Feng Zhiwei’s heart jumped.

Looking down, she saw Ning Yi pinching a corner of her sleeve, leaning close to examine it carefully, even rubbing it with his fingers: “Hmm? Meat scraps?”

Seeing this, Feng Zhiwei didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Earlier when Gu Zhixiao had sprayed Yan Huaishi’s face with rice worm custard, while she was wiping Zhixiao’s face, her sleeve corner had gotten a bit of rice worm on it, which Ning Yi’s sharp eyes spotted.

However, Ning Yi hadn’t noticed the scenery beneath her, which let her breathe a sigh of relief. She quickly pulled back her sleeve, laughing: “Good stuff – specially saved it for a night snack.”

Ning Yi smiled and sat back across from her, leaning obliquely against the pavilion railing: “Yesterday Father Emperor went hunting at the West Garden and didn’t summon the Second Brother to accompany him.”

Feng Zhiwei smiled. Both were shrewd – no need to spell things out. The Second Prince was skilled in martial arts. Previously when the Emperor went hunting, he would always call him to attend. Now suddenly snubbing him was itself a signal.

“Must guard against him fighting like a cornered beast and becoming a second Fifth Prince.” Ning Yi said in a low voice. “How about I assign another group to protect you?”

“You’d better protect yourself.” Feng Zhiwei smiled. “Although neither of us directly stepped forward this time, the Second Brother can definitely guess you had a hand in it. Be careful.”

Ning Yi didn’t speak, his eyes slightly gentle as he looked at her. In the silence was a faint smile. The winds all around seemed to soften because of this smile. Feng Zhiwei felt a bit uncomfortable under his gaze but didn’t want to ask, fearing she’d hear sweet words. Looking left and right, she said: “Ah, why hasn’t the snack arrived yet?”

“I’m suddenly not hungry anymore, feeling quite satisfied.” Ning Yi turned sideways toward her, leaning against the pavilion railing gazing absently at the pool of green water. Suddenly turning back to smile at Feng Zhiwei: “It’s been a long time since you finally showed concern for me again.”

Feng Zhiwei gave an embarrassed smile, again wanting to change the subject. A fragrance wafted from afar as the guard’s figure appeared carrying a tray. Feng Zhiwei beckoned for him to bring the plate before Ning Yi. Still that classic “rice worm custard.” Feng Zhiwei smiled and gestured with her hand: “Pigeon egg and flying dragon meat custard – Your Highness might as well taste it.”

Her smile was perfectly normal – neither overly enthusiastic nor overly serious. Ning Yi looked at her suspiciously. After all, he was somewhat hungry. He scooped up a spoonful and tasted it slowly. Then his eyes lit up. He praised: “Good!”

“Naturally it’s good.” Feng Zhiwei watched him with a smile.

Ning Yi brought over the small bowl and silver spoon, scooping up a spoonful and smiling as he fed it to her: “Such delicious food – how can I enjoy it alone? Come, you have some too.”

Feng Zhiwei was shocked and flustered, hurriedly standing up. Standing halfway, she realized something was wrong and sat back down. She vaguely felt a creaking sound from beneath her. Quickly shifting her body and tilting her head aside, she smiled: “Please don’t! I ate too much tonight – my stomach is bloated. If I eat more I’ll vomit, and that would really spoil the mood.”

Ning Yi withdrew the spoon, still with that smile of flowing light, saying lightly: “Oh? Is that so?” Somewhat regretfully, he casually ate a few bites, praised it a few times, then set it aside.

He had the manner of imperial nobility – eating and using things lightly and sparingly. Even when he liked something, he wouldn’t be greedy like ordinary people. Even his preferences were controlled to avoid revealing weaknesses, not wanting others to see his vulnerabilities. Feng Zhiwei hadn’t expected him to devour it heartily. Seeing him stop after two bites, she immediately smiled with her chin propped up: “Actually… Your Highness, I didn’t finish what I was saying earlier.”

“Oh?”

