In truth, Ji Yunshu felt that Luo Yang’s words made sense.

Before this, she had absolutely no desire to have any connection with the Wen brothers, lest she expose her relationship with Lichuan and bring unnecessary trouble. However, Luo Yang’s words at this moment seemed to suddenly awaken her.

If Lichuan was determined to kill Wen Yu, he would naturally seek another opportunity. Today was one example. When that time came, she might be able to see Lichuan again.

But if she went to Yanjing alone, trying to find Lichuan would be like searching for a needle in the ocean. Who knew how much time would be wasted?

One month?

One year?

Perhaps another three years?

Or… a very, very long time.

Seeing that his words seemed to be having an effect, Luo Yang struck while the iron was hot and continued, “Stop hesitating. Go with them. Along the way, we’ll also have someone to rely on. After you find that person, it won’t be too late to leave. Moreover, you’ve saved Wen Yu several times—they regard you as their benefactor. Don’t treat your kindness as mere charity. When you should use people, you must use them. Don’t be so foolish, always alone by yourself.”

He urged earnestly.

Ji Yunshu’s palm weakly clutched the blanket covering her body, crumpling it into a ball.

She remained silent, not making a decision.

Luo Yang wanted to say more, but seeing her poor complexion and that she was still ill, he swallowed the words he wanted to say. He only said, “Anyway, think it through carefully yourself. That ship probably won’t be repaired until tomorrow, and that man surnamed Wen is severely injured—he definitely can’t leave anytime soon. Besides, it will take another two days to reach Liangzhou. You can think slowly. It won’t be too late to decide when we reach Liangzhou. But… if I were you, I wouldn’t think for so long.”

Ji Yunshu let out a heavy breath. Between her lips and tongue still lingered a thick, bitter medicinal taste. Her beautiful brow furrowed tightly. Not wanting Luo Yang to discern her thoughts, she turned to her side and said, “My affairs don’t need your concern. You should take care of yourself first. Don’t regret it after you reach Yanjing.”

Regret?

“I never regret what I’ve decided!” Luo Yang raised his eyebrows, saying firmly, “The more you say Yanjing is a tiger’s den, the more I want to venture in. I want to see just how deep that tiger’s den is? Can it really swallow people whole?”

He was still too naive after all!

Luo Yang had always lived in the border town of Huyi. How could he know the dangers of that dragon’s pool and tiger’s lair? If he wasn’t careful, it could lead to his eternal doom.

But his mind was made up now—no one could dissuade him.

Ji Yunshu had already said what needed to be said and was too lazy to offer further warnings.

She coughed twice, feeling somewhat tired, so she lay down to sleep, saying nothing more.

Luo Yang didn’t disturb her further. Seeing that the sky had already darkened, he got up and went outside to keep watch.

…

Shu Tian returned from the medical clinic to the inn and reported everything to Wen Che.

“That serious?”

“That’s what the physician said.” Shu Tian replied, “It appears Miss Ji has suffered many injuries in the past. The cold qi in her body is very heavy. To cure it completely would be extremely difficult.”

“How is she now?”

“She’s already awake, but her body is still somewhat weak. She should rest at the medical clinic today.”

Wen Che stood up and paced a few steps, his brow tightly furrowed.

Shu Tian seemed to perceive his thoughts and asked tentatively, “Young master, you wouldn’t be thinking of…”

Wen Che said in a low voice, “She did save Ayu. If not for her, Ayu wouldn’t have escaped danger. Although that Miss Ji is not simple and her background is unknown, ultimately she’s not some great villain. Previously I suspected she was connected to the black-clad men trying to kill Ayu, so I was guarded everywhere. But when we encountered danger this time and she came to our aid, it dispelled my suspicions. So regarding her, I no longer have any wariness!”

“Then young master isn’t afraid of her learning our identities?”

“It doesn’t matter. If she truly goes to Yanjing, she’ll be able to find out with just a little inquiry.” Wen Che said this.

“So young master truly plans to bring Miss Ji along to Yanjing?”

“The cold qi in her body is currently quite severe. Ordinary physicians simply cannot cure it completely. Only by taking her to find Uncle and asking Uncle to help might we be able to resolve the cold qi in her body. It’s just…” Wen Che worried, “Previously Ayu did invite her to travel together, but she refused. Even if I set aside my wariness and invite her to travel together again this time, she may not necessarily agree.”

Shu Tian thought for a moment and said, “Young master is thinking entirely of Miss Ji, and for her illness. I believe she shouldn’t refuse.”

“I hope so. However, we’ll wait until her health improves a bit before discussing it. After all, we haven’t reached Liangzhou yet.”

“Yes!”

Wen Che let out a sigh.

At this moment, Wen Yu, who had been lying in bed, woke up.

Due to pain throughout his body, he called out softly. His head, arms, chest… all hurt terribly. As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw Wen Che sitting by the bedside.

“Brother?”

He thought he was dreaming.

Half the worry in Wen Che’s eyes dissipated, the weight on his heart lifted slightly, and the corners of his mouth revealed a trace of a comforting smile. “Ayu, you’ve finally awakened.”

“I… where is this?”

“This is Qiaoshi Town.”

“Qiaoshi Town?” Wen Yu was confused. His brow creased as he asked, “How did I end up here? I remember… I was on the boat. Oh right, those black-clad men…”

His face was full of worry.

Wen Che patted his hand and told him, “Don’t worry. Those black-clad men are all dead. Our boat was damaged, so we had to temporarily settle in Qiaoshi Town. We’ll leave once the boat is repaired tomorrow.”

With this explanation, Wen Yu felt relieved. He turned his head to look at his heavily bandaged arm, the bandages still bearing bloodstains. It seemed he had nearly stepped through the gates of hell with one foot. Fortunately, his life was resilient enough—encountering danger three or four times, yet repeatedly escaping and surviving.

At this point, he could no longer endure it.

“Who exactly is it? Time and again trying to put me to death?” Though his whole body was weak, he still spoke through gritted teeth.

Wen Che said, “I believe their objective this time was not you.”

“Not me?”

“It was Prince Jing’an’s remains!”

Wen Yu froze for a moment, then reacted. “You mean to say, those people wanted to use Prince Jing’an’s remains to make a big issue against our Wen family.”

Being a member of the Wen family, with just this hint, he understood.

He tried to prop himself up but was held down by Wen Che. “Your body is weak now. You mustn’t move carelessly. Everything—I have my own arrangements.”

“Brother, at a time like this, you still want to endure?”

“Without evidence, we cannot act recklessly!” Compared to Wen Yu, Wen Che was clearly much calmer. He always considered the big picture.

Because of his earlier agitation, Wen Yu’s face became even paler. A ball of anger churned continuously in his chest. His fingers clenched together weakly as he said, “Brother, everything is laid out before us now. It’s all the Su family’s doing. It’s Su Ziluo manipulating everything! He won’t rest until he sees our entire Wen family executed by imperial decree!”

Su Ziluo!