In the midst of the verbose chatter, Qin Liuxi boarded the carriage, while Chenpi waved cheerfully at her dear sister, wearing an expression of triumph.
With a teeth-clenched threat, Qihuang said, "If you fail to take care of the mistress and she suffers any harm, I will strip your skin off upon your return. You won't be called Chenpi anymore, but 'Skinless'."
Chenpi shuddered and restrained herself, saying, "I understand."
Only after watching them depart did Qihuang finally turn back to the house.
Qin Liuxi had arranged to meet Qi Qian at the gate of Donghua City. They arrived late, leaving Qi Qian waiting for quite some time.
"Master." Qi Qian greeted Qin Liuxi with evident relief at her arrival.
Qin Liuxi remarked, "Please don't call me 'Master', my family name is Qin."
Qi Qian hesitated for a moment before bowing again, "Then, Doctor Qin?"
"Whatever you prefer," Qin Liuxi waved her hand, asking, "Where's the carriage?"
Glancing around, she spotted a sturdy horse attached to a modest and robust-looking carriage. Upon closer inspection, she nodded approvingly.
Externally modest and sturdy, yet internally spacious enough for her to lie comfortably. The carriage was furnished with soft cushions and blankets, accompanied by several boxes and small tables, as well as a small stove and silver frost charcoal.
Chenpi hopped on first, unloading their luggage before inspecting the fixed chests and cabinets, finding various delicacies and tea sets neatly arranged inside, as well as a thermos and a hand warmer for insulation, covering all bases.
Pretending to be curious, Chenpi was actually inspecting to ensure nothing inappropriate was stored inside.
After a while, he grinned and innocently said to Qin Liuxi, "Young Master, this carriage is quite solid, it has everything, just like a movable home."
Suppressing an eye-roll behind Qi Qian's back, Yingnan refrained from comment. Wasn't the provision of "everything" precisely at the insistence of their young master?
But he dared not say so.
Qin Liuxi also smiled, thanking Qi Qian before saying, "You've been thoughtful, but I am frail and prone to melodrama."
"As long as you're satisfied," Qi Qian replied, feeling inexplicably relieved at her slender eyelashes.
Satisfaction without any hitches, they were ready to set off.
"Alright, let's depart. The sooner we leave, the sooner we return. Ah, I'm a homebody, always troubled by distant journeys." Qin Liuxi climbed into the carriage. Inside, Chenpi had already arranged pillows and blankets for her mistress to rest.
Qi Qian glanced over, sensing the intention to sleep?
A gentleman averts his gaze from impropriety, so he didn't look further, instead returning to his own carriage, where preparations for departure were underway.
Indeed, once inside the carriage, Qin Liuxi lay down immediately. Chenpi poured her a cup of tea from the thermos and lit a stick of incense before taking a seat by the carriage door.
"You rest, I'll keep watch here," Chenpi said with a smile.
Qin Liuxi yawned, "This carriage is spacious enough. If you feel tired, feel free to lie down as well. The guards outside aren't here for show."
Each of them was astute, skilled, and disciplined, having undergone rigorous training.
Chenpi happily agreed.
Observing the situation from the other carriage, Yingnan cautiously reported to Qi Qian, "Master, they seem to have indeed settled down."
Qi Qian gave him a faint glance and instructed, "Let's set off."
Yingnan didn't dare to say more, respectfully bowing before gesturing to the head guard, Fire Wolf.
The procession slowly began its journey, the rhythmic sound of carriage wheels lulling Qin Liuxi into a deep slumber.