“The pigeon eggs in this dish are real, and there is flying dragon meat, but there’s one more main ingredient…” Feng Zhiwei smiled with ill intent. “It’s southern rice worm meat…”

Before she finished speaking, she saw Ning Yi set down his bowl with a clap, his face paling.

Then he hurriedly stood up, forcing a smile: “Suddenly remembered there’s something I haven’t handled. I’ll head back first. You rest early.”

“No need to see you out.” Feng Zhiwei leaned against the pavilion railing, smiling charmingly and waving her sleeve, watching Ning Yi flee almost at a run to the well and descend through the secret passage mechanism. He left more decisively than any previous time. She smiled with great satisfaction.

The moment Ning Yi’s figure disappeared at the well opening, the smile vanished from her face. She sat there blankly in a daze for a long while, then stood up, rubbing her aching posterior that had been jabbed painfully, and held the box in her arms.

She gently stroked the box, discovering that the original seal had been opened. At the seal, the letter papers that had once been soaked by water – probably later carefully dried in the sun by Hua Qiong – showed thin brittle edges. They crowded together at the opening, rustling lightly in the breeze, as if competing to fall into her hands. She only needed to lightly pinch with her fingers to extract a letter. Just like before, letters representing mystery and the unknown – not knowing which would bear reed and bird feathers, or carry tides and coral from Anlan Gorge, or perhaps her own only reply, carrying the warmth of fingers and that year’s joy, returning after the vicissitudes of time from the cold river bottom.

Only back then, the mystery and unknown held the joy of opening and anticipation. Now the mystery and unknown remained, but the feelings from that time were long gone.

Indeed, worldly affairs constantly changed. One moment’s mood became the next moment’s history.

She stood holding the box for a long time, her eyelashes dampened by dew like mist, but ultimately didn’t open the box, didn’t attempt to take out any letter.

Near dawn, she returned to her room holding the box, her retreating figure somewhat hesitant and lonely.

She didn’t know.

Someone had entered the underground passage at the well bottom but hadn’t vomited, nor had he quickly left.

The water level in the well rapidly receded. At the passage entrance, on the slightly damp ground, he stood in long silence. The earlier pallor of nausea on his face had long faded, replaced by another kind of somber jade color.

Moonlight from above fell down, landing on this square patch at the well opening, appearing especially bright and cold. In that cold light, he stood condensed like a bamboo bearing snow. His sleeves hung in the shadows unreached by moonlight. Vaguely in those sleeves, between his fingers, something slightly pale and square rustled softly in the swirling wind of the darkness.

The next day the Yan couple left. Feng Zhiwei still went. In the long wind, the woman’s smile was bold and bright. Silently embracing Feng Zhiwei, an instruction sounded low beside her ear – only two words: “Take care.”

Take care of yourself, take care of each other. Mountains high and waters long – waiting to meet again.

Feng Zhiwei stood at the courier station watching that woman’s figure walking away without looking back, the corners of her eyes slightly damp. A lifelong confidant, yet destined to gather rarely and part often. When they met again, who knew what month or year it would be.

From far away, she saw the departing Hua Qiong suddenly raise her hand with her back turned. In her raised palm, a dark light flashed. Feng Zhiwei recognized it as Lady Feng’s keepsake she had given her on the grasslands.

Hua Qiong was using her own way to tell her she hadn’t forgotten the oath from the grasslands.

Feng Zhiwei closed her eyes, hearing someone’s low private words in the wind, a voice gentle but long departed.

Behind her drifted a faint scent like green duckweed. Someone floated over silently. Unlike many others who would at this moment embrace the lonely woman and offer comfort, he just focused on standing three feet behind her, eating walnuts.

Walnut shells accumulated on the ground. Standing in a pile of shells, he said dryly and unclearly without raising his head or glancing at that woman: “I’m here.”

Feng Zhiwei’s eyes curved slightly, a smile warming her features. Turning back, she brushed off the walnut crumbs that had fallen on Young Master Gu’s clothes: “Yes, it’s good that you’re here.”

