In the carriage.
Feng Dingchu had been looking out the window since he got on.
He hadn't even glanced at Chu Qianli, who was sitting opposite him.
But Chu Qianli knew he wasn't upset with her; he simply didn't know how to live anymore.
Everything in life held no meaning for him.
Chu Qianli still didn't want to give up: "Actually, you still care about the people of the royal family; I know that in my heart."
He remained silent, his facial expressions unchanged.
Chu Qianli didn't know if he had heard her words at all.
She continued, "Many years ago, you had already left the royal family, but you still ordered people to send medicine to the Empress. In your heart, she is also half a family, isn't she?"
He didn't even lift his eyelids.
His gaze out the window was vacant, his eyes empty of everything.
Chu Qianli sighed helplessly, "A Chu, one must look forward in life."
He closed his eyes and leaned against the carriage wall to rest.
Chu Qianli sighed silently.
She didn't know how long this situation would last.
He was a kind person, otherwise, he wouldn't have specifically ordered people to send medicine to the Empress.
But he was also an unfortunate person.
If the Empress Dowager could have apologized to him sincerely before her death, then the knot in his heart, which had tormented him for over a decade, would have instantly untangled.
He was so magnanimous, kind, and tolerant.
Unfortunately, instead of atoning before her death, the Empress Dowager continued to hurt him.
Now that the Empress Dowager was dead, this hurt would forever remain in his heart, unerasable.
"A Chu..."
"I am fine," Feng Dingchu still had his eyes closed, resting quietly. "No need to worry."
Perhaps because he hadn't spoken for a long time, his voice was very hoarse.
Chu Qianli's heart was suddenly torn.
He was far from fine.
For the rest of the time, Feng Dingchu did not speak another word.
Chu Qianli did not force him, taking out a soft pillow and mattress and spreading them in the carriage.
Feng Dingchu lay on them for the entire day, only getting off the carriage once to rest.
Two days later, they arrived at Thousand Year City.
They had traveled at a decent pace, but it was not fast at all compared to Feng Yexuan's convoy.
As soon as they entered Thousand Year City, Chu Qianli felt an exceptionally fervent atmosphere.
"Prince Xuan is going out to suppress the Mountain Tiger Gang?"
"That's right, miss. Prince Xuan is leaving the city from the North Gate today, and everyone is rushing to see the Prince's demeanor."
Shiyi had arrived half a day earlier than them, and his intelligence network was already in operation.
Chu Qianli suddenly thought of a problem: they truly needed a lot of money.
Under Shiyi's intelligence network alone, there were reportedly several hundred people currently.
Intelligence work could not be accomplished by one, two, or even ten people; collecting information alone required a large number of personnel.
No wonder Fulong's money was almost depleted. This was not a sustainable solution in the long run, and she needed more finances to support the long-term operation of all the teams.
Should she consider engaging in business?
This thought flashed through her mind; for now, she still needed to understand the situation.
"When do they depart?" she asked.
"After arriving yesterday, Prince Xuan and the City Lord have been studying the terrain of the mountain ranges outside. It is said that they will depart at noon today, and there is only a little more than half an hour left."
Shiyi looked up in the direction of the city's north gate. "Miss, look at the common people all heading north. Prince Xuan's convoy should be leaving the city soon. Would you like to go and see?"