Chu Qianli set off on horseback.
Just like a true general, she faced the scorching sun, braving the heat.
The common people lined the streets to pay their respects.
However, in truth, the populace had been quite confused for a time.
This was the same Miss Li who had accompanied the Emperor to the moat earlier.
Back then, everyone had thought the Emperor and Miss Li were a couple, and they were all incredibly excited, believing their Emperor's harem would finally have an occupant.
Could it be that the Emperor and Miss Li's closeness then was not due to romantic feelings, but because the Emperor had known all along that Miss Li was a princess?
The imperial secrets were something people could only speculate about.
Chu Qianli's expression was blank, appearing very dignified from afar, but up close, a hint of warmth could be seen in her brows.
The common people maintained a reserved attitude towards this princess for the time being.
Chu Qianli was very fortunate that the Emperor had not issued a decree to make her a consort. Otherwise, it would have been impossible to deceive the entire court and the populace.
As it was, it was still a deception, but at least it could be explained away, albeit barely.
"Little Li'er... no, Your Highness Princess, please do not mind the idle gossip."
The common people whispered amongst themselves. Although they dared not speak openly, Chu Lingyang could still hear some of it.
Even the officials had their minds filled with doubts in private.
The story that the Grand Tutor arranged for Feng Yexuan and the little princess to share a bed was not entirely convincing, but it wasn't entirely impossible either.
In any case, there were many lingering doubts.
But then again, if it could be explained, then so be it.
"Your Highness Princess, the current court of Nanming..."
He paused before whispering, "Those who are willing to support Your Highness Princess may not be many. Everyone is still observing..."
"Why is Second Imperial Uncle so willing? Why not observe a bit longer?" Chu Qianli's smile made Chu Lingyang's scalp tingle slightly.
Not long ago, he had avoided seeing his fourth imperial brother.
He had even heard that his fourth imperial brother had been attacked and injured.
Thinking back now, he regretted it deeply.
"It's all my fault." If one made a mistake, one should admit it! One must have the right attitude!
"So, Second Imperial Uncle has decided that you will stand firmly with us from now on?" Chu Qianli looked up at him.
"I have decided! Until death do us part!" Chu Lingyang immediately declared.
Chu Qianli's eyes, however, darkened slightly: "What if Second Imperial Aunt objects?"
"Little... Your Highness Princess, please understand, Lan'er has no ill intentions towards the royal family or Nanming! It's just... just at that time..."
"I understand, it was just a joke."
Chu Qianli tightened the reins and glanced back.
Not far behind her was Feng Yexuan.
He rode his horse quietly, his expressionless, and had not uttered a single word.
Following him were Lan Fan and the palace servants of Lingjiu Hall.
Their appearance was one of serene simplicity, appearing incredibly sacred.
Unfortunately, the person seated in the carriage had nothing to do with the word "sacred."
Behind the procession of the Grand Tutor, a different procession followed at a distance, those belonging to Prince Xuan.
The person in the carriage, although Feng Yexuan had not explicitly stated it, Chu Qianli knew it was Feng Ling.
Leng Ji rode beside the carriage, in a posture of protection.
He was truly arrogant and presumptuous. He knew that his current identity was that of her fiancé.
Yet, for this journey, he had brought his own woman.
It was utterly ridiculous.
"Second Imperial Uncle, I need to deliver some supplies to Baijing Village, but I want to use my own people."
Chu Qianli no longer paid attention to the worldly affairs behind her. Her eyes had already regained their clarity, devoid of any ripples.
"Second Imperial Uncle, Prince Hao is in the procession. I fear he will get in my way, so I ask for your help this time."