The images in his memory grew increasingly blurred, increasingly distant.

Until they were shattered in an instant by a knock at the door!

Zhao Huai withdrew his scattered gaze, his hawk-like brows furrowing. He turned his head to cast a cold glance at that tightly closed door.

“Come in.”

The door was pushed open!

The man outside hurried in, walked to Zhao Huai’s side, and said: “Head Chieftain, it’s gone.”

“Are you certain?”

“It’s truly gone.”

Zhao Huai’s expression darkened. After a long moment, he waved his hand: “Go. This matter must not be known to anyone.”

“Understood.”

The man bowed and left.

In the room, a prolonged silence fell.

……

The first thing Muruo did upon returning to Shanhuai County’s government office was to take a bath.

Having worn beggar’s clothes for an entire day, he was nearly suffocated.

That stench was so strong that the moment he opened his mouth, he could practically “swallow” it down his throat.

At this time, Ji Wanxin carried the freshly brewed medicine to Jingrong’s room.

A night and an entire day had passed.

Jingrong hadn’t closed his eyes to sleep for even a moment.

He was worried about Ji Yunshu’s safety the whole time.

When Ji Wanxin entered carrying the medicine, she saw him wearing a cloak, standing alone before the open window. Both hands hung at his sides, while the other hand rested on the windowsill, tightly clenched in a fist.

“Your Highness, Master Mo instructed that you must take this medicine on time, without delay.”

She extended the medicine to him!

But there was no response.

“I know you’re worried about Yunshu, but you can’t neglect your own injuries. After all, the wound on your chest could be serious or minor.”

“……”

“Your Highness…”

“Put down the medicine and leave.” His voice was cold.

Ji Wanxin trembled violently. A few drops of medicine spilled from the bowl, flowing onto her delicate, smooth hand.

Though the medicine was warm, it felt ice-cold!

She pressed her lips together. Her phoenix eyes lowered, the stray hair on her forehead falling to precisely cover her eyes and the red mole between her brows.

Suppressing a choked voice, she said: “Yunshu and I grew up together. She’s in trouble—as her elder sister, how could I not worry? But what use is worrying? If it were allowed, I truly wish I could exchange myself for her.”

Gentle, touching words that moved the heart!

Jingrong’s weary eyes lifted slightly. He turned his gaze toward her.

Just watching.

Not speaking!

Ji Wanxin boldly met his gaze.

With a worried, aggrieved tone, she continued: “I know that Your Highness’s heart only has room for Yunshu, and that is Yunshu’s blessing. But if she knew that Your Highness was neglecting your own body for her sake, how could she be at peace? Only if Your Highness takes care of your own health can you rescue her.”

As she spoke, she extended the medicine in her hand once more.

Jingrong’s face remained expressionless. After a moment’s hesitation, he reached out to take the medicine and downed it in one gulp.

Bang—

Clang!

He slammed it onto the nearby table.

The bowl sat crooked on top.

The next moment, he spoke: “You don’t need to brew medicine.”

No room for negotiation.

Yet—

Ji Wanxin said: “I’m already used to it. In the past at home, I often brewed medicine myself. It’s no trouble, especially for Your Highness.”

“You didn’t understand what this prince meant.”

“Hm?”

She was puzzled!

Jingrong said solemnly: “First, you are not my attendant. Second, you are not my wife or consort. Moreover, you are not even a servant. These tasks—you don’t need to do them, nor is it your turn to do them.”

At these words, Ji Wanxin froze. Her toes lifted lightly, nearly causing her to stumble back several steps.

So in Jingrong’s heart, she was actually… not even comparable to a servant!

Thinking of this, her eyes reddened. Her lips trembled several times, but ultimately she couldn’t speak.

Jingrong didn’t want to be too absolute in his words—after all, this woman was Ji Yunshu’s second elder sister.

So he lowered his voice and simply said: “You may leave.”

Dismissing her!

Ji Wanxin felt extremely aggrieved.

She just didn’t understand why he refused to truly look at her!

Why would he say such hurtful words!

Tears welled in her eyes, about to spill over when…

Muruo entered!

Ji Wanxin immediately stepped aside and quietly wiped away her tears.

When Muruo strode in, he first glanced at the empty bowl thrown on the table, then shifted his gaze to Ji Wanxin.

“Miss Ji, Prince Rong and I have important matters to discuss. Would you please…”

Leave!

He didn’t finish.

“Yes, then I won’t disturb you.”

She kept her head lowered and tactfully prepared to leave, but then worriedly asked Muruo: “Master Mo, how is Yunshu now?”

Muruo: “She’s fine. Don’t worry.”

“That’s good.”

She bowed slightly.

But Jingrong suddenly called out to her.

He asked: “Second Miss Ji, this prince asks you—do you truly regard Yunshu as your younger sister?”

Shocked!

Ji Wanxin whirled around: “Why does Your Highness ask this?”

“You need only answer me.”

“Of course I regard Yunshu as my sister! Even if it meant risking my life to help her, I would be willing!”

If you died.

Would you truly be willing?

Nonsense!

Jingrong studied that face of hers, displaying anxiety and grievance. He didn’t continue questioning.

He said lightly: “This prince understands. You may leave.”

She dared not say more. Keeping her head deeply bowed, she left.

Seeing this, Muruo said in a low voice: “Why did you have to say those things?”

Jingrong: “What things?”

“I heard everything from outside. If I hadn’t come in, that young lady would probably have been reduced to tears by you.”

“What concern is that of mine? Right now my mind is completely occupied with worrying about Yunshu’s safety. How could I spare any attention for her?” Jingrong frowned and asked urgently: “Well? Did you get into Highland Stronghold or not?”

“I did.”

Jingrong grabbed his arm: “How is Yunshu? Did those people do anything to her?”

Muruo sighed and pushed him away.

“Rest assured, Miss Ji is fine.”

“Fine?” Jingrong was skeptical. “Muruo, tell me the truth.”

Muruo: “What I’m telling you now is the truth!”

So—

Muruo explained everything clearly to him.

And he advised: “Since Miss Ji has her own plan, you should listen to her. After the troops from Jingzhou are borrowed, temporarily don’t storm the mountain, lest things become impossible to resolve.”

Jingrong’s brows were tightly knit. He paced back and forth twice.

Shaking his head: “No. I can’t take that risk. Those mountain bandits kill without blinking. If something goes wrong, Yunshu’s life won’t be spared.”

Muruo: “But Highland Stronghold’s exterior is impenetrable. Attacking it won’t be easy. Even if we do break through, there will inevitably be countless casualties. It would be better to trust Miss Ji this once.”

Jingrong: “She would risk her life to solve cases. How can you ask me to trust her? From Jinjiang to here, in everything she’s done, when has it ever been for herself? Now there’s been a murder at Highland Stronghold. Who’s to say that after she solves the case, those people won’t kill her? I absolutely cannot take this risk. Even if I charge in there single-handedly right now, I cannot let anything happen to her.”

His voice was nearly a roar!

This cold stone had bloomed for a woman.

Except this flower was a morning glory—quite stubborn!

Muruo restrained himself and spoke in a low voice, analyzing the stakes with him.

“Jingrong, I know you care about Miss Ji more than you care about your own life. But you are, after all, an imperial prince, a prince. If this matter escalates and word reaches the capital, have you considered the consequences? Right now, countless eyes are watching you, especially Prince Yi. The moment you make the slightest mistake, he’ll report it to the Emperor. At that point, you probably won’t be able to return to the capital for the rest of your life.”