Huo Yan left the room and personally went to prepare a meal for the Ninth Prince.

This was not a task that could be entrusted to anyone else.

At this point, the only people who knew that Mu Mu was the “Ninth Prince” were the three of them alone.

Mu Mu could not go out, as he was not officially part of the procession — yet his basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, and movement still had to be attended to.

It was, therefore, a somewhat inconvenient arrangement.

After Huo Yan departed, Feng Jiu’er sat with something weighing on her mind.

At some point, Mu Mu set down the military text he had been reading and looked at her. “Are you worried that the new recruits might be in danger?”

“There will inevitably be danger on this journey. They should have understood that when they took part in the selection — even if they had not joined this mission, they would have been assigned to another.”

Feng Jiu’er stood by the window, peering through the gap of the half-open shutters at the night outside, which was gradually sinking into darkness.

The window was not open wide, so there was little fear of anyone catching a glimpse inside. Besides, viewed from a distance, Mu Mu’s current attire made him look remarkably indistinguishable from Ninth Imperial Uncle.

Jiu’er continued. “They believe you to be Ninth Imperial Uncle, and naturally understand that they bear the responsibility of protecting the Ninth Prince. Not a single one of them will let their guard slip.”

This was one of the tests — and a necessary ordeal to pass.

Those admitted into the Longqi Army were the finest recruits. Having entered, they were expected to understand there was no turning back.

“Mu Mu, Huo Yan will bring your evening meal presently. It is not convenient for me to remain in the same room with you for too long — I don’t wish to invite gossip. I’ll go next door first. If you need anything, knock three times on the wall and I’ll come over.”

Mu Mu looked at her again. The exhaustion in her eyes and the faint hint of strain were plain to see.

She had barely recovered from a serious illness, and yet she would not even allow herself to rest. On the very first day she woke, she had gone out with the army.

To say that Feng Jiu’er was not tired now was absolutely impossible.

A faint, bittersweet feeling flickered through Mu Mu’s heart. He gave a slight nod. “Alright. If anyone draws near, I know how to handle it — you needn’t worry.”

Just as he had done earlier today, he had turned away even the Empress and the Crown Prince. There was certainly no one left he feared turning away now.

Whoever he did not wish to see — he would have them leave. If they would not leave, he would force them out. The Ninth Prince’s arrogant and domineering temperament truly came in handy. It made everything remarkably convenient.

“Then I’ll head over now.”

Feng Jiu’er smiled at him, turned, and walked out the door.

The moment she stepped outside, the smile faded from her lips. She could not make herself smile.

She tilted her head back and looked at the moon, which had just risen and was slowly taking shape against the darkening sky. Her eyes were filled with longing.

Ninth Imperial Uncle… where are you right now? Whatever has become of you?

She gazed once more at the night that deepened with each passing moment, then walked to the room next door and pushed the door open.

She had only just stepped inside when there came a knock at the door.

“Who is it?” Jiu’er’s brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of wariness in her expression.

“It’s me.” Xiao Yingtao hesitated a moment before continuing. “Nin— General Feng, may I come in to speak with you?”

The door opened. Of course, the person inside was none other than Jiu’er.

Xiao Yingtao stepped in, but her eyes did not go to Feng Jiu’er first — instead, her gaze instinctively swept around the room.

“What is it, Xiao Yingtao? Are you looking for something?” Jiu’er shut the door and walked over to sit by the small tea table, pouring herself a cup of tea.

She did not drink it immediately. Instead, she drew out a silver needle and dipped it into the tea, waiting a moment. Only after confirming that the needle showed no discoloration did she pick up the cup and drink.

“Xiao Yingtao, when it’s just the two of us, there’s no need to call me General Feng. We are still friends, are we not?”

Xiao Yingtao had been waiting for exactly those words. All along this journey, being made to call her General Feng over and over had very nearly driven her to the edge of madness.

“Jiu’er, where is Mu Mu? With something this serious happening, why did Mu Mu not come along?”