Chapter 53 Head-on Encounter

ghtly flattened but his nose was straighter and Seven’s lips were fuller compared to the thinner ones he now had. The features together looked seven out of ten similar, separated they bore no resembla...Chapter 53 Head-On Meeting

Yun Qianyue was taken aback and immediately stopped her actions. She couldn't have imagined that Ye Qingran would actually be here. Earlier, wasn't he practicing military drills in the front square How did he get here so quickly Yun Qianyue looked at Ye Qingran, who also stared back at her, both sets of eyes unwavering.

The room was quiet, and faint shouts from military training could still be heard coming from the front square.

"Little girl, what are you doing here" After a moment, Ye Qingran put aside his surprise and looked at Yun Qianyue.

"I..." Yun Qianyue didn't know how to explain her presence there properly. If it were anyone else, she would silence them with force so that no one could discover her here. But this person was Ye Qingran; how could she bring herself to do such a thing

"Who is he" Suddenly, Ye Qingran turned his gaze towards Feng Jin.

Yun Qianyue tilted her head and looked at Feng Jin, only then remembering that she had brought along the Lord of Hell.

"Prince Ye It's a pleasure to meet you!" Feng Jin raised an eyebrow at Ye Qingran, his lips twisting in a sinister manner. Meeting Yun Qianyue’s gaze, he said somewhat cryptically: "We have a close relationship! The peach blossoms in July are still blooming vigorously."

Yun Qianyue's face darkened.

Ye Qingran frowned as he looked at Feng Jin. "I don't seem to recognize this gentleman! May I ask your name"

"If recognizing Prince Ye counts, then fine! As for me, I'm an insignificant nobody; Prince Ye doesn’t need to know who I am." Feng Jin withdrew his gaze from Yun Qianyue and looked at Ye Qingran in a nonchalant manner.

Ye Qingran narrowed his eyes. Could someone of such lowly status have such bearing and presence No matter where this man stood, he would never be overlooked, just like a sharp sword that leaves no survivor upon striking. This person was one whom Ye Qingran had never met or heard about before. There were also no identifying features on him to recognize who he might be. Ye Qingran turned his eyes and looked at Yun Qianyue: "Little girl, who is this"

Yun Qianyue remembered that she had promised not to deceive Ye Qingran but under the current circumstances, how could she not She forced a smile which looked rather unnatural. "His name is Feng Jin; he's my... family!"

Feng Jin smirked sinisterly, his cold expression immediately warming up, clearly very satisfied with Yun Qianyue’s explanation.

"Family" Ye Qingran was surprised.

"Yes, family!" Yun Qianyue nodded firmly. Everyone living at the foot of the Western Mountain Peak cliff was her kin.

"A branch of the Cloud王府 I never knew there were such figures in the Cloud王府." Ye Qingran raised an eyebrow and looked suspiciously at Yun Qianyue before glancing again at Feng Jin.

"The Cloud王府 doesn't deserve my lineage!" Feng Jin snorted coldly.

Yun Qianyue had originally planned to label Feng Jin as a branch of the Cloud王府, but he refused. So she quickly said: "No, he's from my mother’s side."

"Oh From Aunt Qing’s side" Ye Qingran was surprised.

"Yes!" Yun Qianyue nodded. Feng Jin wanted to leave with her and be seen by the public; it wouldn’t do to reveal his identity as a Feng family member, especially since even if the Fengs wanted him back, he wouldn't agree to go. She had saved him from the dead, so how could she give him up And besides, her mother’s lineage was mysterious and unknown to anyone else. So labeling him this way would prevent others from investigating his background. Perfect!

This time Feng Jin didn’t speak, tacitly agreeing with Yun Qianyue’s explanation.

"Then... how did he end up here Why are you in the Military Headquarters" Ye Qingran scrutinized Feng Jin's face for a moment before pondering over the appearance of Lady Cloud. She was incredibly beautiful, and so was Feng Jin— one ethereal and the other sinister; it was hard to tell who was real. He could only accept Yun Qianyue’s explanation since Lady Cloud’s lineage was mysterious and untraceable by anyone back then, including the imperial guards. And this Feng Jin had never been seen or heard of before, so his sudden appearance fit with rumors about a hidden background that made Feng Jin disdainful toward the Cloud王府.

