Chu Qianli suddenly understood why Lan Qing had to run out on his own.
Dressed in the National Teacher's robes, Lan Qing's white attire and veil completely concealed all his emotions and desires.
Standing before everyone now, the figure on the altar, so serene and pure, yet no one could discern the profound loneliness within.
He had returned, back to this gilded cage crafted from the most precious materials.
For him, this cage had held him captive for over twenty years.
He had heard the outside world was exciting, but he never dared to step out easily.
If someone hadn't intruded into Lingjiu Hall and drawn his attention, perhaps he would still not have taken a single step outside.
Even when his master was alive, he had constantly reminded him.
As the heir of the Lan clan, his sole lifelong duty was to remain in Lingjiu Hall to protect Nanming and become the spiritual beacon for the people.
He had once believed this to be true.
Desireless and unattached, he had never wished for anything.
He couldn't even comprehend why his sister, the Saintess, would leave for a coarse man.
But now, he seemed to understand, just a little.
And because of this understanding, his own life had gradually become a mess.
Yet, this chaos inexplicably brought him joy.
It was like sitting on a cliff edge for over an hour, just to witness those few flowers bloom, and to consume them at their most beautiful moment.
Beautiful and cruel, but immensely happy…
After the ritual at the moat altar, the National Teacher returned to Lingjiu Hall.
Chu Qianli also returned to the Emperor's sleeping quarters, currently in the secret chamber where Fulong was resting.
"A'li, if you wish to leave, you still can," Fulong couldn't bear to see her constantly constrained.
This was not A'li's nature!
"A'li, don't worry about me. As long as you truly leave, even if Prince Xuan wants to vent, he won't take my life to do it."
Although Prince Xuan had become somewhat reckless, he still possessed some reason.
Once she was gone, killing him would serve no purpose.
"Fulong, I cannot leave now."
"Why? Are you worried about me?" Fulong smiled. "No need, I won't die. I promise you."
Chu Qianli shook her head. "I... must heal the Nanming Emperor."
This, in turn, confused Fulong. "Why?"
Didn't she now despise everyone around Feng Yexuan?
"Did they coerce or tempt you with some conditions again?"
"You could say that. He said after the matter is settled, he will tell me the truth about that imperial decree."
Fulong immediately understood which imperial decree she was referring to – the one stating that Long Yue's birth mother would inherit the throne.
But he had already sent people to investigate this matter... perhaps it was merely a lure from the Nanming Emperor.
"A'li, I don't mean to discourage you, but that imperial decree... I have investigated it extensively, and it is indeed real."
"I know it's real."
"Then what else do you need to investigate?" Fulong was perplexed.
If it was real, then there was no so-called truth.
"I don't understand either... but I always feel there's something more to it."
Seeing Fulong frown, Chu Qianli smiled. "It's not entirely because of this that I'm willing to treat Chu Jiangnan. There are some things I don't know how to say."
She looked at Fulong for a long moment, then said softly, "I always feel I have some connection with this Nanming Emperor. The National Teacher promised to perform a ritual for me tomorrow to find answers. Perhaps, tomorrow, some mysteries will be solved."