The imperial capital was undoubtedly the most prosperous and affluent city in Dongyun. The streets were alive with the calls of vendors, bustling pedestrians, and foreign merchants and envoys passing through. Since the reign of the late emperor, Dongyun has flourished, earning its reputation as a land where nations paid homage.
Feng Guang rejected Gu Yan’s suggestion that she disguise herself in men’s clothing. She stuck to her signature red attire, though, at Gu Yan’s persistent urging, her outfit was modest, avoiding any risk of exposing too much skin.
With Gu Yan’s assistance, she stepped down from the carriage. When her feet touched the ground, she stretched lazily rather unrefinedly, which Gu Yan chose to ignore.
“Where would Feng Guang like to go?” he asked. Since they were outside the palace, he refrained from addressing her as “Your Majesty.” As for her four maids, they were discreetly keeping watch from the shadows.
Feng Guang didn’t answer. Instead, she walked straight to an old man selling candied hawthorn skewers. “I’ll take two… no, three skewers of candied hawthorns.”
Seeing such a beautiful young woman, the old man beamed and handed her the skewers. “Two coins per skewer.”
“Gu Yan, pay him,” Feng Guang said over her shoulder, already heading toward a shop selling osmanthus cakes.
Gu Yan handed the old man a silver ingot. “Keep the change,” he said before hurrying after Feng Guang.
By the time they left the pastry shop, Gu Yan was the one holding the candied hawthorn skewers, as Feng Guang was happily munching on osmanthus cakes from a paper bag.
She looked up at him and said, “You’d better not sneak a bite of my candied hawthorns.”
Gu Yan chuckled. “I won’t.”
He was far past the age of enjoying such treats.
Suddenly, the street became lively with commotion. The crowd instinctively moved to the sides of the road, and flower petals were strewn across the path. Amidst a group of attendants, a stunning woman with a graceful figure walked slowly toward them.
She wore a golden headdress adorned with dangling beads that chimed delicately with her steps. Her face was partially veiled, revealing only the upper half of her face, but her captivating eyes were enough to suggest the breathtaking beauty hidden beneath the veil. Her light, flowing white attire exuded an allure that was enchanting yet not excessive.
Feng Guang frowned and asked Gu Yan, “Who is she? Why is her entourage grander than mine?”
Her dissatisfaction stemmed from the latter question.
“She is Su Xu, the owner of Suling Pavilion,” Gu Yan explained. “It’s said she has spiritual powers, capable of reading people’s thoughts and predicting past and future events. Many flock to seek her guidance.”
“Seek her guidance? Isn’t she parading around publicly right now?”
Gu Yan smiled. “On the fifteenth of each month, she leaves Suling Pavilion to visit the temple and pray for the people.”
“So, she’s a benevolent ‘spiritual lady,’ is she?”
“‘Spiritual lady’” was a tactful description compared to Feng Guang’s words. Gu Yan cleared his throat. “If others hear you say that, the common folk might rise to denounce you.”
“Who would dare?” She smirked arrogantly. “I’d just chop off their heads.”
As Su Xu passed near them, she suddenly stopped, as if on a whim, and turned toward them. The crowd quickly made way for her.
She approached Feng Guang and Gu Yan, bowed gracefully, and then smiled. Her delicate brows arched as she addressed Feng Guang. “Miss, you live freely and carelessly, but if you neglect your duties, you may harm not only others but yourself as well.”
Feng Guang raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms, giving Su Xu a haughty side glance. “I spend my days eating, drinking, and having fun. Where would I find the time to harm anyone, let alone myself?”
Su Xu replied gently, “I only speak of what I see. It’s merely a kind reminder. What decisions you make are entirely up to you.”
Lucien On ABRWF Chapter 34.1