It was unclear what Sima Qing and Xiao Chi had discussed, but after lunch, Xiao Chi hurriedly packed Xiao Wuyou’s small bundle in the military tent.
Before long, Xiao Wuyou and his little bundle were both placed on Jiu Yue’s horse by Xiao Chi.
"Miss Jiu..." Xiao Chi stood beside the horse, his gaze soft as it lingered on his little grandson in front of Jiu Yue. When he looked at her again, his eyes carried a hint of entrustment. "I leave Wuyou in your care."
Jiu Yue could sense Xiao Chi’s reluctance.
After a moment of quiet sympathy, she patted her chest reassuringly. "Don’t worry, General. The young master will surely have a wonderful time in the capital."
Xiao Wuyou was full of excitement at the moment, but when he turned and saw his grandfather’s subdued expression, he squirmed, wanting to climb down.
"Grandfather, what’s wrong?" Xiao Wuyou couldn’t help but ask.
Xiao Chi shook his head, smiling faintly. "Grandfather just thinks it’s amazing that Wuyou can travel alone at such a young age. You’re even more capable than I was."
Xiao Wuyou blushed at the praise.
Xiao Chi sighed silently, then took two steps back before turning away quickly.
This was the first time the grandfather and grandson had been separated.
Xiao Wuyou, innocent and trusting, believed his grandfather’s words and thought this was just a fun trip. But Xiao Chi knew all too well the unrest lurking beneath the surface.
"Your grandfather just can’t bear to part with you," Jiu Yue said, patting Xiao Wuyou’s shoulder to soothe the child’s emotions. "But I’m sure we’ll return soon. By then, your little bundle will be filled with gifts from the capital for him, won’t it?"
Xiao Wuyou pictured the scene, and his spirits lifted again.
Relieved, Jiu Yue glanced back and caught Sima Qing’s signal. She then draped a flowery outer robe over Xiao Wuyou’s head and braided his hair into a little girl’s hairstyle.
From a pile of clinking hidden weapons, she picked out two hairpins and tucked them into his hair.
From a distance… the child sitting in Jiu Yue’s arms looked unmistakably like a little girl.
Xiao Wuyou looked up curiously, only to see Jiu Yue press a finger to her lips with a playful smile.
"Shh… remember those bad men from earlier?"
Xiao Wuyou caught on quickly. "We can’t let them find us."
"The young master is very clever," Sima Qing said, riding up beside them. He turned to Jiu Yue and added firmly, "Make sure to keep Wuyou safe."
Jiu Yue nodded.
And so, the three adults and one child set off on their journey back.
Their return trip was slower than their arrival.
Xiao Wuyou had never traveled south before, and the further they went, the more noticeable the climate change became. Worried the child might fall ill from the unfamiliar environment—and since traveling at night with a young boy wasn’t ideal—they decided to stop at a small town to rest for the night.
When Fu Yu booked only two rooms, Jiu Yue was slightly surprised.
"I thought this place looked safe enough for us to finally get some sleep tonight," she muttered under her breath.
But Fu Yu replied, "Of course we can sleep."
Jiu Yue paused. "So… we’re sleeping on the beams?"
Fu Yu chuckled. "You don’t have to sleep on the beams. You get a bed."
Her expression turned alarmed. "You mean, out of two beds, I actually get one?"
Fu Yu nodded.
"…Then what about His Highness and the young master?" Jiu Yue asked, baffled. "Who’s sleeping on the floor?"
Fu Yu: "…I’ll sleep on the floor."
Jiu Yue: "…"
Finally, she understood the arrangement—she was actually getting a bed to herself! Sima Qing and Xiao Wuyou would share one, while Fu Yu took the floor!
As her expression shifted from shock to delight to confusion, Fu Yu added, "Just rest easy. This was His Highness’s decision."
Lowering his voice, he explained, "Though we’re not short on funds, His Highness prefers to keep a low profile when traveling. This arrangement is just right—it won’t draw attention. Besides, you’re a woman. It’s only proper that you get proper rest instead of squeezing into the same room as us."
