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Fei Yanchen hesitated for a moment before speaking, “My identity is special, and the more people who know that I’m with you, the more dangerous it becomes for all of you.”
Shen Yu’an nodded; of course, she was aware of this situation.
Although between Fei Yanchen and the Fourth Prince whom she had never met, she would choose Fei Yanchen without hesitation.
However, that didn’t mean she was willing to gamble the lives and safety of everyone in the Shen family to support Fei Yanchen.
Shen Yu’an calmly said, “You make a valid point, so don’t come back with us.”
Fei Yanchen was taken aback; clearly, he hadn’t expected Shen Yu’an to dismiss him so readily.
But before he could recover from his surprise, Shen Yu’an continued, “And what about the protection fee for this journey, Your Highness? Shouldn’t you settle that as well?”
“And there are medical expenses, food expenses, and so on and so forth.”
Shen Yu’an reached out her hand, adopting a rogue-like “Pay up quickly” expression.
Fei Yanchen chuckled lightly and took two steps forward, standing in front of Shen Yu’an.
Then he took out a jade pendant from his pocket, the one Shen Yu’an had returned to him earlier, with the character “Chen” engraved on it.
He handed the jade pendant to Shen Yu’an and smiled gently, saying, “Thank you, Miss Shen, for taking care of me these past few months. I have nothing of value on me at the moment, so I’ll leave this pendant with you for now.”
“Is that satisfactory?”
Fei Yanchen’s deep and magnetic voice resonated in Shen Yu’an’s ears.
The two stood very close, and Shen Yu’an felt as if his voice was echoing right beside her.
She absentmindedly pinched her ear, casually accepting the jade pendant.
“Well… it’s passable, I suppose.”
Suddenly, the door of another room opened, and Grandma Shen stepped out, taking a few steps to see Shen Yu’an and Fei Yanchen standing at the door.
She asked, “Ah Chen, when did you come back?”
Fei Yanchen turned his head to look at Grandma Shen, wearing a well-behaved expression on his face.
“Grandma Shen, I just came back,” Fei Yanchen replied.
Grandma Shen yawned and said, “Alright, then go back to your room and rest.”
Fei Yanchen obediently nodded, and Grandma Shen turned around, closing the door as she went back inside.
Fei Yanchen then turned to Shen Yu’an and said, “Go, and rest soon.”
Shen Yu’an nodded, turned around, and entered the room, closing the door behind her.
Fei Yanchen stood in the courtyard for a moment, lost in thought.
…
The next morning, after having breakfast, the Shen family and their entourage were ready to leave.
The Bai family members did not leave this morning.
The one seeing off the Shen family was the Bai Steward’s son, Bai Yi.
Amidst the reluctant emotions of Bai Miaqing and Bai Mingxi, the Shen family, accompanied by Bai Yi, left the Bai residence and the capital city.
Longxian Village was located south of the capital, and it would take about six days on foot to reach there.
Before their departure, the Zhang family also bought a cow and attached a cart to it directly.
This would make the journey ahead more economical for everyone.
During a rest midway, Fei Yanchen informed everyone about his departure.
When they set off again, he was no longer among the group.
With the addition of the cart, everyone sat on it, making their journey much faster.
The originally six-day journey was now nearing its end after only three days.
Bai Ji sat on the cart and said to everyone, “After walking a dozen or so miles further, we will reach Qingyan Town.”
“And once we arrive at Qingyan Town, we will be close to Longxian Village.”
Grandpa Shen expressed some concern, saying, “I wonder what Longxian Village is like.”
Grandpa Shen was concerned that the original residents of Longxian Village would reject them as outsiders.
Bai Yi reassured him, saying, “Don’t worry, Grandfather. I have visited Longxian Village before, and there aren’t many households there. The conflicts between villages are minimal.”
“Moreover, there is a legend about Longxian Village. It is said that the mountain range behind the village resembles a sleeping dragon, and people believe it brings good fortune.”
“If you and the family settle there, I’m sure you will thrive in the future.”
Everyone chuckled. Whether they would truly have good fortune by living there was uncertain, but hearing such words brought joy to their hearts.
They all looked forward to it, and the cart gradually made its way into Qingyan Town.