"He was being pursued by enemies; I happened to save him and he’s hiding here." Yun Qianyue glanced at Feng Jin’s arm.

Night Qirang also noticed Feng Jin's injured arm at this moment. It was clear that the injury wasn't recent, and Cloud Shallowmoon appearing here likely involved more than just being pursued by enemies; she must have been hiding something from him. However, everyone has their own secrets, which are private matters not meant to be probed into entirely. He nodded without further inquiry.

Cloud Shallowmoon appreciated Night Qirang's decision not to press for more details. She didn't know how she could have fabricated a story otherwise. Perhaps she could lie effortlessly when dealing with others, but lying to Night Qirang was incredibly challenging. Seizing the opportunity, she asked, "Why are you still training soldiers in the middle of the night"

"Well, I’m just passing time," replied Night Qirang.

Cloud Shallowmoon was taken aback. Training soldiers for leisure She looked at Night Qirang. There wasn't any light in the room, but outside lights seeped through the windows, illuminating his armored figure and tired face, as if he hadn't slept for days. Frowning, she asked, "What’s wrong with you Haven’t you been sleeping"

"I can’t sleep!" Night Qirang rubbed his forehead.

Cloud Shallowmoon's brows furrowed further. "Why can’t you sleep Is this your quarters"

Though she knew the room belonged to Iron Old, she couldn't help but ask out of curiosity now. She naturally didn’t want Night Qirang to discover the secret passage. Even though he was a good person, he still belonged to Prince Deyun’s household. If he hadn't lost his memory, she would never have allowed herself to interact with him. Sadly, fate loved playing tricks! Everyone she didn’t wish to associate with had somehow intersected with her life.

"No! I came here for a drink with Iron Old!" Night Qirang shook his head.

Just as Cloud Shallowmoon was about to speak again, Feng Jin pulled her hand impatiently. "Let's go! Why are you still here" Then he tugged her around Night Qirang and headed towards the door.

Towed by Feng Jin for a step, Cloud Shallowmoon thought it would be awkward to leave without saying anything else. She looked at Night Qirang and asked, "Are you returning to the capital Or are you staying here"

"Not going back!" Night Qirang shook his head.

"Alright then! I'll take my leave," Cloud Shallowmoon turned around.

Just as Feng Jin was about to use lightness kung fu to pull Cloud Shallowmoon away, he heard Night Qirang suddenly ask, "Little miss, aren’t you always eager to see the military headquarters Since there's a chance now, would you like me to show it to you"

"No interest! I’m in no mood right now." Cloud Shallowmoon shook her head. Could she say that she had thoroughly explored the military headquarters ages ago but forgot about it due to losing her memory If she hadn’t lost her memories, she would have definitely visited if Night Qirang invited her, but now there was no need.

"Alright then! Whenever you’re in the mood, just let me know. I’ve promised," said Night Qirang with a wistful look.

“Okay,” Cloud Shallowmoon nodded, not knowing what else to say.

Feng Jin shot her an impatient glance and lifted her feet lightly, flying out the window.

"Little miss, did you have an argument with Weak Beauty" Night Qirang asked suddenly as he watched Cloud Shallowmoon and Feng Jin leave.

Cloud Shallowmoon stiffened, pursing her lips. "No!"

If it were just an argument, she would’ve had a reason to be upset or loud. But with Rong Jing, their relationship was far more complex than mere arguments! She couldn’t comprehend the emotions he harbored towards her each day now that she had lost her memory, nor could she fathom how he felt when he passionately kissed her after receiving the letter from Yang Ye via a beggar’s intermediary, and his willingness to risk his life separating Daoist Old from Master Pusuan to restore her memories...

Feng Jin suddenly scoffed, interrupting Cloud Shallowmoon's thoughts. She glared at him irritably. "Toothache"

"Peach blossom pain!" Feng Jin shot back in annoyance.

