Xue Lingjun walked down the gangplank, only to discover Li Chenzhou among the people welcoming her. She could scarcely believe her eyes and blinked hard before assuring herself that it really was him. Though a faint smile touched his lips, his gaze was utterly grim.
There was nothing strange about Li Chenzhou appearing at the Miyang Naval Stockade. As Governor of the three armed services, he had to inspect military affairs. In truth, Yuchi Chong had already monopolized command of the Northern Frontier's forces, making it difficult for outsiders to intervene. After suffering repeated assassination attempts during his last visit to the Yong Capital, Yuchi Chong had learned a bitter lesson. Upon returning to the Northern Frontier, he had greatly tightened his control over the military under the pretext of enforcing discipline, purging many who opposed him. Li Chenzhou could only let matters take their course; no one could replace Yuchi Chong in Great Yong's military at present. Thus, Li Chenzhou could only turn his attention to other branches of the armed forces, particularly the Navy.
After Xue Lingjun bathed and changed, Li Chenzhou came to visit her. She dismissed her maids and sat before the mirror, unhurriedly combing her long hair. Watching his reflection slowly approach, she said softly, "I never expected you to come and welcome me!"
Li Chenzhou stopped about five feet away from her. Quietly watching her back, he said in a low voice, "I happened to be here inspecting the Navy. I didn't expect you to arrive at this time either."
Xue Lingjun smiled at his reflection. "I thought you'd come especially for me. So it was only a coincidence!"
"Did you not want me to come?" Li Chenzhou asked.
"You're so busy, attending to ten thousand affairs each day. I wouldn't dare hope for