Accidentally dressed as an empress

Zhong Yi led the others deep into the dense forest, searching desperately for Yunxiu and any trace of her left behind.

In the forest, sunlight filtered through dense foliage, casting dappled shadows. Zhong Yi and the others walked cautiously along the winding path, constantly chopping branches and startling the roosting birds.

The sunlight filtered through the treetops and shone on their tense and focused faces as they shuttled through the dense forest, scanning their surroundings with sharp eyes.

Holding a long stick, Zhong Yi explored the way while paying attention to the movements around him, constantly searching for possible traces of Yunxiu on the trees and rocks.

Lin Ziqi was also a little uneasy. "My cousin said she was going to explore the way. Where did she go? Did she get lost?"

Zhong Yi was very confident, "No, she has a good sense of direction and won't get lost. Maybe she encountered something and got tripped up."

Su San, Su Si and the guards dispersed and searched along different paths.

They carefully observed the footprints on the ground, broken branches, or any clues to Yunxiu's whereabouts.

The guards have all received special training and know how to leave subtle marks in the wild to tell their companions their location.

"Don't worry, Su Da and Su Er must have left a mark." Zhong Yi comforted everyone.

One of the guards discovered a special symbol carved into the trunk of an old tree. It was the customary mark of Su Da and Su Er. She excitedly exclaimed, "Found it! There's a mark here!"

The guards quickly gathered together, and after confirming that this was the symbol left by Yunxiu, their anxiety was greatly reduced.

Just follow these signs and you will find His Highness.

Zhong Yi and his guards quickened their pace and moved forward in the direction indicated by the signs.

They crossed the stream, climbed over the hill, and finally found the mark left by Yunxiu again at the edge of an open area.

They followed the marks, turning left and right until they came to a winding path, and finally found the entrance to the Blackwood Tribe in a place surrounded by towering ancient trees.

Zhong Yi raised his head and looked at the gate of the tribe.

The gate is carved from two massive tree trunks, intricately carved with totems. Colorful strips of cloth and animal bone decorations hang from the lintel, swaying gently in the wind and making pleasant sounds.

Zhong Yi walked into the tribe. Inside the tribe, the houses were built with thick branches and bark. They blended in with the surrounding natural environment, as if they had grown out of the land.

The doorway of each house is planted with various herbs and flowers, emitting a faint fragrance.

The central square of the tribe is paved with smooth pebbles, with green moss growing between the cracks of the stones, making it look quaint and full of vitality.

Yunxiu heard someone say that a group of strangers had arrived and were looking for five women.

The main force has arrived.

They came at the right time, as Yunxiu was tired of playing and was planning to leave.

When Yunxiu followed Zhong Yi away, she kept looking back at the busy tribesmen.

Some of them were weaving wicker baskets, some were polishing stone tools, and some were washing their prey by the river.

The laughter of children echoed in the air as they chased and played, carefree.

At the edge of the tribe is a carefully cultivated farmland where various grains and vegetables are grown. Several tribesmen are working in it, their skin glowing with health under the sunlight.

Not far away, a group of herdsmen were driving their livestock back to the tribe, with the afterglow of the setting sun shining on them.

Under the gaze of the members of the Heimu tribe, Yunxiu and Zhong Yi slowly walked out of the tribe's gate.

Zhong Yi's face was full of displeasure, his brows were furrowed, and his eyes revealed a hint of blame.

Zhong Yi complained, "My wife ran really far this time. We almost lost track of you."

[Host, your current state is simply like, you will disappear if I let you go.]

Zhou Jing, still watching the fun, said, "There was also a young man who confessed his love to Sister Yun. He almost made her stay here."

Zhong Yi crossed his arms, "Oh? Which brother is it? Do you want to take him away with you and make him my mistress's husband?"

The smell of vinegar is too strong.

Zhong Yi always acts hypocritically and his words should be interpreted in reverse.

Yunxiu smiled softly, walked forward, pinched Zhong Yi's cheek lightly with her fingers, and responded jokingly: "Oh, I have already rejected him. I can't handle you alone."

Zhong Yi turned his head and said, "I've been so worried about Ah Xiu these past two days, searching for her day and night. But now, Ah Xiu is about to marry into another family."

"No way, how could Ayi think that? I just want to experience a different culture. How could I possibly marry into their tribe?

Besides, the people in their tribe are nowhere near as good-looking as my Ayi."

Zhong Yi felt a little embarrassed by Yun Xiu's pinch and compliment. His expression softened slightly, but he still pretended to be serious and said, "You only know how to tease me. Don't do that next time, understand?"

Yunxiu nodded, a hint of apology in her eyes. She took Zhong Yi's arm and said, "I won't let you worry next time. Let's go back first. I'll leave it to you when we get back."

