“I don’t know who the lover was.” The Empress reached out and touched the teapot. “In any case, by the time I arrived, the person was already dead.”

As long as it wasn’t her own Jin’er.

Feng Jiu’er stood and picked up the teapot.

“Empress, this tea has gone cold. Let me get you a fresh pot — how about flower tea? It’s too late at night for strong tea now.”

“No need.” The Empress waved her hand. “Little Feng, sit down. Let me say a few words.”

“All right.” Feng Jiu’er set down the teapot and sat. “Empress, what did you want to say?”

“Little Feng, I’m going back.” The Empress, somewhat stirred, took hold of Feng Jiu’er’s wrist.

Feng Jiu’er drew her hand back, blinking. “Going back?”

“Mm.” The Empress nodded. “His Majesty has already agreed. I can set out anytime now.”

Feng Jiu’er gently squeezed the Empress’s hand, the corner of her mouth lifting.

“Empress, congratulations!”

“Thank you!” The Empress nodded and stood. “Would Little Feng like to leave with me?”

She walked to the mirror and sat down before it.

Feng Jiu’er stood and followed.

She picked up a comb and stood behind the Empress, tidying her dark hair.

“Empress, why do you plan to bring Little Feng along?”

“Because I like you.” The Empress glanced at Feng Jiu’er through the mirror.

“But Little Feng has her own life. Whether you come or not, I won’t force it.”

“Thank you for understanding, Empress.” Feng Jiu’er said softly.

“Little Feng’s family isn’t in the Kingdom of Fengxi, so under normal circumstances she wouldn’t go.”

“But on the road to Fengxi, we’d pass through several cities, and that does tempt Little Feng a little.”

“If I could travel with the Empress, eating and drinking along the way, and get to see the different cultures of each city — that sounds rather nice, come to think of it.”

The Empress turned back, raising her eyes. “So Little Feng is willing?”

“I only hope you’ll spend a bit more time with me. I don’t expect too much.”

Feng Jiu’er lowered her head, meeting her gaze, the smile on her face turning a bit forced.

“I’m sorry! Empress, this isn’t something I can decide on my own.”

“Perhaps — let me think it over?”

Feng Jiu’er already knew the route to Fengxi would pass through Wutong Town.

It was only that this Empress had turned out kinder than she’d expected — she didn’t want to drag a good person into danger.

“Mm.” The Empress took Feng Jiu’er’s hand, her other hand patting the back of it gently.

“It’s getting late. Let’s head back.”

“That coachman — is he your family? I noticed the way he looks at you is different from how others do.”

“Let’s go.” The Empress released Feng Jiu’er’s hand. “Don’t make him worry too much!”

“Coming into this deep palace for a bit of silver — it’s not worth it.”

“Earning a living isn’t easy.” Feng Jiu’er replied with a smile.

She stepped back half a pace and bowed to the Empress. “Empress, I’ll take my leave now.”

“He’s my elder brother — no blood relation, just a chance-met brother. We’re family in every way but blood.”

“Empress, I’m leaving.”

“Mm.” The Empress nodded, then, as if remembering something, beckoned with her hand.

Feng Jiu’er blinked, looking at the Empress’s hand resting at her waist.

The Empress untied a small token from her belt and held it out.

“Take it.”

Feng Jiu’er reached out with both hands and accepted it. “This is…”

“This token can command my army within the Feng Clan.” The Empress arched an eyebrow.

“You only need to find any Fenglan Inn, and mobilizing several thousand men won’t be a problem.”

“Several thousand men?” Feng Jiu’er took a deep breath, her eyes going wide and round.

“Empress, are you being too generous with Little Feng? Handing your own army over to me, just like that?”

“More than several thousand.” The Empress’s lips curved slightly. “Use them where they’re needed. Use them however you like — just don’t corrupt my people, that’s all.”

Feng Jiu’er stepped forward, took the Empress’s head in her hands, and kissed her lightly on the forehead.

“Long live the Empress, ten thousand years!” She released her, looking thoroughly pleased.

“Being your child really has been wonderful. I imagine the Third Prince can hardly bear to be apart from you.”

“Don’t.” The Empress shook her head. “I really don’t want him coming back to the capital.”

“No matter what, Little Feng wishes the Empress good health, long life, and every wish fulfilled.” Feng Jiu’er stepped back, knelt, and bowed.

“Get up.” The Empress waved her hand.

Feng Jiu’er, still smiling, stood and said, “Empress, I’ll head back now. It’s late, and everyone will worry.”

“Mm.” The Empress nodded lightly and rose as well.

“If anything comes up, come find me. Go on.”

Feng Jiu’er bowed, turned, and left, carrying her small medicine box with her.

As expected, the very next day, troops were already searching around the wellness hall.

“Jiu’er, this could be trouble.” Xing Zizhou returned, drenched in sweat.

The several people sitting together all raised their eyes to look at him.

“His Majesty has ordered them to dig three feet deep to find the people involved. This second search is even harsher than the first — I’m afraid our tunnel might be exposed too.”

Xing Zizhou took the cup of water Xiao Yingtao handed him and gulped down the whole thing.

He handed the cup back to Xiao Yingtao, his gaze still fixed on Feng Jiu’er.

“Jiu’er, what’s your decision now? Just give the order.”

“When will the search troops arrive, roughly?” Feng Jiu’er asked.

“Sometime between noon and one in the afternoon,” Xing Zizhou replied.

“Good.” Feng Jiu’er nodded. “In a quarter hour, we follow the plan — leave in batches.”

“Yes.” Xing Zizhou turned and left to arrange it.

Feng Jiu’er raised her eyes to look at Jian Yi. “Jian Yi, keep watch over my father, don’t let him wander off.”

“The moment it’s time, we leave together.”

Jian Yi nodded, stood, and walked toward Feng Li.

Feng Li, who was studying a game board, glanced up at him. “One round.”

“Mm.” Jian Yi sat down across from him.

Feng Jiu’er looked at the two of them, then, along with the now-standing Qiao Mu, walked outside.

These past few days, the capital had been rife with unease. After the first round of searches, the wellness hall had resumed operating.

Yesterday, word came again that a second round was about to begin.

Today, like many other shops, the wellness hall closed its doors and suspended business.

With no customers coming and going, it would be easier to leave as well.

The wellness hall had a hidden tunnel — just in case, everyone had to evacuate.

Feng Jiu’er and Xing Zizhou had long since arranged the order of departure — first the staff working inside would leave, then Feng Jiu’er, Feng Li, and the others.

The brothers keeping watch nearby had never shown their faces and didn’t need to use the tunnel to leave — they could simply disperse in batches.

Everything was going smoothly, until, midway through, something unexpected happened.

Xing Zizhou came rushing back from outside again, moving even more hastily than before.

Feng Jiu’er, receiving the news, strode out to meet him.

“What happened?” she asked.

“Jiu’er, it’s bad.” Xing Zizhou was panting heavily. “The court has suddenly ordered that the newly opened shops be inspected first.”

“According to our scouts, the First Prince is personally handling this, and the troop has already set out.”

“We only have about half an hour left. This means our last group to leave won’t have enough time.”