The two were evenly matched in chess, and neither was at a disadvantage in the early stages. Gradually, Yan Huai began to feel something was amiss.

It is said that one's character can be seen from one's chess skills. His fourth brother's chess style appeared gentle and steady, but there was a hint of malice hidden in his heart. He even suspected that it was his imagination.

As the game progressed, the pressure intensified, and even Yan Huai found it somewhat difficult. In the midst of this stalemate, Yan Jue suddenly coughed. Yan Huai quickly put down his chess piece and went to pat his back.

"What's wrong? Summon the imperial physician..."

Before he could finish speaking, Yan Jue pressed his hand down, seemingly having calmed down: "Brother, don't worry, it's just an old ailment, no need to make a fuss."

Yan Huai frowned, repeatedly asking, "Are you sure you don't need to have the imperial physician take a look?"

Yan Jue smiled lightly, "Look at me now, I'm all better, aren't I?" He glanced at the chessboard, his tone tinged with regret, "It's just a pity about this game."

"What time is it and you're still thinking about playing chess?" Yan Huai's tone was slightly reproachful. Seeing his appearance, she couldn't bear it and sighed, "Alright, you're not feeling well, we'll play chess another day."

After Yan Huai left, Yan Jue slightly raised his eyelids and looked in the direction he left, the curve of his lips fading and his eyes gradually darkening.

...

Yan Huai got into the carriage and said to the person inside, "It's not Fourth Brother."

Chi Yan sat up slightly: "Has Your Highness tested him?"

“I accidentally felt his pulse. Although it was weak and feeble, he didn’t seem to be seriously injured.” Yan Huai’s heart was relieved. “I told you before, my fourth brother isn’t that kind of person.”

He made this special trip today to test whether Yan Jue was the person he shot with an arrow that night.

If that's true, then Yan Jue definitely won't be able to get out of bed right now.

Upon hearing this, Chi Yan raised an eyebrow, his tone ambiguous: "Your Highness, one should always be wary of others."

Yan Huai was taken aback and fell into deep thought.

“If it really isn’t him, then it confirms our previous suspicions.” Chi Yan’s expression was deep, his eyes thoughtful.

"So where do you think they'll hide?"

In the past few days, they have practically turned the entire city of Yanjing upside down in their search.

After a long silence, Chi Yan slowly spoke up: "I do have a guess."

——

When Shen Tangning heard that Feng Zhiwen wanted to see her, she asked Xueqing to bring him in.

These past few days he's been busy persuading his father to allow him to work as a bodyguard, and he's been talking so much that he's almost developed blisters on his lips.

Actually, it's understandable. Escorting goods is such a dangerous thing, how could Feng Yuan easily agree to let his son take such a risk?

He knew in his heart that his son had been spoiled since childhood and was not capable of enduring this kind of hardship. Moreover, he couldn't understand what kind of future this would have.

Feng Zhiwen told him that he wanted to go out and broaden his horizons.

Shen Tangning had assumed that Feng Zhiwen had come to her to ask her to help persuade his father, so she raised her eyes and said, "If you want me to help you persuade your father, then don't even think about it."

This is only the first hurdle. If he can't even overcome it, the road ahead will only get more difficult. It's better to give up as soon as possible.

Unexpectedly, Feng Zhiwen shook his head: "I came to see my cousin-in-law for another matter."

Shen Tangning: "Oh?"

He hesitated, "I think I've seen that person's face before, no... well, not really, only a part of it."

She was completely confused: "Who are you talking about?"

Feng Zhiwen gritted his teeth: "Huo Cheng is someone who obeys orders!"

Shen Tangning was taken aback.