"Under the Emperor's very nose, in the capital city, Chu Yanxi would have to consider his actions. To protect them temporarily, the only option was to go to the capital. Furthermore, given their special identities, without concrete proof of them being Xiliang spies, even the Emperor would hesitate to act against them, let alone Chu Yanxi."
"What Chu Yanxi fears most now is for our party to safely reach the capital. Once we are there, it will be difficult for him to make a move. From today onwards, we will travel day and night without stopping, to reach the capital as quickly as possible."
Since the assassins sent by Chu Yanxi had just failed in their attempt, it would be difficult for him to dispatch more killers in a short period. This was the perfect opportunity for them to hasten their journey back to the capital.
"But Lu Shi's injuries have not yet healed. If we rush the journey, his condition will worsen..."
Feng Jin voiced her concerns. It was unfortunate that Lu Shi was injured at this particular time. They couldn't possibly force him to travel quickly in his state.
A jolt along the road could reopen his wound, which would be troublesome.
"Time is of the essence, and returning to the capital is paramount. We cannot afford any further delays. The only way is for Lu Shi to stay in the town ahead to recuperate, while our party hurries back to the capital."
This was a reluctant measure, necessitated by the current urgent situation requiring their swift return.
Ling Mohan's face was etched with reluctance. He was forced to make this decision. After all, Lu Shi had been by his side for ten years. If not driven to desperation, he would never have left Lu Shi behind alone.
"Must we really do this?"
Feng Jin felt a pang of pity. Leaving Lu Shi all alone truly distressed her.
"The situation is urgent, and this is the only way. I will leave a contingent of the Black Armored Army to protect Lu Shi. Finding a quiet courtyard for him to heal will ensure his safety."
She paused, then as if remembering something, she spoke again, "Why not let Cai Qing stay behind as well? Lu Shi needs someone to care for him. How can those men from the Black Armored Army provide proper care? He needs a woman by his side to look after him. I think Cai Qing would be quite suitable."
Ling Mohan naturally understood Feng Jin's intention. "This would indeed be most suitable. However, we don't know if Cai Qing is willing. Moreover, Cai Qing is an unmarried young lady. If she stays to care for Lu Shi, it could damage her reputation if word gets out. It's not entirely appropriate."
"This matter must be decided by Cai Qing herself. I will go and ask Cai Qing if she is willing, and while I'm there, I'll check on Lu Shi's injuries."
Once Feng Jin made up her mind, she couldn't delay. She rose and walked out. Ling Mohan shook his head and sighed helplessly, following her.
When Feng Jin arrived, Cai Qing was by Lu Shi's bedside, tending to him, her eyes clearly showing fatigue.
"Madam, General, why have you come? This servant..."
"It's alright. There's no one else here, so there's no need for such formality. How is Lu Shi now?"
Feng Jin stopped Cai Qing, who was rising to curtsy. She had been caring for Lu Shi for so long; it was tiring, and there was no need for such superfluous etiquette.
"This servant has not dared to leave his side for a moment. Doctor Lin just came to change Lu Shi's dressing and then left."
Cai Qing recounted what had happened, her worried gaze fixed on Lu Shi, never wavering.
Feng Jin observed all of this, her heart clear as day.
After examining Lu Shi's wounds, Feng Jin's expression gradually relaxed.
"The wound is healing well. The bleeding has stopped, and there are no signs of infection on the surface. This is all thanks to your care."
"It is Madam and Doctor Lin's excellent medical skills that saved Lu Shi. This servant merely stayed to care for him and does not dare to take credit."
Cai Qing quickly waved her hands in denial. Lu Shi was injured precisely because he had saved her. Her staying was partly out of worry for Lu Shi and partly due to her guilt towards him.
By staying to care for Lu Shi, she felt slightly better.
Feng Jin turned to look at Ling Mohan, who was following behind her, and signaled him with her eyes to go outside.
Once everyone else had left, Feng Jin took Cai Qing's hand and sat her down on a nearby chair. After a moment of thought, she spoke.
"We plan to set off tomorrow and head to the capital as quickly as possible. Only once we reach the capital will we be truly safe. However... Lu Shi is severely injured and not yet recovered. He is still unconscious and not fit to continue traveling. After discussion, we have decided to let Lu Shi stay here to recuperate for now..."
Before she could finish, Cai Qing stood up abruptly. "Madam, Lu Shi is injured and unconscious. If we leave and abandon him here, won't he be doomed? Madam, let's take Lu Shi with us."
"You silly girl, I haven't finished speaking yet."
Feng Jin said with a hint of helplessness. Why were they all so impatient? Couldn't they let her finish her sentence first?
"Madam... then, what are you planning?"
Cai Qing didn't know what Feng Jin intended and quickly asked.
No longer probing Cai Qing, Feng Jin stated directly, "I cannot be at ease leaving Lu Shi here alone. I was thinking of having you stay behind temporarily to care for Lu Shi. I just don't know what you think?"
Cai Qing blinked, her eyes filled with indecision. She fiddled with her fingers, the words on her lips stuck in her throat. For a long time, she remained silent.
"If you are unwilling, then we will have to assign more guards to protect Lu Shi, and you can hurry back to pack your things. We will depart early tomorrow morning."
"So soon? But Lu Shi hasn't woken up yet..."
Cai Qing appeared anxious. It was as if two small figures were fighting in her mind, making it difficult for her to make a decision.
"This is a necessary measure. Circumstances are pressing, and we must consider the bigger picture. What worries us now is Lu Shi and his injuries... alas..."
After Feng Jin's embellished account, Cai Qing could no longer sit still. She said hastily, "Madam, I... I am willing to stay and care for... care for Lu Shi..."
Where Cai Qing couldn't see, a triumphant smile curved Feng Jin's lips, though she maintained a facade of difficulty.
"This... this is not appropriate. You are an unmarried young lady, and to care for a man day in and day out, especially when you are not betrothed to Lu Shi, could damage your reputation if rumors spread. How will you find a husband in the future? This won't do... no, you should return to the capital with me."
Feng Jin shook her head and sighed, deeming the matter inappropriate and trying to persuade Cai Qing to return with her.