Chapter 45: Is It True or Not?

She truly no longer understood what she wanted. Si Nosang’s thoughts were tangled, yet she feigned calm, appearing collected and prepared for what was to come.

“So do you know where you should go? I think, although you’re not from Fifth Zero Leaf, you don’t really know this place either. Where do you come from?”

Her identity had always been shrouded in mystery; she exuded an aura that was inexplicably enigmatic and singular. It was this very air—mysterious and unique—that made Xuan Yuan Jue Temple fall for her, and not without reason. Now, for her sake, he let her go. Perhaps this would become an eternal ache in his heart.

“I truly don’t know where to go. All I can do is take things step by step. On this road, there are so many uncertainties, I can’t possibly prepare in advance.”

Si Nosang spoke with sincerity, honest and forthright. It seemed she had gained some understanding, yet had lost something at the same time.

“We’re all like this—no one is ever really prepared for the future,” Mo Qianli replied, saying nothing more as the two walked through the Music Hall. The capital was teeming with people; everywhere, every few steps, someone could be found.

Even so, Mo Qianli and Si Nosang kept a respectful distance. Mo Qianli had no ulterior motives—he already had someone he loved deeply—but propriety could not be neglected. After all, she had once been the prince’s consort.

Xuan Yuan Jue Temple loved her, and just yesterday he had sought out Mo Qianli, even entrusting him with a few matters. Should the emperor punish him, he hoped Mo Qianli would look after Si Nosang. The thought pained him. He so dearly wished Xuan Yuan Jue Temple and Si Nosang could be together.

But things had unfolded unexpectedly, and Xuan Yuan Jue Temple made his shocking decision. Mo Qianli could hardly process it. Perhaps it was because of that night—Mo Qianli had been there too.

That night, Si Nosang had been on the verge of dying from poison, and Xuan Yuan Jue Temple was frantic. Perhaps, in a single day, he realized something that made him so anxious.

“Miss Si, my junior really cares about you.”

“Cares about me?”

Si Nosang couldn’t make sense of it; in the past, she would never have believed it. But after all Xuan Yuan Jue Temple had done for her, perhaps things had changed.

She didn’t want to admit it, because now she had already parted from him.

“To talk about it now, I suppose it’s too late. But I thank you for telling me these things. Truly, it makes me happy.”

Si Nosang looked at Mo Qianli, her gratitude heartfelt. She was truly thankful.

“No need to thank me. It’s what I ought to do. Take care.”

“I will, I’ll be careful.”

Si Nosang smiled and nodded, then walked ahead, watching him depart.

She bought several sets of men’s clothing. It would be easier for her to travel dressed as a man; it would keep her from being recognized too quickly.

She purchased a horse and rode out of the city. She had no idea where she was headed—everything was unknown. Only now did she realize how fortunate it had been to live under Xuan Yuan Jue Temple’s protection. This unfamiliar world was truly strange to her.

“Reporting to the prince, Miss Si has left the city.”

“Send men to follow her. She must not fall into danger. Protect her; no matter what happens, don’t lose track of her.”

He dispatched his finest men—Xuan Yuan Jue Temple could not rest easy. Clearly, Si Nosang did not realize she was being followed. Perhaps she was simply too unfamiliar with this ancient world, knowing little and unwittingly stepping into danger.

He had released her, but his concern would not abate. Si Nosang’s safety was paramount; he would protect her at all costs. He had a cadre of highly skilled, loyal warriors.

He sent three to guard her; any more would arouse her suspicion. Si Nosang was no fool—she would notice.

“Yes, Your Highness.” They set out at once.

He gave the steward many instructions. The steward watched as the prince prepared to leave, his old eyes brimming with tears.

How could the emperor be so heartless? How could this be blamed on the prince? If he hadn’t found a replacement, he might have died then and there. Damn that Fusang Kingdom.

“Your Highness, when will you return? I fear these old bones won’t hold out much longer.”

The steward looked at the prince, and Xuan Yuan Jue Temple smiled gently.

“Don’t worry, your health is robust. You’ll live long yet. I’ll be back in a year. For now, I must trouble you to keep the household running.”

“Rest assured, Your Highness. I will watch over the prince’s residence faithfully.”

They spoke at length. Xuan Yuan Jue Temple was never good at such things. He looked at the steward.

His heart was sour, but he had to leave. The command of the sovereign could not be defied.

To remain meant only death—and if not death, then endless suffering for those around him. He could not bear to be so selfish.

Si Nosang pressed forward, following the main road. Riding was uncomfortable; her waist ached, forcing her to stop and rest frequently.

She saw a teahouse ahead, dismounted, and found a table to sit down.

“Sir, what would you like?”

“What food do you have?”

“Noodles, beef, tea, wine. That’s all we offer!”

“One bowl of noodles and a portion of beef.” Beef would help her regain some strength.

“Right away, sir.”

More people arrived, sitting down one after another. Perhaps many were heading to the capital; it was a popular destination.

“I heard the prince was exiled to the frontier?”

“Is that true? Prince Xuan Yuan is renowned for his military accomplishments. That can’t be! How could he be exiled?”

“Of course it’s true; the whole capital is talking about it. They say it’s because Fusang sent a false princess, and then she died.”

Another chimed in,

“I heard differently. They say the prince fell out with the emperor over a woman, so he was sent to the frontier to guard it for a year.”

“No way—what woman could make Prince Xuan Yuan risk everything?”

Someone was skeptical.

“You shouldn’t doubt it! Have you heard of the Music Hall?”

“Of course.”

“Then you must know Miss Qin. The prince often visits there. He’s definitely involved with her.”

“Truly a romantic prince.”

“Ha ha ha ha!” …

Everyone burst out laughing.

Such nonsense! Si Nosang wished they would shut up. Dragging Qin Li, that woman, into it was truly nauseating. Si Nosang felt quite uncomfortable. If not for the need to preserve her strength, she would have stopped eating long ago.