Suddenly hearing the sound of carriages and horses, she turned to see a procession approaching – actually Ning Yi’s. Feng Zhiwei moved aside to the road, but Ning Yi had already seen her and ordered the carriage to stop. Lifting the curtain, he smiled: “Is Marquis Wei seeing off a friend?”

“In response to Your Highness’s inquiry,” Feng Zhiwei said, eyes lowered, her gaze fixed on the tip of her nose as her thoughts stayed carefully contained. “I was seeing Vice Commander Hua off as he departed the capital.”

Ning Yi gazed at her and nodded: “Seeing someone off a thousand miles, eventually you must part. Marquis Wei needn’t be too sorrowful.”

Feng Zhiwei thought – which of your eyes saw me being sorrowful? But facing the group of officials Ning Yi had brought along, she put on a fake smile of gratitude: “Your Highness is truly thoughtful. This subordinate is immediately moved enough not to be sorrowful anymore.”

Someone tittered. Feng Zhiwei’s face remained wooden. Ning Yi wasn’t angry either, saying lightly: “Since Marquis Wei is here, why not also see me off.”

“Where is Your Highness going?”

“His Majesty wants to build a traveling palace in Luo County and ordered me to take people from the Ministry of Works to first examine the terrain and select a suitable location so construction can begin.”

Feng Zhiwei’s gaze flashed – Luo County was a suburb of the capital, always renowned for beautiful scenery. Emperor Tiansheng wanting to build a traveling palace here was quite normal. But Ning Yi never spoke idle words on such occasions. Feng Zhiwei thought for a moment, vaguely grasping the general idea – Luo County had developed water and land transport, guarding the capital’s gateway, near the Tiger Majesty Garrison, south it could descend to the Jianghuai region, north it could ascend to Hedong. This traveling palace was probably also the Emperor planning for the eternal state, building another refuge for imperial descendants.

“Where in Luo County does Marquis Wei think would be most suitable for building the traveling palace?” Ning Yi asked her.

“This subordinate doesn’t understand feng shui and divination.” Feng Zhiwei smiled. “But I’ve heard that Luo County’s Li Mountain scenery is unparalleled in the world. Being backed by mountains and bordered by water best nourishes energy and calms the spirit – it’s a good place.”

Ning Yi smiled and nodded, lowering the carriage curtain. Just as Feng Zhiwei was about to step back, she heard Ning Yi give instructions from inside the carriage lightly: “Marquis Wei’s insight is first in the realm. Why not come to Luo County together? We can examine the location on site together. I’ll request leave from His Majesty for you – he’ll definitely approve.”

Feng Zhiwei froze, about to say “I still have to return to the office for business, the metropolitan examinations just ended and I still need to submit the successful candidates list to the Cabinet, what do you mean dragging me out now?” But Ning Yi had already ordered people to bring two horses without allowing argument. Feng Zhiwei frowned, knowing Ning Yi was never one to fool around. While turning to instruct the servants who had followed: “Go back and tell Master Zong I’m going to Luo County and have him send someone to notify the Ministry of Rites,” she mounted the horse and accompanied Ning Yi’s carriage. Sure enough, after traveling not far, Ning Yi lifted the curtain again: “Marquis Wei might as well come into the carriage – there’s something I need to ask you.”

Feng Zhiwei nodded, about to dismount, when she suddenly felt a prickling sensation on her back. Turning around, Young Master Gu was very close behind her. Even through the veil she could feel his displeasure. The walnuts were crushed without a sound.

Feng Zhiwei smiled apologetically: “Young Master, official business, official business.”

Gu Nanyi remained silent, looking her over from head to toe. He raised his hand and drew her collar tighter, ensuring not a bit of skin was exposed, before releasing her.

Feng Zhiwei, sweating, entered Ning Yi’s carriage. Before she could settle, whoosh – the window curtain lifted and something was air-dropped in, landing precisely in the spacious carriage, sitting steadily across from her and Ning Yi.

