Bo Xi took the basket from his back. It was heavier than it looked, but still well within what she could manage. Han Fei exhaled softly, clearly relieved, though he seemed a little embarrassed.
"You don't have to," he said.
"It's fine," Bo Xi replied. "You look like you need a break."
They walked side by side for a short distance. The path was narrow, and the mountain air carried the scent of damp earth and leaves. After a while, Bo Xi glanced at him.
"Do you come here often?"
"Every few days," Han Fei answered. "If I'm lucky, I can find enough wild vegetables to last two or three meals."
Bo Xi nodded. She had no idea which plants were edible and which weren't. The thought made her realize how little she still knew about living here.
"Is it… hard?" she asked quietly.
Han Fei paused for a moment before answering. "It's normal."
She didn't push further.
They continued walking until they reached a flatter area. Han Fei stopped and pointed toward the ground. "Those leaves there—you can eat them. They grow near shade."
Bo Xi followed his gaze, committing the shape and color to memory.
"I don't know any of this," she admitted.
Han Fei smiled faintly. "If you want, I can show you sometime."
"I'd appreciate that," she said honestly.
After a brief rest, Han Fei straightened up. "I should go further in."
Bo Xi handed the basket back to him. "Be careful."
"I will."
They parted there, each heading in a different direction. Bo Xi watched him disappear into the trees before turning back toward the village, the weight of the quiet moment lingering longer than she expected.
She soon reached her land. She could start plowing it tomorrow. For now, she needed to head to the city to submit her documents for the examination.
Bo Xi rode the ox cart along with a few other villagers she didn't know. No one spoke much. The road was bumpy, and the slow creaking of the cart filled the silence as they made their way toward the city.
At the city office, everything went smoothly. After submitting her documents, Bo Xi decided to buy a few necessities. She purchased some new clothes, paper, ink, and several books.
Once she was done, she headed back to where the ox carts waited for passengers.
"Miss, please wait."
The cold voice made her pause. Bo Xi turned around, confused, to see who had called her.
The woman who had called out to her was dressed in a plain blue dress. Without attracting attention, she discreetly showed Bo Xi a piece of jade.
Bo Xi's heart skipped a beat. She recognized it immediately—and fear rose in her chest.
"Please follow me to the teahouse," the woman said calmly, already walking ahead.
They entered a quiet teahouse and were led into a private room. Bo Xi sat down, her hands tightening slightly in her lap. Her mind was racing.
Why would someone from the Dragon Guard be looking for me?
The woman finally spoke.
"Miss Bo Xi… no, Princess Bo Xi. You are the daughter of Princess Yang, who passed away five years ago. You are her only remaining heir."
Bo Xi froze.
"All the information is inside this letter. Her Majesty personally wrote it for you," the woman continued, placing a sealed envelope on the table. "If you need any help in the future, go to the Fragrance Wan shop. The shopkeeper will provide you with your monthly allowance."
"How much?" Bo Xi asked instinctively.
"Three hundred taels per month. Any more than that would attract unnecessary attention."
The woman stood up immediately, as if afraid of being seen.
"I must leave now."
And just like that, she walked out of the room, not giving Bo Xi any time to respond.
Bo Xi sat there alone, staring at the unopened letter in front of her, her thoughts in complete chaos.
Bo Xi took the pouch which had three jade pieces. She could see. In daze she got to the ox cart reaching home.
As soon as she reached home, Bo Xi put down the bundle of things she had bought in the city.
"So… I'm a princess," she murmured, finally coming out of her daze.
For a brief moment, she even imagined herself living an easy, luxurious life. But that thought quickly faded. She took out the letter the woman had given her and opened it.
As she read, her expression slowly changed.
She was shocked.
My dear niece,
I am so happy to find you finally. Your mother, my younger sister, how unfortunate that she had to die with regrets in her heart.
I am writing this letter because I am unable to place you in your rightful position. The situation is complicated, and foreign countries are keeping a close eye on our land.
I heard you are preparing for the military examination. Go to Shopkeeper Wan. I have already sent some good martial arts manuals for you. They should arrive next month.
My health has been deteriorating. I fall ill frequently, and the physician says I do not have much time left. I have only told the Crown Princess about you. No one else knows.
The Tower Master has predicted that there will be a great drought in two years. I am worried about what will happen after my death.
I write this letter filled with guilt. You were lost because of my enemies. I only hope you will stay safe and prepare for the coming famine.
Bo Xi slowly lowered the letter.
A princess.A hidden identity.A dying aunt.A future drought.
Worried about the future, Bo Xi suddenly remembered the space.
Thank you, unknown entity, she thought.
Her mind entered the space, and she began to till the land inside it. She wanted to grow crops there. If a famine was really coming, she needed to start storing food little by little.
Soon, it was time to sleep.
Mentally and physically exhausted, she lay down and quickly fell asleep, not even bothering to eat dinner.