Chapter 302 Instant Noodles and Kiln-Roasted Chicken in the Wild
As the setting sun painted the sky a molten gold, a long procession finally appeared in the distance, with flags fluttering and carriages rumbling along – the first group to depart for the marriage alliance.
Jiang Ling's heart tightened, and she quickly told Xiao Ran to speed up: "Xiao Ran, Jiao Jiao's group is just ahead!"
Xiao Ran responded and whipped the horse, which quickened its pace and galloped towards the marriage procession.
Cheng Jiaojiao and Zhao Jingxing had already deliberately slowed down, and now that it was approaching dusk, they even stopped to rest and waited at the intersection, just to wait for Jiang Ling.
Zhao Jingxing had already informed the soldiers, and as soon as they announced it, he immediately drove over to meet them.
Xiao Ran waved from afar: "Brother Zhao!"
With the sound of galloping hooves, Zhao Jingxing arrived in the blink of an eye, reined in his horse, and brought it to a steady stop in front of Jiang Ling's carriage.
Jiang Ling lifted the carriage curtain: "Young Master Zhao, you must be tired from your journey. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
Zhao Jingxing nodded slightly, a smile in his eyes: "Miss Jiang, you must be tired from your journey. The princess has been waiting for you for a long time. Please come with me."
The princess he was referring to was, of course, Cheng Jiaojiao.
Although everyone knew it was just a pretext, all the proper etiquette was observed. The protocol for the marriage alliance delegation was also maintained without any reduction.
Jiang Ling nodded her thanks: "Thank you for your trouble."
Jiang Ling's carriage slowly drove into the center of the procession and stopped next to the vermilion carriage.
Cheng Jiaojiao couldn't wait any longer and jumped out of the carriage, ignoring the maid's attempts to stop her, and ran towards Jiang Ling.
Jiang Ling also quickly got out of the car, and the two embraced tightly on the dusty ancient road.
Cheng Jiaojiao could no longer hold back her tears, which slid down her cheeks as she choked out, "Sister Jiang, you've finally come! I thought you wouldn't make it... I missed you so much!"
Although she knew the arrangements, Cheng Jiaojiao was still uneasy because she knew that things could change if the plan didn't go smoothly.
It wasn't until he saw Jiang Ling that he felt a little more at ease.
"Silly girl, I said I would come to be with you, and I always keep my word." Jiang Ling gently patted her back, her voice tender.
Cheng Jiaojiao took Jiang Ling's hand and got into her vermilion carriage.
The interior of the carriage was exquisitely decorated, with soft brocade cushions and fruits and snacks laid out, yet it still exuded a sense of oppression.
Jiang Ling took a package from her bag and handed it to Cheng Jiaojiao:
"These are things I brought for you; they're all things you like."
Cheng Jiaojiao opened the wooden box, inside were several packets of dried fruit and meat jerky, several packets of chocolate, and some pastries and snacks, all of which were Cheng Jiaojiao's favorite foods.
Cheng Jiaojiao hugged the package tightly, tears welling up in her eyes with emotion.
Ever since the marriage alliance, she has become increasingly prone to tears, and she doesn't know why.
"And this too." Jiang Ling took out a jar of pear preserves, opened it, and handed it to her. "Eat some on the way; it'll clear heat and moisten your lungs, so you won't get sick from the change in environment."
Cheng Jiaojiao ate the pear in small bites, savoring the taste of her hometown, and her unease gradually dissipated.
As she ate, she couldn't help but pour out her grievances to Jiang Ling: "The marriage ceremony is so complicated, they control everything. Those female officials even record what I eat and how many times I go to the toilet. The guards are well-behaved, but they watch me very closely. Apart from being in the carriage, I can only walk a few steps in the courtyard of the post station. Sister Jiang, if it weren't for you, I really couldn't have endured a single day like this..."
Jiang Ling grasped her hand, her voice firm, "Don't be afraid, I'm here. I'll walk this path with you. No matter what happens in the Great Sheng Dynasty, I'll find a way and never let you suffer."
Zhao Jingxing stood guard outside the carriage, explaining the rules for the journey to Xiao Ran while keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings.
The order to end the rest period came, and the massive army started moving again, slowly heading towards the Great Sheng Dynasty.
Jiang Ling and Xiao Ran, as attendants specially appointed by the Empress to take care of the princess's daily life and alleviate her homesickness, were arranged in a green-canopied carriage in the middle of the procession.
It was right behind the princess's carriage. Although not as luxurious as the princess's carriage itself, it was spacious and comfortable, and far away from the baggage train and soldiers behind, it was relatively quiet. It was also convenient to go to the front carriage to see Cheng Jiaojiao.
Night fell, and the stars twinkled in the sky.
The marriage alliance set up camp in a sheltered, open area beside the official road, and bonfires were lit one after another, dispelling the silence and chill of the wilderness.
The guards performed their duties, some patrolling and keeping watch, some tidying up the tents, and some adding firewood and keeping watch at night, keeping the camp in good order.
Jiang Ling unloaded a small copper pot from her carriage, and then took out several sealed packets of instant noodles and several bottles of soda.
"Let's try something different tonight, instant noodles! Eating instant noodles outdoors has a unique flavor!"
Cheng Jiaojiao happily gathered around, having already changed out of her heavy clothes and into a light summer outfit: "Great, Sister Jiang, I've been craving this for so long!"
Zhao Jingxing and his personal guard Zhao Shuo also gathered around.
Throughout the journey, Zhao Jingxing was responsible for the safety of the entire delegation and had no time to spare.
Zhao Shuo was the one who came to talk to them. He was a very cheerful young man, and they quickly became familiar with each other.
He even coaxed Xiao Ran into willingly sharing his chocolate with him.
Xiao Ran deftly set up the pot, poured in water, and then put the noodles and seasoning packet into the boiling water.
Soon, a rich and unique aroma wafted through the steam, drawing Zhao Shuo closer with curiosity: "Miss Jiang, what kind of noodles are these? They smell so good!"
"This is called instant noodles. As the name suggests, it's a type of noodle that's very convenient and quick to eat. You can eat it after boiling it in water for a while," Jiang Ling explained with a smile.
Pour the bottle of "happy water" that you've already unscrewed into a cup.
"The instant noodles aren't cooked yet, let's have some soda first."
Cheng Jiaojiao couldn't wait to take a sip of her soda. The icy liquid, with its stimulating bubbles, slid down her throat—it was that familiar taste:
"Wow! That's so refreshing! It tastes just like before! It would be even more perfect if it were chilled!"
Zhao Jingxing had seen and eaten before, so he wasn't too reserved in front of Jiang Ling and naturally picked up his cup to drink.
"The food at Miss Jiang's shop has a unique flavor."
He handed another cup to Zhao Shuo: "You should try some too. These are delicacies you can't even get in the capital."
Zhao Shuo held the cup, looking at the brown liquid with small bubbles rising inside, somewhat skeptical.
What strange thing is this? You can't even find it in the capital?
He didn't have much hope for the brown liquid, but he first brought it closer to smell it, and thankfully it smelled sweet.
I made up my mind and took a sip. The sweet bubbles burst on my tongue, instantly overwhelming my taste buds.
It's a strange feeling, like there are many little people dancing inside my tongue.
After a slight sting, comes unparalleled comfort! It's as if all the day's heat has been absorbed away!
Wow! What a wonderful feeling!
Once you take the first bite, you'll want a second.
He finished the whole glass in no time!
This is how everyone reacts the first time they drink soda; everyone laughed at his expression.
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