"Under the watchful eye of His Majesty, in the capital's shadow, Chu Yanxi would hesitate to act. To protect them, the only option was the capital. Given their special identities, without concrete proof of them being Xiliang spies, even His Majesty would ponder before moving against them, let alone Chu Yanxi."
"Chu Yanxi's greatest concern now is our safe arrival in the capital. Once we reach the capital, his options will be limited. From today onwards, we shall travel day and night without stopping, to reach the capital as quickly as possible."
Chu Yanxi's assassins had just failed in their assassination attempt. It would be difficult for him to dispatch more assassins in a short period. This was the opportune moment for them to hasten their journey back to the capital.
"However, Lu Shi's injuries have not yet healed. Rushing the journey will only worsen his condition..."
Feng Jin voiced her concerns. It was unfortunate that Lu Shi had to be injured at this very moment. They could not possibly force him to rush the journey in his current state.
A jolt on the road could reopen his wound, which would be troublesome.
"Time is of the essence, and returning to the capital is paramount. We cannot afford any more delays. We will have to leave Lu Shi in the town ahead to recuperate, while our group proceeds to the capital."
This was a reluctant measure, but the situation was dire, and a swift return was imperative.
Ling Mohan's face was etched with indecision. He was forced into this decision, as Lu Shi had been by his side for ten years. If not pushed to such extremes, he would never leave Lu Shi behind alone.
"Must it truly be so?"
Feng Jin felt a pang of unbearable sorrow. The thought of leaving Lu Shi all alone made her heart ache deeply.
"The situation is urgent; this is the only way. I will leave a contingent of the Black Armored Army to protect Lu Shi, and secure a quiet courtyard for him to heal. He will surely be safe."
After a pause, Feng Jin seemed to recall something and spoke up, "Why not let Cai Qing stay behind as well? Lu Shi needs someone to care for him. How can those men from the Black Armored Army properly look after him? A woman's care is necessary. I think Cai Qing would be quite suitable."
Ling Mohan naturally understood Feng Jin's intention. "This would indeed be most suitable. However, we do not know if Cai Qing is willing. Furthermore, for an unmarried young lady like Cai Qing to stay and care for Lu Shi might damage her reputation if the matter were to spread. It is not entirely appropriate."
"This is something Cai Qing must decide for herself. I will go and ask Cai Qing if she is willing, and while I'm at it, I'll check on Lu Shi's injuries."
Once Feng Jin made up her mind, she could not linger. She rose and walked out. Seeing this, Ling Mohan could only shake his head and sigh, then followed her.
When Feng Jin arrived, Cai Qing was already by Lu Shi's bedside, tending to him. The fatigue in her eyes was evident.
"Madam, General, why have you come? Your maidservant..."
"Enough. There are no outsiders here, so there's no need for such formality. How is Lu Shi doing now?"
Feng Jin stopped Cai Qing, who was about to rise and curtsy. She had been caring for Lu Shi for so long; there was no need for such empty courtesies.
"Your maidservant has not left his side. Dr. Lin came earlier to change Lu Shi's dressing and then left."
Cai Qing recounted what had happened, her gaze fixed on Lu Shi with unwavering concern.
Feng Jin took it all in, her understanding as clear as a mirror.
After examining Lu Shi's wounds, Feng Jin's expression gradually relaxed.
"The wound is healing well. The bleeding has stopped, and there are no signs of infection on the surface. This is all thanks to your diligent care."
"It is Madam and Dr. Lin's skillful medical treatment that saved Lu Shi. Your maidservant merely stayed to care for him and does not dare to take credit."
Cai Qing quickly waved her hand in denial. Lu Shi had been injured precisely because he was saving her. Her staying was partly out of concern for Lu Shi, and partly due to her guilt towards him.
By staying to care for Lu Shi, she felt a little better.
Feng Jin glanced at Ling Mohan, who was following behind her, and gestured for him to leave with her eyes.
After everyone else had left, Feng Jin pulled Cai Qing to sit on a nearby chair. After a moment of thought, she spoke.
"We plan to set off for the capital tomorrow and reach it as soon as possible. Only in the capital will we be truly safe. However... however, Lu Shi is severely injured and still unconscious, making him unsuitable for further travel. After deliberation, we have decided to let Lu Shi stay behind temporarily to recuperate..."
Before she could finish, Cai Qing suddenly stood up. "Madam, Lu Shi is injured and still unconscious. If we leave and abandon him here, won't he be doomed? Madam, why don't we take Lu Shi with us?"
"You girl, I haven't finished speaking yet."
Feng Jin said with a hint of helplessness. Why were they all so impatient? Couldn't they at least let her finish her sentence?
"Madam... then, you intend to..."
Cai Qing, unsure of Feng Jin's intentions, quickly asked.
No longer probing Cai Qing, Feng Jin spoke directly. "I cannot leave Lu Shi alone here. I was thinking of having you stay behind temporarily to care for Lu Shi. I'm just not sure what you think about it?"
Cai Qing was slightly taken aback, her eyes filled with hesitation. She twisted her fingers, the words on the tip of her tongue swallowed back down. For a long time, she uttered no sound.
"If you are unwilling, then we will have to assign more guards to protect Lu Shi, and you can quickly go back and pack your things. We will depart early tomorrow morning."
"So soon? But Lu Shi hasn't woken up yet..."
Cai Qing appeared anxious. It was as if two little figures were fighting in her mind, making it difficult for her to make a choice.
"This is a necessary evil; the situation compels us. We must consider the bigger picture. The current concern is Lu Shi, his injuries... alas..."
After Feng Jin's embellished recounting, Cai Qing could no longer sit still. She hurriedly said, "Madam, I... I am willing to stay and care for... care for Lu Shi..."
Where Cai Qing could not see, a smug smile touched Feng Jin's lips, though she maintained a facade of difficulty.
"This... this is not appropriate. For an unmarried young lady like yourself to care for a man day in and day out, and with no engagement between you and Lu Shi, if this were to spread, it would damage your reputation. How would you ever find a husband in the future? This won't do... No, you should return to the capital with me."
Feng Jin shook her head and sighed, finding the matter utterly unsuitable. She began to persuade Cai Qing to return to the capital with her.