93 A Different Route (1/2)
Everyone prepared to return to the capital once the Spring Hunt was over. The Emperor and Empress carriage were scheduled to depart first, while Princess Lingchen carriage will leave later.
Princess Lingchen walked towards the Empress's carriage to send her off. The servants were loading up things into the carriage outside. The princess headed towards her mother's tent, and after a maidservant announced her arrival, Princess Lingchen was quickly ushered in. Once the Empress saw her daughter, her lips curved into a loving smile.
”Have you packed up everything?” Princess Lingchen asked after the usual greetings.
The Empress extended her hands and took the Crown Princess's hand into her. Then, the Empress led her daughter to sit next to her. ”I heard from your father that you would take a different route to return to the capital.”
Princess Lingchen nodded. ”Mhmm… I will take the road along the mountain. There is a hot spring over there. Mingyue and Grandfather think it would be beneficial for me to soak for a while. I should arrive at the capital the next day.”
”Hot spring,” The Empress heaved a sigh. ”I wish I could go with you. But your father is busy with the national affairs, and he wanted to discuss a few things with the princes.”
”We will revisit the hot spring next time together once Emperor Father had settled with his affairs,” Princess Lingchen said.
The Empress smiled before she spoke again. ”Regarding the princes, have you made your decision?”
The Crown Princess took a deep breath before she answered. ”I haven't.”
The Empress heaved a long sigh. She lowered her gaze as she patted her daughter's hands. ”It's fine if you did not choose among the princes as your husband. Marriage is a big thing for us, women. Moreover, you will ascend the throne after your father,” the Empress paused. She looked up and smiled. ”Just know that whatever your decision will be, I will support you.”
The mother and daughter chatted a bit more until the Empress' maidservant walked in to announce that they are ready to depart. The two only separated after the Princess assured the Empress that she would be alright with General Jiang's arrangements.
Soon, Princess Lingchen watched the procession left towards the capital from her hiding place as most believed that she left for the capital city in her carriage. The princes of other countries and the minister's carriage followed closely behind the Emperor's. Once her parents' carriage dimmed under her sight, Princess Lingchen turned around to Yang Yun.