The Gu family’s little miss.

Gu Zhixiao was very obedient to her father. Without a sound she squatted opposite the two, following her father’s requirements – watch that man.

Feng Zhiwei showed Ning Yi an apologetic and helpless bitter smile.

Ning Yi let out a cold laugh and raised his hand.

Gu Zhixiao silently collapsed unconscious.

Feng Zhiwei let out an “Eh,” thinking “you even bully children – when Young Master Gu finds out he’ll fight you to the death.” Just as she was about to protest, Ning Yi had already pulled her over, lightly nuzzling the skin by her ear, saying softly: “This King is doing this for your good. Do you want to be watched like this?” His voice gradually lowered, his lips wandering by her ear, exploring and slowly approaching, his voice deep and laughing, intoxicating as aged wine: “…Hmm?”

Feng Zhiwei felt everywhere his lips passed burning fiercely. Thinking her ears must have turned red, she quickly dodged backward, saying seriously: “If you pulled me into the carriage just to take liberties, we might as well part ways here.”

Ning Yi ignored her stern words, still sniffing her earlobe, finding her breath still so clear and pure. Only then satisfied, he released her. His eyes carried laughter but his words were cold. As soon as he spoke, it was earth-shattering: “The Second Brother plans to incite the Tiger Majesty Garrison today!”

Feng Zhiwei’s eyebrows jumped, her expression already solemn: “How do you know?”

“The Tiger Majesty Garrison has his people – how could it not have mine?” Ning Yi said lightly. “The case investigation is tight. His Majesty is furious. Though there’s no explicit decree punishing the Second Brother yet, he ordered the Tenth Prince to send Imperial Guards to surround the Second Brother’s residence. The Second Brother sensed something wrong, bribed the guards and escaped. I thought he would go to the Changning fief, but he went straight to the Tiger Majesty Garrison. Seems his treasonous heart won’t die – he wants to coordinate inside and outside with Changning. I heard tofu prices in the Changning fief have risen. Looks like Changning is already massively stockpiling grain and requisitioning military supplies. The Second Brother wants to control the center from the capital with the Tiger Majesty Garrison while Changning’s army marches north. If successful, they’d divide the realm – truly a fine calculation!”

“Then you going to Luo County…”

“His Majesty truly wanting to build a traveling palace and secret chambers in Luo County is real. But today my going there is a pretense. I brought the tiger tally and can also mobilize Tiger Majesty troops who refuse to rebel. Ten thousand Changying Guards are waiting for me at Santun Village ahead. I can also mobilize the Jianghuai naval forces stationed near Luo River – they can arrive by waterway in half a day. Combined with Luo County garrison troops, attacking the Tiger Majesty Garrison from the rear from the foot of Li Mountain, commanding the heights with all terrain advantages – if the Second Brother doesn’t mobilize troops from the garrison it’s fine, but move one soldier and blood will flow like rivers!”

Ning Yi spoke these words plainly, but killing intent showed in his brows. Then the murderous aura appeared and disappeared. He gently stroked Feng Zhiwei’s hair: “His Majesty ordered me out of the capital to deal with the Second Brother… I was looking for you when I happened to encounter you in the suburbs…”

Feng Zhiwei remained silent, her eyes bright and clear – military orders came like fire. Receiving orders meant immediate departure. From Ning Yi’s route leaving the capital, she could see he deliberately took a detour, obviously to find her, wanting to bring her along – he worried that she alone in the capital would be harmed by the Second Prince’s other desperate subordinates. Only in the army would she be safest.

Such deeply considerate thoughts, yet never spoken aloud.

Her silence, seen by Ning Yi, made him think she was unwilling to follow. He sighed softly, unable to help saying: “Zhiwei, don’t be stubborn. Let me protect you.”

