Half a step behind her, Si Lili wore a dark gold gown, her hands folded before her and a faint smile playing on her lips.
Farther back, Ye Linger had made a rare change out of her martial attire into a red gown, her usual simple ponytail arranged into an exquisite bun.
She stood with her arms crossed and her chin slightly raised, putting on an air of "I'm only here to take a casual look," but her constantly pursing lips betrayed her.
Zhou Cheng lifted the curtain and stepped down from the carriage. All three women immediately came forward.
"Your Highness!" Sang Wen hurried up, her eyes slightly red. "You're finally back..."
Zhou Cheng reached out and gently pinched her cheek, smiling. "You've lost a little weight."
Sang Wen pressed her lips together and shook her head, but her gaze never left him for an instant. Only after confirming that he was completely unharmed did she lower her eyes.
Si Lili also approached and curtsied, her gaze sweeping over him. "Thank you for your efforts on this journey, Your Highness," she said softly.
Zhou Cheng nodded.
Ye Linger took a deep breath and stepped forward. Just as the words she had been holding back for so long were about to leave her mouth, the carriage curtain behind him lifted again, and a fiery red figure emerged.
Ye Linger's expression instantly froze, the words on her lips catching in her throat.
Another! Another! Yet another!
Ye Linger looked at the woman on the carriage, then down at her own red gown. Her face, which had held a touch of haughty delight, visibly fell.
Zhou Cheng gave Ye Linger a look, then turned and helped Zhan Yuanyuan jump down from the carriage.
Once Zhan Yuanyuan had her footing, she raised her