Murong Xue was, in fact, a pitiable soul.
Though she appeared to live a life of luxury, her reality was far from ideal.
Therefore, one should not chase wealth and power in life; instead, pursue freedom and one's own desires.
After all, everyone grows old and dies. Looking back on that day, one realizes that freedom and spontaneity are what truly remain worth cherishing.
Thus, when Murong Xue heard Xia Feng speak, her eyes lit up, showing no doubt in the sincerity of his words. She believed anything anyone said.
If you were to call her simple, she seemed almost foolish. If she were to venture out, she'd likely help others count their money even after being cheated.
Looking at it realistically, it was understandable. She had lived in the imperial palace since childhood, only hearing and seeing matters of the capital.
Even if unpleasant things occurred, no one would tell her.
Her eyes had long been blinded by constraints, making her completely ignorant of the deceitful nature of people and society.
No wonder her father was almost driven to tears when Murong Xue ran away.
Stepping outside, it would be a miracle if she wasn't swindled of her money and virtue.
However, Murong Xue had excellent fortune, meeting Xia Feng immediately upon leaving. This was her destiny, her fate.
Murong Xue's face showed excitement and eagerness as she nodded quickly, "Am I free now?"
"You are free," Xia Feng replied with a slight nod.
"Then can I follow you to see the outside world?" Murong Xue continued to ask.
"Of course. Since I promised, I will take you to see this world. I'll bring you back once you've had your fill," Xia Feng nodded again.
"Yay..." Murong Xue shouted, more excited than anyone.
She remained unaware that her true identity as a woman was known to others, while she was still entertaining herself, oblivious.
After her initial excitement, Murong Xue fell into a state of dejection. She looked at Xia Feng and said, "Alas... I know you mean well, but unfortunately, I cannot go with you. I am bound by circumstances."
Murong Xue's mind wasn't entirely dull; she understood her own status and that she couldn't simply leave.
If she were to truly escape the imperial city with Xia Feng, it would mean bringing ruin upon him.
This was something Murong Xue would never do.
Building her own happiness upon another's suffering was something she, with her kind heart, would never do, even if it meant her death.
She knew her situation; she was a princess of the dynasty and had no freedom whatsoever.
She had only complained to Xia Feng to lift her spirits.
In reality, she had no way to escape her current circumstances.
"Why is that?" Xia Feng asked with a smile.
By now, Xia Feng had a strong hunch about Murong Xue's identity.
"Due to my own circumstances, I truly have no choice," Murong Xue said, her expression somewhat forlorn.
"Is it because you are a princess?" Xia Feng asked directly.
Upon hearing this, Murong Xue's face paled, and she exclaimed in surprise, "How did you know?"
Xia Feng pointed to the two mounds on her chest and said, "Look at yourself. Which man is as developed as you are?"
Murong Xue looked down and only then realized she had made a grave mistake, her face turning crimson.
She knew nothing of such matters. When she left, she thought dressing in men's clothes and presenting herself as a man would suffice.
She hadn't intended to go far, just to wander out for a bit and savor the feeling of freedom.
She hadn't expected such a minor detail to be noticed by Xia Feng.
Murong Xue wasn't angry that Xia Feng pointed out her prominent features, nor did she think he was flirting with her, for she was truly naive.
However, even if Xia Feng saw she was a woman, he couldn't possibly know she was a princess.
So, Murong Xue looked at Xia Feng with confusion and asked,
"Then how did you know I was a princess?"