The new emperor's first decree upon ascending the throne was to forcibly take his cousin as his

"Qinghe is injured," Shen Qinglian said abruptly.

Ruan Xianrong nodded, "I know."

"Then why did you come?"

Ruan Xianrong was so angry she laughed. Why couldn't she come?

"I came to see Shen Qinghe, not you. If you don't want to see him, you don't have to come."

"Shen Qinghe was injured while saving me. If I don't come, you'll accuse me of being heartless."

Shen Qinglian's voice turned cold. "Qinghe's health is already weak, and he needs more rest. Your visit today means he'll have to rest for a few less hours. If you're doing this for his own good, then come less often."

Ruan Xianrong did not immediately refute. These words were clearly meant to express concern for Shen Qinghe, but they sounded different coming from his mouth.

"I'm worried too..."

"If you really care about him, then stay away from him from now on," Shen Qinglian continued aggressively.

Ruan Xianrong rolled her eyes. He had said this at least twenty times since they were children, fearing that she would abduct Shen Qinghe.

"I know General Shen dislikes me, but I still advise you to mind your own business. Those who meddle in other people's affairs are prone to dying young."

Shen Qinglian snorted lightly: "No need for Miss Ruan to worry, but there is something I must tell you. Some things may not be your intention, but those who are implicated by you are innocent."

"Miss Ruan, take care of yourself." Shen Qinglian said, then stepped aside and went into the house.

Ruan Xianrong watched his retreating figure and angrily kicked the air.

Although she was very dissatisfied, what he said earlier made sense. Someone wanted to harm her, and Shen Qinghe's injury this time served as a reminder to her.

I really shouldn't have gotten too close to him.

Just as she was contemplating whether to go out and hide, a letter arrived from Ruan's hometown, bringing a welcome respite from her drowsiness.

Madam Ruan has been unwell lately, and I miss her.

My parents initially disagreed, but since the old lady had spoken, it was difficult for me not to go back.

After a moment's thought, Ruan Boheng decided that leaving the capital might be a good thing.

The matter has already reached His Majesty's attention, so the person behind it should not make any further moves for the time being.

Once the matter was settled, Ruan Xianrong began preparations to set off as soon as possible.

Ruan Zhaolin offered to see her off, but she refused.

She can return to her ancestral home in Kyoto for two months; that should be enough. She can bring more guards with her.

Mrs. Sun was reluctant to part with her and held her hand, giving her instructions all morning.

"Be careful on the road. Don't talk to strangers, and don't trust anyone easily. If you're in danger, hide behind the guards. Don't be reckless, understand?"

"Also, write back as soon as you get to Minnesota. Don't go out alone. If you really want to go out, bring more people with you."

Seeing that her mother was still talking, Ruan Xianrong smiled and nodded, "I understand, Mother. Don't worry, I will be very careful, nothing will happen."

She's been back to her hometown before, and she knows how to be discreet.

Miaoyin pouted, her eyes red-rimmed, not wanting her to leave.

"Sister Ruan, I want to go with you too."

"You stay here in the Prime Minister's residence and take good care of my parents."

Miaoyin sniffed and could only reply, "Then Sister Ruan must come back soon."

"it is good."

He waved goodbye to his parents and elder brother before getting into the carriage.

She left Kyoto in a hurry this time, and not many people knew about it. Her carriage went straight out of the city.

Another carriage didn't appear until it disappeared on the official road.

The servant said, "Young master, Miss Ruan has already left."

Shen Qinghe coughed violently a few times, and then it became uncontrollable. He couldn't stop coughing and finally vomited blood before he could stop.

*

Ruan Xianrong was probably one of the few modern people who enjoyed riding in horse-drawn carriages.

Although it was slow and bumpy for a long time, she loved riding in a mule cart when she was a child, and since she was in a good mood, none of that mattered.

The thought of her leaving Kyoto for Mingzhou made me feel incredibly relaxed.

He lay in the carriage, humming a tune.

She had a large group of people with her, and the journey went relatively smoothly without any unexpected incidents.

After traveling for more than a month, we finally found a decent inn and stayed there that night.

The group was exhausted, so they washed up early and rested.

In the middle of the night, Ruan Xianrong suddenly woke up and saw a dark figure approaching her in the room.

Before she could even utter a sound, the person covered her mouth and whispered, "Don't make a sound, there are people outside."

As soon as she finished speaking, she heard the sound of people going up the stairs, which frightened her so much that she didn't dare to move.

What's going on?

A thief broke into the inn? Could it be that the person who killed her has followed her again?

The footsteps outside stopped at her door. The man in black moved to the doorway and, just as the person outside opened the door, slammed it shut twice, cleanly and efficiently.

Before Ruan Xianrong could ask any questions, she saw the man dart out the door, and soon the sounds of swords clashing echoed outside.

She mustered her courage and walked toward the door, only to see Yinque running over in a panic.

"Young lady, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, how about you? Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine too."

The two were too weak to even kill a chicken, so they dared not go out and waited until the noise outside stopped.

"Girl, it seems she's gone silent."

"I don't know which side won."

No sooner had he finished speaking than there was a knock on the door.

"It's alright." It was the same man from before, but his voice wasn't as low as it had been, and it sounded somewhat familiar.