Send Him to the Royal Capital!

Dark clouds veiled the bright moon. Dongling City lay pitch-black and silent in the night, so dark one could not see one's fingers before one's face.

Knock, knock, knock—

The vermilion-lacquered gate was knocked upon, the sound carrying far through the silent night.

Woof, woof, woof—

Dogs suddenly began barking from the houses in the distance, thoroughly shattering the midnight stillness.

After a moment.

Soft, scattered footsteps came from behind the gate.

"Who is it?" The young girl's cool, clear voice was remarkably penetrating in the darkness, reaching Jiang Ning's ears distinctly.

"It's me!" Jiang Ning's voice was calm.

"Young Master?!" The voice behind the gate abruptly became filled with surprise and delight.

Then came the sound of door bolts clattering.

Several breaths later.

Rumble—

With a faint tremor beneath their feet, the gate was slowly pushed open, and a thread of fiery red light spilled through the crack.

Above the firelight was a cool and beautiful face.

"Young Master!!" Lü Yi's voice rose, brimming even more with emotion.

She lifted the lantern in her hand, allowing its glow to illuminate their faces more clearly.

"Why are you so lacking in vigilance? The moment you heard my voice, you couldn't wait to open the gate?" Jiang Ning smiled faintly.

At that, Lü Yi stuck out her tongue, looking rather embarrassed.

"Let's go! Get inside first. It's cold!" Jiang Ning stepped over the threshold and took the lantern from Lü Yi's hand.

Behind him, Lü Yi swiftly shut the gate and dropped the bolt before following after him.

"Has everything been well at home lately?" Jiang Ning asked.

Lü Yi, behind him, had to jog from time to time to keep up with his pace.

"Quite well. It's just that Little Doubao said she's been a little unhappy these past few