Feng Zhiwei still didn’t speak. She smiled lightly and took out a small bottle from her bosom: “Medicine refined by Zong Chen. His things aren’t bad. I wanted to give it to you last night but forgot. If you’re not afraid it’s poison, use it.”

Ning Yi took it. The jade bottle in his palm was warm and smooth, shining brilliantly like his eyes. He showed a faint smile, looking at the woman before him, thinking this person had deeply considerate thoughts but never spoke them directly.

Sunlight gently shot in through the carriage window cracks, colors light and shadows deep. In a patch of illusory yet bright radiance, the two smiled at each other.

At Santun Village, ten thousand Changying Guards silently merged into the procession. The Luo River naval vice commander had long been waiting three li outside Luo County. Each received Ning Yi’s arrangements and hurriedly departed.

Ning Yi came under the pretext of leaving the capital to examine traveling palace sites for His Majesty. All military measures were secret. On the surface, naturally he had to contact local government. Luo County Magistrate Tao Longxin therefore led all county office officials out of the city to receive them. This area was within the capital region and important, with good scenery. Noble officials and aristocrats came and went constantly. The magistrate frequently received distinguished guests. So even though today’s visitors were the prominent prince and the realm-renowned Marquis Wei, Tao Longxin didn’t lose composure, neither humble nor arrogant, his conduct proper. Feng Zhiwei looked on with considerable appreciation.

“Your Highness, Your Lordship, shall we go see Li Mountain?” After the greetings, Tao Longxin went straight to the point. “Li Mountain itself isn’t large. In this subordinate’s humble opinion, building a traveling palace probably won’t have enough space. But at the foot of Li Mountain is Li Lake – a fine place. Open on all sides, from high ground you can see clear islets and white sand, the clear river like silk. If Your Highness and Your Lordship are interested, this subordinate will arrange for locals to serve as guides.”

The two exchanged glances. Li Lake connected to Luo River – they must definitely go see. If suitable, they could rendezvous with naval forces there and strike directly at the heart.

So they had Tao Longxin arrange a guide. Ning Yi symbolically brought a few Ministry of Works officials to Li Mountain, sending them up the mountain to examine the terrain while he and Feng Zhiwei boarded Dan Lake. Young Master Gu carried his Gu Zhixiao and followed without a word.

An official boat was stopped by Li Lake’s shore, quite bright and conspicuous. Feng Zhiwei looked at that sizable boat and shook her head, pointing at a row of willow-leaf boats stopped on the shore ahead, laughing: “I think using those to tour the lake – a single leaf boat, riding wind and waves – seems to have more charm.”

“Your Lordship is an unparalleled gentleman, elegant to the bone, naturally loving the transcendence of boating on lakes.” Tao Longxin smiled. “But those boats are too small. The lake has strong waves and boats often capsize. This subordinate bears responsibility for Your Highness’s and Your Lordship’s safety and dares not let you both personally venture into danger.”

“Magistrate Tao is very cautious. Let’s take the official boat then.” Ning Yi made the final decision and boarded first. Tao Longxin personally accompanied them. Feng Zhiwei sighed and followed. But Tao Longxin knew how to conduct affairs. After the boat departed, he had people set up tables and mats at the bow, spreading clean rush mats. Crystal plates held seasonal fruits. They brewed the local famous tea “Cloud Down” whose clear fragrance spread in all directions. In curling tea fragrance and gentle breezes, they sat leisurely facing lake scenery and mountain colors, savoring the sky’s clouds and rosy light.

Sitting opposite were naturally Feng Zhiwei and Ning Yi. Gu Nanyi always viewed Ning Yi unfavorably. Not beating him was only for Feng Zhiwei’s sake in forbidding it – he wouldn’t sit with him. He was at Feng Zhiwei’s side with Gu Zhixiao fishing. The fishing rods had no bait, only two small golden monkeys hanging upside down, their fluffy paws stupidly patting the water surface. What they caught were all tiny shrimp the size of fingernails. Young Master Gu was very satisfied, solemnly instructing servants to make “pigeon egg flying dragon rice worm small shrimp custard.”

