As the convoy reached the outskirts of Beijing, dusk had already fallen.
In the distance, the city's silhouette appeared majestic in the afterglow of the setting sun, and the official road gradually became crowded with carriages and horses, with long queues forming to enter the city.
Li Yuheng leaned against the car window, observing the scenery outside with great interest.
"Oh my, the capital is really different. Even the armor of the soldiers guarding the city is brighter than that of the border towns."
Shu Bai glanced at him in the direction of his gaze: "What, are you complaining that the sandstorms in the border town are too strong and are damaging your delicate skin?"
Li Yuheng laughed, "How could that be? When I stand in front of them, they all have to praise my rosy and radiant complexion."
"Okay, then please drink the talisman water."
“I only drink what you feed me—” Li Yuheng stopped mid-sentence, squinting as he looked towards the city gate, “Wait, is that group from the Zhenling Division?”
Shu Bai: "...This person is certainly very attentive."
Outside the city gate, a group of men in black stood solemnly, led by Qin Lu.
He wasn't wearing his official robes today, only a dark blue casual suit, which made him look even more capable.
The convoy came to a stop, and Qin Lu stepped forward, cupping his hands in greeting to the Prince of Zhenbei's carriage: "Your Highness must be tired from your journey. I have prepared a guesthouse for you and have come to welcome you."
The carriage curtain was lifted, and Prince Zhenbei stepped out with a laugh: "Commander Qin, you are too kind. I remember that in previous years, the Ministry of Rites arranged the reception?"
“Times have changed.” Qin Lu’s gaze seemed to casually sweep over the sparse white carriage behind him. “The Crown Prince is newly married, and His Majesty is concerned. He has specially ordered the Zhenling Division to assist in the arrangements to ensure that nothing goes wrong.”
The words were well-chosen, but the intention to monitor was blatantly obvious.
Li Yuheng pouted in the car: "Listen to that, 'absolutely foolproof.' They're keeping an eye on me."
Shu Bai raised an eyebrow: "Can he defend against it?"
"What a joke!" Li Yuheng crossed his arms. "If I wanted to, I could float up on his head right now and dance, and he wouldn't even notice."
"Dance, I'll sing along."
What should we sing?
""perturbed"."
"……screw you."
While the two were exchanging words, Qin Lu outside the carriage had finished exchanging pleasantries with the Prince of Zhenbei and turned to the white carriage.
"Your Highness, how have you been?"
The carriage curtain remained still, only Shu Bai's calm voice rang out: "Thank you for your concern."
Qin Lu stared at the tightly closed carriage curtain and smiled: "Princess Consort... are you getting used to the long journey? If you feel any discomfort, the Zhenling Division can provide assistance at any time."
Inside the car, Li Yuheng rolled his eyes: "Tell him I'm perfectly fine, I can eat, sleep, and even annoy people."
"My wife is doing well, eating and sleeping well, so there's no need to worry about her."
Qin Lu's eyes darkened slightly, and he said no more.
…
The inn had already been arranged; it was a separate courtyard, quiet and elegant.
The Prince of Zhenbei and his wife lived in the main house, while Shu Bai chose the east wing.
As soon as Li Yuheng entered the house, he floated to the window and keenly scanned the courtyard outside.
A slight smile played on his lips, his tone tinged with amusement: "The number of visible and hidden sentries has increased by thirty percent since we arrived. Is Commander Qin treating us like rare animals, keeping us in captivity?"
Shu Bai casually hung his outer robe on the screen: "It would be strange if he didn't arrange it this way."
"Should I scare them a little? Like singing a lullaby to their bedside in the middle of the night?"
"And then tomorrow the whole capital will know that the Prince of Zhenbei brought along a singing ghost?"
"That's great, a unique talent that will keep you in the headlines of Beijing."
As Li Yuheng spoke, he suddenly leaned closer to Shu Bai, his nose twitching: "Hey? Shu Bai, you seem to smell like the market."
"so?"
Let's go out and have fun tonight!!!
"...Your gluttonous side has suddenly come out?"
"Tsk, just tell me, are you going or not?"
“go”.
…
Even in the dead of night, the post station remained heavily guarded.
Shu Bai changed into a dark-colored casual outfit and quietly slipped out of the backyard.
Li Yuheng floated beside him, leisurely and carefree.
The night markets in Beijing are still open, their lights twinkling, offering a unique charm.
Li Yuheng took a deep breath: "Smells good! Roasted chestnuts, braised mutton, almond tea... Shu Bai, can you smell it?"
"Even if I hold onto a thread, I can only smell the saliva of some hungry ghost."
Li Yuheng pretended not to hear and dragged him toward the lights: "Quick, quick, that wonton stall smells the best!"
The old stall owner was tidying up the tables and chairs when he suddenly saw a handsome young man sit down alone. He quickly wiped his hands and greeted him: "Would you like a bowl of wontons, sir? Shrimp filling, I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"
Li Yuheng couldn't wait any longer and whispered in Shu Bai's ear: "Tell him to add more shrimp! More cilantro! Chili oil! And the aged vinegar!"
Shu Bai said expressionlessly, "A bowl of wontons, double the shrimp, add extra cilantro, chili oil, and aged vinegar."
Li Yuheng then pointed to the stall next door: "That osmanthus cake looks delicious too!"
Shu Bai: "...Can you wait for the wontons first? You glutton?"
"No way, the male lead has a good appetite and digests quickly. Besides, don't you think shopping like this is more romantic? Other couples go shopping together as husband and wife, but we're the ones who order and the ones who pay."
"...I just felt like I was taking care of a big, chubby baby who was crying for food."
Li Yuheng gasped, feigning shock: "...I really didn't expect this, Shu Bai, you—! You actually like this kind of 'father-son' storyline..."
"...Li Yuheng, what kind of nonsense is going on in your head all day long!"
Li Yuheng shook his head, his tone wistful, as if he had seized upon some incredible incriminating evidence:
"I never expected this... The young master has such a peculiar hobby... Alas, the world is going to the dogs, people's hearts are no longer what they used to be... I never expected this..."
Shu Bai listened to him muttering "I never expected this," sneered, picked up the teapot, poured a cup of warm coarse tea, and pushed it to the empty seat opposite him.
"Alright, stop crying. Come on, son, sit down and have some tea. The wontons will be ready soon."
"..." Li Yuheng was suddenly choked by Shu Bai's tea.
"Shubai, I've thought about it carefully, let's skip the 'father and son' scenario from now on."
"how?"
"It suddenly reminded me of my dad; it's a bit good for the stomach."
"..."
…
"Shubai, they are releasing river lanterns."
"I saw it."
"Shall we release it too?" / "Yes, we'll release it too."
The two spoke at the same time, their voices overlapping.
Li Yuheng raised an eyebrow: "Trying to mimic my speech, huh?"
Shu Bai scoffed lightly: "You're the one who copied me."
The lights along the riverbank twinkled, reflecting off the water and creating a shimmering, golden glow.
Li Yuheng picked out a lotus lantern and insisted on writing his wishes on it.
He made a hand seal, gathering yin energy at his fingertips, and wrote a few lines of text on the paper in a flamboyant style.
Shu Bai glanced at it:
"May you be happy every day and have me by your side every night. I, Li Yuheng, have come here for a visit."
"...Can't you write something serious?"
"Isn't this serious?" Li Yuheng stuffed the note into the river lantern. "This is my most sincere wish."
He carefully placed the river lantern into the water and watched it drift away with the current.
Shu Bai stood beside him, watching the light gradually fade into the distance.
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