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Chu Qi felt grateful that he was able to catch Ji’er back then.

As he watched the girl sleeping soundly, he lowered his head and gently kissed Ji’er’s hair.

Night.

After dinner, Chu Qi returned to his study after walking Ji’er back to her room.

His personal guard followed in to report, “General, I’ve found a clue on that woman. The woman has a tattoo of Southern Xinjiang’s royal totem on her arm. She should be from Southern Xinjiang.”

Chu Qi had already known this and was not surprised to hear the report. “Alright. I’ve got it. We can leave this matter aside for now. I have other work for you to attend to.”

The guard’s expression did not change and he asked, “Please give your orders, General.”

Chu Qi contemplated something for a moment and spread out a sheet of paper to make a letter. After writing something on it, he folded it and placed it into an envelope before handing it to the guard.

“Lin Mo, deliver this letter to the imperial capital and hand it to His Majesty personally.”

Lin Mo took the letter and did not ask any further questions. “Yes, General.”

“Deliver it to His Majesty in the fastest way possible,” Chu Qi instructed once more. “You can leave the moment day breaks.”

“As you wish, General.” Lin Mo took the envelope and left the study to make preparations.

Chu Qi stood in front of the wide-open window and stared out into the dark night. There was sorrow lining his face.

Ji’er was emotionally disturbed.

He felt that this could only be solved by the person who caused it.

The emotional turmoil Ji’er was experiencing had to be resolved by His Majesty.

He hoped His Majesty would be able to make a trip to West Water Frontier after receiving his letter and help Ji’er with her troubles.

Chu Qi gave a long sigh and walked out of the study, heading toward Ji’er’s room.

Jí’er was just done with her bath and was sitting in front of the window with her wet hair falling all around her.

Chu Qi took a towel and walked over to her. He closed the windows first before moving behind her and gently wiping her wet hair.

Ji’er turned around and gave him a smile.

Chu Qi clenched his fingers that were holding the towel.

Even though Ji’er was smiling, it was a sad smile that made his heart ache.

He returned the smile, pretending not to have noticed, and only stopped when her hair was dry. When he held her hand, he found it icy cold and his chest tightened. He suppressed the pain he felt for her and said, “Ji’er, it’s cold at night. Don’t sit by the window.”

“Alright,” Ji’er replied obediently and stood up. She followed him and sat on the bed.

Noting that her hair was already dry, she said to Chu Qi, “Lil Qi, it’s getting late. You must be tired from working the whole day. You should turn in early.”

Chu Qi was taken aback as he stared at her with his dark eyes.

He thought she would make him stay and would not allow him to leave like she did last night.

“Alright.” It took quite a while before Chu Qi replied. He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead before turning to leave.

The smile on Ji’er’s face disappeared when she saw the room door close. She hugged her knees while sitting on the bed and curled up into a tight ball, her face buried in her knees.

Chu Qi did not immediately leave as he stood outside the door.

He stood there for a long time; only when the flames had been put up inside the room did he leave with a heavy heart.

…

Lin Mo rode on the fastest horse through night and day. It was five days later when he finally reached the imperial capital. He met Long Yang and handed the letter Chu Qi gave to him personally to the Emperor.

Long Yang’s heart sank when he saw how exhausted the guard was from rushing throughout the journey and thought something bad must have happened to Ji’er.

However, when he saw the contents of the letter, he staggered and fell into his chair. He looked like he had aged a few years and looked highly despondent.