However, Chang Lili secretly followed him for more than a hundred miles. Even ordinary soldiers would be exhausted, let alone a delicate woman like Chang Lili who had only recently learned to ride a horse.
Meng Yuxiu really couldn't afford to make her suffer any more.
There are plenty of opportunities along the way, aren't there?
Standing at the door of Chang Lili's room, Meng Yuxiu's thin lips slowly curled up, and he turned around and went downstairs in a cheerful mood.
After briefly arranging tomorrow's itinerary and meeting with the guards near the inn, Meng Yuxiu's irritation subsided. He left his men on night duty downstairs and returned to his room on the second floor.
He sensed that Chang Lili was already asleep as soon as he entered.
People who practice martial arts have more sensitive senses, especially hearing. The sound of Chang Lili's long, drawn-out breathing often reaches his ears.
Meng Yuxiu gently removed his outer garment and shoes and socks, and had just gotten into bed when Chang Lili rolled into his arms, groggily hugging him and murmuring, "Where did you go?"
"Go down and check on them. Staying here tonight was an accident. Tell them to be careful."
Is there any danger?
"No." Meng Yuxiu's fingers stroked her smooth skin, his large hand carrying a reassuring warmth and strength. "Go to sleep."
Chang Lili slept peacefully through the night without any dreams.
When she woke up, it was already the next day. It was bright outside, and the bed beside her was cold. Her clothes were lying to one side.
Chang Lili finished washing up and went downstairs. Everyone was having breakfast downstairs, and the group of people looked at her with respect mixed with a hint of teasing.
Chang Lili knew she was in the wrong for waking up late, and somewhat embarrassed, she sat down next to Meng Yuxiu, picked up a bowl of white porridge, and quietly asked, "Am I that late?"
"No." Meng Yuxiu pushed the side dishes in front of her. "Eat up, then we'll set off."
When they set off, Chang Lili saw a carriage parked outside and knew it was specially prepared for her.
"Meng Yuxiu, I have something to tell you." Chang Lili called Meng Yuxiu aside. "I don't want to ride in a carriage."
“Taking a carriage will delay the journey.” A four-wheeled carriage can never compare to the speed of riding alone. “Besides, I don’t want to hold you back and make you take care of me. I’m not here to delay you.”
Meng Yuxiu looked at her with some surprise and said, "It won't cause any trouble. I'm just worried that you won't be used to it, I..."
"It's a habit, it's a habit. Look, I came like this yesterday too, didn't I?" Chang Lili quickly interrupted him, and showed off her outfit. She was dressed in a tight-fitting outfit for riding a horse, and her appearance was quite capable, refreshing and clean.
"Look, I really don't need you to worry about me. You can't take care of me forever, right? I'm no worse than any man."
Meng Yuxiu knew that she always believed that daughters were no less capable than sons. Seeing her insistence, he sent someone to return the carriage and brought Chang Lili's horse. He watched as she mounted the horse with a rather swift and agile movement.
Chang Lili smiled brightly at him from her high horseback riding position, as if to say: See?
Helpless, Meng Yuxiu smiled gently in front of his subordinates and said, "I'll personally choose a horse for you when I have the chance."
"No need, I'm fine with either a horse or a donkey. General, see if you can catch me. Giddy up!" Chang Lili giggled, lashed the horse's rump with the whip, and the horse galloped forward, kicking up dust!
Meng Yuxiu laughed heartily, mounted his black steed, and with a "snap," chased after Chang Lili in the direction she had left, with the twenty-odd people following behind him also galloping away!
Before the dust had settled, three people appeared in the middle of the road, watching the departing shadows with cold smiles on their lips.
Meng Yuxiu, it really is you!
"Have all the messages been sent out?"
"Flying Eagle has already left with the message, and it should be delivered back to the tribe today. No matter where Meng Yuxiu settles, we will always run into him."
"That's good. Meng Yuxiu, you wait for me to come and take your head."
Aside from resting twice by the roadside, Meng Yuxiu and his men rode at breakneck speed and arrived at their first city—Duanzhou—before the city gates were even locked.
Duanzhou was the first major city encountered when heading north from the capital, connecting the north and northwest, and was a prosperous city for the transport of military horses. When Meng Yuxiu and his group arrived, it was already late, but the market in the streets was still bustling.
To avoid attracting attention, they split into several groups and entered the city separately.
Meng Yuxiu brought Chang Lili with him, along with only four other people, who were disguised as businessmen entering the city.
Chang Lili tied her long hair into a neat ponytail, her refined attire making her look like a fair-skinned and handsome young master. Meng Yuxiu, on the other hand, was tall and imposing, his aura cold and stern. Standing beside him, he exuded authority without anger, and it was immediately clear that this man was her personal bodyguard.
Duanzhou has many merchants from other places. When they enter the city, they do not attract much attention. Like all passersby, they are warmly welcomed by the surrounding hotels and inns.
After finding a place to rest, Meng Yuxiu carried the food into Chang Lili's room.
Chang Lili was reading a weapons manual when she heard the sound. She put down what she was holding and asked, "Aren't we going to do anything today?"
"You little monster, aren't you tired at all?"
Chang Lili was exhausted. After all, she wasn't a soldier and hadn't received any training. This high-intensity journey was a bit beyond her physical limits.
But she also really wanted to know what Meng Yuxiu was planning to do by staying here.
What did the emperor ask him to do next?
Moreover, she also heard...
Chang Lili picked up her bowl and chopsticks and replied absentmindedly, "I'm not tired. I just wanted to see if I could help you. Butler, please don't abandon me and go off to work on your own."
Seeing Chang Lili's expression, Meng Yuxiu guessed what the girl was thinking, but he didn't say it directly. He just smiled and nodded, and finished the meal with her.
After dinner, Chang Lili watched Meng Yuxiu leave, narrowed her eyes, and quietly followed him.
Duanzhou truly lives up to its reputation as the first major city after leaving the capital. Its nighttime liveliness is no less than that of the capital. The restaurants are filled with loud conversations, laughter, and the clinking of glasses, while the streets outside are decorated with lanterns and teeming with people.
Chang Lili followed Meng Yuxiu, separated by several people, but Meng Yuxiu disappeared in the bustling restaurant!
Chang Lili had just taken two hurried steps forward when someone grabbed her wrist and whispered in her ear, "What are you looking for?"
"Where are you going?" Chang Lili asked warily, looking at the elusive Meng Yuxiu.
Meng Yuxiu pinched her cheek and said, "What are you doing following me? Have you heard something again?"
Chang Lili stared at Meng Yuxiu's face, trying to discern the truth from his expression, but Meng Yuxiu always kept his emotions hidden and his stern face made it impossible to tell anything.
In the bustling restaurant, Chang Lili said angrily, "I've heard about it all. Duanzhou has another name."
"Hmm?" Meng Yuxiu raised an eyebrow slightly.
Chang Lili said softly, then gritted her teeth, "Of all the places known for their romantic escapades, Duanzhou is number one."
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