Outside Capital City.
The broad imperial highway stretched into the distance.
The ground was level, with traces of years of passing wagon wheels visible along both sides.
There were plenty of travelers on the road.
Some walked with packs on their backs, and every so often, merchant caravans could be seen making their way slowly along the highway.
Large fields lay on either side of the road, with scattered villages visible farther away.
As the carriages continued onward, the fields grew fewer, replaced by great stretches of woodland.
The trees were tall and lush, and faint birdsong drifted out from among them.
Jiang Xiaobai's party stood out in particular, escorted by a hundred armored soldiers who were also pushing several massive objects covered in Black Cloth.
Travelers along the way promptly moved aside when they saw them.
Some caravan guards cast curious glances their way, but quickly averted their eyes upon noticing the soldiers.
At noon, the party did not stop, merely slowing its pace.
Zhang Xinnian rode up beside the carriage and handed in a bundle. "Heir Apparent, these are some provisions from our military supplies. Please have a little to eat for now!"
"All right!"
Jiang Xiaobai took the bundle, then added, "Oh, send some to the three from the Dragon-Tiger Sect as well!"
"Yes, Heir Apparent!"
Zhang Xinnian answered respectfully, tugged his reins, and rode toward the carriage ahead.
Jiang Xiaobai withdrew his gaze and opened the bundle, finding several flatbreads and some dried meat inside.
He picked up the flatbreads and handed them out to Chen Jian, Tang Ningshuang, and the Elder Princess before taking one for himself and starting to eat.
Evening arrived.
The highway gradually narrowed, with more trees and peaks on either side, and the carriages finally entered the mountain roads.
As they