Seeing that Su Qingluan had also realized where her problem lay, Mu Xingzhi nodded: "Although we are now in the wild and there are no 'walls to hear', Qingluan still needs to be more cautious in what she says and does."

His tone was calm, but Su Qingluan knew what she was doing—this was a serious mistake! If she were in a crowded place right now, her casual words could have gotten both Mu Xingzhi and herself into huge trouble!

What made Su Qingluan even more scared was that she had read the laws of this era, so she naturally knew that there was such a thing as "collective punishment" in this era.

In other words, in some cases, the law didn't enforce the principle of "one person's actions are solely responsible," but rather "one person's violation of the law brings disaster upon the entire clan." This was especially true for crimes that seriously threatened imperial power, such as "treason," "rebellion," and "collaboration with the enemy," which were subject to severe punishment.

Obviously, Su Qingluan's unintentional words just now have put Mu Xingzhi on the fire - what kind of person is worthy of being shouted "Long live"?

And what is she thinking when she shouts "Long live" to others?

Of course, Su Qingluan herself didn't think so much at the moment, but what she thought was not important. What was important was what the person at the top thought, and even what that person's lackeys, the Eagle Claws, thought.

How could the old emperor frame his own son just because of a mere "incompatibility of horoscopes", let alone himself being a commoner with no relatives or friends?

Thinking of this, Su Qingluan broke out in a cold sweat: It was really a close call, there is no "ears through the wall" here.

So Su Qingluan said to Mu Xingzhi very seriously: "I am truly sorry. I almost implicated everyone because of my personal feelings. I will be more careful with my words and actions."

She then apologized to the other people in the group, including Song Bo and Yao Guang.

In Su Qingluan's view, this group of people are "a team" and the trouble she caused is shared by everyone. If anything happens, this group of people will not be able to escape, so it is only natural that she should apologize to each of them one by one.

But to others it's not the case at all.

In fact, including Song Bo and Yaoguang, the rest of the people had all undergone rigorous training before they finally gained Mu Xingzhi's trust and stayed by his side.

So at the beginning, they more or less looked down on or distrusted Su Qingluan, the "cook" who seemed to only be able to "cook".

Of course, Su Qingluan was not unaware of this, but she also understood the source of this distrust or contempt.

Because she herself has been in various groups, she also understands that if she has worked hard to achieve a certain honor, and then a seemingly mediocre "paratrooper" joins, she will feel uncomfortable.

However, both "trust" and "respect" are built over a long period of time. Su Qingluan does not think that she will necessarily be recognized by these people, but she also understands that these people are truly loyal to Mu Xingzhi, and Mu Xingzhi's style of doing things is destined to ensure that even if these people do not like him, they will not deliberately make things difficult for him, and will even actively cooperate when necessary.

In fact, this is true. When in Qingzhou City, Mu Xingzhi was "bedridden" for almost half a month. During this period, whether Su Qingluan asked the two coachmen to help "decoction medicine" or asked Song Bo to help inquire about "are there any reputable restaurants nearby", they never refused - as long as Su Qingluan could explain the reason for doing so.

Including Yaoguang, even if there is an emergency and Su Qingluan needs her cooperation, she will finish what she should do without asking why.

It was also during this period that everyone gradually accepted Su Qingluan as a member of the team.

And precisely because Su Qingluan had really not undergone any targeted training, and it was obvious at a glance that she was not a martial artist, after accepting Su Qingluan, everyone became more tolerant of her - after all, she was the youngest and not a real secret guard. As an ordinary mountain girl, it was not easy for her to persist all the way.

So they were a little surprised when Su Qingluan apologized. The vague feeling of unhappiness that had just emerged in their minds immediately disappeared, and even turned into a kind of discomfort similar to shyness.

"Oh, Madam Su, you're too polite..."

"How can I deserve an apology from Madam Su..."

"I, we haven't made any mistakes..."

In short, several people became shy and uncomfortable.

Fortunately, we were only taking a break and were about to continue our journey. Song Bo asked everyone to get in the car, which finally eased the awkwardness.

Su Qingluan climbed back onto the carriage and said to Mu Xingzhi, "It seems I have to write down all the things that need attention, so that I won't make trouble by saying anything at that time - can you help me see what they are?" After saying that, she turned around and wanted to get paper and pen.

Mu Xingzhi smiled and held her hand: "There's no rush. It won't be too late to talk about it later after we find a place to stay tonight."

"You...are quite easy to talk to..." Su Qingluan pulled her hand away uncomfortably.

Mu Xingzhi smiled and shook his head: "Just by looking at your expression, I know that you have realized the seriousness of the matter. Naturally, there is no need to say anything more."

Punishment or lecturing is only a means to prevent mistakes from happening again. It is a means, not an end.

Although Mu Xingzhi had no intention of pursuing the matter further, Su Qingluan secretly resolved to keep in mind what she needed to pay attention to and not make such low-level mistakes again.

Su Qingluan was a little dejected because her negligence had almost caused a disaster. She subconsciously sat down in the back seat, but was bumped and jumped up again: "I almost forgot, since I don't need this bruise ointment anymore, I should return it to you."

As she spoke, Su Qingluan took out the "culprit" that had just hit her - the small porcelain bottle containing the ointment - and held it in her hand, trying to put it back to its original place according to her memory.

But when he lowered his head and looked carefully, he found that this carriage looked no different from an ordinary carriage, but it had many secret compartments.

Moreover, those secret compartments are classified into different categories, which appears to be very orderly. There are several secret compartments of different sizes.

Su Qingluan only remembered that it was taken out from a secret compartment four fingers wide, but there was a row of such secret compartments, and she couldn't be sure which one it was taken out from.

"The second square from the right on your left." Mu Xingzhi's voice came from the side.

Su Qingluan pulled out the corresponding secret compartment almost as a conditioned reflex as Mu Xingzhi said. Sure enough, she found another identical porcelain bottle in that secret compartment, which was obviously used as a backup.

Su Qingluan put the porcelain bottle in her hand back, closed the secret compartment, and sat up straight again. Only then did she realize that something was wrong: Was Mu Xingzhi too familiar with this carriage?

"...Is this carriage yours?" Su Qingluan looked at the calm man, her tone somewhat gnashing her teeth.

If this is true, wouldn't it seem very stupid for her to bargain with the carriage seller at that time?