next day
"Don't move, you still have a fever."
Gu Qi raised her hand, feeling a stinging pain in her upper arm, and then she remembered that she was injured yesterday.
She swallowed hard, pulled her dry lips, and whispered softly: "Doctor Yan, I'm dying of thirst."
"When you were showing off, I thought you were invincible." Yan Churong poured a bowl of warm water, helped Gu Qi up and drank it slowly.
A sweetness moistened my throat, and my throat no longer hurt.
Gu Qi lay down and sighed: "Oh, Miss Liu fell into the water because of me. Besides, the situation is critical, there is no time to call others."
"Rong Di said that there was nothing else at the scene except a sleeve arrow shot out. I'm afraid there is no trace."
Listening to Yan Churong's words, Gu Qi fell into deep thought.
She stared at the curtains on the bed and sorted out what happened after arriving in County.
Afterwards, he smiled helplessly: "I'm afraid that the Prince of Zhenguo still has doubts."
Yan Churong was startled, clenched his hands into fists, stood up and started packing his things: "I will arrange for you to go back right now."
"What are you doing?" Gu Qi became anxious and sat up directly. Cold air entered his throat, causing bursts of coughing.
Yan Churong hurriedly put down the things in his hands and quickly moved to the bed: "Lie down!"
"Listen to me, cough..."
Gu Qi grabbed his sleeve: "Yuanzhe is already suspicious, and since we fought that day, it's not surprising that he doubts me. If I escape, I'm afraid I'll be a dead soul before I leave this county city. Right now, We have to stay calm."
Yan Churong patted Gu Qi's back. After she stopped coughing, he stretched the quilt upwards and said, "There is something... I haven't had time to tell you yet."
"What's up?"
Yan Churong lowered his voice and said, "Han Zizheng is here."
"What?"
"Lie down first!"
Gu Qi quickly lay down, covering his face with the quilt, only curious eyes peeking out.
"I left the meeting early yesterday just to see him. I planned to take you with me tonight after settling in, but I didn't expect to encounter such a thing."
"My minor injury won't affect me."
Yan Churong's face turned completely dark.
Gu Qi shut up and didn't dare to talk anymore. She was extremely afraid of Yan Churong's angry look. There was no tenderness in his eyes, and the rest was filled with anger.
Seeing that Gu Qi stopped talking, Yan Churong sighed and said slowly: "I said that I would arrange for you to leave, not out of anger. Yuan Zhe is thoughtful and suspicious by nature. You are no match for him. If you withdraw, tonight is The best chance."
Gu Qi hesitated.
Not that I'm afraid.
But the three words "Han Zizheng" directly penetrated her defenses.
If he goes back, he can stay with Han Zizheng for a long time.
But if Dark Chess withdraws, the chess game will be ruined.
He will be disappointed...
Gu Qi buried her whole head in the quilt and gritted her teeth: "No."
A trace of loneliness flashed in Yan Churong's eyes, and he patted her across the quilt: "Then don't go tonight, lest the wind and cold worsen."
"That won't work!" Gu Qi wiped her tears and got out of the quilt.
"Oh," Yan Churong sighed and brought the medicine over. "Drink the medicine first."
She took the medicine bowl and swallowed it, and after a while she tasted the bitter taste.
Yan Churong stuffed the candied fruit directly into Gu Qi's mouth: "Let's take a rest. I'll call you in the evening."
That night
In the haze, someone seemed to push his shoulder. Gu Qi rubbed his eyes before he could see the person clearly.
"Why did you come?"
"Wear more clothes, it's cold outside." Yan Churong said one word, then walked out and stood outside the door.
Gu Qi yawned, stood up, put on a big cloak, and tiptoed out.
Yan Churong was riding a horse and hugging him from behind, but he didn't feel too cold.
I don’t know how long I walked, and after going around several streets, I arrived at a forest. The cold moonlight shone on the forest, making it look particularly ghostly.
"Come down." Yan Churong turned around and said.
Gu Qi dismounted and saw Han Zizheng standing with his hands behind his back in the moonlight a few steps ahead.
Not far away, under the shadow of a tree, a man was holding two horses.
"Owner!"
Han Zizheng turned his head, smiled and opened his arms.
Gu Qi ran over quickly, not hearing Yan Churong's mutterings at all...
Under the moonlight, the two people hugged each other tightly.
Han Zizheng put his chin on Gu Qi's neck and called into her ear: "Xiao Qi."
Gu Qi's tears burst out instantly and she cried loudly.
Han Zizheng laughed: "When did you become so crying?"
Seeing Yan Churong approaching, Han Zizheng let go of his hand, and the two of them opened a little distance.
Gu Qi calmed down and raised her sleeves to wipe the snot and tears from her face.
"Stinky girl, you stepped on me when you ran over." Yan Churong did not look at Han Zizheng, but walked directly to Gu Qi, raised his hand to wipe the tears on her face: "I don't know if your master has any What's the point, why would you miss him even if you come here to suffer?"
