“I told the Emperor a folk saying,” Wei Linxia said warmly, “marry a chicken, follow a chicken; marry a dog, follow a dog. The Emperor found it interesting and reasonable, so he agreed.” She could use his leg as a pillow and take a nap. She wouldn’t be foolish enough to tell him she was “treating his leg,” or else he would punish her… Her face quietly grew hot.
“Are you calling me a dog?”
“No, I’m not.”
“Then you’re calling me a chicken! Wei Linxia, you’re quite bold.”
“Your Highness, you’re the one who’s bold. The Emperor said it was reasonable, yet you say I insulted you. Do you mean to suggest the Emperor was wrong? I have…”
“Shut up, put away your imperial decree.”
Now that you’re in my hands, the imperial decree is useless,” Xi Linxuan rebuked. He knew Wei Linxia wasn’t telling him the truth, but even if he hung her up, she wouldn’t speak if she didn’t want to.
“Yes, Your Highness,” Wei Linxia casually responded, aware it was futile; they would soon be far from the Emperor.
While adjusting in his embrace, her hand touched something hard and angular like a box. Wei Linxia thought for a moment and smiled.
By noon, they set up camp and prepared lunch. Wei Linxia pretended to be deeply asleep. Once Xi Linxuan left the carriage, she got up, lifted the cushion, and found a rosewood box. Opening it, the lifelike wax figure was as before. She carefully put it back and stepped out, feeling refreshed. The midday sun was just right—perhaps one of the few sunny days they would enjoy on Yan Dynasty’s land. Further north, it would get colder, and the grass wouldn’t be as lush as here. Compared to the northern territories of Huo Kingdom, the frontier lands seemed even more desolate.
“Why are you standing there? The nobles are waiting to eat. Hurry, take this to the table over there,” a cook shouted at Wei Linxia, who was basking in the sun.
Wei Linxia took the hot plate from the cook and carried it to the table where Xi Linxuan, Wang Ling, and Mu Feiyun were seated. The three had different expressions upon seeing her. Wei Linxia smiled helplessly: “Wearing someone else’s clothes always comes with a price.”
