Xiao Juesong harbored deep resentment towards Emperor Youning, desperately wanting the world to know just how despicably the Emperor had obtained his throne.

He single-mindedly hoped that Xiao Huayong would tear away Emperor Youning’s hypocritical mask.

His bitter scheming, born of unwillingness, was merely self-consolation. Encountering Xiao Huayong felt like finding an opportunity. These people were all carefully cultivated by Xiao Juesong, who valued quality over quantity. If they dispersed now and were exposed, it would also reveal the news of Xiao Juesong’s passing. Given Xiao Juesong’s identity, Xiao Huayong found great use for them, so he simply took over these people and assigned them to local positions.

Shen Xihe also shared her plans with Xiao Huayong. After the couple discussed and agreed, Shen Xihe went to pack while Xiao Huayong sought Emperor Youning’s permission to escort Shen Xihe, only to be harshly rebuked and refused.

Xiao Huayong put on a show of kneeling for a long time in Mingzheng Hall, eventually fainting, but failed to soften the Emperor’s heart. Even the Empress Dowager, who usually indulged Xiao Huayong, came but didn’t help him, instead persuading him to give up his request to accompany Shen Xihe.

Early the next morning, Shen Xihe met her assigned escorts at the palace gates, all appointed by Emperor Youning. To her great surprise, she saw a familiar face. Meeting Bu Shulin’s bright smile, Shen Xihe gave her a deep, measuring look.

After leaving the capital and stopping at the first post station, Shen Xihe finally called her over: “Who gave you permission to come?”

“Naturally, His Majesty permitted it,” Bu Shulin replied, crossing her legs.

“Don’t evade my question,” Shen Xihe rebuked in a low voice. “You know this journey is dangerous. Even if you didn’t know how perilous it would be, Cui Shaoqing must have known and surely told you. Why are you still here stirring up trouble?”

“It’s precisely because I know how dangerous it is that I came to protect you. I may not be as clever as you, but in terms of martial arts, those who can match me in the capital can be counted on one hand.” Bu Shulin walked to the table, picking at the snacks. When she found something she liked, she didn’t even bother to clean her hands before popping it into her mouth.

Shen Xihe was too concerned to mind her uncouth habits: “Have you lost your mind? Why do you think His Majesty so readily agreed to let you come?”

Still chewing her snack, Bu Shulin remained unconcerned: “Nothing pleases His Majesty more than killing multiple birds with one stone.”

To eliminate both her and Shen Xihe – though His Majesty certainly wouldn’t take Shen Xihe’s life, he would take Bu Shulin’s. Especially since Bu Shulin had volunteered to come along, if anything were to happen to her on the journey, the King of Shunan would have nowhere to seek justice.

“With me here, His Majesty will have to be more careful in dealing with both of us,” Bu Shulin said casually as she sat down and continued munching on pastries.

“His Majesty could choose to only take your life,” Shen Xihe’s obsidian-like eyes darkened.

“Would you stand by and watch His Majesty eliminate me?” Bu Shulin stretched her neck, squinting with a playful expression, but her gaze showed complete trust.

Emotionally, Bu Shulin had come to share the Emperor’s attention away from her. Between using Shen Xihe to draw out Shen Yueshan and killing Bu Shulin to take control of Shunan, each had its advantages and disadvantages.

However, killing Bu Shulin and taking over the Shunan army was the better option. It had been difficult to move against Bu Shulin in the capital with too many eyes watching. Unless Emperor Youning could simultaneously kill Bu Tuohai, there would be retaliation.

Now that Bu Shulin had left the capital, if she died outside, it wouldn’t be tied to His Majesty’s orders. As long as it could be reasonably explained, there would be no need to appease Bu Tuohai. It was a rare opportunity. There would be other chances to probe Shen Yueshan’s disappearance. Although His Majesty was curious about the intrigue behind Shen Yueshan’s disappearance, he knew this matter wouldn’t shake the foundation of the state. Comparing the two, naturally taking the chance to kill Bu Shulin was the better choice.

Logically, Shen Xihe wouldn’t let His Majesty move against Shunan. Once His Majesty controlled Shunan, he would launch a war with Tibet. At that time, Shen Yueshan would have to passively assist the court. Once His Majesty pacified Tibet, the northwest would be in danger.

“Don’t do such things in the future,” Shen Xihe said softly.

She knew Bu Shulin was risking her life, using herself to shield Shen Xihe from the Emperor’s malice. This friendship was profound and sincere.

Bu Shulin carried the responsibility of Shunan in her heart. She wouldn’t even reveal her identity to Cui Jinbai, worried their relationship would change if her identity was exposed. Yet she was willing to step forward without hesitation for Shen Xihe at this time, based on absolute trust in Shen Xihe’s ability to protect her.

“I was also tired of being in the capital. I suspect Stone-head Cui has become suspicious of my identity,” Bu Shulin opened up with some frustration.

“Oh?” Shen Xihe wasn’t surprised. With Cui Jinbai staying at the Bu residence and the two spending day and night together, even if they weren’t sharing a bed, some things would show signs. Not to mention distant matters, just a woman’s monthly cycle was a major oversight.

“I don’t know what made him suspicious, but lately he keeps trying to get physically close to me,” Bu Shulin said, a thin layer of anger appearing on her face. “This is a good chance for me to avoid him for a while.”

You can avoid the beginning but not the end. Cui Jinbai had been at the Ministry of Justice for so many years, solving cases like a deity. Once he became suspicious, he wouldn’t easily give up. Bu Shulin’s identity probably couldn’t be hidden from him for much longer.

Giving Bu Shulin a “good luck with that” look, Shen Xihe pulled her close and told her the detailed plans.

“What? You mean it’s not just His Majesty who means you harm?” Bu Shulin’s eyebrows shot up high.

“Of course not. We’ll see if they make their move,” Shen Xihe smiled slightly.

Bu Shulin crouched as she headed out, and Shen Xihe watched her from the side: “It’s too late to back out now.”

Pouting, Bu Shulin patted her chest: “I’m loyal to my friends! I always put myself on the line for my friends!”

“Go back now,” Shen Xihe dismissed her.

Bu Shulin took a few steps, then turned back to gather all her favorite pastries from the table.

Shen Xihe: …

“Give me more tomorrow,” Bu Shulin said, pinching and waving a translucent flower-shaped rice cake as she walked away eating.

With Bu Shulin’s company on the journey, Shen Xihe found it much more entertaining. When she could cook, she would personally make some dishes for her, though not often, as she was in a hurry to search for her father.

They passed through Qizhou without incident. At the post station, Shen Xihe switched with people sent by Xiao Huayong. Early in the morning, she joined the main group, including Zhenzhu and others Shen Xihe had brought, boarding a boat. Meanwhile, Shen Xihe, accompanied by Moyu who protected her in secret, took the land route to Liangzhou.

Throughout the past year, Shen Xihe had never neglected her horsemanship. Galloping alongside Moyu, though uncomfortable after a full day, she could endure it.

“My lady, His Highness has left the palace, but there’s no news yet from the Wei River,” Moyu reported while accompanying Shen Xihe at the inn. “However, this servant feels that since leaving Qizhou, someone has been following us.”