Chapter 131: Reluctant to Part

The Empress did not depart until she had finished her evening meal at the Cloudmist Palace. Shortly after the meal, the veil of night descended.

Xiao Qiu returned after delivering the food containers and whispered a few words into Guli’s ear.

Upon hearing this, Guli sprang to her feet. "Is it true? Is he leaving tonight?"

Xiao Qiu nodded. "Yes. Imperial Physician Hu came this morning and reported that General Chang'an’s wounds have completely healed. He is able to walk and has made a full recovery; there is no longer a need for him to recuperate. The Crown Prince must have heard the report, for he sent word this afternoon to discuss matters with the General. It was decided that once night fell, Little Jizi would bring some men over under the guise of moving supplies, allowing the General to slip out disguised as a guard. Now that it is dark, the Prince’s men should be arriving any moment."

"Why are you only telling me this now?"

Guli was anxious. The thought that he was leaving so soon—and that she had not seen him for the past three days—made her heart ache with sorrow.

Xiao Qiu looked helpless. "The Empress was here all afternoon; I truly could not find a chance to speak..."

Guli knew he must be longing to return home. He had been away for so long, and although the outside world remained unaware of his severe injuries, she knew his grandmother and the military camp must have a mountain of affairs waiting for him. He could not afford a moment's delay.

The Crown Prince had mentioned it a few days ago: once the General was healed, he could not remain here any longer. If the Emperor were to summon him unexpectedly, their secret would be exposed.

She had wanted to keep him for a few more days, but now that the physician had given his word, she had no reason to make him stay.

Unable to think of anything else, Guli lifted her skirts and hurried toward the side hall.

Inside, Lie Chang’an had already changed into the attire of a palace guard and sat waiting by the table. He had sent Xiao Qiu to deliver the message, but he was uncertain if she would come. The awkwardness of their last encounter still made him burn with embarrassment, yet his longing and reluctance to part were stronger. He had not seen her for three days, and each day had felt like a year. As he prepared to depart after being so carefully tended to by her, he felt he at least owed her a proper farewell.

Guli burst into the side hall, breathless. At the sound of her footsteps, Lie Chang’an rose from his chair, his heart tightening at the mere thought of her presence.

"I heard you are leaving?"

Guli entered the room, panting. With her mind filled only with the news of his departure, she forgot all her previous embarrassment, her heart heavy with sadness.

"Yes."

Seeing her flushed face and the mist of her breath in the cold air, Lie Chang’an found her endearing, and his heart swelled with an inexplicable warmth. "Princess, thank you for your care during these days."

Guli, realizing he was truly going, felt a wave of despondency. She lowered her eyes to hide her sorrow and shook her head gently. "It was not much care. You helped me, did you not?"

"Princess, your humble servant..."

Lie Chang’an did not know what else to say. A simple farewell should have been enough, yet he felt as though he had so much to tell her, though he did not know where to begin. He had never experienced such inner turmoil, but whenever he stood before her, he felt utterly helpless, as if he had become someone entirely unlike his usual self.