Cloud Shallowmoon stumbled and pulled her hand away, plummeting from a height of dozens of feet mid-air straight down.

Feng Jin ignored Cloud Shallowmoon as he watched her fall towards the ground.

Night Qingran had been watching the two of them all along. When he saw Yun Qianyue falling from a height of more than ten zhang, his expression suddenly changed, and he hurriedly flew up to catch her, but the distance was too far and even with his superb kung fu skills, he still couldn't reach in time. He secretly blamed Feng Jin for not coming to save this little girl immediately upon seeing her fall; what if she had landed on the ground Just thinking about it made him break out in a cold sweat. Suddenly, Yun Qianyue flipped over at one foot off the ground and pulled herself up several zhang high into the air before landing steadily on the ground. Night Qingran was taken aback. When had her martial arts skills improved so much It was more than double what it used to be just a few days ago. He was certain that if she fell from such a height earlier, she would have sustained serious injuries.

After Yun Qianyue stood up, she looked at Feng Jin with a black line on her face, wondering why he didn't say his legs hurt so that she wouldn't have to fall here and die. This man! Being around him made her heart work overtime every day; it wasn't wrong for him to be called the King of Hell because he could ambush her life at any time.

Feng Jin glanced at Yun Qianyue, raising his eyebrow mischievously.

At this moment, Night Qingran landed beside Yun Qianyue and asked her with concern, "Little girl, are you okay"

"I'm fine!" Yun Qianyue shook her head and smiled at Night Qingran.

"Is the gentleman Feng going to accompany you back to the Cloud Manor or is he here for a farewell" Night Qingran glanced at Feng Jin. He seemed too close and familiar with Yun Qianyue, obviously having deep ties with her. Even though he had not been in the capital these years, he was well-informed about everything that happened there. No one's private matters could escape his notice. However, no information ever surfaced about Yun Qianyue being particularly close to anyone other than Prince Night Tianqin whom she had followed for ten years. But things were different recently; especially after he learned that she and Night Tianyi had exchanged letters for five years and now this Feng Jin, who is called her maternal clan family member, suddenly appeared by her side.

"He..." Yun Qianyue frowned. She was living alone in the palace now, and as a man, how could Feng Jin be allowed to stay with her This indeed was a difficult problem.

"Of course I am wherever she is! Young Lord Qingran, are you meddling too much" Feng Jin raised his eyebrow coldly.

Upon hearing this, Night Qingran's expression darkened. He said in an unfriendly tone, "Doesn't Mr. Feng know who she is She is currently living in the palace by imperial decree! Are you also going to enter the palace with her What identity will you assume as a male entering the women’s quarters"

Before Night Qingran could finish speaking, a flash of cold light appeared and Feng Jin's sword was pointed straight at Night Qingran's forehead.

"Who has intruded into the General Staff Camp Everyone protect..." At this moment, a soldier suddenly ran up from ahead and seeing what happened, he was terrified. He shouted out immediately.

Yun Qianyue kicked a stone towards him; before his voice had even fully sounded, the soldier fainted instantly. She didn't look at the man but ordered Feng Jin quietly, "Feng Jin, stop!"

This was Night Qingran's territory and she naturally could not kill in front of him. How to deal with this person would depend on Night Qingran. If he wanted to prevent the old emperor from knowing that she had been here at the General Staff Camp, he could either silence this man or ensure he never talks again; if he wished for the old emperor to know about it, there was no need to go through such trouble and he could simply write a memorial report.

