Chapter Thirty-Three: Your Name

The journey to Li Huai County required passing through several checkpoints, some of which lay in remote, sparsely populated areas. The escorting army transporting grain was thoroughly disguised; all guards wore civilian clothes, and the grain was covered with thick cloth, making the convoy appear as nothing more than an ordinary merchant caravan, lest they attract the attention of bandits and invite unnecessary trouble.

For convenience and to avoid revealing her identity, Gu Li did not dress as a woman, nor did she go to the trouble of disguising herself as a man. Instead, she wore a clean, practical riding outfit for ladies, while her attendants adopted the simple, modest attire of servants.

The convoy moved slowly toward the city gates. Inside the carriage, Gu Li lifted the curtain and could see the Crown Prince and General Chang'an riding ahead.

The Crown Prince, seeking discretion, wore a pale moon-white robe embroidered with delicate silver patterns, a white silk sash with a long tassel at his waist, adorned with a piece of fine white jade, and a sheer, soft veil over his shoulders. His brows were long and elegant, his bearing noble, his demeanor strikingly handsome.

At his right side, like General Chang'an, hung a long sword.

It was only natural. The Crown Prince had trained in martial arts since childhood, and was more than capable of defending himself. If not for her, their father would not have needed to send Lie Chang'an to ensure her safety.

Since things had come to this, she might as well accept it. Perhaps it was heaven's small mercy to her: knowing he already had someone he loved and that their feelings were mutual, while she loved him in vain, unable to have him, perhaps fate was simply granting her a little time to spend with him—a memory to cherish in days to come.

Given this, there was no need for self-pity. She would simply let things be, and treasure what she had.

The convoy left the city, heading south toward Li Huai County.

To ensure the disaster-stricken people received the relief grain as soon as possible, they pressed on without pause. Yet, mindful of the noble status of the Crown Prince and Princess, when they reached a checkpoint, Lie Chang'an asked the Crown Prince if he wished to rest.

Wei Chu was not tired. Though he had been Crown Prince from a young age, living in luxury, he was still a man, and their father had not indulged him excessively. He had trained in martial arts since childhood, and was well accustomed to hardship.

But now, he had a pampered sister to consider.

Wei Chu turned his horse and rode to the carriage window to ask Gu Li if she wanted to stop and rest.

“No, let’s keep going,” Gu Li replied immediately. “I’m not tired, there’s no need to rest.”

She knew that traveling with the Crown Prince would inevitably bring some inconveniences, but she didn’t want to cause any trouble, especially since the riders were not weary; how could she, riding in a carriage, claim fatigue?

Wei Chu smiled, knowing his sister was still enjoying the novelty. Soon enough, the excitement would fade and she would need a break.

He returned to General Chang'an’s side, checked the map, and said, “Further ahead is an open space. We’ll let the troops rest and eat some rations there.”

The convoy continued onward.

After traveling for more than two hours, they reached the open ground at last. The Crown Prince ordered the convoy to rest and eat to regain strength.

With Jasmine’s support, Gu Li climbed out of the carriage, took water and a crisp pastry from her maid, and ate a few bites. Not far off, the Crown Prince approached, accompanied by General Chang'an.

“Your Highness, General Chang'an,” the maids began to bow, but the Crown Prince waved them off, saying, “From now on, there’s no need for formalities. The journey is long, and to avoid unnecessary trouble or attracting unsavory characters, our identities must remain secret until we reach Li Huai County. So, you will address me as ‘young master,’ and the princess as ‘miss.’ As for General Chang'an, call him ‘Brother Lie.’”

Jasmine and the other maids nodded obediently.

“And you…” Wei Chu gently tapped Gu Li’s forehead with a fond smile. “You may still call me ‘brother,’ but not ‘Crown Prince brother.’ As for General Chang'an, you can call him ‘Brother Lie’ or just ‘Chang'an.’”

Chang'an?

The name felt intimate, and Gu Li’s heart skipped a beat. She looked up at him.

He was watching her, and seeing the blush on her cheeks, Lie Chang'an smiled, “Princess, feel free to use the name.”

Gu Li bit her lip, lifting clear eyes. “Then you shouldn’t call me ‘princess’ either. Just use my name, Gu Li.”

“My name is Gu Li.”

Gu Li.

Lie Chang'an knew it well; it was her maiden name before she was titled Princess Danqing.

His gaze deepened. In his heart, he had silently savored that name countless times, and today, he could finally say it openly.

“Gu Li.”

She smiled, her eyes shining like autumn water, her voice gentle as she called him, “Chang'an.”

Hello, I am Gu Li.

Hello, I am Chang'an.