The road toward the border stretched long and quiet. The sky slowly turned orange as the sun began to set. Wu Jinhai rode at the front, holding the reins steadily, while Qiao Yu Zhen sat behind her. Moyan Jue and Mo Xiaoqi followed closely.
The journey had been calm, but something had changed between them.
Wu Jinhai could feel it.
She did not turn back, but she spoke.
"You have been quiet."
Qiao Yu Zhen did not answer immediately. "There is nothing to say."
Wu Jinhai gave a faint smile. "Is that so?"
There was a short pause.
Then she added softly, "Or are you still thinking about earlier?"
Qiao Yu Zhen's expression stiffened slightly.
"I am not."
Wu Jinhai finally turned her head slightly, just enough to glance at him. "You are not good at hiding it."
Silence followed.
Qiao Yu Zhen looked away.
Wu Jinhai's voice softened. "I already know."
He frowned slightly. "Know what?"
Wu Jinhai faced forward again. "Nothing."
But her expression carried a quiet understanding.
Something unspoken.
Qiao Yu Zhen did not press further.
The group continued moving.
As the night slowly approached, the land ahead began to change. The air grew colder, and the presence of soldiers could be felt even before they were seen.
"We will reach the border soon," Wu Jinhai said.
Qiao Yu Zhen nodded. "Then we will rest there."
Moyan Jue remained silent, observing everything quietly.
The sky darkened.
Torches appeared in the distance.
The border.
As they approached—
A group of soldiers stepped forward, blocking their way.
"Halt!" one of them shouted.
Wu Jinhai stopped the horse.
"We are travelers," she said calmly.
"No one passes without permission," another soldier replied.
The atmosphere grew tense.
But before anything could escalate—
One of the soldiers stepped closer.
He looked carefully at Wu Jinhai.
His eyes widened slightly.
"…Miss Wu?"
Wu Jinhai looked at him.
The soldier immediately bowed.
"It is you," he said respectfully. "I did not recognize you at first."
The other soldiers looked confused.
"She is General Wu Jianhong's daughter," the soldier explained.
The tension disappeared instantly.
Wu Jinhai nodded slightly. "I need to see my father."
"Yes, of course," the soldier said quickly. "Please follow me."
The group was allowed to pass.
They were escorted through the guarded area toward the military camp.
Inside the camp—
Torches burned brightly.
Soldiers moved with discipline and purpose.
At the center stood the command tent.
The soldier stopped. "The General is inside."
Wu Jinhai stepped forward and entered.
Inside—
General Wu Jianhong stood over a large map.
He looked up as she entered.
For a moment—
His expression changed.
"Jinhai."
Wu Jinhai bowed slightly. "Father."
General Wu stepped closer. "What are you doing here?"
His voice was firm, but concerned.
Wu Jinhai spoke clearly. "I came on the Crown Prince's order."
General Wu frowned. "What order?"
"To find Zhi Xingyuan."
Silence filled the tent.
General Wu's expression grew serious.
"Zhi Xingyuan…" he repeated.
Wu Jinhai nodded. "The Crown Princess has been poisoned. This is the only cure."
General Wu remained silent for a moment.
Then he said, "So it has come to this."
Wu Jinhai looked at him. "What do you mean?"
General Wu's gaze darkened slightly.
"The palace is no longer stable," he said. "If such a rare herb is needed… then the situation is worse than it appears."
Wu Jinhai listened carefully.
General Wu continued, "This will not end quietly."
His voice was low.
Heavy.
Wu Jinhai understood.
Something bigger was coming.
"I will continue the journey," she said.
General Wu looked at her.
Then nodded slowly.
"Be careful."
His voice softened slightly.
Wu Jinhai bowed her head. "I will."
Back in the Imperial City—
Inside the General Wu Mansion—
The night was quiet.
Too quiet.
Wu Feiyan walked through the courtyard.
His expression calm.
But alert.
Suddenly—
A shadow moved.
Fast.
A figure rushed toward him.
Attacking without warning.
Wu Feiyan barely had time to react.
The blade came close—
But before it could strike—
Another figure appeared.
Blocking the attack.
Clang—
The sound of metal echoed.
Wei Zhenyu stood in front of Wu Feiyan.
His expression sharp.
The attacker stepped back.
Then—
Disappeared into the darkness.
Silence returned.
Wu Feiyan looked at Wei Zhenyu.
"You came at the right time."
Wei Zhenyu did not relax. "This was not random."
Wu Feiyan's expression grew serious. "I know."
They both stood still for a moment.
Then Wei Zhenyu said, "We need to investigate this."
Wu Feiyan nodded. "Someone is targeting this family."
The night felt heavier now.
Danger had already reached their home.
And it would not stop there.
...