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They had been riding for a long time, sharing a single horse to make the journey easier, and both the horse and riders were exhausted. As they passed an inn, Wen Liang wanted to continue on, but Xu Mu Cong insisted on stopping.
"We've been traveling for quite a while. I fear if we push on to an isolated area and something happens to the horse, it could delay us significantly. It's better to rest here for the night and find another horse in the morning," he said.
"Alright then," Wen Liang replied after some thought. She was not used to such discomfort from riding, having been pampered since childhood.
The thought of Xu Mu Cong mentioning Mu Junze's marriage made her anxious, but for now, resting seemed the best option for their journey.
Upon entering the inn, Xu Mu Cong handed the horse over to a stable boy and took out a silver ingot to speak with the shopkeeper.
"Two rooms, please."
The shopkeeper glanced at them and quickly accepted the silver, looking apologetic. "I'm afraid we only have one room available at the moment; all others are full. What do you think…?"
Xu Mu Cong looked at Wen Liang, who frowned in hesitation. Then he leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "No problem. I'll sleep on the floor; let’s just take one room. Order some good food and drink, and ensure no one disturbs us."
"Alright," she agreed.
The shopkeeper beamed as he personally led them upstairs, smiling at Xu Mu Cong before closing the door behind them.
Xu Mu Cong spread a blanket on the floor as a makeshift bed. Wen Liang felt a bit tense at first, but seeing his actions eased her mind considerably. She thought to herself that Xu Mu Cong was indeed an honorable man, and once she returned to the capital and dealt with Mu Junze's affairs, she would be sure to thank him properly.
Later that evening, Xu Mu Cong stepped out for a moment and returned with two bottles of medicine. Instantly, Wen Liang's guard went up.
As he approached her, she felt a surge of panic; she realized that in her haste to leave, she hadn’t brought any means of self-defense. Now it was just the two of them in the room; if Xu Mu Cong had any ill intentions, she—an unskilled woman—would be unable to resist.
Noticing her unease, Xu Mu Cong stopped five steps away from her makeshift bed and placed the medicine on the ground.
"You’ve had a long journey; even I have some swelling. Your skin is delicate; you must have suffered as well. This medicine is from the shopkeeper; I can't apply it for you… so please take care of it yourself."
"I'll be right outside; call me if you need anything," he added with concern before turning to leave.
Wen Liang finally felt relieved as he stepped out. She picked up the medicine and felt warmth in her heart but still didn’t fully trust him. After all, who knew if his kindness stemmed from her status?
Thinking of this, Wen Liang couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated, blaming herself for hastily revealing her identity. However, upon reflection, even if what she said was true, Xu Mu Cong was merely a businessman, and since their meeting did not take place in the capital, there was no way to verify it. The fact that he had not accepted her jade pendant yet still believed her eased her mind considerably.
"Perhaps I am overthinking it; he truly is a good person," she mused.
After a moment, Wen Liang called Xu Mu Cong in and asked him how to apply the medicine, only to learn that he had already done so elsewhere. She then inquired about Mu Junze's marriage; he did not ask many questions but simply answered hers.
Throughout the conversation, Xu Mu Cong gazed steadily at Wen Liang with pure and calm eyes, but she was so preoccupied with thoughts of Mu Junze that she hardly noticed. It was only towards the end that she slightly sensed his attention, causing her cheeks to flush as she softly said, "It's... it's getting late; we should rest. We need to set off early tomorrow."
Xu Mu Cong agreed and soon fell asleep on the ground, while Wen Liang found it impossible to doze off. Partly because her mind was on Mu Junze, and partly because it was her first time sharing a room with a man, which made her feel somewhat awkward.
The next morning, Wen Liang got up feeling somewhat fatigued but was surprised to find that their horses had been replaced with a carriage.
"Oh, I noticed you looked a bit tired," Xu Mu Cong explained. "I thought it would be difficult for you to recover after traveling all night, so I bought a carriage. You can rest inside while I drive."
"Don't worry; although the medicine may not be fatal, it will still take a few days to recover. Plus, we’ve been on the road all night and are close to the capital now; we won't be able to catch up otherwise."
Wen Liang nodded, feeling touched. The carriage was well-equipped with everything they needed, and the bedding was soft—clearly indicating that he had put in considerable effort.
Throughout the journey, Xu Mu Cong took great care of Wen Liang, being attentive in every way. As they spent time together, she couldn’t help but reflect on him.
Such a person—good-looking, capable, and considerate—would surely make any girl who married him very happy. If they had met before Mu Junze, perhaps she would have considered marrying someone like him.
At this thought, Wen Liang felt a jolt of surprise within herself; she couldn't believe she had such ideas. No matter how excellent he was, what did it matter? In terms of background, she was a princess while he was merely a merchant. Among commoners he might be good enough, but in comparison to someone like Mu Junze, there was a vast difference.
Moreover, Mu Junze was even more outstanding—noble as a prince with remarkable military achievements and exceptional martial skills; he was also incredibly handsome. In every aspect, Xu Mu Cong could not compare to Mu Junze.
…Before long, they arrived at the outskirts of the capital. They rested the carriage and rode directly toward the city.
"Wait! Before we enter the palace, do you have accommodations in the capital?"
Xu Mu Cong initially intended to escort Wen Liang directly to the palace gate and then find an excuse to meet her again later. However, he felt a surge of joy when Wen Liang suddenly changed her mind about returning to the palace.
"There is a place, but my humble abode might not be suitable for a princess. If you wish to stay outside the palace for a while, I can find a room at Wangjing Tower," he offered.
As soon as he said it, Xu Mu Cong regretted his words. What if she actually agreed to go to Wangjing Tower?
"Wangjing Tower is unnecessary. This Palace has some matters to attend to and cannot return to the palace just yet. Wangjing Tower is too crowded and conspicuous; I wonder if it would be convenient to stay at your residence for a few days?" Wen Liang replied.
After considering it, Wen Liang felt that Xu Mu Cong was trustworthy and that staying with him was currently the best option.
Xu Mu Cong was slightly taken aback, not expecting Wen Liang to choose his home over the luxurious Wangjing Tower. If he didn’t know she had feelings for Mu Junze, he might have thought she was interested in him.
Seeing Xu Mu Cong lost in thought, Wen Liang assumed he was concerned about the arrangement.
"If you are worried about misunderstandings with your family, I can find another place," she suggested.
"No! I... what I mean is that it’s convenient. I am still unmarried and have no family... I just worry my humble abode might not meet the princess's standards," Xu Mu Cong stammered, his cheeks slightly flushed as he lowered his head and spoke softly.
Wen Liang was momentarily surprised but then smiled. "Then I shall trouble you."
The two of them led their horses toward Xu Mu Cong's residence. Along the way, Wen Liang used Xu Mu Cong's hood to cover her face, seemingly afraid of being recognized.
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