Han Zizheng always had a smile on his face. He took out a small package from his arms and handed it to Gu Qi: "I thought you might not be able to eat this yak jerky here, so I brought some for you."
She happily took it and carefully placed it in her arms.
"We don't have much time, so let's stop talking to each other." Yan Churong said coldly to the side.
Han Zizheng said "hmm" and raised his hand. The entourage not far away ran over, handed the package into his hand, and ran back to where he stood.
"Xiao Rong said that Yuan Chengxi wanted you to come up with a detailed plan for flood control in March. This is why you came here this time."
Han Zizheng took out a roll from the package: "Take this, and find a time to tap it out."
Gu Qi took it carefully and nodded.
Yan Churong frowned as he watched Gu Qiyi say nothing.
Han Zizheng just looked at Gu Qi up and down, with a smile on his face.
"There is something I need to discuss with you." Yan Churong was no longer silent, pointing at Gu Qichong and Han Zizheng and said: "She is inexperienced and may not be Yuan Zhe's opponent. If it is not possible, withdraw."
Han Zizheng looked at Yan Churong with no concession in his eyes: "I believe her."
"There are so many secret chess pieces, why not change them to a more suitable one?"
"Let's not discuss meaningless things anymore." Han Zizheng waved his hand.
"Yuanzhe is suspicious. Qingzhou has already assassinated him once. Kuang stole Zhu Ling a few days ago and the two of them fought."
Han Zizheng opened his mouth in surprise and pulled Gu Qi over: "He hurt you?"
Gu Qi pursed her lips and said nothing.
Yan Churong directly raised her injured arm, which made her hiss in pain.
Han Zizheng looked at Gu Qi for a long time and said, "I respect Xiao Qi's wishes."
Gu Qi raised her head and saw that there seemed to be hesitation and distress in Han Zizheng's eyes.
"I decided to stay."
"What a deep love between master and servant." Yan Churong mocked.
"Xiao Qi, Xiao Rong and I still have something to discuss."
Gu Qi nodded and moved to where the horse was tied up alone.
Han Zizheng stared at the leaving figure and asked, "Did she have to take the medicine on time?"
Yan Churong's anger was instantly ignited!
He rushed forward and grabbed Han Zizheng's collar: "You didn't ask when she was assassinated, but instead asked if she was allowed to take medicine? In your heart, who does she belong to?"
Han Zizheng turned back and looked directly at Yan Churong: "When did you become so uncool?"
Yan Churong gritted his teeth and said, "When her life was hanging by a thread, I regretted this decision!"
Han Zizheng was startled and his eyes began to dodge: "Xiao Rong, this move of hers is crucial. I promise you that when the matter is completed, she will be free. As for Yuan Zhe, I will handle it."
Yan Churong's eyes turned red and he slowly let go: "Okay."
"Xiao Rong," Yan Churong turned around and was about to leave when Han Zizheng's voice came from behind: "Take care of her for me."
"I'll take care of her, but not for you."
Gu Qi was standing a little far away and couldn't hear what they were saying clearly.
But looking at the battle, it looked like a quarrel.
The two walked away with their backs facing each other, and Han Zizheng left on horseback.
Yan Churong walked over angrily.
Gu Qi handed over the reins: "What's wrong with you?"
"It's okay, let's go." Yan Churong took the reins and took Gu Qi back to Liu Mansion.
next day
The group of people arrived at the city gate, Rong Di mounted his horse and waved, and the carriage moved forward slowly.
"Go back." Yan Churong put his robe on Gu Qi.
Watching them walking further and further away, the big stone weighing on Gu Qi's heart seemed to have been moved away.
Liu Jigang stared at Gu Qi and asked, "What are Mr. Pei's plans next?"
Gu Qi looked at Liu Jigang, seemingly quite hostile to him.
She smiled politely: "I've been bothering you for so long, it's time to go back to the Hanlin Academy today."
"Oh? Then Liu will help you arrange the carriage."
"No need, Master Liu."
Yan Churong took a step forward: "The grassroots planned to bid farewell to Lord Liu today, why don't I go with Lord Pei."
Liu Jigang stroked the beard on his chin and said with a smile: "In that case, Liu will not stay any longer. If necessary, he can come to the house at any time."
"Thank you, Master Liu."
When I returned to Liu Mansion and was packing my things, I heard the voice of maid Xiao Cui behind me.
"Mr. Pei, are you leaving?"
Gu Qi turned around and saw Liu Xiangning standing at the door.
"Miss Liu."
"Mr. Pei," Liu Xiangning's face turned red again. "Thank you Mr. Pei for saving me that day."
"Little things, little things."
Liu Xiangning asked: "Why do you want to leave so suddenly?"
"It's not sudden. The injury is no longer a problem. It's time to return to the Hanlin Academy."
Liu Xiangning said "Oh", lowered her head and stopped talking.
Gu Qi saw that she was a little sad and didn't know how to comfort her.
He picked up the dried meat Han Zizheng gave him from the table and stuffed it into Liu Xiangning's hand: "This is for you, it's delicious."
"Thank you."
