Xie Jiayan noticed Hua Chaofei's unusual expression. Fengming Tower gathered information from all over the world, and this must involve a secret within the tower, so he didn't ask.
Hua Chaofei agonized for a whole night. When he was about to depart the next day, he finally told Xie Jiayan that if Yu Liuniang truly met with misfortune, he might not be able to live on, let alone have a future.
"The Sage has already bestowed a marriage upon Yu Liuniang and Lu Jingxing. Lu Jingxing has received the imperial decree and is rushing back to the capital," Hua Chaofei said in one breath.
Xie Jiayan's steps faltered, his eyes instantly flashing with a multitude of emotions, anger mixed with heartache.
As Xie Jiayan turned to change direction, Hua Chaofei added, "As a friend, I cannot keep this from you. But as a friend, I must also warn you that this journey might truly be a one-way trip."
"I know!" He felt only guilt towards her. If he couldn't give her a future, he shouldn't have entangled her in this mortal world.
His greatest fear was that his identity would implicate her, yet it had indeed led to her suffering.
"A scholar dies for his confidant. Since you are not afraid of death, then I, Hua Chaofei, will accompany you on this journey," Hua Chaofei said as he mounted his horse.
Xie Jiayan met his gaze and then rode off.
Hua Chaofei had always been headstrong. Even if Xie Jiayan hadn't agreed, he would have found a way to go to the capital. It was better to go together, so he could at least watch over him and prevent him from acting impulsively.
The south had long bid farewell to its blossoms, while the north was just beginning to sprout new branches, still carrying a hint of the lingering chill. Xie Jiayan, who had always been in good health, surprisingly fell ill in the midst of spring.
"A doctor cannot cure themselves; this is a sickness of the heart." Hua Chaofei, though not skilled in medicine, could feel that Xie Jiayan's pulse was somewhat erratic.
He had nearly risked his life these past few months, pouring all his energy into this. Fortunately, his martial arts background provided a strong foundation; anyone else would likely have collapsed long ago.
"Where has Lu Jingxing reached?" Xie Jiayan asked, covering his mouth with his sleeve as he coughed twice.
He was already at odds with Liuniang. He feared Lu Jingxing might use Gu Youyou's whereabouts as a condition for breaking off the engagement. Liuniang would certainly not betray her friend, and in her desperation, she might act impulsively.
"Lu Jingxing sent a letter," Hua Chaofei said, handing the letter to him.
Lu Jingxing had already guessed that Xie Jiayan would return to the capital. He also suspected there was a hidden reason and directly asked Xie Jiayan how he had offended the Sage. If he told the truth, Lu Jingxing might be able to help.
Xie Jiayan knew that Lu Jingxing was reciprocating the favor of his past counsel. However, the fewer people who knew about his affairs, the better.
In this light, this might be a trap set by the Sage.
The last time he had entered the palace to see the Sage, he had observed the Sage's complexion, noting that he was near death, his illness bone-deep and beyond remedy. Since someone already knew his identity, one day it would no longer be a secret. Even if he had no ambition for the throne, what about others?
As long as he existed, he posed the greatest threat to the new emperor.
Perhaps the Sage truly desired his life, but perhaps it was to use him as a tool to personally help the Crown Prince ascend the throne, thereby gaining more support from the officials for the new emperor.
The Sage would perish, and the new emperor would ascend. No one was more suitable to be a stepping stone for the new emperor's enthronement than him.
"He will wait for us at the post station for five days. We will set off tomorrow!" Xie Jiayan said.
"Your body hasn't recovered yet, why rush on the road? If you're so eager to die, I can give you a quick end right now," Hua Chaofei said irritably.
Xie Jiayan shook his head, a trace of melancholy in his calm demeanor. "I fear his time is drawing near."
Hua Chaofei quickly understood who he was referring to and snorted, "It's good that he's dead. He should have died long ago."
What good did this old bastard do by living another day, other than causing harm?
"To me, he was not a good father, but for the Crown Prince, and for the realm, he was still a good emperor."