Chapter 132: Is There an Inside Man?

Gongshen Ling'er scrutinized the person standing before her. He wore a dark, form-fitting outfit and a black cloth mask that concealed his features, leaving only a pair of eyes staring coldly at her.

Those eyes were strange, unlike any she had ever seen. While cold, it was not the coldness of indifference, but rather an inherent quality; even if he were smiling, those eyes would remain devoid of warmth.

"Who are you?" Could it be that Zuoqiu had sent him to assist her? She quickly dismissed the thought, as she did not believe it herself.

"You need not know. Take this map, and you will leave Tancheng without incident." The man looked at her and handed over a tightly wrapped map.

"Why help me?" Gongshen Ling'er was puzzled. She had no rapport with the people of the Ji Kingdom, and she felt no familiarity with this man whatsoever.

"Help you?" The man seemed to sneer. "It would be more accurate to say I am helping myself." With that, he turned and left immediately.

Gongshen Ling'er said nothing more. Her expression was troubled, revealing a trace of curiosity. However, now was not the time to unravel such mysteries; she had to leave this place as quickly as possible.

The rain continued unabated, a steady downpour as if attempting to submerge the entire world.

Yu Bufan was the first to receive news of Gongshen Ling'er's escape. Unhurried and composed, he headed toward the residence of Ji Wuqing.

"Your Majesty, we await your decision on the next step."

"The next step? The night is deep; it is time to rest," the monarch replied with a straight face.

"This subject had forgotten. Your Majesty is eager to return to the Empress. I shall take my leave." Yu Bufan, being a tactful man, offered a respectful bow and withdrew.

Ji Wuqing nodded in satisfaction. He saw no error in Yu Bufan’s words; he was quite pleased with such discretion.

Meanwhile, by the Tan River, Gongshen Ling'er followed the path indicated on the map and soon reached the riverbank. A small boat was moored there, seemingly waiting to receive her.

Sure enough, when the person on the boat saw her approach, they immediately welcomed her respectfully. "Young Mistress, this subordinate acts under the command of the Sovereign."

"Mn." She nodded and boarded the boat.

Could the mysterious man in black truly have been sent by Zuoqiu? No, that did not seem like his style. Would he really go to such lengths for her? Even having grown up together, they did not share that kind of bond.

Braving the rain, they eventually crossed the Tan River and returned to the encampment. The maidservant responsible for Gongshen Ling'er’s care immediately came forward, offering towels and fresh clothing.

She was assisted into her tent, where hot water had already been prepared. After a while, she emerged in comfortable attire, no longer looking as disheveled as before. "Where is the Sovereign?"

"Reporting to the Young Mistress, the Sovereign sent word for you to rest well and discuss matters tomorrow," the maid said while drying her long hair.

"Mn." Gongshen Ling'er nodded. "Is Elder Yue present?"

"Elder Yue is waiting outside. He wishes to see you once you are settled," the maid replied. "Shall I invite him in, Young Mistress?"

Elder Yue entered slowly, bringing with him the chill of the rain. He wore his signature moon-colored robes, which made him appear as soft as moonlight, yet possessed the same untouchable, icy radiance.

"The Young Mistress has finally returned safely. We owe much to Crown Prince Dan," Elder Yue said as he watched her grooming her hair before the mirror.

Gongshen Ling'er tilted her head. "Does Crown Prince Dan have an inside man in the Ji Kingdom?" It seemed the mysterious man was indeed an agent of the Dan Crown Prince.

"I cannot say for certain, but this affair is undoubtedly the work of Crown Prince Dan." He shook his head, appearing detached, though it was unclear whether he truly did not know or was merely feigning ignorance.

Gongshen Ling'er understood Elder Yue’s nature. If he did not wish to speak, no amount of questioning would compel him. He was a man who appeared respectful on the surface but was a "smiling tiger" at heart.

"By the way, the kitchen has prepared ginger soup. You should drink it while it is hot." With a look of concern, he personally placed the steaming bowl on the table.

"Elder Yue, do I look like a fool to you?" She glanced at him, her tone abrupt, her cold, beautiful face serious.

"Why would you say such a thing?" the man as gentle as moonlight replied leisurely, a trace of a smile in his eyes.

Is that so? She hoped she did not appear to be a fool being toyed with in their eyes.

***

In the main tent, the rain continued outside, but the interior was brightly lit. Two wine cups, filled with fragrant liquor, sat on a table between two men facing each other. One was stern, like the rain outside; the other was devilishly charming, like the spray of water, wanton and dangerous.

