With increasing twilight, the sky gradually darkens. Shi Bao, who was driving the carriage, whipped the horses a few more times.
However, the carriage could not surpass the speed of approaching nightfall. Soon the darkness descended, making it increasingly difficult to see ahead. Shi Bao lit a lantern, which was held by Shen Quan, and they unavoidably had to slow the pace.
"I apologize for the late return, Miss Zhuang, given all the trouble you went to today," Ding Gaochang said, his face full of remorse.
"No trouble at all," Zhuang Qingning answered with a laugh, "I was engrossed in discussion with Village Chief Miao and lost track of time. It's dark outside, we need to be cautious on our journey. It won't hurt us to return a bit late."
Safety first.
"Yes." Ding Gaochang lifted the curtain and instructed Shi Bao to drive more carefully. He then took out a mung bean cake that he brought specially for the journey and offered it to Zhuang Qingning.