Feng Jin pointed his sword at Night Qingran's forehead. Night Qingran stood still without dodging but raised his eyebrow at Feng Jin, "Mr. Feng’s sword skills are impressive! But am I not telling the truth"

Feng Jin retracted his sword and returned it to its scabbard, then said indifferently, "There is no one left in my family now except me; I have come here seeking refuge with her, and currently being hunted by enemies. If I am not always by her side, who else's side would I be at" With that, he raised his eyebrow at Yun Qianyue again, "Are you really going to let me become a eunuch and leave my family name without an heir"

"I'll find a way! Of course I won't ignore you." Yun Qianyue glared at Feng Jin. There was always a way through the mountain pass ahead. She couldn’t bury Feng Jin again; now that the Wind Family members had come, she could no longer keep him buried either. The only solution would be to put herself out in the open, far away from the reach of the Wind Family so as to fend off their insistent attempts at intrusion. Yun Qianyue turned and spoke gently to Night Qingran, "There's nothing serious; I'll find a way! If worst comes to worst, I won't live in the palace anymore! The imperial decree said that the Emperor himself would teach me personally, but after less than two hours it was changed to being taught by the Seventh Prince. Changing it again so that I return home is not surprising either."

Noiht Qingran nodded; he had been keeping an eye on recent events in the capital.

"Then I'll go!" Yun Qianyue pulled Feng Jin and took off immediately, knowing they couldn't waste any more time or even more people would come. Even though this place was under Night Qingran’s control, there must still be spies and informants of the old emperor around here. The General Staff Camp was one of the things the old emperor paid most attention to.

"Good!" Night Qingran nodded in agreement.

Yun Qianyue didn't say anything more, lightly touching her feet and pulling Feng Jin up as they flew off into the air. She moved like a breeze, swiftly leaping over the high walls of the General Staff Camp and evading both inner and outer patrol teams before quickly disappearing.

Noiht Qingran watched Yun Qianyue leave and stood there silently for a moment, then he suddenly called out, "Come here!"

"Young Lord!" A guard appeared from behind him immediately.

"Take this person..." Night Qingran pointed to the soldier who had fainted on the ground. He pursed his lips and said solemnly, "Deal with it!"

"Yes, sir!" That guard quickly picked up the man on the ground and retreated instantly.

Night Qingran turned back to look at Iron Old's room. The room was unlit, and there was no one inside. He quietly observed for a moment before suddenly waving his hand; an arm of palm wind swept across the open door, silently closing it without any sound. He then turned and walked towards his main tent. The little girl is now still a little girl yet she is not just a little girl anymore. Whether or not that's true, he never seemed to have a place in her life.

After traveling about three miles from the military headquarters camp, Yun Qianyue stopped and placed her thumb and middle finger at her lips to whistle softly. After she let out the whistle, a chestnut-colored steed raced towards her from the mountain of West Hill. In no time it came near her; its head rubbed against hers affectionately as if showing how much it missed her. She stroked its head and then swung herself onto its back.

Without Yun Qianyue needing to signal, Feng Jin jumped onto the horse behind her.

Yun Qianyue nudged the horse's sides with her legs; the steed lifted all four feet and started running joyfully. The two of them galloped towards the capital city.

The duo rode in silence for a while, then from about ten miles away from the city gate, suddenly more than ten people appeared on both sides of the road to block their path. Each was dressed in black tight-fitting clothes; the one leading the group was an elderly man around fifty years old, and behind him were all young men.

Yun Qianyue reined in her horse; it was forced to stop running because of how fast they had been going, raising its front hooves as it neighed loudly before coming to a halt. She looked at the dozen people blocking them; none had weapons unsheathed nor any accessories indicating their identity, clearly not wanting others to know who they were. Without saying anything, she waited for someone in front to speak.

"Young Master! You finally came out!" The elderly man leading the group glanced at Yun Qianyue and bowed towards Feng Jin behind her, "The master of our house asked you to return; please come back with us, Young Master!"

Yun Qianyue figured they must be from the Feng family, guessing that Feng Jin had shaken off their pursuit earlier. When she went to the military headquarters camp at such a fast speed and without distractions, it was likely these people were hiding in the shadows and she hadn't noticed them.

"Impossible! I said I wouldn’t go back!" Feng Jin glanced disdainfully at the dozen people blocking them; his eyes glinted coldly with malice.

"Young Master, regarding that matter from years ago, the master of our house was forced to..." The elderly man looked at Feng Jin as if wanting to explain something but hesitated given Yun Qianyue's presence and left it unsaid.

