Too Close to See Clearly

"My lord, you jest. I'm simply used to running about everywhere."

Just then, a yamen runner entered the room and said to Di Renjie, "Your Honor, an imperial edict has arrived."

Di Renjie asked in surprise, "What?"

The runner continued, "The imperial envoy is in the yamen. You are to return immediately to receive the edict."

Youzhou, Xiaolianzi Mountain.

With a thunderous boom, the stone door slowly opened. Liu Jin, who had been rescued by Viper from an earthen kiln in Chang'an, slowly entered the cave under the guidance of a maidservant.

The maidservant led Liu Jin deep into the cave, then stood quietly to one side. Liu Jin stopped as well and asked, "Where is Jin Mulan?"

The maidservant pointed ahead. Liu Jin slowly turned his head.

A bamboo curtain slowly rose, revealing a woman seated in a chair behind it. She wore red armor and a conical hat that concealed her true face.

Seeing this, Liu Jin asked suspiciously, "Are you Jin Mulan?"

The woman smiled. "Old friend, after our parting in Youzhou, you can no longer recognize even my voice?"

Liu Jin gave a bitter smile. "I have suffered too much these past three years. Some things have become unclear in my memory."

The woman said, "Yes. Back then, you and I met in Youzhou to discuss that list. Who would have thought the Imperial Guard would suddenly appear and arrest you? To save you, I have racked my brains these past three years."

Liu Jin gave a cold laugh. "It would be more accurate to say you did it for that list."

The woman did not deny it. She nodded. "Of course. You may understand it that way."

Only then did Liu Jin smile. "Yes, you are Jin Mulan."

Jin Mulan said, "Of course. I