The Inn's Honored Guest

"No need. Go back early. There are still many matters to handle."

Li Xiangrou refused without thinking, then waved her hand. "Commander Li, move out."

"Yes!"

Commander Li nodded, then flicked his riding crop. "Move out."

"As you command!"

"..."

At his order, the procession set off once more.

They headed in the direction outside the city.

Ning Qi, meanwhile, was on the carriage and took the chance to glance back.

He saw Wang Mang behind them, along with his men, all wearing looks as if their scheme had succeeded.

"Looks like they still think you fell for it."

Ning Qi turned back around and could not help smiling as he spoke.

"Let them think whatever they want. When I go back this time, I'll sweep all these people away in one go."

After suffering yet another deception, Li Xiangrou's heart had already turned to iron and stone.

Toward these people, she had already lost all patience.

"Good. That is the first step to becoming strong."

Hearing her say that, Ning Qi could not help encouraging her. "I believe in you. You can do it."

"Ning Qi, I'll still need your support for this."

"Otherwise, there are still several experts in the imperial city. I'm no match for them."

"And the relationships between them are tangled and complex."

Li Xiangrou turned toward Ning Qi, her expression utterly serious.

"Don't worry. I'll only leave after I help you resolve the problems here."

"Before then, I won't leave."

Ning Qi nodded slightly.

As they chatted idly, they unknowingly left the city.

They arrived on the final road leading back to the imperial city.

"Your Highness, if we follow this road and pass through this mountain range, we'll reach our imperial city!"

At this moment, Commander Li rode over, a smile on his