Having gone through battle, Huaibei City was far more desolate than the areas outside it.

But the moment Feng Jiu’er thought of how she would soon see her man again, she didn’t even wait to rest—she mounted her long-unseen steed and rode off at full speed.

Reunited with Feng Jiu’er once more, Zhuiyue’s lost spirit surged back in an instant, and it galloped with tremendous speed.

“Miss Jiu’er, slow down!” The one who came out to meet her was Long Shiyi.

Long Shiyi urged his horse into a wild chase, but was still left far behind by Feng Jiu’er and Zhuiyue.

With the map in hand, Feng Jiu’er pressed on ahead alone, day and night without stopping.

Upon entering Dongbei City, she rejoined the men of the Longwu Army.

She learned the current state of the war in detail, rested for one night, and set off again.

Long Shiyi arrived in the middle of the night, managing to rest for half a night, along with Jian Yi, his handsome face composed as ever.

Early the next morning, the two of them led the army onward.

The great war was divided into three fronts. Di Wu Ya’s army clashed head-on with Feng Jin’s forces, while Feng Jiang and Zhao Yusheng had each gone to the other two battle zones.

“Miss Jiu’er, don’t be in such a hurry!” Long Shiyi, afraid of losing sight of her, switched to a swifter horse and followed closely.

“If you’re trying to find the prince, without me to guide you, I’m afraid…”

“You say that as if I didn’t already know.” Feng Jiu’er slowed her pace and glanced at Long Shiyi.

On one hand, Zhuiyue was starting to tire; on the other, a certain hero walking behind wasn’t even willing to look at her today.

“Is the prince really unhurt? Don’t lie to me!”

“Truly, he’s fine.” Long Shiyi shook his head. “Miss Jiu’er, don’t worry! The prince is doing well.”

Feng Jiu’er composed herself and asked no more.

She hoped he really was well, and hoped that all her brothers were faring well too.

By nightfall, Feng Jiu’er finally arrived at the military camp under Di Wu Ya’s command.

The camp was orderly and disciplined, but it lacked a certain warmth.

Even though it was already early summer, it gave off a chill more befitting early spring.

“Miss Jiu’er, the prince said you’re to handle the official documents here right away.” A guard lifted the curtain and walked in.

Having only just entered the tent, Feng Jiu’er turned around.

She looked at the guard holding a stack of official documents and frowned. “Are you certain this is the task the prince left for me?”

“Yes, Miss Jiu’er.” The guard handed over the documents without raising his eyes.

Feng Jiu’er took the documents, and before she could ask anything further, Long Shiyi walked in carrying a tray.

He gave the guard a look, and the guard cupped his hands and turned to leave.

Feng Jiu’er set down the documents, sat, and casually pulled one out to look through.

“What in the world is all this?” she muttered.

Ninth Imperial Uncle knew she disliked handling such things and never made a habit of assigning them to her—let alone this much of it.

“Miss Jiu’er, please eat first. I’ve already had a bath prepared for you in the tent next door.” Long Shiyi ladled out a bowl of porridge and set it before Feng Jiu’er.

“You’ve had a hard journey. Once you’ve eaten and bathed, you should rest a while.”

Feng Jiu’er glanced down, picked up the bowl of porridge with one hand, and began to drink it.

Yet her gaze remained fixed on the documents.

Having been terribly hungry, Feng Jiu’er finished the entire bowl of porridge in one go.

As she set down the bowl, she raised her eyes to meet Long Shiyi’s gaze. “Did Ninth Imperial Uncle tell you to show me these?”

Seeing Feng Jiu’er’s brow crease, Long Shiyi immediately averted his eyes and sat down.

“Miss Jiu’er, the bath is ready. Would you like to bathe first, or…”

Suddenly—a metallic clang rang out, silver light flashed, and a dagger was pressed against Long Shiyi’s throat.

“Tell me! What exactly are you hiding from me?”