Marrying the Crown Prince

The group laughed and joked as they rode their horses, sometimes slowly, sometimes fast, toward the next city.

They didn't rush to the post station or inn after entering the city, because Emperor Chenze was afraid that everyone would have nowhere to stay, so he had sent officials in advance to book all the inns in the city.

This group was leisurely strolling around, indulging in shopping and eating, when they ran into other advance teams.

The two groups looked at each other, realized the other was also buying things, and smiled at each other.

This pattern of traveling on horseback, arriving at the destination first, and then shopping continued for five days. On the fifth day, the young men and women all stopped, not for any other reason than that they were simply too tired.

Aren't you tired from riding a horse?

Zhou Zhou was exhausted. He had to keep his thighs tense all the time. After these past few days, he felt like his legs weren't even legs anymore.

She and Zhou Chengan were both sitting in the carriage, leaning against a large, soft cushion.

This cushion was brought by Ms. Du, who said it's an essential item for traveling.

At first, Zhou Zhou didn't realize it, but now he knows that this thing is really good.

As for Du Shi and Zhou Yue, the two of them took Zhou Chengxuan out horseback riding. The group spent five whole days in the carriage, and naturally, they didn't want to come back until they had their fill of fun.

From the initial crazy fun to the later laziness, they didn't feel that the journey was too far. Ten days passed in the blink of an eye, and they finally arrived at Chengming City before sunset.

Emperor Chenze moved into the imperial palace with his relatives and nobles. The rest of the people either rented houses in Chengming City or, like the Yongjing Marquis's residence, had houses near the Chengming Imperial Palace available for them to live in.

After days of travel, Zhou Zhou felt extremely tired upon arrival at her destination. She told Ju Fang not to pack her luggage and to wait until tomorrow.

Jufang was also exhausted, but after hearing what Zhou Zhou said, she didn't make things difficult for herself and just made up a bed for Zhou Zhou.

Despite feeling sleepy, Zhou Zhou went to the main courtyard to pay his respects to the old Marquis and his wife and have dinner. Yes, their two ancestors lived together.

This is a good thing, saving us the trouble of running between two places to pay our respects.

When Zhou Zhou arrived, Zhang Shi and her daughter-in-law were already sitting there.

"Come and sit down." When the old lady saw Zhou Zhou arrive, she directly told her to sit down, without needing to bow or greet her.

Seeing that the two elderly people, though tired, were still in good spirits, Zhou Zhou felt more at ease.

“I should have come tomorrow,” Zhou Zhou said, leaning against the old lady. “But I haven’t seen you for so long, and I’m so worried. I can’t eat or sleep well.”

Grandma Zhou knew perfectly well that she was talking nonsense, but she was still delighted by her words.

Zhang also chimed in, "Is Zhouzhou's trunk all packed?"

"Not yet," Zhou Zhou answered honestly. "These past few days have been exhausting, and the maids who came with me haven't had a good rest either, so I told them to go and rest. We'll talk about the things tomorrow."

“Mother, look how wonderful this girl is! She’s beautiful, filial, and kind-hearted,” Zhang immediately flattered. “It’s all thanks to your excellent upbringing.”

"Hahahaha," the old lady chuckled, "You must have eaten honey before coming here, right?"

Zhang was unconvinced and grabbed the old lady's hand, saying, "Oh, Mother, I truly believe you've taught me well. How can you laugh at me like that? I won't stand for it."

Now that Grandma Zhou was in a better mood, she didn't care about those things anymore and asked directly, "Tell me, what is it about me that you've got your eye on?"

“There’s nothing else,” Zhang said, touching her earlobe with a natural expression. “Heng’er is sixteen now. I used to keep her under control in the mansion. This time, I wanted her to stay with the old lady so she could see the world.”

The translation is: Zhou Heng is getting old and her marriage is still undecided. This year, His Majesty is in a good mood and has come to escape the summer heat. The nobles of the capital have also come along, and there will surely be many banquets. At that time, could you please have Zhou Heng accompany you so that we can find her a good husband?

They're all her granddaughters; how could she only care about one and neglect the other? The old lady readily agreed, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of her."

The old lady kept her word. With her words, Zhang knew that she wouldn't ignore Zhou Heng's situation.

After leaving the old lady's place, Zhou Zhou said goodbye to Zhang and the others.

Zhang was very hospitable. She took her hand and said, "This place is not like home. If you lack anything, just come and ask your sister-in-law."

He Shi had been married into the family for more than two years, but her relationship with Zhou Zhou had remained lukewarm, which made Zhang Shi a little anxious.

It should be understood that Zhou Zhou's marriage was for the purpose of maintaining the power of the Yongjing Marquis's Mansion. Therefore, the future mistress of the Yongjing Marquis's Mansion must maintain a good relationship with Zhou Zhou so that she can ask her for help in the future.

"Aunt, I understand." Zhou Zhou replied with a smile. "I will definitely come over for tea with you in a few days. I just hope you won't find me bothersome."

She grew up without a mother, and Zhou Laowu was not around. Fortunately, Zhang Shi was impartial and she would have everything that Zhou Heng had, so she was able to grow up without worries.

Zhou Zhou always remembered this kindness, so she always gave Zhang face.

Just now, when Zhang used herself as a raft, Zhou Zhou didn't feel any discomfort—helping others is helping yourself.

The next day, Zhou Zhou did not plan any activities for herself and slept until she naturally woke up. When she woke up, the sun had already risen completely, and the bright sunlight shone through the window onto the ground, like moon-white silk.

Zhou Zhou got up and quickly washed up. Ju Fang brought over the breakfast that had been kept warm. It was a small bowl of chicken porridge with a few side dishes. There wasn't much food, and it could be finished in just a few bites.

"It's already past 9 AM, Miss. Have something to eat to tide you over. Lunch will be served in another hour," Jufang said as she took out the food and placed it on the table.

Zhou Zhou rubbed her sore shoulders and said as they walked, "Did you get a good night's rest last night? Why are you up so early?"

"I go to bed early, so naturally I wake up early," Jufang replied with a smile.

"Let's pack our luggage together after I've had my meal," Zhou Zhou said as she sat down at the table and outlined the day's plans.

"it is good."

There wasn't much stuff, but we were both too tired, so we moved slowly, playing around as we worked, and it took us all day to finish tidying up.

Therefore, Zhou Zhou decided to rest for another day and decide whether to go out or play after she had slept enough.

Unexpectedly, plans can't keep up with changes—Zhou Heng woke up Zhou Zhou from his afternoon nap.

Zhou Zhou opened her eyes and saw a big face with curved eyebrows and eyes. She turned over, indicating that out of sight, out of mind.

"Hey, hey, hey," Zhou Heng said anxiously, reaching out to turn Zhou Zhou's body back. "I asked Ju Fang, and she said you've been napping for half an hour."

Zhou Zhou sighed, "Why are you here?"

"My mother told me to go and pay my respects to my grandmother," Zhou Heng said, bowing her head obediently.

Zhou Zhou tilted his head and thought for a moment, but still couldn't figure it out.

"so what?"

Weren't you going to Grandma Zhou's place? Why are you here?