Miss Jun was slightly taken aback.
This wasn't the first time he asked this.
At first, when she returned from the northern lands as Duke of Chengguo's heir's fiancée, the first thing he asked was this.
So many important things could be said, but what he cared to ask was only this.
Miss Jun looked at him, gently lowered her gaze, and reached out to hold the teacup in front of her.
Ning Yunzhao saw this gesture and suddenly laughed, his laughter filled with a certain happiness.
He didn't speak either, reaching out to hold the teacup in front of him.
But it wasn't long before Miss Jun raised her head.
"I'm going to the northern lands," she said, "Precisely speaking, to the borders of Jin Country."
Just as Ning Yunzhao's question, carefully asked after much deliberation, was the least significant, Miss Jun's decision at this moment was also the most inappropriate.
At this moment, the political scene was turbulent, with many things needing to be discussed and questioned, and plenty regarding the present and future that needed to be negotiated and decided.
She should at least stay in the capital, but she chose to leave instead.
"Duke of Chengguo said Zhu Zan is in the northern lands guarding unfinished business," Miss Jun smiled, "I'm not a child; such words cannot deceive me."
She lowered her head again, turning the teacup in her hand.
"To assassinate the Emperor of Jin, it's definitely Zhu Zan. The danger of this mission is imaginable; he's surely in trouble."
Ning Yunzhao nodded.
"Yes, those who attempt such things are Death Soldiers; even trading life for life may not succeed," he said.
Miss Jun looked up at him.
"So, I'm going to find him and bring him back," she said, "No one else can do this; I'm very familiar with Jin Country."
Because her master led the Qingshan Army to fight the enemy within Jin Country in the past.
The handwritten notes he left contained detailed maps of Jin Country.
Ning Yunzhao gripped the teacup and smiled.
"Then it seems now it's for real," he said.
Miss Jun gazed at him, this time without lowering her eyes or turning the teacup in her hand again.
"Yes." She nodded seriously.
Ning Yunzhao still wore a smile.
"Should I offer congratulations?" he said.
But he didn't say it.
"Should I say thank you or apologize?" Miss Jun looked at him seriously and said.
But she didn't say that either.
Ning Yunzhao's smile widened, raising his teacup.
Miss Jun lifted her cup with both hands and gently clinked it against his.
Each drank deeply, then looked at each other somewhat sheepishly, but as if nothing had changed.
Ning Yunzhao smiled first.
"However, upon reflection, I'm somewhat unwilling," he said.
Miss Jun looked at him.
"I've done quite a lot too." Ning Yunzhao continued, frowning slightly, "I should be able to ask for a reward, right?"
"Of course you can, go ahead," Miss Jun said, "As long as I can do it."
Ning Yunzhao raised an eyebrow.
"So there are limitations to the conditions," he said, "It seems I'm indeed not as good as Heir Zhu."
Miss Jun felt a bit embarrassed.
He was always gentle as jade, seeing through things without revealing them, never making anyone feel awkward.
Ning Yunzhao's expression turned back to his gentle smile.
"Everyone should act willfully once," he said.
Miss Jun's demeanor returned, she looked at him and nodded.
"Go ahead," she said, pausing, "Of course, you can say it anytime."
"Let's not talk about the future." Ning Yunzhao smiled, "Let's do it now."
Miss Jun looked at him seriously, waiting for him to speak.
Ning Yunzhao looked at her.
"Let's play another game of chess," he said.
.....
.......
During the Lantern Festival, on a lively street, there was a woman behind him, looking at the chessboard surrounded by people, her interest piqued as she suggested a move.
A young man heard her, and his interest piqued as well, he responded with a move.
Thus began a game of blind Go under the night sky between them.
After the game ended, he turned around, and she looked at him, finally realizing the other was a familiar stranger.
From that moment, began the continuous exchange that never paused.
Although initially, they did not plan to interact.
But who can predict the future? Who can control it?
Miss Jun said nothing, smiling softly and nodding.
....
......
The table by the window was where Miss Jun habitually wrote medical books; now the pens, ink, paper, and inkstones were put away, and a not-so-exquisite chessboard was placed.
"Sorry, the old man next door only has this one, the stores haven't opened yet, and running to Manager Liu's place is a bit far," Seventh Chen said apologetically, while he wiped a stain on the chessboard.
But the stain was already deep in the chessboard and could not be wiped off.
"To play chess, having a board and pieces is enough," Ning Yunzhao said.
The most important thing is the people, Fang Jinxiu, at the side, said as she pursed her lips, really couldn't understand; at such a time, they leisurely started playing chess in the morning, it indeed proved they weren't like ordinary people.
She flicked her hand and walked away; Seventh Chen followed, standing at the rear courtyard door, glancing back, seeing the two indeed started playing chess, their expression serious and focused, without exchanging a single word, each placing pieces step by step on the board.
"They really are playing chess." Seventh Chen muttered, frowning slightly.
He had seen male and female duels before, but didn't know why, under the hazy morning light, the serious and focused duel between this man and woman suddenly felt inexplicably sour.
Why feel sour, knowing that these two people are not ordinary folks.
They are the most capable allies in supporting Prince Huai to become Crown Prince, and when he ascends, they will have achieved great feats.
Their future status will surely be immeasurably honorable, envied by all; they can have whatever they want in the world, what do they have to feel sour about.
"I think I might be sick." Seventh Chen turned his head and said to Fang Jinxiu.
"If you're sick, take medicine." Fang Jinxiu said without lifting her head.
Seventh Chen couldn't help feeling wronged, mixed with a bit of spite.
"Then go and get me some medicine." he said.
Fang Jinxiu glanced at him, then walked away.
Seventh Chen followed, calling out, "Then I'll get it myself, will you watch me take it?" he said.
.....
.......
No matter how exquisite, there is an end to the game.
Ning Yunzhao stood up and smiled, bowing to Miss Jun.
"Farewell," he said.
How dangerous this journey would be, he knew, but there was no attempt to stop her, no advice for safety, only a farewell.
Miss Jun looked at him, wanting to say something, but ultimately said nothing, lowering her head to return the bow.
Ning Yunzhao turned and walked away briskly.
Miss Jun reached for the cloak Fang Jinxiu handed her, outside Jiuling Hall, a troop was already waiting, Miss Jun mounted her horse without a moment's pause and rode off.
The morning light was bright, shops on both sides began to open, people started to move about the streets, with chatter, greetings, women scolding children, all bustling and lively as they sent off the troop into the distance.
....
.....
(Forcing an even chapter count, deciding to end with a separate chapter, I'll continue writing.)