"Does Crown Prince Dan think I am unaware? That man is a subordinate of Xiaoxue’s," Zuoqiu Liye said, picking up his cup, his slender fingers catching the light. "I did not expect him to come to my tent to look for you. Is he an old acquaintance of yours?"

"Nothing escapes the Dancing Sovereign," Dan Ying replied, his cold face expressionless. This was Zuoqiu Liye’s territory; he had never intended to hide it from him.

"It seems the Crown Prince does not wish to tell me." He took a sip of wine, his alluring, phoenix-like eyes hiding deep schemes.

"Whatever the Sovereign wishes to know, that man can indeed be used by us," Dan Ying said, unmoved. "However, he is not my informant. We are merely taking what we need from each other."

He and Lingyin used one another; was his relationship with Zuoqiu any different? They cooperated only out of necessity, forming an alliance based on shared interests. The implication was clear: since they knew they could never truly be of one heart, why pry into the details?

"Indeed, each takes what they need. I only hope he does not stab the Crown Prince in the back at a critical moment," Zuoqiu Liye said with a cryptic smile, his handsome face tinged with a strange, cold intent.

"I shall keep that in mind, Sovereign," Dan Ying said, raising his cup.

***

In Tancheng, at the Yishou Li Mansion, Xuexue felt that perhaps because she had mentioned returning to the palace in a few days, Ji Wuqing had been exceptionally clingy, not missing a single opportunity to be near her.

It was raining again, as it had been for the past few days. In the study, he sat on a small divan, his chin resting on her slender shoulder, one arm gently encircling her waist. His gaze was fixed on the book in her hands—or rather, on the fair hands turning the pages. His eyes followed the movement of her hands, tireless and intent.

Feeling his gaze, Xuexue tilted her head slightly. "Are you tired? Lie down and rest for a while."

"Do you truly regard your husband as an invalid?" the monarch grumbled, displeased. "Even if my shoulder were truly broken, I could still carry you."

"Nonsense." Xuexue nudged his chest with her elbow, giving him a small reprimand.

"It is true. Unless you become a great fatty one day, then I might find it a bit strenuous," Ji Wuqing said, rubbing his chest. He kept his expression perfectly serious, as if stating an absolute fact.

"Then I shall have to eat more, so you can keep your shoulder strong enough to carry me," Xuexue replied, mimicking his solemn tone.

"If that day ever comes, then you shall carry me instead." His hand returned to her waist, his gaze dropping to the unsightly scar on his wrist, which lay there like a hideous, coiled insect.

Xuexue fell silent. Where had this sudden, melancholy topic come from?

"Very well. If that day comes, I will lock you in the house and not let you go anywhere." Then it would be her turn to protect him. That would suffice, wouldn't it?

"How overbearing," the monarch exclaimed.

The two spent the morning huddled in the study. After lunch, Ji Wuqing took Xuexue out of the mansion. They traveled with a low profile, wearing simple clothing and escorted by hidden guards as they departed in a carriage.

"Where are we going?" It had been several days since they arrived in Tancheng, and she had not yet been out. Besides, was this really a good time?

"I must leave myself some beautiful memories," Ji Wuqing said. He stepped out of the carriage first, then gently lifted her down.

Beautiful memories? It seemed he still remembered her plan to return; otherwise, why the sudden urgency? At this thought, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. If he was truly so reluctant to let her go, she would stay for his sake. Regardless of the chaos and her duties, as long as she was with him, that was enough.

In the distance, flowers bloomed—a vibrant red that only arrived with spring. In the light rain, they glistened with a soft, pinkish hue. He pulled her along as they walked slowly up a long staircase that led to a beautiful flower garden on the mountain.

"I heard this is a unique custom in Tancheng. Newlywed couples come here on the second day to pray for blessings because of a flower called the 'Full Moon Bloom'."

"I never expected you, Ziqing, to believe in such things." This did not seem like his style.

"Since it carries a good omen, I do not mind bringing my wife here to see it." He pulled her upward without hesitation. "Though I do find it strange why they must come the day after the wedding. Shouldn't they rest for a few more days first?"

"Why do you ask?" Xuexue was amused by his question.

"As the saying goes, 'an hour of a spring night is worth a thousand gold'; shouldn't one be more considerate of the bride?"

"..." Xuexue fell silent. Could his line of thought be any more tedious? She chose not to respond, though her face flushed a quiet shade of red.

They walked slowly, the short staircase feeling as though it might take a lifetime to traverse.