Chun Nuan is going to the Northern Desert, even if she follows Seventh Young Master’s caravan to the Northern Desert, the Xiao family still doesn’t feel at ease.
"No worries, I’ll accompany her to the Northern Desert."
Zhao Minghua was even more worried, he directly pushed aside some matters in Shuzhou to go to the Northern Desert.
Traveling was with two carriages.
One carried various food, clothing, and supplies from the Xiao family for their relatives, the other was for Chun Nuan to ride in and along with the supplies she needed for the journey.
The family gave repeated instructions, while Mrs. Xu was particularly concerned.
"Mother, there are more than twenty people in the caravan, and Seventh Young Master’s caravan travels to the Northern Desert several times a year. They are very experienced."
"Be careful on the road, you..." Mrs. Xu glanced at Zhao Minghua, unsure of what to say: "Your mother believes you are reasonable, some things don’t require much explanation from me."
Chun Nuan paused for a moment, suddenly realizing: Is mother worried she might cross the line?
Her face instantly turned red.
As Chun Nuan was about to board the carriage, Zhao Minghua approached.
"Ride in this carriage."
Unmarried couples riding in the same carriage seems to be quite reasonable.
"The journey is long; you can play chess or chat while in this carriage." Zhao Minghua lifted the curtain of the carriage.
"Why is there even a small table?" Chun Nuan was amazed to see it.
Who has such a spacious carriage, with a small table and snacks and fruits on it?
"Miss Xiao, my young master specially remodeled this carriage for you, to ensure you’re comfortable and at ease on the trip to the Northern Desert."
With a grin, Qingsheng spoke.
"You talk too much."
Zhao Minghua shot him a glance, thinking that someone as smart as Chun Nuan surely understands.
Chun Nuan glanced at Zhao Minghua, praising him: "You’re very considerate."
These few words made Zhao Minghua’s heart swell with sweetness.
They set off with the caravan, traveling intermittently, despite Chun Nuan’s mental preparation, problems arose.
Firstly, there was her aching back.
"Why don’t we ride horses?" Zhao Minghua suggested, "I can take you on horseback for a while."
After all, they were unmarried and traveling, sharing the carefree spirit of wanderers.
"Do we have any spare horses? I can ride by myself."
Zhao Minghua expressed doubt.
The main concern was that horse-riding can be quite risky; what if something happens?
"I know how to ride."
Chun Nuan wasn’t lying; she had spent years in the apothecary in the Capital but had also learned horse-riding, as she disguised herself as a boy to forage herbs from the mountains in the suburb of the capital at the age of twelve.
She enjoyed the freedom and thrill of galloping on horseback.
It’s been three years since she last rode.
"There’s a small town ahead, we can buy some horses," Zhao Minghua said, "I’ll take you to choose one."
Chun Nuan nodded.
The town had quite a few horses, all rather skinny as though they hadn’t eaten enough.
"After autumn, the grass and water become scarce and there are no surplus grains for feeding, hence they don’t grow well," Zhao Minghua explained, "Choose a horse, feed it well back at home, and it’ll recover soon."
Chun Nuan eventually picked a chestnut-colored horse; mainly because when she approached it, it reached out to nuzzle her—this must be fate.
Zhao Minghua had also eyed this horse from afar. But since it was for Chun Nuan to ride, he let her choose, surprised by their shared choice.
"I’ll call you Xiao Zao from now on, come home with me."
Chun Nuan whispered, hugging the horse’s head, and it nudged her back.
Zhao Minghua felt this horse seemed like it might become an extraordinary creature; it was already interacting with Chun Nuan?
Leading the horse from the market back to the inn, Qingsheng quickly poured grain meant for his own horse to feed it.
This was the young lady’s steed and he couldn’t slack off.
"How much suffering have you been through, being so skinny?" Qingsheng said, patting its mane, "Eat well, eat more, once you recover you’ll be a beautiful horse."
The horse lifted its head and let out a long neigh.
"Alright, alright, understood, you’ve truly been wronged."
Qingsheng marveled at the horse’s spirit.
Chun Nuan also felt the horse was spirited, mostly because riding on its back gave a sense of comfort.
Even though it had been a long time since she last rode, and it was a new horse, that familiar sense resurfaced.
With the horse, Chun Nuan alternated between riding the carriage and the horse.
But traveling long distances is challenging even for a grown man, let alone for a young lady.
Once her period came, Chun Nuan was completely worn out.
She was careless, she had planned for everything but not for this.
Previously, she didn’t feel it monthly, mostly because she took care of and knew how to protect her body.