it's only worth a hundred taels?"
Hongyun's face darkened. "How many do you want?"
She held up five fingers, making an outrageous demand.
"Five hundred taels."
Nalan Jingwen remained indifferent, having anticipated this situation. Feeling utterly bored, he turned and returned to the carriage with the little fox.
Seeing her leave, Hongyun instantly understood her meaning, drew her sword, and held it to the hunter's neck.
"One hundred taels of silver, or your life, choose one."
The hunter was startled and dropped her bow and arrow. She saw everyone slowly surrounding her and realized there was no way she could win.
He immediately knelt down and begged for mercy, "I was wrong, I was blind and didn't recognize your greatness, please forgive me this time!"
The red clouds repeated themselves once more.
"One hundred taels, your life, choose one."
"One hundred taels!! I'll take one hundred taels!!"
Hongyun then sheathed his sword and tossed the silver note to her.
She picked up the banknote, turned around hastily, and staggered away as if a ghost were chasing her.