Jiang Shaohua rode into the city gates.
Cui Du followed closely behind. Wang Jin, who had come specially to greet them, deliberately slowed down to avoid being in a precarious position, thus lagging behind. Otherwise, being beside the Commandery Princess with Elder Changning on one side and himself on the other would have been quite awkward.
Wang Jin was perceptive and acted with great propriety, so much so that even Cui Du found nothing unpleasant in this rival.
From the city gates to the Imperial Palace was a long stretch of road, normally taking over an hour on horseback. Now, amidst national mourning, all shops on both sides of the street were closed, and there were very few pedestrians. Jiang Shaohua rode much faster than usual.
The journey was silent until they were five miles outside the palace gates.
Jiang Shaohua suddenly furrowed her brows, seemingly hearing something unexpected, and abruptly tightened the reins: "Everyone stop!"
