Chapter 86
Shangguan Ye’s words carried an air of nonchalance. To him, war was nothing to fear. If anything, he welcomed it—better to return to the borderlands than remain entangled in the political turmoil of the capital. Most importantly, he could use the opportunity to take Murong Qiufeng along, shielding him from the chaos brewing at the heart of the empire.
But Murong Qiufeng’s expression shifted drastically. His eyes widened as his complexion paled. Over the past days spent by Shangguan Ye’s side, he had learned much. Just one sentence was enough for him to grasp the root of the situation and the calamities it threatened to unleash.
The first thought that struck him was whether this scheme was connected to Zhao Xiru’s disappearance. If so, then…
Seeing Murong Qiufeng’s sudden pallor, Shangguan Ye placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Don’t overthink it. This has nothing to do with you. Matters beyond the border are far more complicated than they seem. Though it may appear that large and small nations coexist peacefully, it’s merely a façade while each waits for the right moment to strike.”
“But isn’t Zhaoguo our ally?” Murong Qiufeng frowned, unease gnawing at him. Memories of Zhao Xiru’s actions and her insistence on touring the city together resurfaced, leaving a bitter taste in his heart.
Was it all an act?
He had truly come to regard Zhao Xiru as a younger sister.
Shangguan Ye sighed lightly. “Between nations, there are no eternal friends—only eternal interests.”
Murong Qiufeng felt a pang of sadness at those words. Turning to Shangguan Ye, he thought of the years the man had spent guarding the empire’s borders. Now, just when he had a chance for some peace, it seemed he was being thrust back into the fray.
“If war does break out, will you return to the battlefield?” Murong Qiufeng asked, concern etched between his brows and a fleeting reluctance shimmering in his eyes.
Shangguan Ye caught his gaze and couldn’t help but smile. His lips curved in a carefree, almost roguish manner. “If I do, would you come with me?”
Murong Qiufeng hesitated, his emotions swirling, but eventually nodded firmly.
Shangguan Ye’s smile deepened, his eyes narrowing slightly with amusement. “Does that mean you’ll follow me wherever I go?”
Murong Qiufeng paused, sensing an odd undertone in the question. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded again. “If that’s what you wish.”
Caught off guard by the earnest reply, Shangguan Ye pressed a hand to his forehead and let out a series of low chuckles. Then, throwing his head back, he laughed heartily, his mood visibly brightened. When his laughter subsided, he leaned in close, his voice dropping to a murmur by Murong Qiufeng’s ear. “Remember what you said today.”
Straightening, Shangguan Ye’s tone turned brisk. “I’m off to see the Emperor. Return to the Wang Manor and discreetly deploy the shadow guards to search the city. Start there.”
Murong Qiufeng set aside the cryptic exchange for now and nodded resolutely before hurrying off.
Shangguan Ye watched him leave, a faint smile lingering on his lips. Behind him, Commander Wang observed the interaction, a mix of curiosity and admiration in his expression. It seemed the rumors were true—the prince held the young master of the Murong family in high regard.
Yet Wang didn’t believe Murong Qiufeng relied solely on connections. Having accompanied Shangguan Ye in battle, he knew the prince wouldn’t keep anyone incompetent by his side.
Back at the Wang Manor, Murong Qiufeng headed straight to his study. Seated at his desk, he quickly sketched a portrait. The image was unmistakably Zhao Xiru.
“Ah Si,” he called softly.
A shadowy figure emerged silently, standing at a respectful distance. “Young master, your orders?”
Murong Qiufeng handed over the portrait. “Take this and assemble a team. Investigate discreetly. Start within the city. If you find her, don’t alarm her—just monitor her movements.”
“Yes.” The shadow figure examined the portrait, folded it carefully, and tucked it away.
“Wait,” Murong Qiufeng added, grasping the figure’s arm. “How’s your injury?”
The shadow flinched slightly but quickly sidestepped, bowing his head. “It’s healed.”
Murong Qiufeng sighed. “Be careful. If the situation becomes dangerous, retreat immediately. No unnecessary risks. Understood?”
“…Yes.” The shadow hesitated, his voice softening before vanishing into the night.
Murong Qiufeng shook his head in resignation.
This shadow, one of Shangguan Ye’s elite guards, had been assigned to him after a past incident. If not for an accidental slip by Yuxiang, Murong Qiufeng might never have discovered how severely the man had been punished on his behalf.
Later that evening, Murong Qiufeng received an anonymous letter. Curious, he opened it, but the contents caused his expression to change abruptly.
“If you want to see Princess Zhao, come alone to Wulipo, five miles outside the city.”
Yuxiang noticed his reaction and asked anxiously, “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
Murong Qiufeng hesitated before shaking his head and writing a brief note. Handing it to Yuxiang, he instructed, “Deliver this to Shangguan Ye immediately. I need to step out for a while. Don’t follow me.”
Yuxiang frowned, her expression grave. “Where are you going? Is it related to the Seventh Princess?”
“Don’t worry,” Murong Qiufeng said, strapping a sword to his back. “I know what I’m doing.”
With that, he leapt out the window, vanishing into the night.
Yuxiang’s face darkened as she clutched the note. Without hesitation, she turned and sped toward the palace.
Murong Qiufeng’s lightfoot skill, Flowing Clouds Chasing the Moon, might not rival Shangguan Ye’s own technique, but it was still unmatched by most. By the time Yuxiang gave chase, he was already long gone.
