Feng Zhi Wei’s eyes flashed- Luo County is a suburb of the Imperial Capital and has always been known for its beautiful scenery. It is normal for Tiansheng Emperor to want to build a palace here, but Ning Yi would never make useless small talk with her in this sort of setting. Feng Zhi Wei thought about it and had a vague guess. Luo County has land and water transportation, guarding the gateway to the Imperial Capital, close to the Huwei military camp, and is connected to major key provinces both on the south and north. This palace is probably the emperor’s contingency plan for his posterity, a safe shelter for his descendants. 

“Where in Luo County does Marquis Wei think is the most suitable to build a palace?” Ning Yi asked her.

“Your humble servant does not know much about Feng Shui.” Feng Zhi Wei smiled, “But I heard that Lishan Mountain in Luo County has one of the best views in the world. Being surrounded by mountains and rivers is the best way to replenish one’s energy and mind. It’s a good place.” 

Ning Yi smiled and nodded, lowering the carriage curtain. Feng Zhi Wei was about to step away when she heard Ning Yi’s voice coming calmly from inside the carriage, “Marquis Wei is one of the world’s greatest minds. Why not come with us to Luo County and check out the area together? I will ask His Majesty to grant you leave, it will certainly be granted.”

Feng Zhi Wei was taken aback and was about to say that she still had plenty of things to do concerning the Spring Exam so what was she supposed to do if he was going to drag her off somewhere, when Ning Yi had already ordered two horses to be brought over. Feng Zhi Wei frowned slightly, knowing full well that Ning Yi is not someone who will do useless foolish things. She turned her head and ordered, “Go back and tell Master Zong that I am going to Luo County. Tell him to also send someone to the Ministry of Rites to give them word.” She got on the horse and stayed riding by Ning Yi’s carriage. As expected, they didn’t get too far before Ning Yi flipped open the curtain again and said, “Marquis Wei, you might as well get in the carriage. I have something to ask of you.” 

Feng Zhi Wei nodded and was about to dismount when she suddenly felt a burning like sensation on her back. She turned to see Master Gu very very close to her back. Even through the face veil, she could tell a certain someone was very unhappy as a walnut shattered in silence. 

Feng Zhi Wei smiled apologetically, “Master, it’s business, it’s business.” 

Gu Nan Yi remained silent, looking her over from head to toe, and raised his hand to pull close her collar, making sure not the slightest skin was exposed before he finally let go. 

A sweating Feng Zhi Wei entered into Ning Yi’s carriage. The carriage curtain suddenly flipped open, and something was thrown in, and landed quite precisely inside the roomy carriage, right across from where she and Ning Yi sat. 

It was none other than little Miss Gu. 

Gu Zhi Xiao was very obedient to her father’s instructions. She squatted on the seat across the two people and followed her father’s order– keep an eye on the man. 

Feng Zhi Wei smiled apologetically and helplessly at Ning Yi.

Ning Yi sneered coldly and raised his hand. 

In silence, Gu Zhi Xiao was rendered unconscious. 

Feng Zhi Wei let out a short “Uh”, thinking inwardly that you are even bullying kids now. If Master Gu finds out, he will fight you to death. She was just about to protest when Ning Yi had already pulled her over and gently rubbed his face against the skin by her ear as he muttered in a low voice, “I am doing this for your own good. Do you want an audience?” His voice gradually disappeared, his lips wandering around by her ear, and getting closer bit by bit. With a low throaty laugh, as intoxicating as wine, he asked, “…huh?” 

Feng Zhi Wei felt all the places his lips touched were burning up. Thinking that her ear must be red, she quickly shrank backward and said seriously, “If you pulled me into the carriage just to act frivolously, then we can part ways right here.”

Ning Yi ignored her harsh words and kept on sniffing her earlobe. Satisfied that her smell was still the same pure fresh fragrance, he finally let go. There was a smile in his eyes, but his words were cold and shocking, “Second is going to mobilize the Huwei Main Camp.” 

Feng Zhi Wei’s eyebrow twitched, her expression turned solemn, “How do you know?”

“He has people in that military camp, so why wouldn’t I as well?” Ning Yi said offhandedly, “That case is getting a lot of attention, and His Majesty was furious. Although there was no actual edict to punish Second yet, he ordered Tenth to send the imperial army to surround Second’s manor. Second realized something was off and escaped by bribing the guards. I thought he would go to Changning Fan (his partner in crime) but he headed straight for the Huwei Main Camp. Looks like he has not given up and is going all out by cooperating with Changning. I heard over at Changning Fan the tofu has gone up in price. Looks like Changning is already preparing a large amount of grain and grass through military conscription. Second wants to control the Imperial Capital by using the Huwei Military Camp, Changning will go all the way north with his army. After the deed is done, they will divide the world equally– what a great calculation!” 

“Then you going to Luo County…” 

“It’s true that His Majesty wants to build a palace in Luo County, but me going over there today is a front. I brought the Tiger Talisman, (whoever holds the Tiger Talisman can commend all armies…that seemed like a really bad idea but there you have it.) I can also mobilize the soldiers in Huwei Camp who refuse to mutiny, there are 10,000 Changyin Guards waiting in the Santun village up front, I can also transfer the Navel force stationed near Luo Water, it will only take half a day to get them here via the waterway to meet up with the Luo County Stationed Army. They will come from the foot of Li Mountain and counter-attack the Huwei battalion, with the decided advantage of a high vintage dominant position. Either Second stay put and don’t order troops to march out of camp, or else, once he makes a move, then there will be bloodshed!” 

Ning Yi’s voice was mild as he said those words, but there was a murderous aura in his expression even as he gently stroked Feng Zhi Wei’s hair, “His Majesty ordered me to leave the Capital to deal with Second…but I was looking for you and just happen to meet you…” 

Feng Zhi Wei remained silent, her eyes bright– military orders are like fire, you must leave immediately after receiving an order. However, judging by the route Ning Yi took to leave the Capital, she can see that Ning Yi deliberately took a detour, obviously for the purpose of searching for her, to take her with him— he is worried that by leaving her alone in the Capital, Second Prince’s cornered cronies would harm her. Being with the army is the safest place to be.”

A mind with all those thoughts simmering but unwilling to say it out loud to anyone. 

Seeing her silence, Ning Yi thought that she was unwilling to come along. Letting out a soft sigh, he couldn’t help but said, “Zhi Wei, don’t force yourself to be strong, let me protect you.”

Feng Zhi Wei still didn’t say anything but laughed softly, pulled out a small bottle, and said, “Medicine made by Zong Chen. His stuff is pretty good. I wanted to give it to you last night but forgot. Use it if you are not afraid it’s poison.” 

Ning Yi took it, the jade bottle in his palm was warm, glittering like the expression in his eyes. He smiled softly at the woman in front of him, thinking to himself that this person’s mind has all those thoughts simmering but is unwilling to say it out loud to anyone. 

The sunlight came in gently between the gap of the carriage window, with deep spotted colors. In the illusive and bright lights, the two looked at each other and smiled.

All text copyright @ www.Ninja-Reflection.com

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