She had already informed the old man before coming out, so even if she didn't bring back any herbs or wild vegetables, he wouldn't say anything.
Besides, she had planned it all out long ago. When the time came, she would go to that bamboo grove from last time and bring back the bamboo shoots she hadn't finished digging up.
Feng Han smiled and held out his hand. "Get in."
"There's no need to help me. I can get in myself." Su Qiao climbed into the carriage in two brisk steps and sat down by the table as naturally as if she knew the place.
Tea and pastries had already been prepared on the table.
Feng Han shook his head helplessly, flicked the hem of his robe, and slowly climbed aboard.
Outside, Little Gui hurriedly directed the others to carry away the round stool, then hopped into the carriage himself and began driving it down the mountain. Yuan Wu and Yuan Liu leaped onto their horses and followed.
Inside the carriage, Su Qiao had just eaten her fill and didn't eat any pastries. Instead, she leaned lazily against the window, pulled open the small curtain, and enjoyed the scenery outside.
Seeing this, Feng Han took a square cushion from the concealed cabinet at the back and handed it to her. "I heard that in your village, some girls got engaged at fourteen?"
"I think that has happened before. Why?"
Su Qiao took the cushion and placed it behind her waist, making herself more comfortable.
A faint flicker passed through Feng Han's eyes as he said unhurriedly, "Getting engaged at fourteen is too young. Quite a few of those Imperial Concubines who entered the palace at thirteen or fourteen died in childbirth."
"Her life had only just begun, yet she died