The palace carriage rolled steadily through the wide streets of the capital, its wheels making a soft rhythmic sound against the stone road.
Inside, Lian An leaned slightly toward the window, lifting the curtain just enough to peek outside.
The moment the carriage left the palace gates, the atmosphere changed.
The air felt lighter.
Freer.
Vendors shouted from both sides of the road.
"Fresh buns! Hot buns!"
"Silk scarves! Finest quality!"
"Jewelry! Imported jade!"
Children ran between stalls, laughing.
The smell of roasted chestnuts and sweet pastries filled the air.
Lian An smiled.
"I missed this."
Across from her, the maid sat carefully, while guards followed closely outside.
Her three ghost companions floated beside her, equally interested.
Fen Yu pressed her face toward the window.
"So lively…"
Wei Rong crossed his arms.
"Too crowded."
Li Shen adjusted his sleeves.
"This is where real life happens."
The carriage slowed as it reached the central market.