"Less talk! I said I won't go back and I won’t!" Feng Jin didn't want any more nonsense; he pushed Yun Qianyue with his hand. "What are you standing there for Move quickly!"

"Young Master, you know that’s impossible! The master of our house said to bring you back no matter what!" As the elderly man raised his hand, within moments ten people surrounded Yun Qianyue and Feng Jin.

Feng Jin immediately flew into a rage but was about to speak when Yun Qianyue gestured with her hand for him to stop. He did so; she put down her hand and looked calmly at the elderly man, asking in a clear voice, "Who are you from the Feng family"

The elder seemed taken aback as if he hadn't expected this young lady's words to calm down Feng Jin’s fury instantly. Before only paying attention to Feng Jin, now taking a careful look at Yun Qianyue, he slowly responded, "Are you Miss Shallow Moon from the Cloud Prince Manor I am your Young Master's servant!"

The Feng family truly lived up to being one of the ten secret noble families; their actions and words in concealing identities were impeccable! Yun Qianyue looked at him indifferently, "Are you trying to take Feng Jin back"

"Yes!" The elder nodded.

"He was someone I pulled out of a pile of dead bodies ten years ago. What do you have as an offer for me to hand him over and let you take him away with you" Yun Qianyue raised her eyebrows.

The elder's expression changed.

"He’s now my man! Your Feng family probably has nothing that would interest me. So from now on, don’t ever mention this matter in front of me again; otherwise..." Yun Qianyue looked at the elderly man with a cold face and said indifferently, "The Feng family should vanish from this world!"

With these words, she no longer paid him any mind. She nudged her horse's sides again as it galloped forward.

The elder was startled when Yun Qianyue clearly identified his identity and then got furious after hearing the last sentence. No one had ever dared to say such a brazen thing right in front of members of the Feng family that they should vanish from this world. He watched as Yun Qianyue approached, waving his palm towards her.

Yun Qianyue did not stop riding; she merely swished her sleeve lightly, sending out a red embroidered brocade cloth with a gentle breeze. Although it looked soft and delicate, it carried an indistinct yet powerful aura.

"Red Embroidered Brocade" The elder exclaimed as he saw the silver-white satin fabric. He felt an intense gale of wind carrying cold air rushing towards him; those strands of chill were like thousands of blades cutting at his face. His expression turned pale, and he quickly dodged. However, Yun Qianyue was too fast for him to avoid; she was immediately wrapped up by the Red Embroidered Brocade.

Yun Qianyue’s wrist gently spun the Red Embroidered Brocade in a circle, causing all the black-clad men rushing towards her to be swept off their feet by powerful gusts. She smirked and suddenly flung out her hand, sending the elder flying away.

The old man's body went straight and fell ten meters away, smashing onto the ground with a "thud."

"Today I injured your arm as repayment for injuring Feng Jin's arm. If you come to糾纏 again, you'd better consider whether you're capable of taking someone from me!" Yun Qianmo didn't look at the old man or the dozen black-clad guards lying on the ground. She put away her Crimson Beauty Brocade and rode off towards the city gate without another word.

The old man wanted to stop her again, but his body wouldn’t get up no matter what he did. He didn't expect that his skills couldn't even last one move against Yun Qianmo. All he could do was watch as she and Feng Jin rode away with a pale face. Yun Qianmo's reputation of being good-for-nothing spread far and wide, and the news that the Wind Family had received about her was no different. He never expected to see such a different side to her today—she wasn't at all like the wastrel she was rumored to be. When he thought back on the rumors circulating about her relationship with Prince Jing, his expression changed several times.

"Second Guardian! How are you" A dozen young men got up from the ground and hurried over to help the old man.

"I'm fine!" The old man was helped to his feet. He looked at his arm and saw that his sleeve had been slashed open, with a deep gash on his elbow bleeding profusely. He quickly blocked the points to stop the bleeding and sprinkled medicine powder on the wound before bandaging it up simply.

The dozen people all watched him silently without saying anything.

