Chu Qianli never imagined that Ding Chen would bring her the Treasure Map she had drawn.

Feng Yexuan did not take the Treasure Map away.

From beginning to end, he never intended to betray her.

"The Prince feared that you would risk coming to the Imperial City for him, so before giving this to his subordinates, he said it must be handed to you only after he... after he dies."

Ding Chen’s eyes were wet with tears.

He also didn’t expect the usually cold and emotionless Prince to be so deeply committed to Miss Chu.

"The Prince deliberately made you misunderstand him, so that you wouldn’t make any more sacrifices for him."

"I initially thought you were going to Beiming to find the treasure, but I didn’t expect you to come to the Imperial City instead."

Ding Chen glanced at Leng Ji.

Leng Ji helplessly nodded: "From now on, Miss Chu is our master!"

Ding Chen remained kneeling in front of Chu Qianli, looking anxious: "Before the Prince returned, he knew he would face great danger. Miss, please save our Prince for the sake of his constant protection of you!"

Madam Cui, Jingri, Wangyue, and even Leng Ji knelt down: "Miss, please give us your orders!"

...

The late summer night was chilly.

Even Chu Qianli herself didn’t realize that she had unknowingly been in this era for nearly a year.

A year full of events.

Both thrilling and joyous, both bitter and painful.

By now, she had even forgotten what the initial bitterness and pain felt like.

"Ali, I’ll go divert the guards. In an hour, whether or not you’ve found him, meet at the Harem’s west gate."

Fu Long covered his face with a black cloth and looked back at her: "Remember, just an hour, otherwise Jingri and Wangyue will miss the timing with you."

"Wait." Chu Qianli suddenly pulled him gently.

"What is it?" Fu Long lowered his voice, "Ali, is there something wrong?"

"I want to swap positions with you."

"What?" She’s not going to find Prince Yexuan?

"I want to swap." This time, Chu Qianli was very determined, though her voice wasn’t loud, but each word was heard clearly by him:

"And your task is only to somehow inform him I’m here; no need to rescue him. Even if you see an opportunity, do not rescue."

"Why?" Fu Long asked, puzzled.

"He won’t leave." If Prince Yexuan was willing to leave, he wouldn’t be easily caught by them?

He won’t leave, even if there’s a chance, he won’t leave.

"Ali..."

"Listen to me, just let him know I’ve arrived, and that’s enough. We’ll discuss other matters later."

With these words, Chu Qianli gently leaped towards the direction of the Harem.

Fu Long, who originally planned to go to the Harem, though still somewhat confused, knew this was indeed the best choice.

Going to the Harem was less dangerous; going to the dungeon to find Prince Yexuan was more dangerous.

He would rather let Ali go to the Harem.

Just not knowing why Ali suddenly changed the plan.

Chu Qianli didn’t bother with Fu Long’s thoughts; she knew that as long as she said it, Fu Long would certainly comply.

She trusted Fu Long’s actions.

But now, she had more important things to do. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Following the direction of the Harem, she swiftly moved across rooftops, and finally stopped atop a quiet palace wall.

Ronghua Hall!

That was Hua Rong’s residence back in her palace days.

At this moment, the front courtyard of Ronghua Hall was silent, but the back courtyard was brightly lit.