324 Maybe Later (1/2)

Li Xueyue stepped outside of her room in freshly changed clothes that were easier to move around in.

Originally, Yanxi had planned to dress her in a simple-looking hanfu of lighter colors that wouldn't make her stand out. But Xueyue specifically requested for horseback riding clothes that'd allow her to maneuver around easily whilst riding a horse.

It was a startling request, but what surprised Yanxi even more was the fact that there were already training robes inside the closet.

Oddly enough, all of the clothes inside the wardrobe fitted the Princess perfectly. It was as if the Crown Prince had gotten these clothes custom-made in advance prior to the Crown Princess's arrival.

”Ready?”

Li Xueyue swiveled around. She was surprised to see Yu Zhen so soon. He had also changed clothes. As always, he was dressed in darker colors. To be specific, black, and nothing more.

”Here, wear this,” he instructed her.

Yu Zhen made it seem like a command, but he was the one who slid the cloak over her. She watched his long fingers work quickly to close the buttons near her neck. It provided her an extra layer of warmth, but she knew it was to help them not get recognized.

”Is the public familiar with your face?” Li Xueyue asked him.

Li Xueyue finally realized he was also wearing a cloak, but his was black whereas hers was white. It matched her white and blue clothing.

”Not really,” Yu Zhen informed her.

Li Xueyue knew it was because not many had the privilege to seek an audience with the Crown Prince. She wondered who'd deal with the issues faced by the less-fortunate civilians if they couldn't present it to court.

”Do you also have People's Representatives who would present the current problems faced in their community?” Li Xueyue asked him.

”Yes, one for the upper-middle-class aristocrats,” Yu Zhen told her.

He lifted the hood of the cloak so that her face was hidden from all sides, except the front.

Li Xueyue adjusted it to stay in place. Soon, they began walking down the halls.

As they strode in comfortable silence, Li Xueyue couldn't help but think of another idea for the betterment of this country.

She wondered if being too ambitious would lead to a problem. There was so much she wanted to contribute, but was Hanjian ready to accept a woman's opinion?

Li Xueyue knew Wuyi would be hesitant too. But Hanjian had female soldiers. Perhaps the politics here would also be different. Or at least, she hoped so.

- - - - -

Li Xueyue let out a small gasp upon seeing the creature in front of her. The sunlight gleamed upon his midnight black coat. He was as healthy as she had last remembered him to be. A stallion of stealth.

”Heiyue!” she exclaimed, running up to her horse.

Heiyue was being guided out by Lu Tianbi who had another horse in her other hand.

A large grin grew on her face.

Heiyue was glancing all over the place, trying to find her through the darkness of his glassy eyes. He was an amusing sight—walking in circles just to seek her voice again.

”Here, boy,” she stated.

Heiyue didn't need any more confirmation. He shook his head free from the hand grasping at his reins.

”A little bit closer,” she patiently urged, wanting him to grow more familiar with their surroundings.

”Good boy,” she complimented when he was able to reach her without much trouble.

Li Xueyue reached up and patted the side of his face. Her other hand stroked at his tangle-free mane.

Li Xueyue was glad to see him healthy as always. She had thought the worst happened to him. But now that he was in front of her, well-fed and alive, all of her worries melted away. He was as energetic as ever, snorting when she stopped caressing him.

”I hope you didn't cause any trouble,�� she remarked.