The Ger's Contract Marriage [BL]
Chapter 434: A New Carriage

Chapter 434: A New Carriage

As the carriage rolled through the ancient rural landscape, the scenery flowed by in a mesmerizing display of the transition from summer to fall.

In the town, where manpower now seemed lacking and only natives roamed, a sense of calm settled over the streets in both the wealthy neighborhood where Bai Mansion resided, and the bustling streets, where passersby would gather for morning market.

The villagers who had come for seasonal work were no longer present, their absence marking the beginning of a quieter period as business lulled and preparations for the upcoming harvests in the countryside began.

Beyond the town limits, where wilderness dominated the landscape, the forest, mountains, and other natural expanses teemed with life.

The air was filled with the sounds of chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the distant calls of wildlife. It was as if nature itself was preparing for the change in seasons, embracing the vibrant energy that came with the onset of fall.

Donghua, with its central kingdom status on the continent rich with its own history, experienced conflicting weather patterns and extremes during various seasons in recent years.

These seasonal disruptions peaked in a discernible pattern for those who were long lived, occurring every few decades in relation to the opening of the gates out of the entire continent of Dongzhou.

Unknown to those with modest backgrounds, these seasonal peaks brought about significant challenges and opportunities for its inhabitants.

In the past year, Donghua and the rest of Dongzhou had experienced a break from the harsher weather patterns of previous years.

While the weather remained extreme, the land had proven to be more nurturing, offering a respite to its people before the games truly began.

However, despite these signs of respite, the fluctuations in the land could not be ignored, especially by those like Xu Zeng who were attuned to the subtle shifts in nature.

As Xu Zeng stared out the window of the carriage, his thoughts lingered on the weakening barriers and the disarray of the land.

Despite the beauty of the fall festivities unfolding before him, there was an underlying sense of unease at the impending challenges that lay ahead.

Thinking back to Nanshan Estate and all of Xu Feng’s people, Xu Zeng’s priorities were clear—to secure more income for the estate and ensure an ample supply of food for its inhabitants.

While the wealthy may have spending power to weather the storms of nature, the poor and middle-class families would bear the brunt of the calamities that awaited.

In the larger scheme of things, the weakening of the barriers and the disruptions in the continent’s natural order would spark a fierce battle for power among the immortal bloodline descendants, royal families, nobles, and rulers of the entire continent.

It would be a time of upheaval and uncertainty, where each faction would vie for dominance and survival amidst the chaos.

This wasn’t something new, but it was something deeply buried in the annals of history.

But for now, as the carriage rolled through the outskirts of Yilin Town, the onset of fall brought a sense of tranquility and beauty to the ancient landscape, a fleeting moment of rest before the storm.

As the carriage meandered forward on its journey, the tension inside was stifling, with Xu Hu Zhe and Bai Mo both on edge, each consumed by their own worries and fears.

They had left Yilin Town behind them, but the specter of danger loomed large. What exactly constituted the worst-case scenario?

For both of them, it was the possibility of being apprehended by those from the main Xuan family who might be monitoring their every move.

Sitting stiffly in the carriage, Xu Hu Zhe and Bai Mo contemplated the various risks and challenges that lay ahead.

Every passing minute felt like an eternity as they anxiously monitored their surroundings, acutely aware of the dangers that lurked beyond the confines of the carriage.

They had taken precautions, switching carriages and even changing the coachman, all in an effort to evade detection.

Their belongings had been carefully selected to keep the carriage light and inconspicuous, a strategy aimed at throwing off any potential pursuers or bandits they might encounter on the road.

But while Xu Hu Zhe and Bai Mo fretted over these practical matters, Xu Zeng seemed strangely unaffected by the weight of their situation.

His demeanor remained calm and composed, his attention focused on the road ahead without a hint of anxiety.

All the while, the pair of worry worts sat uncomfortably as the new inconspicuous carriage moved at a steady pace, not hurried, but not leisurely.

Sitting in the carriage, Xu Hu Zhe adjusted his newer set of clothing—chosen for its practicality rather than its fashionability.

The garments were of good quality but lacked extravagance, especially since he would soon take the reins and drive the carriage.

The dark blue robes he wore had been selected with Xu Zeng’s preferences in mind, though he hadn’t received so much as a glance from the man since they had boarded the carriage.

It was a shade that Xu Zeng had once complimented as it brought out the blue in his blue black hair, and the other man liked muted colors.

Despite the utilitarian nature of his outfit, the fabric hugged his form in a flattering manner, accentuating the strength of his physique.

Nonetheless, Xu Hu Zhe reassured himself that this lack of notice was natural, and it would be unusual if Xu Zeng were to take notice of his robes...

Beside him, Bai Mo was similarly lost in his own thoughts, his mind preoccupied with doubts and insecurities. Had he been too assertive when transitioning to the rented carriage at his mansion?

Was he coming across as too extravagant to Xu Zeng, who came from a simpler background?

These questions nagged at Bai Mo as he fidgeted with his more muted robes—a distinct change from his usual opulent robes.

Wearing a simple orange set of robes devoid of any intricate embellishments, Bai Mo aimed to appear inconspicuous on their journey through remote villages and unfamiliar terrain.

Despite his efforts to downplay his wealth, Bai Mo couldn’t help but steal glances at Xu Zeng, his heart racing with uncertainty and a bit of anticipation?