Feng Yexuan's mood inexplicably improved.
He even picked up the teapot and poured a cup for the girl sitting beside him.
"Your eyes are red. Drink this tea and go back to rest early."
Chu Qianli raised the cup and glanced at him. "Your Highness, you're not much better than me. Your face is pale... Are you injured?"
"Just a minor injury, not worth mentioning."
So Chu Qianli didn't press further.
Although she could see he had internal injuries, they didn't seem severe. With his physical condition, he would recover quickly with a little rest.
However, Chu Qianli had finished her cup of tea, yet neither of them showed any intention of leaving.
She held the cup, and his long fingers rested on the rim of the teapot.
No one spoke, and a quiet moment passed.
The wind continued to blow softly.
After an unknown amount of time, someone finally spoke.
"Regarding Prince Yu..."
"This King will order people to continue..."
The two looked up and met each other's eyes, their feelings complex.
In reality, there were many things they wanted to say, but the words that came out always seemed unrelated to themselves.
It was all about the bigger picture, about official matters.
Finally, Feng Yexuan pursed his lips and stood up.
"This King will order people to continue watching Prince Yu, but I'm afraid it won't last much longer. He has already ordered troops to be recalled from outside the city."
"If we continue to forcibly stop him, the Imperial City itself might become a battlefield."
"I know." Therefore, Chu Qianli's current problem was not only to treat her father but also to find a legitimate way to apprehend Prince Yu as quickly as possible.
Feng Yexuan said nothing more. He glanced at her and then turned to leave.
Chu Qianli watched him go.
That cold, hard back now seemed to carry a hint of loneliness.
Desolation, solitude, and a deep sense of weariness.
Her heart felt a pang of sadness.
Actually, she had many things she wanted to say just now, but she didn't know where to begin.
The past, like a movie, replayed scene after scene in her mind.
His kindness, his cruelty...
His gentleness, his ferocity...
Could letting go truly allow one to start anew with a clear heart?
If she didn't let go, would the rest of her life be free of regret and remorse?
She didn't know, she truly didn't know.
The path ahead was uncertain; how should she proceed?
Before Chu Qianli could sort out her thoughts,
Not long after dawn, there was indeed movement at Prince Yu's mansion.
Two elite cavalry units arrived from outside the city, and Prince Yu intended to force his way out.
"My army is outside the city. Second Imperial Brother, do you want to see a ravaged populace, or will you let your elder brother return to the north and live in peace?"
Looking at Chu Lingyang, who was responsible for guarding Prince Yu's mansion, Prince Yu pulled on his reins and rode his horse to his front.
"Elder Brother merely seeks a place to settle and live out his remaining years. Second Imperial Brother, we are brothers; why must you relentlessly pursue your elder brother?"
"Elder Brother, I have no such intention."
"Then why won't you let Elder Brother return to the north?"
Prince Yu leaped off his horse and strode forward.
Chu Lingyang was immediately forced to retreat two steps by him.
"Elder Brother..."
"If I remain here, do you think the Emperor will let me off?"
Prince Yu knew that among his brothers, Chu Lingyang had always maintained a neutral stance.
Although his heart leaned more towards Chu Jiangnan, at least he harbored no ill will towards his brothers!
Prince Yu said coldly, "Or do you also wish to kill me?"