The reason Chu Qianli is convinced that Hua Rong has disappeared is primarily because Shiyi heard that Madam Cui’s people had been searching for someone in the Imperial City all along.

However, during those days, they were all beside Chu Jiangnan, including Feng Yexuan.

The Prince ordered the entire palace sealed, forbidding anyone to enter or exit.

If Madam Cui’s people were indeed looking for someone during those two days, and now Hua Rong is not in Feng Yexuan’s team.

Then, Hua Rong must have gone missing long ago, but Madam Cui’s people simply couldn’t pass the news to Feng Yexuan.

"Shiyi’s people didn’t dare get too close to the Yexuan Prince’s team, so they don’t know whether Hua Rong was with them or not."

"As for Feng Qihe’s team, when they left, no one was paying attention. By the time people started noticing, they were already within Beiming’s territory."

"Their team split into several routes, mixing truth with falsehood, and to this day, no one knows which route truly held the Prince’s true trail."

"But no matter which route, by this time, they would have already returned to the Imperial City."

Fu Long had been listening to Chu Qianli speak.

Having left the team for so long and now returning abruptly, he would need some time to thoroughly understand the latest movements of both the enemy and allies. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

However, one thing is clear to both Fu Long and Chu Qianli.

That is, the Prince is merely returning to the country, yet he splits his forces into several routes and conceals his whereabouts.

Such mystery must be hiding some secret.

Could it really be related to Hua Rong?

Could Feng Yexuan’s sudden journey back to Beiming with the Treasure Map also be for Hua Rong?

"Shiyi has already led people ahead to the Beiming Imperial City, Ali, what should our next step be? Should we head straight to the Imperial City or go to Heifeng Cliff first?"

"Let me think." Chu Qianli lowered her gaze, internally still undecided.

"It’s okay, we can discuss on the way. Whether we go to Heifeng Cliff or the Imperial City, the first major part of the journey follows the same path."

Whenever she makes up her mind, she can order a course change.

Chu Qianli looked at him; despite his travel-worn appearance, from any angle, he appeared energetic.

Having him around is truly wonderful.

She finally felt again that old sensation of having a comrade by her side.

"Okay, I’ll make a decision soon."

"I’ll wait for you." Fu Long nodded and picked up his bundle to leave.

Before departing, he couldn’t help but glance back at her: "Ali, sometimes we don’t have to be overly rational in our actions. Why not follow your heart for the next step, rather than always considering the bigger picture?"

Being too rational can be exhausting and self-tormenting.

"Ali, whatever decision you make, we will always support you!"

As Fu Long left, he casually shut the door behind her.

Chu Qianli leaned on her chair, lowering her head, looking at the Heaven and Earth Lock in her hand.

Not necessarily considering the bigger picture?

If considering the bigger picture, then surely the priority is to find the Treasure Map first, to prevent others from seizing it.

If not, and following her heart’s desires...

She closed her eyes.

Her heart still hesitated.

Feng Yexuan, at this moment, what are you actually doing?

...

At this moment, wondering what Yexuan Prince is actually doing is not just a concern of Chu Qianli.

"Even now, you’re not planning to tell me where your son is?"

In the room at this moment, a woman lay on the bed, and beside the bed was a wheelchair.

The man in the wheelchair smiled sinisterly: "Jinghua, have you been away from me for so long that you’ve forgotten my ways?"