"I've been bothering you for so many days. I'm very sorry." Gu Qi put the bag on his back and bowed deeply to Liu Xiangning: "Thank you Miss Liu for your hospitality for many days. I told Mr. Liu this morning that I will say goodbye."
Liu Xiangning clutched the package in her hand tightly, bit her lip, and blushed so hard that blood dripped from her face.
"We should go." Yan Churong shouted outside.
"Then...goodbye." Gu Qi clasped her fists again.
Liu Xiangning stood aside knowingly.
"Master Pei!"
Hearing Liu Xiangning's call, Gu Qi turned around and said, "Huh?"
Liu Xiangning was silent for a moment, and finally uttered two words: "Take care."
Gu Qi grinned and said, "Okay."
The sunlight passed through the eaves of the corridor and hit Gu Qi and Yan Churong. Their backs shone with dazzling light.
Gu Qi turned around and said something to Yan Churong.
The breeze blew by, and a strand of black hair on the temples danced in the wind.
Gu Qi laughed.
Liu Xiangning was dumbfounded and laughed unconsciously.
Returning to the Hanlin Academy, everyone around him became reserved and polite, and three or two people gathered together to whisper.
At that time, an older man came over. Gu Qi saluted and said, "Master Shen."
"I'm back. Your room has been adjusted. Let Chang Bin take you there later. All your belongings have also been moved in."
"good."
After Master Shen left, Chang Bin took Gu Qi's baggage and led Gu Qi towards the back of the Hanlin Academy.
"Did anything happen while I was away?"
Chang Bin smiled and said, "It's nothing. That day the thief was shot and killed, and you were frightened to death. Others were worried that this would happen again. Those who sneaked out at night to drink and gamble were much more honest."
"Then it's weird to see me." Gu Qi looked around, everyone seemed to be snickering.
"Oh," Chang Bin was about to say something, but the next moment he covered his mouth and laughed, and then said: "Sorry."
"So," she stopped and put a hand on Chang Bin's shoulder: "What are you laughing at?"
Chang Bin suddenly came over.
"What are you looking at?" Gu Qi frowned, a little unhappy.
"Your appearance is too masculine and too feminine. It's a pity, it's a pity that you were born a man."
"What's the meaning?"
Chang Bin looked around and asked, "Are you the male favorite kept by His Highness King Zhe outside?"
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
"Follow me." Chang Bin took Gu Qi's arm and walked forward.
After passing through three or four long corridors, a spacious and clean courtyard suddenly appeared in front of us.
Gu Qi was stunned: "Is this?"
"His Royal Highness King Zhe, this is specially prepared for you. Because you were born weak, we are afraid that we will collide with you. Can you tell me now? Is His Highness King Zhe following you..."
Gu Qi shouted angrily: "It's nothing!"
Chang Bin stopped watching the joke and followed Gu Qi to take a general look at the yard.
Gu Qi felt suspicious. Although this courtyard was nice, it was far away from the harem and the Hanlin Academy. It was surrounded by many twists and turns, and was either an armory or a shuanshafang.
"What is this courtyard?"
"It used to be the residence of His Royal Highness King Zhe when he was a child. The late emperor thought of his young age and doted on this younger brother, so he specially allowed King Zhe to return to the palace to stay for a while."
Gu Qi murmured to herself: "No wonder."
It's more of an isolation than a concern. The area around here is empty, and it's getting harder and harder to get information. Besides, there are Yuan Zhe's people around, so I'm afraid he's already being watched.
"What?" Chang Bin looked over again.
"Don't think too deeply. His Highness King Zhe and I have nothing to do with each other."
"Believe you!" Chang Bin raised his hand and put it on Gu Qi's shoulder, and said with a smile: "When you become successful, don't forget about me, brother!"
"Not right." Gu Qi glanced at him and walked into the house.
Everything is available, and the luggage I brought in before has been properly placed.
"Who packed these?"
"His Royal Highness King Zhe brought someone here to sort it out before he left."
"oh."
"I have never seen a high-ranking prince clean the room of a small Hanlin Academy bachelor. No wonder everyone is talking about it." Chang Bin walked around the room and put Gu Qi's baggage on the table: "You've just recovered from your serious illness, so you'd better rest more. I'll be back."
"Okay, thank you."
After Chang Bin left, Gu Qi closed the door and opened the package.
In addition to several vials of pills and a few pieces of clothing, there was also a set of night clothes.
"Fortunately, I was careful." Gu Qi took out the night clothes, put them under the bed, and carried two large boxes to block the outside.
There was still some time after dinner, so Gu Qi decided to go out for a walk.
On the left side of the yard is the armory, with four guards at the door; on the right is the washroom, where several maids are washing clothes around the pool, and there are several people hanging them to dry next to them. The maids from each palace come and go.
Gu Qi paid attention for a while and found that the eunuchs and maids coming and going deliberately avoided the small courtyard.
If few people come to this small courtyard, it is indeed a quiet place.
When he returned to his room, he took out the detailed water control strategy that Han Zizheng had given him and sat down at the table to spread it.
