Zhulan hugged her son, preparing for the several hours' journey by horse carriage. Thankfully, with blankets cushioning the ride, it wasn't particularly bumpy. Having just left the city, Zhulan was already missing Zhou Shuren.
By noon, Zhulan arrived in the capital. Upon entering the capital, she couldn't help but pull back the curtain of the carriage. It had been a few years since she'd been away, and the capital had changed quite a bit.
Over the past years, the Imperial court's policies towards merchants had become progressively more lenient. Some of the previously serious restrictions no longer existed, leading to an increase in small traders. Even amidst the bitter winter, the streets bustled with activity.
Chang Zhong was awakened by the lively noise outside the carriage, his chubby hands rubbing his eyes, "Mother, have we reached the capital?"
Zhulan pulled her son's hands away, "Don't rub your eyes with your hands."
With that, she took a cloth and wiped her son's eyes.
