Now that Meng Yuxiu was always at her beck and call, Chang Lili sensed something, moved a few inches closer, leaned against his shoulder, and said, "Are you leaving?"

"Yes, first thing tomorrow morning."

"So fast?"

Meng Yuxiu looked grave and said, “His Majesty is very anxious. I have made all the arrangements in the capital. If anything happens, come to the camp outside the capital. Everyone here is my man, and no one will dare to touch you.”

Chang Lili also vaguely sensed the impending storm beneath the calm surface of the capital and asked, "Can I help you?"

"No need. Just make sure you're safe. What happens in the future is none of my business. I'm just doing my job. Don't worry about others."

"good."

Chang Lili hugged Meng Yuxiu tightly, not telling him her plans, but only asking, "Do you think it would be good for me and my mother-in-law to go to Jiangnan for a trip?"

“Jiangnan?” Meng Yuxiu frowned slightly.

“It’s Jiang Yingxue’s home. She’s going back soon, and I was thinking that if it’s suitable, I’ll go south with her.”

Meng Yuxiu pondered for a moment. He was definitely not comfortable leaving Chang Lili alone in the capital. If he sent Chang Lili away, he had no suitable place to ensure her safety.

In fact, given the current situation, it is not suitable for Chang Lili to stay in the capital. Leaving is the best choice for her.

Meng Yuxiu said, "I'll send someone to follow you. Don't tell anyone about this."

"I know that, I'll be careful." Chang Lili leaned against his armor and asked, "Don't you also not want me to stay in the capital?"

“The capital is not peaceful. His Majesty is too suspicious. When I am not here, Hu Cheng will definitely take the opportunity to thoroughly investigate the Light Machine Office, because there have been men in black there before. If His Majesty agrees to his request, I am afraid you will be in danger.”

Hu Cheng is just Xiao Shu'er's dog, biting wherever he's told. Now Chang Lili is just a small mechanical engineer in the Light Machinery Department, killing her is about as easy as crushing an ant.

Chang Lili has narrowly escaped death several times, showing no concern for the princess or the life-threatening situations, leaving people unsure whether to feel reassured or worried.

Chang Lili raised her head and said seriously, "Then why don't you take me with you?"

"No." Meng Yuxiu refused her without hesitation. "This trip is too risky for me. I told you before that the officials along the way are all on edge, not knowing what they have planned for me. I can't take you on this risky journey."

Chang Lili pursed her lips and said, "But if I stay by your side, I might be able to help you. I'm not necessarily going to hold you back."

Meng Yuxiu chuckled, pinched her small nose, and said, "What do you mean by dragging me down? I just don't want you to have to travel around with me. I'll take you to travel all over the world another time."

Chang Lili pouted, looking quite childish, which made one's heart ache.

Meng Yuxiu had given her all his tenderness, and now every move she made touched his heart. He reached out and hugged her again, saying, "You must be safe and sound. If you are in Jiangnan, I will come to pick you up, and we will return to the capital together."

Chang Lili said, "Okay."

On the other side.

Meng Yuxiu is leaving the capital.

Although it is unclear why the emperor made this arrangement, it was a golden opportunity for some.

Xiao Shu'er secretly summoned Hu Cheng the night before Meng Yuxiu left the capital. She had been lying low for a while, and the princess's residence was unusually quiet.

As night fell, Hu Cheng, still clad in his armor, entered the princess's residence and was immediately captivated by the unique fragrance of a young woman.

The princess's maid led him into Xiao Shu'er's bedroom. Through layers of gauze curtains, he could vaguely see several maids surrounding a delicate and graceful body. Hu Cheng's throat tightened, and his gaze became fiery.

Xiao Shu'er's voice came softly from behind, "Hu Cheng is here?"

"Your Highness, it is indeed this humble general."

After speaking, Xiao Shu'er, wearing only a thin shirt, walked out with light steps, bringing with her a rich fragrance that almost made Hu Cheng drown. He stared wide-eyed at Xiao Shu'er, who was trying to cover up her true intentions.

"I just had a little wine, so I took a shower to wash away the smell. Please don't mind."

Hu Cheng's gaze drifted to her chest; beneath the soft, overlapping fabric, her undulating curves were faintly visible, snow-white and alluring.

Xiao Shu'er hid her disgusted gaze, tugged at her clothes, and said, "Sit down, I have something to tell you."

Hu Cheng sat down, his mouth dry. He didn't understand why Xiao Shu'er had dressed up like this to see him today. All he wanted to do was reach out and touch the beautiful, exquisite body in front of him. He felt unbearably hot and restless as he sat down.

"Meng Yuxiu is leaving tomorrow. Your brother has entrusted you with managing affairs in the capital. What are your plans?"

"His Majesty ordered me to investigate the Three Pages Gate incident in the capital. Meng Yuxiu clearly doesn't trust me and even left two deputy generals behind. I wonder who they're keeping an eye on."

Xiao Shuer was not surprised and said, "This is something Meng Yuxiu would do. He is always cautious."

Dissatisfied with Xiao Shu'er's admiration for Meng Yuxiu, Hu Cheng said, "Hmph, if the people he left behind get in my way, then it'll be a joke."

"Yes, you have your own plans." Xiao Shu'er followed his lead and said, "What do you plan to do about the Three Pages Gate incident?"

This was the second time she had asked, and if Hu Cheng still didn't tell her, it would mean he was deliberately keeping it from her.

Hu Cheng said, "Of course we will follow the princess's arrangements. As long as Meng Yuxiu leaves, the military defenses in the capital will be under the princess's command."

Xiao Shu'er was slightly satisfied, and a smile appeared on her charming face, which made Hu Cheng's heart flutter. He couldn't wait to reach out and hold Xiao Shu'er's hand. The delicate touch made his gaze burn even more intensely, and he said, "Princess..."

Xiao Shu'er removed her hand, stood up, and said, "Cousin, you've always known that I have an unfulfilled wish. This matter is unjust, and my resentment is hard to quell."

"I am a princess of a nation, yet I am now a laughingstock in the eyes of the world. How can you expect me to forget this?"

"Princess, rest assured, I will definitely avenge you!"

Brute!

Hu Cheng's words didn't quite sit well with Xiao Shu'er, but since she was willing to bring up something she hated, she could suppress her temper and not lash out. With teary eyes, she replied, "Back then, Meng Yuxiu broke off the engagement, severely damaging my reputation, and even humiliated me like this for the sake of a lowly commoner like Chang Lili. When I think about it now, I wonder why I didn't just die back then, so they would remember me forever!"

Hu Cheng pulled her into his arms and said, "Princess, you mustn't! You still have me. I've never felt that you..."

Xiao Shu'er interrupted him, saying, "I know your intentions, so this time I want to take Chang Lili's life while Meng Yuxiu is away from the capital."