CH. 4 ~ The Journey

Lou Qi Ran's family had finished eating the light meal before they set off for the long journey to Hua Country. The journey would take about a couple of days to a week or so, because of that they wanted to start off early before the banquet began. Or else they'd miss it, and that wouldn't be a good thing after all they were attending for the sake of establishing a good relationship.

Hua Country was a strong rival compared to the other countries, who aren't weak but also aren't strong enough. So, pairing up with Hua Country and developing a strong relationship can be considered a good benefit for both countries. Lou Country wasn't lacking but it needed to have the biggest rival country to stand on its side if there were to be any war movements being made towards Lou Country and it would do the same for the other side as well. As long as nothing goes wrong and war instead breaks out between both countries.

Lou Qi Ran at least knew all that much about the politics between the two countries. All the countries, for all she knew hadn't behaved in any threatening manner so they were either too weak or making some sort of plan up to make a mess. Going on this trip would alert many countries at what both the countries were planning to do. And with that there's bound to be many countries that were busy planning many schemes up their sleeves to stop this formation from happening.

{Going there with mother and father will be quite dangerous because we don't know just who will interfere... hopefully older brother is safe. I just want everything to go smoothly so we can return as soon as possible. If I have to I'll protect mother and father even if it costs my own life by any means.}

Lou Qi Ran looked outside through the curtains as she lifted it. They were passing town after town, she could see many families happily chatting together and walking around the market. Aside from that she could also see the vast fields of dead grass. Although, it was dead, the leaves made it look less lonely, as they swept through the fields when the winds blew.

Lou Qi Ran looked at Xiao Li across from her and slightly chuckled at how easily she fell asleep. It wasn't everyday Xiao Li goes to sleep before her, after looking outside for a few more minutes Lou Qi Ran dropped the curtains and leaned back on her seat.

•••

It had been three to four days since they took off from home, so they would be reaching Hua Country very soon. She touched her white face veil to make sure it was in place, and slightly closed her eyes as she dozed off. Her mother told her that they would settle down first and maybe they should familiarize themselves with Hua Country before the banquet starts. The banquet was to be held in four days so her mother told her that they had plenty of times to explore the city and its people.

Lou Qi Ran awoken from a jolt, she immediately opened her eyes and looked at Xiao Li who in turn was looking at her in surprise. Lou Qi Ran parted the curtains to see what just happened. She looked outside and saw that one of the wheels had bumped into a rock causing some damage to it. Realizing that it make take some time for it to be fixed, and that they would need to pull a stop at the nearest town she dropped the curtains.

Lou Qi Ran looked at Xiao Li and explained, "The carriage wheel had been damaged, both Imperial Mothers' and ours. We'll have to immediately stop at the nearest town before it gets too dark to get the wheel fixed."

Xiao Li looked at Lou Qi Ran and nodded as soon as she finished explaining. "Young Miss, so we're going to have to delay our trip for a day then?"

Lou Qi Ran looked at Xiao Li and answered as she closed her eyes. "Yes, that's the most likely thing to do otherwise there's no other way for us all to attend the banquet and prepare ourselves beforehand."

Before Xiao Li could reply they heard the coachmen from outside. "Your Highness, the carriage has happened to hit a rock and we'll need to stop by the closest town. So, we'll need you to step down while we fix this and go rest at an inn at the nearby town. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience."

Lou Qi Ran answered back, "Alright, have you guys prepared a horse for us to get there?"

The coachmen sighed in relief and thanked his luck he was able to have such a kind Crown Princess. "Yes, your Highness, we've already prepared all the horse for the Emperor, Empress, and yourself. We're just waiting for you to be ready."

Lou Qi Ran looked at Xiao Li and nodded towards her. "Alright. We'll go as you stated besides it's just a small incident no need to be sorry. Xiao Li, let's go."

After speaking, Xiao Li gave a white fur jacket for Lou Qi Ran to wear because dusk was soon coming. When they both finished wearing jackets, they alighted the carriage and Lou Qi Ran saw that her parents were already outside waiting for them.

She looked at the coachmen who was bowing deeply. "No need to scared, there's many things that can happen in life. Lift up your head and carry on. Make sure to rest when needed and finish what's supposed to done. Be sure to stay safe and warm most of all."

Lou Qi Ran spoke and had Xiao Li hand him and everyone else some hand-warmers, they had brought along just in case something were to happen. All the coachmen and servants stood and looked at Lou Qi Ran in amazement, because although they've heard of how she was they really wondered if it was true. Now they truly understood that Princess Lou Qi Ran was really kind towards the lower class. She even handed out her own hand-warmers to them, mere commoners! Really, they all felt grateful that they had such a great Princess as their countries' Princess!

Lou Qi Ran didn't notice but she had created another reason for the commoners to appreciate her more and adore her even more. Lou Qi Ran looked at the last servant that was staying behind receiving their hand-warmer, and nodded in return as the servant smiled at her gratefully. Turning around she headed towards the horse prepared for her, ready to head to the inn.