After learning that Jun Jiuji had left, the Crown Prince feeling disgusted with staying in the inn, quickly arranged to continue their journey, but he couldn't shake off his somber mood throughout the day.
On the other hand, Ye Yining woke up in high spirits. Upon discovering that Mo Huanchong had suffered even more due to his worsening condition caused by vomiting after eating her dumplings, her joy knew no bounds.
Ye Ze, who was driving the carriage, curiously asked,
"Princess Consort, how did you predict that they would eat those colorful dumplings?"
Ye Yining glanced at Jun Jiuji and replied,
"It's Ye Yunjiao's habit to have a bedtime snack."
Having lived together for many years, she had come to understand Ye Yunjiao's tendencies. Ye Yunjiao had a fondness for colorful food and had even once argued over a bowl of colorful noodles in Cloud Border City. Furthermore, Ye Yunjiao often tried to please Mo Huanchong, so she would give him the best food she could find.
The extraordinary effectiveness of the Medicine Spirit Immortal Residence's pharmacy had made the dumplings exceptionally "effective" this time.
It was clear that she needed to earn more merit points in the future.
Ye Ze suppressed his laughter and accelerated the carriage. He was inexplicably happy that the princess consort had unwittingly inflicted such misery on Mo Huanchong.
Jun Jiuji, resting in the carriage, softly caressed Ye Yining's head and suggested,
"We still have some time before we reach Cloud Border City. If you're bored, we can take a stroll."
Ye Yining was surprised by his suggestion.
"Aren't you in a hurry?"
She had assumed that he wanted to arrive in Cloud Border City as soon as possible.
Jun Jiuji nodded slightly.
"No rush."
He enjoyed this time spent alone in the carriage with Ye Yining. With her right beside him, he found comfort in her presence.
Seeing that he was content, Ye Yining grew less anxious as well.
However, hours of riding in the carriage could be monotonous, so she took out the medical book her brother had sent and began reading.
Jun Jiuji glanced at the book and signaled to Ye Ze to slow down the carriage.
Ye Yining appreciated his thoughtfulness.
After reading for four hours, fatigue overwhelmed her, and she leaned against the carriage, soon falling asleep.
Jun Jiuji sighed softly, gently lifted her into his arms, and allowed her to rest her head on his lap. He slowed the carriage down.
In the distance, the Crown Prince had caught up to Jun Jiuji's carriage unintentionally, realizing he had overtaken it due to its sluggish pace.
Disturbed, he ordered one of his men,
"Go check on Jun Jiuji and his group."
The pace of Jun Jiuji's carriage was so slow it felt like a leisurely stroll, and the Crown Prince had a premonition that something was amiss.
Shortly after, the scout returned with a report,
"Your Highness, Eldest Miss Ye has fallen asleep. Jun Jiuji is slowing down the carriage to make it more comfortable for her."
The Crown Prince's expression froze as if he had swallowed his own words.
Only Jun Jiuji treated Ye Yining like a treasure. But hadn't Ye Yining always been infatuated with Mo Huanchong? How could her personality change so suddenly?
Thinking of Mo Huanchong's current predicament, his unease grew.
Mo Huanchong's saber had been the most effective weapon to control both Ye Yining and Jun Jiuji, but now, it was as if the saber had turned into a useless piece of metal.
Even though Mo Huanchong had lost his strength, the Crown Prince couldn't let him die like this. Realizing this, he ordered,
"Send for the Imperial Academy of Medicine to hurry over. We can't let Mo Huanchong die of illness on the way."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The Crown Prince's command was relayed, and additional carriages quickly sped up to provide assistance.
Inside one of the carriages, Mo Huanchong lay still, enduring every jolt of the carriage as if it was another blow to his already weakened body. The pain and discomfort only fueled his hatred.
He found it absurd that the Thousand Hand Pavilion had come after him, suspecting that this had something to do with Jun Jiuji and Ye Yining.
If he were well, he wouldn't have been so repulsed by Ye Yunjiao that he nearly vomited and couldn't escape.
Once he recovered, not only would he teach Ye Yining and Ye Yunjiao a lesson, but he would also aid the Crown Prince in dealing with Jun Jiuji…
As his eyes filled with hatred and he was lost in his thoughts, Imperial Physician Su and Su Yu 'er, who sat together in the carriage tending to him, wore somber expressions.
Su Yu 'er was the most frustrated; if Mo Huanchong became paralyzed, he'd become a burden.
A cripple wasn't worth her efforts.
Imperial Physician Su remained attentive. He understood his daughter's aspirations, knowing she aimed to become the Crown Princess, perhaps even the Empress someday.
The Su family's support alone wouldn't suffice; they needed a powerful ally.
Mo Huanchong was the ideal choice, so he couldn't die just yet.
After two hours of travel, Mo Huanchong became desperately thirsty. He hoarsely called out,
"Yu 'er, I need water."
Su Yu 'er was reluctant but maintained her composure, carefully spoon-feeding him water.
Mo Huanchong gazed at her lovingly.
"Yu 'er, Yunjiao and I haven't reached the final step. Trust me."
Su Yu 'er covered her face with her hand, feigning sadness.
"Big Brother Mo, a woman's reputation is crucial. Even if you haven't reached the final step, as a responsible man, you should marry Yunjiao."
"Yu 'er, I…"
"You don't have to say it; I understand. Ye Yining is marrying Jun Jiuji. Marrying Ye Yunjiao isn't a bad choice."
Su Yu 'er's tone carried grievance and restraint, but she secretly felt relieved.
Mo Huanchong marrying Ye Yunjiao, feeling guilt towards her, and protecting her was sufficient.
Imperial Physician Su overheard their conversation but didn't raise his gaze.
He was delighted that his daughter had influence over Mo Huanchong.
His daughter was destined to be a future ruler.
As the carriage passed Jun Jiuji's, Su Yu 'er peeked outside.
When met with Jun Jiuji's intimidating glares, she hastily lowered the curtain.
Since Ye Yining had decided to marry Jun Jiuji, her chances of getting close to Ye Yining had dwindled.
Even Ye Yunjiao's influence waned.
Now it appeared she needed to devise a new plan.
However, upon reflection, she wasn't in a hurry.
She knew the Crown Prince had many hidden allies ahead.
This time, Ye Yining might follow Jun Jiuji to the end.
Thinking about it, she felt elated once more.
Everything was progressing favorably.
Even if Ye Yining changed her demeanor, ignoring Mo Huanchong or keeping her distance, it didn't matter.
Mo Huanchong, alive, remained her strongest asset. If he were to die, he'd still be useful.
Contemplating this, a trace of ruthlessness flashed in her eyes…
…