Guangfeng returned after an hour in a large carriage pulled by four fine horses. The driver was dressed in clothing too fine to be a normal carriage driver for hire. The third prince himself was riding on a horse. When the carriage and Guangfeng came close enough they pulled to a stop and Guangfeng dismounted. “I went to the governor’s manor and asked to borrow his finest carriage,” he told Yuelan with a smile. “Naturally he agreed.”

Yuelan smiled back at Guangfeng. “Thank you, Guangfeng.”

“You’re welcome. I also got supplies for the trip and plenty of blankets to make the carriage more comfortable for you. There’s a brazier inside it to keep you warm as well.”

“What about you? Will you be alright riding on a horse? It’s getting colder every day.” Yuelan frowned a little and looked concerned.

Guangfeng’s expression softened when he saw her concern and he reached out to gently pat her head. “I will be fine. I’m a man, after all. You and Willow can ride in the carriage together.”

“Leila is coming too. She has volunteered to be my guard,” Yuelan explained. “So she can ride in the carriage with me as well.”

“Since when do guards ride inside the carriage?” Leilia chuckled as she walked over with a bag holding her things. “I’ll get myself a horse.”

Yuelan nodded. “Alright. Though you can come in the carriage whenever you’d like.”

“Thank you, Priestess. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Once Leila had selected a horse with Guangfeng’s help in the city, the group set off toward the capital. The trip took longer by carriage going back than it had by boat leaving and when they finally arrived there was snow everywhere and Yuelan’s birthday was fast approaching.

Guangfeng escorted Yuelan’s carriage to her residence then gave the driver a letter and a bag of silver before sending him back to his master. He reminded Yuelan to get plenty of rest before leaving to enter the palace and report to the emperor about the trip and his return.

Yuelan had spent most of the trip resting and she did a little better the closer they got to the capital. Even though she wasn’t fully recovered yet, she was quite a bit better than she had been when they’d first left and didn’t spend all day sleeping like she had before. She saw Guangfeng off before heading inside and asking Chung Soo and Granny Mei to handle the invitations and preparations for her birthday and asking that Camphor bring the account books for her to review in her courtyard. By the time Yuelan arrived there, Camphor was waiting with the account books and Laurel had tea and some light snacks prepared.

Laurel had been working harder than ever for Yuelan since the incident where she had betrayed the young priestess. Her cooking skills had improved and she was very attentive to Yuelan’s needs and preferences, so the tea suited Yuelan’s tastes perfectly.

“It’s been a while since I had such good tea, Laurel. Thank you.” Yuelan smiled as she took a second sip of tea before turning to Camphor. “How are my shops doing?”

“Very well, Miss,” Camphor answered as she placed the account books in front of her. “I’ve done as you asked in regards to setting aside funds for the employees to see doctors when they are ill and to provide a stipend for them when they become older. Knowing they will be cared for seems to have made them all work harder.”

Yuelan nodded. “Good. Have there been any problems while I was away?”

“None that I could not handle, Miss. I did have to fire the manager of your antiques store. I caught him inflating prices of what he sells, cheating those who come to sell, and stealing the store’s money, but the new manager is working diligently and has a reputation for honesty.” Her eyes twinkled in amusement. “I was able to convince him to leave the first prince’s antique store for yours.”

Yuelan grinned. “Excellent. Normally I would frown on doing something like that, but I don’t like the first prince at all. You did well, Camphor.”

Camphor nodded. “Thank you, Miss. It didn’t actually take much to convince him. The first prince was not paying him well enough and your terms are much more agreeable. He is a bit older, but he has agreed to train an apprentice and will let me know when he has found someone suitable.”

“That’s good news. Skills should always be passed on. I’d like all my shopkeepers and craftsmen to be encouraged to take on apprentices, but be sure to remind them that I value quality over speed and quantity. They should choose their apprentices carefully.”

Camphor bowed her head. “Yes, Miss. I will be sure to notify them.” She studied Yuelan’s face and then smiled a little. “Though I think perhaps you should get some rest now, Miss. You look pale and tired.”

Yuelan covered her mouth with her sleeve and yawned. “I will. Be sure to wake me for dinner. Now that I am home, I can take care of myself and recover.”

Her three maids gave graceful salutes as Yuelan stood and headed for her bedroom. “And please arrange for a permanent courtyard for Leila. Or a room in mine if she prefers that. She has joined us as my personal guard.”