He took a deep breath, feeling his mouth dry.

He looked up and met Mo Bilian's gaze. "Junior Sister, are you thirsty?"

Mo Bilian raised her hand and gently wiped the sweat from her face with one of her still-good sleeves, then nodded and hummed in agreement.

“There’s a stream ahead, let’s go across it,” Ling Yongnian said.

Mo Bilian gasped for breath, "But I can't walk anymore."

Those villagers were really too fierce.

"I'm fine. If you don't mind, junior sister, I'll carry you on my back?" Ling Yongnian asked.

Mo Bilian hesitated for a moment, then blushed and nodded gently.

Ling Yongnian took a deep breath and then carried Mo Bilian on his back.

He walked somewhat unsteadily, but he carried her steadily on his back, preventing her from falling.

Mo Bilian looked down at Ling Yongnian, whose forehead was covered in sweat but who was still trying his best to carry her, and felt a little strange.

But it was only for a fleeting moment.

His Highness treated her differently than Ling Yongnian did.

His Highness treated her with forbearance and subtlety, sacrificing his own well-being.

Such a prince is even more rare.

He carried Mo Bilian to the stream, drank some water, and lay down on the grass. Seeing the two of them looking like refugees in such a disheveled state, he laughed.

"Senior brother's arm is injured." Mo Bilian saw that his sleeve had been torn off and there were scratches, so she worriedly grabbed his arm and gently blew on it.

You have to be gentle with men.

Casually blowing air on a wound can evoke a man's tenderness and affection.

Ling Yongnian looked down at her, her gentleness stirring his heart. "Lian'er."

Mo Bilian was startled, withdrew her hand, blushed, and lowered her head without saying a word.

"Lian'er." Ling Yongnian held her hand and called out affectionately.

Mo Bilian struggled symbolically for a moment, then called out softly, "Senior Brother."

Ling Yongnian pulled Mo Bilian into his arms, saying, "You've suffered these past few days."

Mo Bilian shook her head with tears in her eyes, "I'm not tired, I'm just wondering what to do about this situation?"

As she spoke, she glared at him lightly and gently pushed him away. "Fine, go find Third Sister, she'll help you."

“Then go to His Highness the Crown Prince, he will help you too.” Ling Yongnian was also angry.

The two looked at each other, then looked away, and then remained silent, sulking.

In the end, Mo Bilian was the first to give in, her eyes brimming with tears, looking very aggrieved.

“I did this for you. If I could win the Crown Prince’s favor, I could get so much information to help you get to that position. And now you’re blaming me.”

Ling Yongnian looked at her; there were several bloody scratches on her face. He reached out and gently stroked them, his voice as soft as water.

"That's what I think too. I want Mo Yunzhao to like me. If she's determined to marry me, I'll give up the position of city lord without lifting a finger. This is also for your sake and for your father's sake."

Mo Bilian looked up at him with teary eyes, "Senior brother."

"Lian'er," Ling Yongnian called out affectionately.

The two embraced tightly; they were truly a perfect couple.

As if the misunderstanding had been cleared up, the two sat together, nestled close, watching the babbling brook.

Mo Bilian looked up at him with deep affection and said softly, "Senior brother, I will take responsibility for this matter. I will definitely not let the Emperor depose you. I only hope..."

Ling Yongnian quickly covered her mouth, "Lian'er, this is my fault. No matter what it takes, I will not let anything happen to you. I only hope that you will not look down on me because I am a commoner."

"Senior brother, let me take on this..."

"No, Lian'er, let me do it..."

Fifteen minutes passed, and the two were still arguing. Finally, with tears in their eyes, they agreed.

"Alright, senior brother, come on."

"Okay, junior sister is here."