Commoner Queen: Falling in Love with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince - Chapter 40

“Wait,” her joyful expression faded a little.
“When you say we’ll ‘leave the palace,’ do you mean with a giant parade of guards clearing the way, followed by a huge group of soldiers, hundreds of eunuchs and maids walking beside us? Or do you mean like last time—just you and Xiao Zhuzi, dressed in plain clothes?”
She had to make sure. If it was the first kind, a grand royal procession, she’d rather stay in the Eastern Palace. She couldn’t handle that kind of attention.

“Of course, we’ll dress simply like last time,” Xiao Zhuzi quickly said. “His Highness can’t stand having crowds of people following him around.”

Her smile came back immediately. “That’s great! So when are we going?”
She was so excited she could hardly wait. She had never seen what ancient markets were like in person—only on TV. To walk freely outside the palace was something the women in the harem could only dream of and the Crown Prince was willing to take her? How could she not be thrilled?

All he wanted was to make her happy. Seeing her bright smile, he knew he had made the right choice.
“Don’t rush. Let’s hear what the royal doctor says. If your wound is fully healed, I’ll take you out any time.”

“You promise?” she asked, overjoyed. Her face lit up like never before.

He stared at her, stunned by how beautiful she looked.

“Ying’er, walk slower, don’t hop around. You might fall again,” Yi Han reminded her with a smile.

As soon as they left the Eastern Palace, she was overjoyed, laughing the whole way, full of life again.

“I won’t fall and even if I do, you will carry me back,” she teased.

“You’re getting too bold,” he said, shaking his head. But he couldn’t be mad—as long as she was happy, he didn’t mind at all.

“Exactly! Ling’er, Xiao Zhuzi, hurry up and keep up!”
Ling’er and Xiao Zhuzi, trailing behind them, were already exhausted. They’d followed her all over the capital without even a moment to catch their breath.

“We’re coming,” Xiao Zhuzi replied weakly. He was completely out of breath. “How is she so full of energy after just healing from a serious injury?” he grumbled.

Ling’er heard him and tapped his forehead. “That’s just how my Miss—uh, I mean, Lady Ziying—is.”

Xiao Zhuzi rolled his eyes. “This is going to be tough on us servants.”

“Ugh…” Even Ling’er sighed.

“What are you sighing about?” Murong Ziying suddenly popped up in front of her.

Ling’er jumped. “Nothing! Maybe I’m just… a little hungry,” she said, embarrassed.

“That’s true. We’ve been out all morning. It’s time for a meal.”

“I thought you were too busy having fun to feel hungry,” Yi Han said, gently pinching her nose with affection.

“Well, now I’m hungry! Let’s find an inn and eat something,” she laughed, touching her nose where he’d pinched her.

“Alright,” he nodded.

“Master, there’s a famous inn just ahead. I heard their roast duck is so good, people can’t stop talking about it,” Xiao Zhuzi suggested, practically drooling.

“You sure know a lot,” Yi Han gave him a look.

Xiao Zhuzi scratched his head, a little embarrassed. “I heard it from the other servants while chatting in the palace…”