After finishing the bandage, he looked in the direction Yun Qianmo and Feng Jin had left. He said gravely: "I didn't expect that Young Master was saved by Lady Shallow Moon of Cloud Manor back then. Lady Shallow Moon clearly isn’t like what people say. If Young Master doesn’t return now, and Lady Shallow Moon won’t release him, it looks like we’re not a match for her. It seems impossible to take the young master away this time!"

"Second Guardian! What should we do then" The man asked while supporting the old man.

"Since we’ve already found Young Master’s whereabouts now, it’s somewhat of an achievement. Let’s go back and report this matter to our patriarch and clan elders for discussion before making a decision." After some thought, the old man said.

The dozen people nodded in unison.

After leading the dozen men out of the city without entering it, they headed east.

Away from the Wind Family, after walking for a while, Feng Jin suddenly spoke sarcastically: "You’ve been longing for the Crimson Beauty Brocade for so many years. Prince Jing held onto it tightly all along; how did he give it to you now Did you use your own people to trade him for the brocade"

"Can’t you shut that stinking mouth of yours!" Yun Qianmo glanced at Feng Jin, tightening her grip on the reins as she recalled Prince Rong Jing giving her the Crimson Beauty Brocade.

Feng Jin snorted: "I can't close it!"

"Do you believe me that I have a way to make you shut up" Yun Qianmo suddenly turned around and looked at him.

The demonish Feng Jin raised an eyebrow at Yun Qianmo before leaning closer to her ear: "What do you think Prince Jing would do if he saw you bringing me back Would he kill me or kill you"

Yun Qianmo gave him a cold glance and ignored him, looking ahead. The Heavenly Saint City gate was closed tightly as it didn't seem to be the time for opening yet. She remembered that the city gates were locked at戌時and only opened at卯時, with still one moment left.

"Hmm" Feng Jin raised an eyebrow and reached out to play with Yun Qianmo's hair.

"He wouldn't kill me or you." Yun Qianmo pushed away Feng Jin’s hand. Her tone suddenly softened.

"Are you so sure You two have already set your hearts on each other; seeing you riding back together with me, he won’t be full of jealousy" Feng Jin raised his eyebrows and curled the corner of his mouth in a demonish way: "If that’s true, it seems he isn’t very good to you!"

"He’s injured! He has difficulty even drawing his sword now; how can he kill anyone" Yun Qianmo snorted.

"So this is the case!" Feng Jin suddenly laughed loudly and said in a demonish way: "Injured just right! I’ve been wanting to experience Prince Jing’s fighting prowess for a long time but never got an opportunity. Now that he’s injured, it’s even better to face him!"

"I warn you, be honest with me now; if you dare lay a hand on him, I’ll personally send you back to the Wind Family myself!" Yun Qianmo suddenly pulled on her reins and turned around to sternly warn Feng Jin.

Feng Jin looked at Yun Qianmo. He suddenly retracted his smile, raising an eyebrow in a demonish way: "Didn’t you always hide from him before In just two months, could he make you swear that you’ll only marry him and be with him until death"

Yun Qianyue stopped talking, her expression darkening.

Feng Jin looked at him, his phoenix eyes gradually narrowing before quickly returning to normal. He snorted coldly and said, "Then you'd better keep a close eye on me, always keeping me by your side. If you don't keep me with you, I can't guarantee that I won't feel unhappy and take action against him! Even if I can't defeat him, I'll make sure he suffers."

Yun Qianyue frowned as she looked at Feng Jin.

"Hurry up and move! I'm hungry!" Feng Jin urged her.

"I really shouldn’t have been so careless back then to drag you out of the pile of corpses! I should’ve had two vicious dogs tear you apart alive!" Yun Qianyue spat bitterly, then squeezed her legs against the reins and rode off towards the city gate on her horse.