Zhong Yi shook his head helplessly, and most of the anger in his heart had subsided.

The two of them walked hand in hand and disappeared into the forest.

Liefeng squatted on a tall tree, watching the two people walking away, feeling a little confused. It turned out that she already had a husband.

After all, those things that don't belong to him cannot be forced.

The group continued along the winding mountain road. At noon, when the sun was high in the sky, they found an open area and decided to stop to rest and enjoy lunch together.

Under the shade of a tree, everyone sat together and set up a barbecue grill.

On the fire, fresh pieces of meat were roasting over the charcoal fire, giving off an enticing aroma. The fat was dripping, and the flames were licking it, making crackling sounds.

Everyone was preparing food with great enthusiasm. Su Da and Su Er were big mouths, sitting there and saying that they had been warmly entertained in the Hei Mu tribe and that they were staying in Hei Mu's home.

"Hei Mu even invited the master to dance."

"Kuroki also wants to give the warrior badge to the master."

Zhong Yi stood up after hearing this. He sat alone aside, away from the crowd.

Yunxiu noticed Zhong Yi's abnormality and walked over. As Yunxiu got closer, Zhong Yi moved intentionally or unintentionally, always keeping a distance from her.

Zhong Yi's silence and alienation erected an invisible barrier.

Was it her experience in the tribe that caused him to misunderstand her? Or was he still angry about her leaving? Yunxiu's heart was filled with questions.

Zhong Yi pursed his lips, lowered his head, and ignored Yunxiu.

A bitter feeling welled up in Yunxiu's heart as she realized that Zhong Yi was really angry, and it seemed that he was the type that couldn't be appeased.

Yunxiu leaned over, trying to break the awkward atmosphere. She asked softly, "Ayi, what's wrong? Why are you suddenly ignoring me?"

Su Da also realized that he had said something wrong, and handed over a roasted quail with a wink. Yun Xiu handed over the fragrant roasted quail.

Zhong Yi didn't answer her. He reached out to take the roasted quail, turned around, and still ignored her.

This made Yunxiu even more confused. She was indeed wrong this time, but nothing happened. There was no need for him to be so angry.

It wouldn't be surprising if his wife ran away alone next time and brought back a beautiful and lovely young husband. He couldn't let this matter go so easily.

After Zhong Yi finished eating the quail, Yun Xiu handed him the roasted rabbit leg again. She said softly, "I roasted this myself. Try it. How does it taste?"

Zhong Yi took the rabbit leg and started eating it, still without saying a word.

Yunxiu bit her lip and decided not to force it. She quietly retreated to the fire and ate with the others.

Some things take time to resolve. Give him some time and space, and he won't be angry anymore.

Watching Yunxiu retreat back to the fire, Zhong Yi's originally bright eyes turned gloomy, his brows were furrowed, the corners of his mouth drooped, and his whole aura instantly became cold and unapproachable.

Lin Ziqi leaned over with his round head, chewing on a rabbit leg while saying, "Cousin, cousin, you don't know. Brother Zhong Yi has been so worried these past two days that he doesn't even sleep at night."

It turned out that Zhong Yi hadn't slept for two nights in order to find Yunxiu.

Yunxiu looked at Zhong Yi carefully. His eyes were bloodshot and his face was tired.

Yunxiu's heart was filled with guilt and heartache. She walked over, hugged Zhong Yi directly, and said softly, "You are very tired, get some sleep."

Yunxiu's words were like a spring breeze blowing through Zhong Yi's heart, and his little emotions gradually dissipated.

He closed his eyes and leaned in Yunxiu's arms, feeling her warmth and care. Yunxiu gently rubbed Zhong Yi's temples, her eyes full of tenderness.

"Ayi, I'm sorry for making you worry. I will never run away alone again." Yunxiu's voice was gentle and sincere.

Zhong Yi sensed Yunxiu's sincerity, and his mood gradually calmed down. He sighed softly and said, "I know my wife is adventurous and restless. If you run away from home in the future, remember to send someone back to report your safety."

Seeing him being so considerate, Yunxiu couldn't help but feel guilty. "I heard from Lin Ziqi that you didn't sleep for the past two nights?"

Zhong Yi hugged Yun Xiu tightly, "I'm so worried. Also, I can't sleep without you by my side."

Zhong Yi hugged her tightly, as if to make up for the two days of separation.

The two found a quiet corner, and Yunxiu told Zhong Yi about what she saw and heard in the Heimu tribe, including the tribe's customs, sacrificial activities, and the friendship she had established with the tribesmen.

Zhong Yi listened attentively and fascinated, and gradually fell asleep in Yunxiu's arms.

A reassured smile appeared on his face. Yunxiu lowered her head and gently kissed Zhong Yi's forehead. She looked at Zhong Yi's sleeping face and a smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.