The black cat turned his head to Mingyue. He blinked his eyes lazily and meowed as if saying that Mingyue was too slow.

Mingyue let out a small chuckle as she watched the black cat's movement. "Alright. You go and scout the area first and come back when you found something."

Xiao Mi lowered his head to lick his fur. He raised his head and meowed. Then he ran deeper into the woods.

She turned around to look at Yang Yun who chose to walk behind her.

"Are you tired?" Yang Yun asked when he noticed Mingyue was looking at him.

Mingyue shook her head and smiled. She waited until Yang Yun reached beside her.

"I can help you carry your bag," Yang Yun said as he eyed the small sack hanging on Mingyue's shoulder.

"It's fine. It's not heavy since it's empty." Mingyue said with a smile. "Maybe once the sack is filled and a little bit heavier, then you can help me to carry it."

Yang Yun laughed as he heard this. He grabbed Mingyue's wrist and slowly entwined his fingers with hers. He frowned when he felt her cold fingers. The weather is turning colder by day. In the mountain, the temperature was much lower.

Mingyue's heaved a long breath as they reached further into the woods. "Captain Yang Yun, are you sure that it's alright for you to accompany me like this? Don't you have to attend a training in camp?"

Yang Yun looked at her with a smile as he helped to pull Mingyue up at a slight cliff. "Before the Princess' spring hunt began, I am allowed to take a leave and accompany you to look for herbs. While I am in the capital, my task is to guard the princess' physician."

Mingyue laughed at his words. But a part of her was uncomfortable with this arrangement. She wondered if her elder brother had personally a.s.signed Yang Yun to task like this. If the others or His Majesty find out, wouldn't her brother get into trouble?

"Stop thinking over unnecessary stuff," Yang Yun said. "Tell me, what kind of herbs you're looking for. I'll keep my eyes on them."

Jiang Mingyue nodded. She pulled out a notebook from her sack and showed pictures of herbs she was looking for. The two of them walked further into the woods while chatting casually. Soon, they could hear the sound of water. They headed towards the stream and found Xiao Mi sat on the pile of dried leaves, waiting for them.

Xiao Mi licked his fur lazily and meowed. Then he rose up and started to rub his head on Mingyue's legs.

Mingyue looked at the black cat when he meowed. "You found them? Where is it? Tell me!"

Xiao Mi blinked and meowed again.

Mingyue took out a small sack attached around her waist and took out a few snacks for Xiao Mi. "Good boy." she let Xiao Mi ate from her palm and patted his head with her free hand as if she was trying to curry favor with Xiao Mi. "Tell me where did you find it?"

Xiao Mi finished her snacks before he looked at Mingyue. Then, he turned away from the stream and led Mingyue to another area.