What had happened at the Murong Residence surfaced in Yang Qing's mind from time to time.
But he had already done all he could.
Seeing the flicker of pain cross Yang Qing's face, Bu Er clenched his fists tightly. He wanted to say something, but Jiang Zhizhou stopped him.
Jiang Zhizhou shook his head at Bu Er, signaling for him to withdraw for the moment.
Then Jiang Zhizhou turned to Yang Qing. "If you cannot set your mind at ease, I can take you back to Yan Prefecture..."
Yang Qing had been lost in thought. Hearing Jiang Zhizhou's words, he shook his head slightly. "What would I go back for? It would only add to my sorrow. Besides, time is pressing for us both. There is no point dwelling on such tender attachments."
His voice lowered a little. "Besides, the Yang Qing in her heart turned to ash in that fire long ago. What face could the Yang Qing of today possibly show her and ask her to walk hand in hand with him?"
"Why torment yourself like this? Murong Qian is not the shallow woman you make her out to be. You know that better than anyone..." Jiang Zhizhou said.
"And what of it? Right now, I am not Yang Qing. I am Yang Chengming, the Yan Prefecture Military Commissioner! Am I supposed to ask her to share my crime of deceiving the emperor and wander to the ends of the earth with me?"
Yang Qing looked at Jiang Zhizhou. "What would you do in my place?"
Jiang Zhizhou met his gaze. "If it were me, whether he soared to glory or sank into destitution, I would swear to follow him unto death."
Having said that, Jiang Zhizhou looked away. He did not continue, and silence fell over the