Feng Jin arched an eyebrow in a wickedly pleased manner, agreeing with her: "I also think your hands were too rash! Back then I didn’t even want to live anymore; you insisted on rescuing me. How could that not be considered being careless"

"From now on, don’t talk to me!" Yun Qianyue thought back on how unlucky he had been for countless lifetimes. She regretted many times wanting to cut off her own hands and send him back to the pile of corpses, but unfortunately, whenever his temper flared up, it was already a good thing that he didn’t throw her into the pile of corpses!

"I haven't slept well for several days; I’m tired. Who wants to talk with you" Feng Jin suddenly slumped and lazily leaned against Yun Qianyue’s shoulder. Her small shoulders were instantly weighed down by his tall frame, while he closed his eyes in comfort.

Yun Qianyue bent her body slightly; her face darkened somewhat, but she didn’t push him away with her hand. This person never cared for women or pitied the weak like other men did—he was different from them. On previous occasions when they went to the northern borders, he wouldn’t ride his own horse and would instead share one with her. When tired, he’d lean against her; when sleepy, he’d sleep on top of her. He didn't feel ashamed being a big man doing this. She had protested several times before but without success. Later she got used to it naturally. After regaining consciousness after two months of amnesia as if reborn into another lifetime, everything was different: the person who used to be Rong Jing wasn’t that person anymore; the one who used to be Ye Tianyi wasn’t him either; and the same went for Ye Qingran and everyone else. However, Feng Jin hadn't changed at all—still retaining his unique character.

The chestnut horse beneath her was unaffected and trotted towards the city gate.

After a stick of incense time, they reached the city gates just as it was opening up for passage. Yun Qianyue didn’t slow down but passed through easily into the city. As soon as she entered, she saw a black carriage parked inside the city gate with Xuan Ge sitting in front of it. She was surprised and pulled on her reins to stop.

"Miss Yun Qianyue" Upon seeing Yun Qianyue, Xuan Ge’s face lit up with joy but then changed as she saw a young man lying across Yun Qianyue's back. Instantly, she fell silent, looking at Yun Qianyue and the sleeping Feng Jin behind her in shock.

Yun Qianyue pursed her lips, glanced at Xuan Ge, and tried to remain calm: "Are you heading out of town" Rong Jing had a token that didn’t require waiting for the city gates to open. This indicated they’d arrived at the north gate just in time.

Xuan Ge looked at Yun Qianyue and moved his mouth but didn’t make any sound. After a moment, he turned around and stared into the carriage behind him; its curtains were tightly shut with no signs of movement or voice coming from inside. He whispered, "Young Master… it’s Miss Yun Qianyue…"

"Hn." A faint voice came from within, giving orders: "Depart!"

Xuan Ge sighed inwardly as he looked at the carriage and then back to Yun Qianyue. He didn’t say anything more but waved his whip to drive the carriage past Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue’s grip on the reins tightened; her horse remained still. She watched as the carriage passed by, with no one in it picking up their curtains or speaking further. She released the reins and urged her horse into town. After a couple of steps, she reined in and turned to ask Xuan Ge, "Where are you heading"

"Miss Yun Qianyue, His Excellency is inspecting the Western Mountain military camp at the Emperor’s behest." Upon hearing this, Xuan Ge immediately pulled on the reins. Turning his head back, he saw no one or movement inside the carriage and replied to Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue frowned; was he inspecting the Western Mountain military camp What did he have to inspect

"Drive!" Rong Jing’s voice remained indifferent.

Xuan Ge looked at Yun Qianyue, wanting to tell her that His Excellency had been severely injured and hadn’t taken any medicine since. Yet on hearing no response from the carriage, he knew his master didn’t want him talking further; thus, he waved his whip again and drove the carriage out of town.

Yun Qianyue watched as the carriage left town and headed towards Western Mountain but after a short while it turned off and was no longer visible. She suddenly turned her horse around and rode back out of the city gates. Her chestnut horse quickly caught up to the carriage, and she turned again to block its way.

—Interlude—

Our Moon is still very impressive; ladies, did you see O(∩_∩)O Haha!ke baseless remarks. It seemed that there would be some interesting developments today in the Chancellor’s Mansion.After waiting for a while, loud trumpet and gong sounds were heard from the front gat...