Preparing to Go to the Imperial Capital

Although Chu Qing did not know when would be a good time to go to the Imperial Capital.

He began making preparations.

Because the Princess Consort and the other Outsiders had emerged from Stone Ridge Mountain.

So that very night, he made a trip to Stone Ridge Mountain and caught several dozen Three-legged Golden Toads.

Thus:

He now had one hundred and eight Golden Toads under his command.

The following night, he wanted to catch more Golden Toads.

But:

Someone from Stone Cauldron Prefecture came to deliver him a letter.

When Zhao Hongxiu brought the visitor in, Chu Qing discovered that the messenger was a bright and beautiful young woman.

The young woman had lovely eyes, magnificent clothes, ornaments in her hair, and jade pendants at her waist.

They jingled as she walked.

She also carried a familiar yet unfamiliar fragrance.

Whether in looks, clothes, or ornaments, this messenger resembled Nangong by thirty to fifty percent.

"Brother Qing, my name is Nangong Yu!"

"My cousin asked me to bring you a letter!"

A letter from Nangong?

Chu Qing's heart stirred.

Ever since Nangong had gone to participate in that Thousand Eyes Alliance trial, there had been no further news from her.

Chu Qing had thought he would never hear from her again in this lifetime.

He had not expected her to write.

"Quick, give me the letter!"

Nangong Yu handed him the envelope.

The gold lacquer on the envelope was completely intact.

Nangong's seal was also entirely unbroken.

Unable to wait, Chu Qing tore it open and examined it.

There were only three sheets of paper inside.

The first sheet:

Nangong said her trial had gone fairly smoothly and that her position in the Thousand Eyes Alliance was steadily rising.

She also wrote about several amusing incidents from the trial.