Uncle Zhong had already arrived in the capital.
In that lifetime, Uncle Zhong hadn’t come at this time.
Though in that lifetime Uncle Zhong had mentioned coming to the capital to deliver Father’s request for resignation, he just hadn’t made it before the capital descended into chaos.
In this lifetime, Uncle Zhong had come early, and moreover said he was here to take her home.
Home, back to the border commandery!
Father actually wanted to bring her back!
Chu Zhao felt like she’d already grown wings and was flying, but after hearing Xie Yanfang’s next sentence, she fell back to earth.
Bring Uncle Zhong to Wangchun Garden?
Better not.
There was nothing worth watching in her competition anyway. Moreover, Uncle Zhong was Father’s man—once he came, the Third Prince and Xie Yanfang would probably all take notice. She was just a young woman of no importance, but Uncle Zhong was different. His every move would represent Father.
At a time like this, absolutely not.
“No need,” Chu Zhao quickly shook her head and smiled. “Thank you, Third Young Master. Uncle Zhong is a rough military man who barely recognizes any characters. Even if he came, he wouldn’t understand. He’d feel constrained in a place like this. It’s better for him to stay at the military camp. He came to see me, so after my competition ends today, I’ll go see him immediately.”
Xie Yanfang didn’t particularly care whether that Deputy General Zhong came or not. He’d only mentioned it to comfort this girl. If she disagreed, so be it.
“Alright,” he nodded. “The military camp is under my people’s watch. They’ll look after Deputy General Zhong well and won’t let them be treated poorly.”
Chu Zhao didn’t decline this kindness. After all, Father hadn’t returned to the capital in many years, and his reputation wasn’t good either. The capital was best at treating people according to their status. With Xie Yanfang giving instructions to look after them, Uncle Zhong and the others wouldn’t be mistreated.
Uncle Zhong had followed Father, and had suffered so much in that lifetime. She hoped to let them live more comfortably.
“Thank you, Third Young Master.” Chu Zhao thanked him sincerely, then was about to leave.
Xie Yanfang called out to her: “Miss A’Zhao.”
Chu Zhao quickly turned back around, looking at him earnestly: “What other instructions does Third Young Master have?”
Xie Yanfang asked: “I should be asking if Miss A’Zhao has any other instructions.”
Chu Zhao didn’t understand and shook her head: “No more.” She said again, “Third Young Master, you must watch the Third Prince closely. He’s even more cruel than you know. He’s better at killing than the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince’s martial nature is on the surface, but the Third Prince’s is in his bones. Others can’t see it and won’t guard against it.”
Xie Yanfang nodded solemnly: “Good, I’ve noted it.” He asked again, “What I meant was, Miss A’Zhao, you’ve sincerely helped me. What can I do for you?”
So that’s what he meant. Chu Zhao smiled. Truth be told, she had many dissatisfactions, but thinking again, none of them really mattered. All her problems were her own problems. As long as she didn’t fall into romantic folly, all problems could be easily resolved.
And now her only worry—going back to see Father and being with Father—had also been resolved.
Though she didn’t know why Father had changed his mind, perhaps Heaven had seen her changes and finally opened its eyes.
Father had come to fetch her!
She could return to Father’s side!
After ten years of light and shadow across past and present lives, she could finally see Father again!
She desired nothing else!
“I don’t need anything,” she said, her eyes shining brilliantly with starlight. “I’m completely satisfied now, without a care in the world.”
With that, she waved to Xie Yanfang, turned and walked quickly away, joining her maid A’Le who was waiting nearby. The two girls put their heads together and said something, then the maid also became extremely happy. The two of them, one in front and one behind, departed joyfully like hopping birds.
Xie Yanfang stood in place watching, unable to help smiling. As he smiled, it gradually faded.
He had never seen anyone without desires.
Many people, just by standing before him, even without speaking, he could see what they desired.
There was no one in this world without desires or requests.
Of course, Chu Zhao had them too. She asked him to be vigilant against the Third Prince and protect the Crown Prince.
He didn’t find it strange. Although Chu Zhao said it wasn’t because the Third Prince targeted and humiliated her, young ladies without reasons surely had purposes.
He believed Chu Zhao’s purpose was for Chu Ling.
Chu Ling could no longer be restored to office—his life had reached its end. However, he could have a peaceful death. For instance, posthumous honors and titles, which would not only clear his previous charges but also bring honor to his family.
At this very moment, Chu Ling’s subordinate, Zhong Changrong, had also come to the capital with the resignation request.
So just now, he had proactively asked if she needed help.
Considering how devoted this girl was to the Crown Prince, he didn’t mind helping Chu Ling.
But unexpectedly, she refused.
The girl said she didn’t need it, had nothing to request.
Nothing to request? He, Xie Yanfang, had never seen anyone without requests.
Moreover, he clearly knew that the girl was telling the truth. She truly had nothing to request.
Just now, she was as happy as she herself said—completely satisfied, without a care in the world.
Xie Yanfang looked at the empty flower path before him and had a very strange thought: Could it be that what the girl desired was him?
Truly like the rumors on the street said, to get close to him?
Xie Yanfang couldn’t help but laugh at himself. Others might not know, but why would he follow their nonsense? When that girl stood before him, couldn’t he tell whether she had feelings for him or not?