He didn't tell Lan Linxue earlier that the Emperor had asked him to do something else during this trip: to see what kind of person Qin Kou'er really was.

No need to speak, no need to touch, just look.

Lan Shanyang didn't want to provoke Lan Linxue's resistance at this time because of Qin Kouer, but Qin Kouer was someone he had to be careful of.

Lan Qingtian asked Lan Shanyang how he wanted to see Qin Kou'er.

Lan Shanyang told him not to do anything, and Lan Linxue would naturally lead him to her.

Look at how insidious that scoundrel is!

Lan Linxue actually brought him to Qin Kou'er's presence.

Therefore, like father, like son; the two Lan brothers are evenly matched, and neither can outmaneuver the other.

The ceremony ended quickly, and Lan Linxue stood up and took one last deep look at Qin Kou'er, who was also looking up at him.

The two looked at each other, as if they had a thousand words to say.

Without saying a word, Lan Linxue turned around and went inside. He needed to change his clothes and set off immediately.

Qin Kou'er stood to the side, her head bowed, not uttering a word.

Qin Kou'er knew someone was watching her, their gaze filled with inquiry and scrutiny, and even a hint of hostility.

Could it be that someone in Lan Linxue's family looks down on her? Besides that doting emperor, who else could it be?

When Lan Linxue reappeared, she was dressed entirely in black, wearing a cloak.

His face was very pale because he was not well, but his back was straight.

He stepped through the rain, walked gently to Cole, looked down at her, smiled slightly, then turned away and left her quietly without saying a word.

Qin Kou'er suddenly felt as if something inside her had been swept away by Lan Linxue like a gust of wind, leaving her feeling utterly empty. She collapsed straight down.

Although she knew this would be the final outcome, watching Lan Linxue walk away from her was still incredibly painful for her.

Turning around, Qin Kou'er saw Lan Linxue about to walk out the door with her personal guards. She took a few steps, then stopped, her mind a jumble. She wanted to say something, but didn't know what to say. However, seeing Lan Linxue leave like this, she was absolutely unwilling to give up.

Just then, Jun Yannuo suddenly walked out from the side, handed a package to Qin Kou'er, and gently pushed her.

Qin Kou'er glanced back, then looked down again, and immediately shouted, "Your Highness, please wait!"

Lan Linxue was feeling terrible and was desperately trying not to turn around and look at Qin Kou'er. He felt that if he looked at her even once, he would definitely not be able to leave.

But when Qin Kou'er called out softly, Lan Linxue reflexively turned around and looked at Qin Kou'er expectantly.

Qin Kou'er controlled her emotions. She knew that the cold gaze she received sent a chill down her spine.

Trying to calm herself, Qin Kou'er quickly walked over with the things in her hands, and said with a smile, "Your journey has been long and arduous, so I've prepared some food and supplies for you! I hope you take care on your journey!"

As she spoke, Qin Kou'er carefully handed the things in her hand to Lan Linxue, looked up at him, and her eyes instantly reddened.

The moment Lan Linxue received the gifts, she grabbed Qin Kou'er's hand tightly, her expression flickering. She forced a smile and said, "Sect Leader Qin is indeed thoughtful. I'll accept your gifts. There's been a lot of rain in Jiangnan this year, so you should go to the capital sometime! I'll treat you then, so you can see the scenery of the North."

Qin Kou'er forced a smile, then nodded, trying to pull her hand back, but Lan Linxue held on tightly.

Qin Kou'er knew that if things continued like this, the two of them would be inseparable.

She pulled her hand back forcefully, and Lan Linxue's hand went empty.

"The wind and rain are fierce on the road! Your Highness, be careful!"

With that, Qin Kou'er bowed deeply and walked backwards out.

As Lan Linxue watched Qin Kou'er walk further and further back, she took a deep breath, gripped the bundle tightly, and without saying another word, turned around, whipped her horse, and quickly led the large group of people out!

Qin Kou'er watched Lan Linxue until she was far away before turning around to walk back.

But after taking only a few steps, he suddenly collapsed.

Jun Yannuo had been keeping a close eye on Qin Kou'er. The moment she fell, he caught her and quickly carried her into the house.

As soon as Lan Linxue received the imperial edict, Lan Xiuyuan also received it.

According to Lan Linxue, it was indeed Lan Shanyang who asked him to distribute plaques to several gentry in Jiangnan. However, Lan Xiuyuan had absolutely no interest in such matters at the moment.

"Lan Linxue has already left?"

"I'm leaving!" Feng Zhouyuan raised his hand and calmly poured Lan Xiuyuan a cup of tea.

Lan Xiuyuan picked up his cup and took a small sip. "Have you seen all the signals on the dam?"

"We saw it clearly! Our men came back saying there were signal flares coming from afar. They've already started searching, and we should have results soon!"

Lan Xiuyuan nodded. Although he hadn't gotten anything out of the man who was complaining about his misery yet, he was confident that his efforts wouldn't be in vain. Once he found the evidence, Lan Linxue would be doomed this time.

Feng Zhouyuan looked at Lan Xiuyuan and asked softly, "Master, shouldn't we set off back to the capital? The Emperor is in such a hurry to summon the Crown Prince back; I wonder what it's about. We'll feel uneasy if we're not in the capital!"

Lan Xiuyuan nodded, then sighed and said, "It's time to go back! However, we still haven't found Shi Mengjian's account books, which remains a hidden danger. We must eliminate them! You leave some smart people to continue investigating this matter! Once there's progress on Lan Linxue's side, we'll return to the palace immediately!"

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