Over there the Luo County official boat’s chef scratched his head pondering how to make this legendary dish. Here Feng Zhiwei raised her cup and scooped, as if gathering clear wind and sunlight. Smiling, she passed it over: “Though Your Highness sits in jade halls with golden horses, noble beyond compare, you’re entangled in all affairs and probably rarely have such pleasure of banqueting on lakes and enjoying nature. So with half a cup of clear wind and one cup of rosy light, by this open and bright Li Lake water, I toast Your Highness.”

Ning Yi smiled and raised his cup, but when she set down hers, he said lightly: “I indeed rarely have such leisurely moments in my life. But to this day, the water I find most open and bright was Anlan Gorge in the thirteenth year of Changxi. That night passing through Anlan, the tides rose and fell endlessly, sounding empty-bright yet quiet. The boat’s rising and falling rocked one into slight intoxication. To this day whenever I recall it, I still feel immersed in that night’s dream of listening to tides.”

When he mentioned Anlan Gorge, Feng Zhiwei’s hand already paused. Hearing the middle phrase, the teacup raised to her lips stopped again.

The words sounded ordinary but weren’t. Several phrases had appeared word for word in a certain letter.

The person across sat peacefully, brows and eyes clear and quietly beautiful, faint smile somewhat cool. Wind lifted his robes, unfurling like clouds. The moon-white color with hidden dark silver patterns – understated yet luxurious – rolled in the gentle wind in layers of fine scattered silver light, like this person existed quietly and slightly cool. A sentence or a glance could be like an invisible giant pestle, pounding over silently.

Feng Zhiwei lowered her eyes, drinking the fragrant tea sip by sip, tasting some bitterness.

Only Tao Longxin, who didn’t know the inside story, wore an expression of longing and admiration: “Your Highness is truly an elegant person. A few simple phrases make this subordinate yearn from the heart for Nanhai’s scenery, only regretting having always served inland, unable to see it.”

Ning Yi glanced at him, saying lightly: “If Magistrate Tao is truly interested, this King might put in a good word or two. The Nanhai Provincial Inspector’s office has a vacancy.”

Tao Longxin froze, then smiled somewhat awkwardly: “Your Highness is truly decisive, truly decisive…”

Ning Yi smiled and beckoned to him, taking out a map: “This is the Luo County Li Lake map from the Ministry of Works. This King looks at it and it seems somewhat different from the current Li Lake? Could Magistrate Tao come help look?”

Tao Longxin froze again, then hurriedly nodded and leaned over.

On one side, Feng Zhiwei lowered her head examining her tea.

On the other side, Gu Nanyi “fished up” another batch of tiny shrimp.

Tao Longxin leaned over. Ning Yi placed the map on his knees. He had to lower his head and lean sideways to look.

Ning Yi suddenly raised his hand.

The clear tea in his hand – splash – splashed all over his face!

Tao Longxin let out an “Ah,” but didn’t raise his sleeve to wipe his face. Instead, taking advantage of the momentum, his hand reached out, grabbing toward Ning Yi’s heart!

His extended hand formed a tiger claw. As the claw extended, his five fingers snapped open with a pop. His nails were surprisingly long, the tips slightly curled with starlight flashing – clearly the nails also contained hidden weapons. As soon as his fingers flicked, Ning Yi so close at hand couldn’t dodge.

Just as the nails snapped open, Tao Longxin’s back suddenly hurt.

He howled. No longer caring about killing Ning Yi, the muscles in his back contracted, instantly springing and sliding past. His body rolled into a ball, bizarrely curling into a ball, flying through a rain of blood. In mid-air he looked back in extreme hatred, seeing Feng Zhiwei nonchalantly withdrawing a blood-covered dagger. Casually she also moved aside her teacup, not letting the rain of blood fall into it, smiling: “Better not waste a good cup of tea.”

