After finishing breakfast, Chu Hengyuan and Aran rested for a while before calling for the carriage to be prepared for their journey to the palace.
From the moment they boarded the carriage, Chu Hengyuan kept Aran's hand firmly in his. Seeing that she was getting stage fright again, he began recounting amusing anecdotes about the palace, subtly letting her know that it wasn't as terrifying as she imagined and that his father, the Emperor, was not as stern as the rumors suggested.
The carriage soon reached the palace gates. Chu Hengyuan stepped onto the mounting block first, then turned back to assist Aran, helping her down slowly as she was still recovering from her injuries. Other officials’ carriages were also gathered at the entrance; noblewomen of a certain rank were all arriving for the evening banquet, and guests from the Canglan State had arrived as well.
Chapter 191