Snippet #2413909

The small caravan had departed the Township if Jikǒu early that morning, but it was hours yet from reaching its destination of Tiānshì City. It was a small convoy of only three wagons, but half a dozen riders accompanied it as escort. Losenji Island had been in a state of peace for many generations now, but one could not be too safe when transporting the daughter of the Minister of Trade.

The woman in question was seated in the center wagon with the shade upon the window pulled up so she could watch out of it as they progressed at their slow plodding pace. There were faster ways of travel these days - for those who could afford them - but Ling was in no hurry to reach her destination. She had enjoyed these trips to the city even as a small child, and the horse-drawn wagons left her with a sense of nostalgia.

This would be the last time she made this trip to Tiānshì City as the daughter of the Minister of Trade, for she would be returning home as the Minister of Trade.

It was strange how fortunes could change so quickly she thought to herself. With her brother in prison, and her elder sister disowned, Ling had almost overnight risen to heir of her ailing father's estate, and his position as Minister of Trade.

She fanned herself lightly against the late summer heat before settling back into her seat to enjoy the rest of the trip.

Two hand-maids sat across from her, but both seemed content to endure the trip in silence as well.