A faint, moist scent permeated the air, like a unique natural air freshener, making one involuntarily take a deep breath, trying to inhale this freshness into their lungs.
Although it was still a bit chilly, the hardworking vendors on both sides of the street had already started their day.
At the steaming bun stall, steam rises continuously, carrying an enticing aroma that seems to penetrate the cold and strike straight to the heart.
The bean cake stall not far away smelled delicious; the golden crust was crispy and delicious, while the inside was soft, glutinous and sweet, making people's mouths water.
There are also various golden and crispy desserts, which shimmer with an enticing luster in the morning light, as if beckoning to passersby.
The aromas of these breakfast foods intertwine to create a unique atmosphere that whets people's appetites.
The prince strolled along the lively street, his steps light and leisurely.
Occasionally, he would stop and linger at a stall, or whisper a few words to Ah Heng beside him. A faint smile always graced his face, and curiosity and interest shone in his deep eyes, as if he were fascinated by everything.
"Aheng, look at that sugar figurine, it's so lifelike," the prince suddenly said, pointing to a stall not far away.
There, an old craftsman was skillfully making sugar figurines of various shapes with sugar syrup, including lively and cute little animals and lifelike human figures.
Each sugar figurine is imbued with a lifelike dynamism and vitality by the veteran artist.
Upon hearing this, Ah Heng followed the Crown Prince's finger and looked in the direction he was pointing, a hint of nostalgia flashing in her eyes.
"Yes, Your Highness, when I was a child I often saw sugar figurine makers like this, and I could never resist buying one to try."
He said with a smile, and that innocence and joy seemed to have returned to his face.
The prince nodded, then walked to the stall and carefully selected an exquisite sugar figurine.
He planned to take this whimsical little trinket back to A Ning.
Ah Ning usually appears aloof and indifferent, and is more mature than girls her age. She may not like these little trinkets, but he still hopes to amuse her in this way and let her feel the joy and beauty of life.
"Boss, how much is this?" the prince asked with a smile.
The old artist replied with a smile, "It's not expensive, just one penny."
As he spoke, he carefully handed the sugar figurine to the prince. The prince took the sugar figurine, gently stroking its smooth surface, and couldn't help but recall his childhood.
My mother was still alive then, and my parents had a very good relationship. They would make sugar figurines for them themselves.
But since my mother left, there has never been such a scene again.
Things have changed, but people are no longer the same.
The prince sighed, pulling himself out of his thoughts. He glanced at the breakfast stalls and finally decided to buy a few more steamed buns and soy milk.
He believed that these delicacies would surely bring Ah Ning a wonderful morning, and at least not cause her to feel guilty for getting drunk and unconscious last night while waiting alone for Chu Pingfeng's reply.
He returned to the prefectural government office with Ah Heng and the delicious food in his hands, completely satisfied.
Back at the state office, the Crown Prince and Ah Heng walked in silence, when suddenly, a familiar figure came into view.
The figure was both familiar and strange, as if it had traveled through the long river of time, approaching with some indescribable emotion.
The prince stopped in his tracks, his gaze involuntarily drawn to the figure.
Upon closer inspection, he saw that the man was dressed in a tight-fitting black outfit, looking dashing and heroic. It was none other than You Jiang, whom he had not seen for a long time.
He thought that during this trip to the North, Youjiang would keep avoiding him.
I didn't expect to run into you like this.
The crown prince trembled slightly, his heart churning with emotions. He had never expected to meet again in such a setting and in such a way.
Youjiang clearly noticed his presence as well, and her movements instantly froze, a hint of surprise and embarrassment flashing in her eyes.
“Youjiang…” The Crown Prince finally broke the silence, walking towards Youjiang with a gentle and sincere voice, “Long time no see, how have you been?”
You Jiang sighed inwardly, knowing she couldn't escape and could only face it head-on.
She bowed respectfully, her voice carrying a hint of deference, "This humble subject greets Your Highness the Crown Prince!"
The Crown Prince gently raised his hand, indicating that Youjiang did not need to be so polite.
A rare gentleness and warmth appeared in his eyes, as if he wanted to bridge the distance between them. "When did we become so distant? Have we forgotten those days when we fought side by side and weathered storms together?"
Upon hearing this, You Jiang felt a mix of emotions.
She looked up at the Crown Prince, whose eyes, once filled with understanding and trust, now held a subtle weariness and depth. She lowered her head and replied softly, "Your Highness is of noble birth, and proper etiquette must not be disregarded. Although I feel ashamed, I dare not overstep my bounds."
The crown prince smiled gently, but there was a hint of helplessness and relief in that smile.
He understood that their different statuses and positions meant they could no longer be as close as they used to be. He sighed and asked with concern, "How have you been lately? I heard you've been busy with matters on the frontier; it must be very tiring."
You Jiang shook his head, his tone firm and resolute, "Serving the princess is the duty of this humble subject. No matter how hard it is, it is worth it. It is Your Highness who, as the crown prince, carries the future and hope of the entire country on your shoulders. You are the one who is truly suffering."
Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince felt a lump in his throat.
He knew that what You Jiang said was true, but this understanding and consideration made him even more upset.
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