The primary reason Chu Qianli believed Hua Rong had gone missing was that Shi Yi had learned that Madam Cui's people had been searching for someone in the imperial city for several days.
However, during those days, they had all been accompanying Chu Jiangnan, including Feng Yexuan.
Prince Jing had ordered the entire sleeping quarters sealed, allowing no one in or out.
If Madam Cui's people had indeed been searching for someone during those two days, and Hua Rong was not currently with Feng Yexuan's group,
Then it was likely that Hua Rong had gone missing long ago, but Madam Cui's people were unable to convey the news to Feng Yexuan.
"Shi Yi's people dared not get too close to Prince Xuan's group, so they don't know if Hua Rong was with them."
"As for Feng Qihe's group, no one paid attention when they left. By the time attention was drawn, they had already entered the territory of Beiming."
"Their group split into several routes, some real and some fake. To this day, we don't know which route Prince He truly took."
"But no matter which route, by this time, they would have long since returned to the imperial city."
Fulong had been listening to Chu Qianli speak.
Having been away from the group for so long, he now had to spend some time to fully grasp the recent movements of both friend and foe.
However, one thing was clear in both Fulong's and Chu Qianli's minds.
That was, Prince He's return to his country, yet splitting into multiple routes and concealing his whereabouts.
Such secrecy must mean he was hiding something.
Could it be related to Hua Rong?
Did Feng Yexuan's sudden return to Beiming with the treasure map also have something to do with Hua Rong?
"Shi Yi has already taken people ahead to the Beiming imperial city. A'li, what should be our next step? Should we go directly to the imperial city, or first to Black Wind Cliff?"
"Let me think." Chu Qianli lowered her eyes, her decision not yet made.
"It's alright, we can discuss as we travel. Regardless of whether we go to Black Wind Cliff or the imperial city, the first half of the journey is the same route."
She could order a change of course whenever she made up her mind.
Chu Qianli looked at him. Although he was travel-worn, he appeared energetic from any angle.
It was good to have him around.
She finally felt that sense of having a comrade by her side again.
"Alright, I will make a decision as soon as possible."
"I'll wait for you." Fulong nodded and picked up his bag, preparing to leave.
Before leaving, he couldn't help but look back at her: "A'li, sometimes, we don't have to be so rational. For your next decision, why not follow your heart's desire first, and not always consider the bigger picture."
Being too rational would be very tiring and tormenting.
"A'li, whatever your decision, we will always support you!"
As Fulong left, he gently closed the door behind her.
Chu Qianli leaned back in her chair, looking down at the Heaven and Earth Lock in her hand.
Not consider the bigger picture?
If she considered the bigger picture, then she would definitely go to find the treasure map first, to prevent anyone from getting there ahead of her.
If, she didn't consider the bigger picture, and followed her heart's desire...
She closed her eyes.
There was still hesitation in her heart.
Feng Yexuan, what are you doing at this moment?
...
What Prince Xuan was doing at this moment was a question not only Chu Qianli wanted to know.
"You still don't plan to tell me where your son is?"
In the room at this moment, a woman lay on the bed, and by the bedside, there was a wheelchair.
The man in the wheelchair was smiling sinisterly: "Jing Hua, have you forgotten my methods after not seeing me for too long?"