The Zhao family's group headed east, not daring to delay for a moment. Zhao Huan and Zhao Cheng were both very worried about Zhao Yan and the others' safety, but neither of them showed it. Even Mu Zhaojun was holding back, not wanting a bad mood to spread within the group and affect their escape.

Deng Yanjiao couldn't stay in the carriage any longer and started making a fuss about finding Zhao Cheng. Zhao Cheng had no choice but to take her to his side, carry her, and ride forward.

The trees on both sides became fewer and fewer, and the road ahead gradually turned into a wide open plain. However, the sky was gloomy, and so were their moods. No matter how wide the road ahead was, everyone's hearts were filled with gloom.

Qiu Shu ran quickly to Zhao Cheng and said, "Master, Sister Cai'e is not feeling well!"

Zhao Cheng frowned slightly, but instead of asking about Qiu Shu's situation, he leaned down and whispered in Deng Yanjiao's ear, "Stay on the horse for a while, and let Sister Qiu Shu keep you company."

“Brother…” Deng Yanjiao stared at Zhao Cheng intently.

"Sweetie, your brother will be back in a little while."

Zhao Cheng dismounted, gave Qiu Shu a wink, and said, "You stay with her."

After settling Deng Yanjiao in, Zhao Cheng got into Yang Cai'e's carriage, where Park Yoo-hee was taking care of her.

Spring, summer, autumn, and winter; music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

Of the former four maids, Zhao Cheng left Dong Hua in Yanchuan City to look after the business, while Xia Qi and Qiu Shu focused on taking care of Chun Qin and Yang Cai'e, who were pregnant.

Both women are over seven months pregnant, a time when they especially need care.

Yang Cai'e's face was indeed very pale. Zhao Cheng walked over, took her hand, and softly called out, "Cai'e."

Upon seeing Zhao Cheng, Yang Cai'e forced a smile and said, "You've come."

Zhao Cheng said, "Tell Youxi if you feel unwell. Don't keep it to yourself just because of the current situation. The situation is very dangerous right now, but everyone's safety is important, especially since there are two of you."

As he spoke, Zhao Cheng placed his hand on Yang Cai'e's belly.

Yang Cai'e smiled and said, "Seeing you makes me feel much better."

Seeing this, Park Yoo-hee stepped out of the carriage, giving Zhao Cheng and Yang Cai'e space to whisper sweet nothings.

"Acheng, promise me something, okay?"

"you say."

Yang Cai'e grasped Zhao Cheng's hand in return and said, "If you are all safe and sound, but something happens to me, you must take care of my sister and accept Donghua."

Zhao Cheng said, "Dong Hua was originally a member of the Zhao family."

“You understand what I mean.” Yang Cai’e looked deeply at Zhao Cheng and continued, “I know you have a lot on your mind and are busy with business, so you don’t want any new women anymore. But Donghua has already decided on you. It’s just that she’s grown up now and has us older sisters, so she’s unwilling to break the bond. Cheng, please promise me, besides you, my sister is the only family I have in this world. She is my concern and my only hope in this world.”

"Don't worry, I promise you."

Zhao Cheng touched Yang Cai'e's face and said, "Don't be so pessimistic. If we are all safe and sound, you will be safe too. And there's something else you're wrong about. Besides me and Donghua, you have another relative in this world. You are his mother!"

Yang Cai'e smiled through her tears, placing her hand on her protruding belly.

"I promised you, and you have to promise me too. Be strong, be optimistic, we'll both be alright."

"Um!"

Zhao Cheng pulled Yang Cai'e into his arms and felt her body trembling slightly, unsure whether it was from excitement or physical discomfort.

After calming Yang Cai'e down, Zhao Cheng got out of the carriage and walked to the side with Park Yoo-hee. As they walked along with the rhythm of the procession, he asked, "What exactly is wrong with Cai'e?"

Park Yoo-hee looked serious and said, "The journey has been bumpy and stressful, which is a test for pregnant women. Chae-e is different from Chun-geum. Chun-geum is physically strong and can handle it, but Chae-e has been poor since childhood. I noticed her weakness when she first became pregnant. This is due to long-term malnutrition, so she will have a harder time than Chun-geum on this journey."

Zhao Cheng asked nervously, "Is nothing serious?"

Park Yoo-hee thought about it seriously for a moment before saying, "If we can make it to the day of delivery smoothly, I'm confident I can take good care of her. I'm just afraid she won't be able to handle this period."

Zhao Cheng's fists clenched so tightly they cracked. Even though Du Yucheng had been chasing him all the way, he had never been nervous. But the situation Yang Cai'e was facing now made him very worried.

"Sister-in-law, I'm entrusting this to you!" Zhao Cheng said solemnly.

Park Yoo-hee nodded and walked toward Yang Chae-e's carriage. Before getting in, she turned back and said, "Go and see Chun-geum too. Even though she's alright, it would be good to hear a few words of comfort from you."

Zhao Cheng thought Park Yoo-hee's words made sense and didn't find it troublesome. He stayed in Chun-geum's carriage for a while before returning to his horse.

Heng Wenhao asked, "Are you alright?"

Zhao Cheng said calmly, "I'm sorry to have troubled you by following me."

Heng Wenhao was taken aback and said, "What are you saying, Prince Consort? Everyone has their difficulties. Compared to the Princess back then, our current situation is already much better."

Zhao Cheng was immediately encouraged.

Yes, back then, Yuan Yun and Yuan Xiu were trapped in the palace, as if shrouded in darkness. They had no freedom, could not see the light, and could only cautiously sneak around, seeking a glimmer of light in the darkness.

Although my current situation is difficult, at least I'm not trapped.

Yuan Yun was able to lead her younger brother out of the encirclement under those circumstances, so why can't I be determined and lead my family to find a way to survive?

OK.

It definitely can!

Zhao Cheng clasped his hands deeply to Heng Wenhao and said, "It is my great fortune to be favored by the Princess. It is also her good fortune to have you and Atao."

"The Prince Consort isn't one to say such things." Heng Wenhao gave Zhao Cheng a deep look, then looked ahead and said, "We'll meet force with force, and as long as I, Heng Wenhao, don't fall, I will never allow them to harm a single member of the Zhao family!"

As he spoke, Heng Wenhao's pupils contracted, and he suddenly drew his sword and slashed at a large rock in the open space ahead.

Bang!

The intense force of the blade struck the rock. Heng Wenhao stared intently at the rock and said, "If you want to kill or fight, come out! What are you doing, hiding like a coward?!"

Zhao Cheng raised his hand, signaling the team to stop.

The rock was huge; Heng Wenhao's sword strike from a distance failed to cleave it. After the smoke cleared, a figure emerged from behind the rock.

This is a person with delicate and beautiful features. Although she is dressed as a man, it is obvious at a glance that she is a woman dressed as a man.

She lowered her head slightly, holding a sword.

Her bangs fluttered in the wind.

“My name is Gong Xue, Gong as in palace and Xue as in snow.”