A6 C188 - Reluctance to Part

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Nalan Chun was clearly not one to keep a low profile. Having been a dominant figure in the capital for many years, he was far from content with tending to trees on the back mountain. On one occasion, in a bid to shake off the palace guards shadowing him, he even took a hoe and hiked all the way from the back mountain. Somewhere along the way, he crossed a turbulent river, and the journey eventually led him to the Changshan Ridge.

Of course, he was eventually caught.

Nevertheless, he had successfully traversed an unprecedented route, and when the news reached Rong Xuan, he was at a loss for words.

Seeing Rong Xuan's disbelief, Nalan Chun couldn't hold back any longer and anxiously said: "You think I'm lying?"

Rong Xuan regained his composure after a moment. "I never said I didn't believe you."

He inwardly thought of sending someone ahead to scout the route. Who knew if Nalan Chun was a road idiot? It would be a real disaster if he got them lost.

Leaving the city needed thorough planning. Rong Xuan obtained Nalan Chun's commitment and instructed him not to venture outside for the next couple of days. Instead, he was to stay at home and wait for news.

It was already very late, but Ji Fan didn't sleep. He had been waiting quietly in the house for Rong Xuan to come back. Two of the red candles on the corner of the table have been replaced. The third one is half burned, and the candle is dripping like tears, condensing into a falling and meandering shape.

When Rong Xuan entered the house, he saw Ji Fan waiting for him with a lamp, and his heart softened for a moment. A deep feeling of tenderness washed over him. Rong Xuan approached the table and touched Ji Fan's face. The chill from the depth of the night could be felt on his fingertips.

"Why weren't you sleeping? It's well past midnight."

Ji Fan tenderly captured his hand and placed it on his cheek. He whispered, "I've been waiting for you all night."

Rong Xuan managed a bitter smile as he realized the extent of Ji Fan's worry. He embraced him and his warmth, even though he was chilled to the bone from his late return. "Everything will turn out fine, don't worry."

With his eyes closed, resting in Rong Xuan's embrace, Ji Fan listened to the rhythmic beating of his heart. There was an inexplicable emotion swirling within him, one even he couldn't name. All he did was tightly hold onto Rong Xuan's hand, refusing to let go.

Rong Xuan remained silent, his fingers gently stroking Ji Fan's hair. He was willing to stand by his side, to help him endure every hardship. In this endless night, they kept vigil, silently waiting for the arrival of a new day.

Ji Fan inquired, "Where did you go just now?"

Despite the urgency of the situation, Rong Xuan seemed to be more anxious than Ji Fan and was constantly busy running around. Ji Fan was unaware of what he was doing behind the scenes but felt a growing sense of concern, fearing that Rong Xuan would become entangled in the matter.

Having resolved a significant problem, Rong Xuan's tense nerves finally relaxed somewhat. He held Ji Fan's hand and spoke softly, "Those three hundred people have a destination now. On the day after tomorrow when we leave the city, I'll have Nalan Chun figure out a way to get them out."

Ji Fan furrowed his brows upon hearing this and squinted slightly, "Nalan Chun? Isn't he loyal to Zhao Su? Why would he help us?"

Zhao Su didn't trust Ji Fan, so naturally, Ji Fan didn't trust Zhao Su either. Rong Xuan found himself caught in the middle, with an unavoidable feeling of being a pawn in a larger game. "Although he serves Zhao Su, using him in a crucial moment shouldn't be a problem. Nalan Chun is known for his boldness in the capital. I couldn't think of anyone more suitable. When the time comes, he will pretend to take people for an outing in the suburbs. The city gate guards won't dare to stop him, and with exactly three hundred people, it won't raise any suspicion when they leave the city."

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