Chapter 8: Chapter 837: Qin Ziqing Has Not Been Found Yet

Mu Qingge was a woman of her word. That very evening, she drew up a list of all the information she needed and asked Ji Ziyan to find a way to procure it for her.

Once the list was finished, she wrote a letter back to Rong Jue, explaining the situation clearly and telling him that she would be returning about a month later than planned.

After finishing the letter, she began her research.

After spending a few days looking through materials and sorting out what she needed, Ji Ziyan had also successfully handled the matter of her identity.

Since this trip would take some time, she naturally had to inform the little Prince.

The little Prince had only been with Mu Qingge for a short while, and he was extremely attached to his mother, reluctant to be separated from her.

However, he had always been sensible. Hearing Mu Qingge say she had to go out to handle some business, he nodded obediently, then lowered his head and quietly picked at his fair, delicate little fingers.

One look at him, and Mu Qingge knew he was reluctant to let her go.

But sensible children never acted spoiled, let alone cried or made a scene.

Her heart softened instantly. She kissed her son and stroked his head, saying, "Mother will be back as soon as possible. While Zhan'er stays in the palace with your little uncle, don't be shy with him. If you want to eat or play with anything, just tell your little uncle, you hear?"

"Mm."

The little Prince’s ear tips turned red, but his voice remained somewhat dejected.

Seeing the mother and son so reluctant to part, Ji Ziyan felt a pang of sadness, mixed with a sense of guilt.

After all, he knew very well how much Zhan'er needed his mother.

However, he had to be selfish just this once.

It wasn't good to say too many comforting words, so he bent down, picked up Rong Zhan, and said softly, "Little Uncle will keep you company, Zhan'er. Shall we wait for your mother to come back together?"

"Mm."

The little Prince wrapped his arms around Ji Ziyan, but his large eyes looked longingly at Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge understood immediately and reached out to take her son into her arms.

The mother and son hugged for a while, reluctant to let go, before Mu Qingge finally set him down. Seeing this, Ji Ziyan had the palace attendants take Rong Zhan away to his studies, as there were some things he needed to discuss with Mu Qingge that were not suitable for a child to hear.

Mu Qingge had originally intended to go back and disguise herself, but seeing that he still seemed to have something to say, she couldn't help but ask, "Is there anything else you need to entrust to me?"

"Brother sent a letter just now."

Mu Qingge’s eyes lit up. "Why didn't you say so earlier? Where is the letter?"

"It arrived just before breakfast," Ji Ziyan said with a smile. "There are three letters in total: one for you, one for me, and one for Zhan'er."

As he spoke, Ji Ziyan took a letter from his chest and handed it to her. Mu Qingge took it and asked suspiciously, "Why didn't you give Zhan'er his letter just now?"

"He was feeling down, and he’ll likely feel even worse once you’ve left. Giving it to him after you’ve gone will help soothe him," Ji Ziyan said, then added seriously, "I haven't read yours, but you can take a look at the one addressed to me."

With that, he handed the other letter to Mu Qingge.

There was actually no need for him to show her the letter addressed to him. If it were necessary, he wouldn't have split them into three letters. Since they were separated, there must be something special about it.

She frowned slightly and reached out to take it.

Upon reading it, her expression darkened. "Qin Ziqing still hasn't been found?"

Ji Ziyan’s expression was equally grim as he nodded. "That's right. We've searched the border and the war zones, but we can't find her. Of course, we haven't found her body either."

After a pause, he continued, "Brother also mentioned in the letter that although she can no longer stir up trouble, as long as she is alive, she remains a danger. There's no telling what she might do next. To prevent future trouble, Brother suggests that I conduct a secret search within Jueyan and execute her as soon as she is found."

"Mm, that is the right thing to do." Qin Ziqing was someone who had to be eliminated; otherwise, the future consequences would be endless.

Ji Ziyan said, "Little Mother, Brother didn't want to tell you because he thought you were returning home soon and didn't want you to worry too much. But since you are staying longer because of me, and now you need to go out while Zhan'er is in the palace, I am a bit worried about your safety, which is why I’m telling you."

"Mm, I understand." Mu Qingge patted his shoulder to reassure him. "You don't need to worry about me. In terms of martial arts, I’m not necessarily worse than her. Even if I do run into her, I won't necessarily lose."

"I know, but she has always targeted you." Ji Ziyan had his own concerns, as he knew more about Qin Ziqing's actions over the years than Mu Qingge did, so he still urged, "I'm afraid she might have other tricks up her sleeve that you can't handle. So, while you are out these days, for your safety, I will secretly send people to follow you. I’m just letting you know so you can feel more at ease."

"Mm."

Mu Qingge smiled and stroked his head. "Well done."

The conversation ended there. Mu Qingge went to disguise herself and slipped out of the palace through a secret door.

Mu Qingge’s trip was destined to be anything but easy.

It was not like a vacation.

Everywhere she went, she had to pore over the local records, familiarize herself with the situation, climb mountains, cross rivers, and negotiate with local officials.

After understanding the situation, she still had to write summaries and her own opinions.

Moreover, the situation was even more complex than she had anticipated.

She had visited a few places before and originally thought she could complete the task in under a month. Who would have thought that this trip would last a month and a half, and she still hadn't finished the inspections.

There were still several cities left to inspect, which would take at least another half-month.

Ji Ziyan was shocked by this.

At the same time, he felt full of apology toward his brother, sister-in-law, and nephew, and he wanted Mu Qingge to return, tidy things up, and go back to Tianqi to reunite with her family.

But Mu Qingge felt that since she had already come out and promised Ji Ziyan to handle the matter well, she naturally had to do it properly.

Giving up halfway was not her style, and she wouldn't feel comfortable with it either.

After two months of inspections through wind and rain, she had become a bit darker and thinner.

One afternoon, she arrived at a new city from another. Since she had to contact officials the next day, she decided to stay in the city.

She didn't stay at the official residence, but instead found a decent inn in the city.

After tidying up and having dinner, the sky turned dark.

This city was quite prosperous, and the night market was a specialty. Having been busy for two months, Mu Qingge finally had some free time that evening and decided to go out for a stroll.

She was disguised as a young nobleman, looking noble and handsome. Although she had drawn a small mustache on both sides of her upper lip, she still looked like a clean-cut young master, attracting many gazes along the way.

She went out alone, but after wandering around for a while, she felt it was boring and returned shortly after.

Back at the inn, just as she was about to go upstairs, a familiar voice called out hesitantly: "...Mu Qingge?"