She's skilled in medicine, martial arts, and even understands animal language—the abandoned dau

Li Mufeng and Xue Fengling also stood up. Li Mufeng patted Chu Zhiyi on the shoulder: "Yi'er, don't worry, go back. We will certainly live up to your expectations and get the task of building the navy done."

However, you must be extra careful after you return to the capital. If the Duke of Xingguo and his daughter find out you are still alive, they will surely try to deal with you again.

Chu Zhiyi's gaze was firm as he said, "Uncle, don't worry. The first thing I'll do when I get back is to settle accounts with them. Even if they don't come after me, I will. I will definitely seek justice for my grandfather and the Meng family army."

After saying this, he cupped his hands in farewell and strode out of the courtyard.

That night, Chu Zhiyi sat alone in his study, the flickering candlelight illuminating his furrowed brows and focused expression.

He wrote furiously, his brush dancing back and forth on the rice paper, making a rustling sound.

The unfinished business in Rongzhou was like a tangled mess, but now he was carefully sorting it out and recording it one by one.

He knew full well that the journey to the capital was fraught with difficulties, and he had to make sure that he could explain everything clearly to Li Mufeng before he could leave with peace of mind.

Meanwhile, Shen Man, who was lying in bed next to him, was also tossing and turning, unable to sleep, her mind constantly thinking about returning to the border town the next day.

Having been away from home for so long, returning home should have been a joyous occasion, but at this moment her heart was filled with complicated emotions.

During her time away from home, her longing for her mother surged like a tidal wave. Thinking of how her mother must have been worrying about her day and night while she was away, Shen Man felt an overwhelming sense of guilt and wished she could fly to her side immediately.

However, Chu Zhiyi's image would occasionally intrude into her thoughts, temporarily pushing the image of her mother aside.

The thought of Chu Zhiyi returning to the capital alone and facing powerful enemies like the Duke of Xingguo made Shen Man's heart clench.

Those people are treacherous, cunning, and ruthless. Chu Zhiyi's journey there is undoubtedly like walking into a tiger's den.

It remains to be seen whether he can successfully persuade that incompetent emperor to exonerate the Duke of Ningguo and the Meng family army.

She sat up and looked out the window at the dark night sky. The moonlight was obscured by thick clouds, just like her endless worries at that moment.

She weighed the options in her mind, torn between her deep concern for her mother and her worry for Chu Zhiyi's safety.

These two most important people in her life are now pulling her heart in two different directions, plunging her into a painful struggle.

She longed to stay by Chu Zhiyi's side and face the hardships of going to the capital with him, but her mother at home also needed her company and care.

In the stillness of the night, Shen Man endured her inner turmoil alone, waiting for the dawn to break.

The next morning, the faint sunlight filtered through the thin clouds and gently fell upon Rongzhou City, casting a hazy golden veil over the streets and alleys.

Chu Zhiyi packed his bags early and, with heavy thoughts in his heart, arrived at Shen Man's residence.

His steps were slow and heavy, as if each step was treading on his own heart.

At the same time, Shen Man changed into her travel clothes, looking neat and dashing, but a hint of loneliness could not be hidden between her beautiful eyes.

She paced back and forth in the courtyard, her gaze frequently drifting anxiously towards the gate, eagerly anticipating the appearance of that familiar figure.

As Chu Zhiyi stepped into the courtyard, he immediately spotted Shen Man.

Hearing footsteps, Shen Man turned around abruptly. Their eyes met in mid-air, and in that instant, a thousand words caught in their throats, turning into a long, drawn-out gaze.

After a long silence, Chu Zhiyi spoke first, his voice trembling slightly with excitement: "Man'er, are you going back to the border town today?"

Shen Man's eyes reddened slightly, and she nodded gently, her voice trembling with emotion: "Yes, there was a backlog of things to do at home, so I had to go back."

As she spoke, she quickly stepped forward and threw herself into Chu Zhiyi's arms, embracing him tightly as if trying to imprint each other's scent deep in their hearts.

The two sat side by side on a stone bench in the courtyard, their hands clasped tightly together, as if this would protect them from the impending separation.

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, as if they were softly mourning the lovers' parting.

Chu Zhiyi broke the silence, his voice filled with worry as he instructed, "You must be careful in everything you do on your journey to the border town, where the mountains are high and the rivers are long. If you encounter any difficulties, be sure to send someone to find me immediately, and I will do everything in my power to help you."

Shen Man raised her head, her eyes filled with affection and concern: "Don't worry, I've been out in the world for many years and I can take care of myself. But you, after you return to the capital, the people of the Duke of Xingguo will definitely not let you off easily. You must be careful in everything you do and not act rashly."

Chu Zhiyi gripped Shen Man's hand even tighter, his gaze unwavering: "I know what I'm doing. When I get back, I will expose their crimes and bring justice to my grandfather and the Meng family army. Once this matter is settled, I will come to the border town to find you."

Just then, the sound of horses neighing came from outside the courtyard. Chu Zhiyi knew that the moment of parting had finally arrived.

He slowly stood up, and Shen Man followed suit. Their eyes met, their gazes filled with longing, reluctance, and determination.

Shen Man took out the token that could summon the Golden Armor Guards and handed it to Chu Zhiyi, saying, "When you need help, just put this token in a conspicuous place, and someone will come to help you!"

Chu Zhiyi looked at the token, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. "Man'er, I don't need it. You should keep it yourself."

“I have General Meng and his men with me, along with all sorts of advanced weaponry. You have nothing, I don’t trust you! Take this…”

Chu Zhiyi knew that what Shen Man said was true.

Compared to Shen Man, he indeed has very few resources at his disposal.

After some deliberation, he accepted the token.

The token was warm to the touch, still carrying the warmth of Shen Man's fingertips. "Man'er, I will definitely keep it safe and return it to you intact when we meet again!"

"Who asked you to pay me back..." Shen Man said coquettishly.

A sudden inspiration struck Chu Zhiyi, and he felt that he should also give Shen Man something as a token of his affection.

He hurriedly took the jade pendant he always carried from his waist and solemnly handed it to Shen Man's palm.

“Man’er, this jade pendant is something I’ve worn since I was a child, and I’m giving it to you today. It has accompanied me through countless storms and carried me through the years of my growth. Now, as I give it to you, it’s like presenting my true heart to you.”

In the days to come, wherever you are or what you encounter, seeing this jade pendant will be like seeing me by your side. It will protect you just as it protects me, ensuring your safety and well-being.

Shen Man carefully examined the jade pendant. It felt cool to the touch, yet it warmed her heart. She nodded solemnly and carefully put the jade pendant away from her body.

The two walked side by side to the courtyard gate. Shen Man gently stroked Chu Zhiyi's face, her eyes filled with reluctance: "Your Highness, take care."

Chu Zhiyi gazed at her with deep affection, his voice low and gentle: "Man'er, once I have settled things in the capital, I will go to the border town to propose to you and grow old together with you."

"Okay, I'll wait for you!" Shen Man replied firmly, her eyes red.

After bidding farewell to Shen Man, Chu Zhiyi, along with Zhi Moxunyan and a thousand soldiers personally selected by Li Mufeng, escorted Ba Song and the others, heading towards the capital in a grand procession.

Chu Zhiyi, on horseback, kept looking back, filled with anticipation for his next encounter with Shen Man. That would be the beginning of their happiness.