Chu Minghao, immediately after leaving Chu Feiyan's courtyard, received earth-shattering news.
"The Heaven and Earth Lock has appeared in the Imperial City?"
The Heaven and Earth Lock, sought by royal families of various nations for many years, had actually appeared in their Southern Ming Imperial City!
It was simply unbelievable!
"Where did this news come from?"
Gui Tong immediately replied, "It was sent by the Prince of Xuan just now. However, this news has likely already reached the ears of many."
Many people, the meaning was as clear as it could be.
Royal families and major powers of various nations were all searching for the Heaven and Earth Lock.
Prince Xuan and Prince He would definitely go as well.
Chu Minghao suddenly turned and left.
Gui Tong hesitated for only a moment before immediately following his footsteps.
The night was cool and quiet.
Chu Qianli was still reading.
This woman, rumored to be enchanting, unrestrained, and promiscuous.
Before interacting with her, Chu Minghao had imagined her to be a woman who wore heavy makeup daily, alluring and even devilish.
But, these past few days, she had been staying in Yuhua Palace, her face bare of makeup, and even her clothing chosen in the simplest styles.
He would not mistreat her; he had long ordered people to send the most luxurious clothes, and even a full assortment of rouge and powder that young ladies would use.
Yet, she had not touched any of it.
Instead, she had asked for a few of the simplest plain clothes.
As for her habits, according to Gui Tong, when she was alone, she spent most of her time reading.
Either military books, or classical medical texts obtained from who knows where.
In short, it was very different from what Chu Minghao had imagined.
"I will personally enter the palace to see His Majesty the Emperor of Northern Ming tomorrow morning and bid him farewell."
"You're leaving?" Chu Qianli seemed somewhat surprised.
But she quickly composed herself.
"Since Princess Feiyan has awakened, can I also leave? You are returning to Southern Ming, and I should return to Longteng..."
"I apologize, Miss Chu, I came to see you precisely to discuss the matter of you being my guest in Southern Ming."
Chu Qianli's expression immediately turned grim: "Your Highness, if I recall correctly, I have not agreed to go to Southern Ming."
"My intentions are sincere, can Miss Chu not consider it carefully? Moreover, since Miss Chu said she intends to cooperate with me, then a trip to Southern Ming is only natural, isn't it?"
Before Chu Qianli could speak, Chu Minghao preempted her, "Furthermore, although Miss Chu has now been bestowed the title of Prince Li of Longteng, according to the news sent back by my people, the Empress of Longteng had originally issued an order to arrest Miss Chu, and if she resisted, to kill her without mercy."
"Let's not discuss when the Empress of Longteng changed her mind. Just considering the Empress's capriciousness, even if Miss Chu returns to Longteng under the title of Prince Li, which holds no real power, she may not necessarily live a peaceful life."
He took two steps closer to her, curled his lips, and smiled, "Miss Chu, what do you say?"
"What is the significance for you, Your Highness, to bring me to Southern Ming?"
Chu Qianli did not answer his question, but instead posed her own query.
Chu Minghao smiled faintly: "Miss Chu need not try to fathom my intentions, but I must bring you to Southern Ming. If Miss Chu herself has the inclination, that would be best."
"If Miss Chu insists on resisting, then this journey may not be a pleasant one for you."
"Are you threatening me?" Chu Qianli narrowed her eyes, her gaze icy.
Chu Minghao's expression remained unchanged, and he continued to smile: "Miss Chu misunderstands. I am merely discussing with you. I dislike forcing others the most."