Jiu Yue rubbed her chin, impressed. "I never realized His Highness could be so considerate."
Fu Yu: "…Huh?"
Jiu Yue grinned. "Never mind, never mind… If there’s nothing else, I’d like to go explore for a bit."
Fu Yu nodded understandingly. "Go ahead. I’ll keep watch."
What a wonderful colleague! Jiu Yue shot him a grateful look before darting downstairs.
When Fu Yu returned to the room, he opened his mouth to speak, but before he could even utter "Your Highness," Sima Qing silenced him with a look.
Xiao Wuyou was already fast asleep on Sima Qing’s shoulder.
After all, he was just a child. The exhaustion of his first long journey had caught up with him. One moment, he’d been eager to go exploring with Jiu Yue, and the next, his eyelids grew heavy in Sima Qing’s arms before he finally dozed off.
Sima Qing moved carefully, settling the boy down and pulling the blanket over him before joining Fu Yu by the window.
"Where is she?" he asked quietly.
"She said she wanted to look around," Fu Yu replied.
No sooner had he spoken than Sima Qing spotted the figure skipping cheerfully down the street below.
"She does love to wander," Sima Qing mused, narrowing his eyes. "An assassin who enjoys crowds."
Fu Yu wisely stayed silent.
Sima Qing continued, "What do you make of that black-clad man today?"
Fu Yu chose his words carefully. "It seemed he truly recognized Jiu Yue… but only later. That suggests she didn’t use this face when she was with Prince Ping."
That face—Fu Yu remembered it clearly.
"Did you see her reaction?" Sima Qing folded his hands idly, his gaze fixed on the figure below. "The look on her face was quite amusing."
Fu Yu lowered his head. "She must have been shocked. After all, she believes Prince Ping is her enemy."
To be falsely accused of being Prince Ping’s ally—no wonder she was disgusted.
Sima Qing fell into thought.
"His Majesty wants me to use Jiu Yue to get close to Prince Ping," he said, turning to Fu Yu. "What do you think?"
Fu Yu hesitated. "You mean… sending Jiu Yue back to Prince Ping’s side?"
"She was originally his, but now that she’s lost her memory and thinks he’s her enemy, sending her back as a spy would be perfect, wouldn’t it?" Sima Qing said lightly.
"But…" Fu Yu frowned. "What if she regains her memories after returning?"
Sima Qing lowered his eyes. "Then we make sure she learns the truth beforehand."
Jiu Yue loved wandering—perhaps it was an unfulfilled wish from her past life as an overworked laborer.
Back then, after years of toiling like an ox, she hadn’t even stepped outside her district! No wonder she longed to see the world now!
This small town was called Dengtong, named after its lanterns and phoenix trees—both of which were its defining features.
Street vendors sold lanterns in abundance, while phoenix trees lined the roads, creating a harmonious sight.
Under an ancient tree at the bridgehead, a lantern exhibition was in full swing. Jiu Yue hurried over and immediately spotted a magnificent crab-shaped lantern!
It was a masterpiece!
"Boss, I’ll take that one!" Jiu Yue beamed, pulling out her money—only for a delicate hand to suddenly reach past her and snatch the crab lantern away.
Who the hell has the nerve—
Jiu Yue turned around with a scowl, only to meet a strikingly handsome face illuminated by the lantern lights.
Oh, it’s that shameless Sima Qing!
No matter how good-looking he was, he was still a yin-yang master. Jiu Yue snapped back to her senses instantly and eyed the crab-shaped lantern in his hand. "Who knew the usually gentle prince had such a domineering side, fond of snatching things from others?"
Sima Qing: "..."
With visible exasperation, he shoved the lantern into her hands, seemingly through gritted teeth. "This prince merely noticed your hands were full and kindly took it for you."
"Really?" Jiu Yue cradled the lantern protectively, then, under his withering glare, reluctantly amended, "Well, if you say so."
Sima Qing: "..."
Even angrier now.