Tao Longxin’s heart churned. In mid-air he nearly vomited blood. Gritting his teeth, his body suddenly unfurled. His toes hooked the mast and his form spun, like a great banner fluttering and rolling fiercely. He was about to swoop down on Feng Zhiwei from above.

But an extremely fine white light flashed, sharply piercing through the air, whistling over at a speed eyes couldn’t follow. Swish – a light sound.

Tao Longxin’s pouncing form with bared fangs and claws froze.

Fixed on the mast like a sculpture.

A sculpture that would sweat.

Somehow, a fishing line had already wrapped around his waist – transparent and tough, trembling in the wind. The line cut into flesh extremely tight, taut and straight. One could imagine that as soon as someone on the other end of the fishing line pulled hard, he would be miserably cut in half.

A plain pointed green bamboo fishing rod pointed calmly and steadily at his throat.

At the other end of the rod, Gu Nanyi focused on putting the shrimp the pen monkeys had just fished up into the basket. Gu Zhixiao smiled watching that fishing line, very much planning to pull hard, repeatedly having her little chubby hand slapped down by her father.

Fresh blood silently flowed down his back, staining the fishing line red. Tao Longxin’s gaze slowly turned across Ning Yi, Feng Zhiwei, and Gu Nanyi. He gave a miserable laugh: “Good! Good! What a fine method of killing without moving a muscle!”

Feng Zhiwei rose holding her tea, leaning back against the ship’s rail, looking up at him. Taking a sip of tea, she smiled: “Magistrate Tao… let’s call you Magistrate Tao for now. You’re too confident in your acting ability, but too underestimating of your prince and marquis!”

“You knew I wasn’t…” Tao Longxin suddenly stopped speaking.

“Tao Longxin, became a presented scholar in the third year of Changxi, first granted Hanlin Academy Scholar, two years later granted Lecongg County Magistrate in Shannan province. Excellent political achievements, consecutively reported outstanding by the Merit Rating Office for three years. But because of a case of descendant abusing elders during his tenure, he was impeached by a censor and demoted to Shannan. From then on he never recovered. In the tenth year of Changxi, he returned to the capital to report on duties, sat on a cold bench for over a year, spent countless wasted silver, before obtaining this position of Luo River Magistrate.” Ning Yi didn’t even glance at Tao Longxin. Reciting a minor official’s resume as if it were a precious treasure: “With such an experience, reaching today, you must be cautious and careful, always vigilant. How could you still have such ease and composure?”

“This official boat isn’t new, but it was just recently painted. These past few days have had continuous rain – not suitable for painting. You hurried to paint the boat – what were you doing?” Feng Zhiwei took a sip of tea, smiling as she continued.

“Tao Longxin has always served inland, never been to the south. How could he be so familiar with the name of an ordinary gorge in Nanhai?” Ning Yi brushed his slightly damp sleeve.

“The Nanhai Provincial Inspector’s office vacancy has always been filled by recommendations from the Nanhai Provincial Administration Office, generally not transferred by the court. Tao Longxin served as a capital official for several years – how could he not even know this?” Feng Zhiwei used a dry cloth to wipe the blood from her dagger. Her hand released and the cloth flew over the lake surface in the wind, tumbling and rolling like a water bird skimming past.

The two sang in perfect harmony, coordinating seamlessly. Listening, “Tao Longxin’s” expression changed, his face deathly pale. After a long while he gave a miserable smile, nodding: “I truly… underestimated you… Prince Chu is profound, Marquis Wei is ruthless… Twin jades without peer… reputation well deserved…”

Feng Zhiwei raised an eyebrow, thinking which bored person came up with this “twin jades without peer” title? But Ning Yi seemed quite satisfied with this phrase, showing a smile for the first time. Looking at “Tao Longxin” coolly and lightly: “Tell me who you are, who sent you, and I’ll give you a whole corpse.”

Before the words fell.

The boat shook.

Then someone’s fierce voice rang out.

“Leave behind your life, hand over the tiger tally, and I’ll also give you a whole corpse!”