Chapter 94 Disturbing His Heart

The next day, before it even got dark, Xie Qi's carriage stopped at the door as promised.

"Come on, let me take you to Ruyi Restaurant for a delicious meal first." Xie Qi got off the carriage and helped Jiang Zhi into the carriage with a smile.

Today he was dressed in a moon-white casual outfit, with subtle flowing patterns on the collar and cuffs, and a black jade belt loosely tied around his waist. He looked less austere than usual, and more refined and elegant.

He no longer seemed to be the young general who fought on the battlefield in the eyes of the world, but simply a noble and leisurely young man from a wealthy family in the capital.

After Jiang Zhi got into the carriage, he also lifted his clothes and slipped inside.

The carriage was spacious, but Xie Qi's bold move made it feel much smaller.

Jiang Zhi sat upright with her hands on her knees, while Xie Qi sat next to her, his burning gaze fixed on her without any attempt to hide it, making Jiang Zhi feel uncomfortable.

"Is there something on my face?" she couldn't help but ask.

Xie Qi shook his head, "No, I just think you're so beautiful, I can't get enough of looking at you."

"Please don't make fun of me, Your Highness."

"It's true, I've been in and out of the palace since I was a child and have seen many noble and beautiful women, but in my heart, none of them can compare to you," Xie Qi exclaimed from the bottom of his heart.

"Young Master Xie," Jiang Zhi said helplessly, "has the matter I discussed with you yesterday been arranged properly?"

When it came to business, Xie Qi immediately put away his lazy and leisurely expression. "Of course, I sent my trusted confidants to secretly follow Yan Wenhong and the people who usually help him with his affairs. This matter is so important, and he is always cautious, so he certainly won't entrust it to anyone else."

Jiang Zhi nodded, "That's good then. I'll wait here for good news from Prince Xie."

After having dinner in a private room at Ruyilou Restaurant, the two looked out from the third-floor window and saw that it was already completely dark, and the streets were a sea of ​​lights.

The revolving lanterns depict talented men and beautiful women, lotus lanterns float on the canal, and even the air is filled with the sweet aroma of sugar paintings.

Xie Qi walked beside Jiang Zhi, watching her look up at the lanterns hanging above her, one by one. The lights shone on her profile, making her seem both close and far away from him, giving him the illusion that he was about to lose her.

Xie Qi reached out to take her hand, but pulled it back just before touching her fingertips.

If only time could stand still at this moment.

He sighed silently.

Seeing that Jiang Zhi's gaze lingered on a lamp for a while, he took out some silver and bought it directly.

It was an adorable rabbit lantern, its shape so lifelike and vivid, the wick swaying gently, making it exceptionally cute and charming.

Jiang Zhi carried the rabbit lantern in one hand and walked along with him at their own pace.

Xie Qi took her to guess riddles, release lanterns on the moat, and watch the huge and gorgeous fireworks that the shops set off to attract customers.

Since her rebirth, Jiang Zhi had never felt so relaxed and carefree. She temporarily put all her trivial matters behind her and simply enjoyed herself to the fullest.

Just then, a group of children carrying lanterns skipped and hopped past, and Jiang Zhi was accidentally bumped into and stumbled. Xie Qi instinctively reached out and pulled her into his arms.

Seeing that more and more people were gathering around, Xie Qi frowned. "This is not the place to talk. I'll take you somewhere else."

He grabbed her waist and leaped into the air, landing on the roof of a restaurant in a few bounds.

"Be careful of my lantern." Jiang Zhi protected the rabbit lantern in her arms. When she came to her senses, she found herself sitting on the roof with Xie Qi.

Below, a sea of ​​lights stretched out, and countless figures thronged the ground. Looking down from above, it resembled a black dragon winding its way into the distance.

However, Xie Qi's gaze remained fixed on Jiang Zhi.

He took a deep breath and said, "I...I have something to tell you, actually..."

Jiang Zhi withdrew her gaze, knowing what he probably wanted to say, and shook her head, saying, "Actually, I also have something to say to Prince Xie today."

Xie Qi stopped her from continuing, saying, "Please let me finish this time, Miss Jiang."

Jiang Zhi didn't insist and nodded.

Xie Qi then spoke, "I'm about to set off for the campaign."

Seeing Jiang Zhi's obvious surprise, he smiled and said, "The imperial decree issued today orders me to prepare the army within three days and go to the northern border to guard the border and prevent a surprise attack from the Northern Barbarians."

"Why so suddenly? Is there something unusual in the Northern Border?" Jiang Zhi couldn't help but worry.

She knew little about the Northern Territory in her previous life, and was unaware of the dangers of the border.

Moreover, once Xie Qi leads his troops into battle, shouldn't their cooperation come to an end?

Xie Qi had already considered this point.

"The scouts at the front have reported that the Northern Barbarians are gathering a large army. It is still unknown whether there will be a battle. Miss Jiang, there is no need to worry too much."

He paused, then said, "As for our cooperation, once Yan Wenhong's secret dealings are exposed, the downfall of the Zhongqin Earl's Mansion will happen overnight. You don't need to take over this matter anymore."

Jiang Zhi frowned, puzzled. "Why don't you need me to take over?"

“Actually, His Highness the Crown Prince has also asked me to investigate this matter. If I find any evidence, I will have it presented directly to His Highness the Crown Prince. This matter is of great importance, and it is safest for you not to get involved,” Xie Qi said.

"You've informed the Crown Prince about this?" Jiang Zhi's brows furrowed even deeper.

She remembered telling Xie Qi that their collaboration should not be known to any third party.

Xie Qi realized she had misunderstood and hurriedly explained, "I never mentioned it to the Crown Prince. It's just that for some reason, he, like you, also suspected this matter, which is why he sent me to investigate."

Xiao Xuanyou actually had Xie Qi investigate as well?

Jiang Zhi was startled.

The Third Prince kept this matter a secret, and in his previous life, it would not have been revealed until three years later.

Why did Xiao Xuanyou realize it so early?

The more she thought about it, the more terrified she became.

Xie Qi took her hand and held it in his palm. "Don't worry, I will handle this matter properly and won't let you get hurt."

That's not what Jiang Zhi is worried about.

But at that moment her mind was in turmoil, and she only nodded casually.

Xie Qi couldn't help but sigh.

I originally wanted to ask Jiang Zhi about her feelings today.

But once the imperial decree was issued, he didn't know when he could return to the capital, and he had to swallow back the words he was about to say.

He couldn't let his own selfish desires hold Jiang Zhi back.

"Once this matter is resolved, I would be grateful if Your Highness could send someone to inform me."

Jiang Zhi's original plan to be honest with Xie Qi was thus abandoned.

Xie Qi was about to go to war, and as long as he didn't mention it, she didn't want to disturb his peace of mind.

On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes; she still hoped he could return safely.