Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1442: The Last Stop in Great Qin

Editor: Henyee Translations

Twenty days later, they finally reached Huning City, the largest city in the northwest.

It was still early April, and spring had arrived unusually late in this highland region. The trees and flowers had just begun to bloom, and the fresh, tender greenery was exceptionally striking.

The temperature fluctuated significantly between morning and evening. In the daytime, the sky stretched out vast and azure, occasionally graced by the elegant flight of a hawk. When one gazed upward, the bird appeared as a tiny, distant speck.

Huning City boasted a substantial station, where welcoming personnel awaited their arrival to make arrangements. As Qiao Xuan and her entourage approached, local officials emerged from the city to extend their greetings and escort them to the station.

After Qiao Xuan acknowledged the officials’ greetings, she proceeded to her lodgings.

Princess Shuangfu suddenly wore a smile. “Madame Shao, join me in the garden. The rest of you, please don’t follow.”

“Yes, Princess!”

Auntie Si and the others bowed and withdrew.

The courtyard within the courier station occupied a significant expanse, but the scenery was unremarkable during this time of the year. It was impractical to cultivate delicate flowers here, given the harsh conditions, and there was a lack of time, energy, and resources to tend to it.

Hence, most of the plants in this garden were hardy and adapted to withstand cold and drought.

At present, fresh shoots were sprouting, and new leaves were unfurling, providing a somewhat pleasant sight, albeit a bit monotonous.

Princess Shuangfu took slow, measured steps with her head lowered, and Qiao Xuan followed in her wake. No words were exchanged between them.

Upon their arrival in Huning City, Princess Shuangfu, Auntie Si, Biyun, and the other dowry attendants couldn’t help but feel a noticeable sense of despondency.

Such sentiments were to be expected.

Huning City marked the westernmost point of the Great Qin Empire. Beyond it, after departing the Western Pass, the land would cease to be part of the Great Qin Empire.

Should they continue northward, it would likely take them another month and a half to reach the Qingdi Royal Court.

The path beyond the pass was treacherous, causing inevitable delays in their daily journey. Unpredictable extreme weather conditions might necessitate midday stops for shelter and rest, further elongating their journey.

They were on the brink of departing from their homeland. Despite any dissatisfaction she felt within the palace’s confines, it remained a place of familiarity and comfort, a true hometown.

As for Qingdi… what lay ahead was uncertain.

How could her heart remain untroubled?

In the presence of others, Princess Shuangfu maintained her composure, concealing any inappropriate emotions. She had already displayed remarkable self-control.

Princess Shuangfu paused and fixed her gaze on the young, tender leaves before her, lost in contemplation.

The trees at the northwest border differed from those in the capital. Their trunks bore rough, wrinkled bark, and their leaves were diminutive.

With a soft sigh, Princess Shuangfu spoke with a self-deprecating smile, “At this time of year, the ladies and young ladies in the capital are busy organizing various flower-viewing banquets, aren’t they? I recall that Honored Princess Mei in the palace hosts a splendid peony flower banquet each year, and it’s a source of pride for all the capital’s ladies and young ladies to attend. I suspect this year’s peony flower banquet will be a beauty competition.”

Qiao Xuan smiled, “At this time of year? Peonies haven’t bloomed yet, have they? Even in the capital, it’s still quite chilly during this season.”

Princess Shuangfu chuckled, “I forgot how knowledgeable you are about flowers and trees! But, Madame Shao, you might not be aware that although the peonies haven’t bloomed yet, the palace’s gardeners are already preparing the peonies for Honored Princess Mei.”

After all, how could Honored Princess Mei outshine the rest without an early start?