Qian Renxue's gaze fell on the still-unfolded map of the imperial city on the table. She stared at it for a long while before speaking. "Understood. I'll prepare all of this bit by bit."
She raised a hand and slowly closed the imperial city atlas that had been spread open halfway, holding it beneath her palm. "As for the retreat route, I'll finalize every detail within half a month. After that, I'll have Xue Qianren check it over with you again."
Her gaze lifted slightly. "You should prepare yourself as well."
Xiao Yun nodded, rose to his feet, and gave her a serious look. "I'm going to dismantle the array. Change your face back first."
Though Qian Renxue did not answer, her jade-like hand brushed over her face, and she had already resumed the appearance of Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.
Only then did Xiao Yun remove the array flags at the four corners. When he pushed open the door, the wind outside swept in with the chill of early morning. He turned to bid Xue Qinghe farewell. "Your Highness the Crown Prince, then I shall take my leave."
Xue Qinghe also stood and said with a smile, "I'll see the offering priest off."
"Your Highness is busy, so there's no need to see me off."
As he turned and left the Study Room, his footsteps gradually faded beneath the corridor, and the door gently closed behind him.
Xiao Yun did not return to the manor directly. Instead, he wandered the bustling streets, taking in the festive atmosphere around him. In the end, he had lunch at a small restaurant and continued strolling outside for quite some time before returning to the manor.
By the time Xiao Yun returned to the manor, it was nearly afternoon.
He did not hurry to