The woman's hands were warm and delicate, carrying the rich fragrance of flowers—a gesture laden with comfort.
Haitang, settled by this soothing touch, thought for a moment and said softly, "His Majesty said nothing, merely stood by the window, lost in thought. I suspect he might have been pondering where the lock opened by this key lies, perhaps even for your sake."
Shen Yinning silently slipped into the pool.
Slowly, she opened her eyes underwater; above her, petals swirled alongside the shimmering lights of candles.
She had searched throughout Shen Guogong Mansion, yet she truly couldn't find the lock this key was meant to open.
If Lu Ying could find it, it would not be such a bad thing for her.
The pool was warm.
Yet Shen Yinning inexplicably felt a chill.
As if the lock opened by this key held something far from good.
…
The following day.
Shen Yinning only brought Haitang, boarding a small boat to depart Wu'an Lake, heading toward the banks of the Li River.
