Chapter 343 (1/2)

Chapter 343: Chaos in Eastern Wu

“Alright, we won't stay here and get in your way,” said Jun Huang. “Remember, you should find a good woman to settle down with, living a life of mutual support and respect.”

She started to get a little choked up. She had only wanted to offer Jun Hao comfort.

Nan Xun could read the concerns in her tone. She'd always been worried that her health wouldn't allow her a lifetime with him. If only they could start over…

“Come on, let's go.” Nan Xun didn't want Jun Huang to dwell on that. He put an arm around her and led her away. Jun Huang took a deep breath and schooled her expression into one of indifference. They walked out of the courtyard house one after the other.

Jun Huang lowered her head in contemplation, her strides faster than usual. Her pursed lips and pale face made Nan Xun's heart ache, but there wasn't much he could do.

He reached out for the illusory glow surrounding her. She turned to him suddenly, her eyes reflecting a hopeful light. “We've walked home together at night, haven't we, Nan Xun?”

Nan Xun's mouthed dried. He felt the urge to pick Jun Huang up then and there, but her downcast eyes gave him pause.

“My memory is fuzzy. The cold moonlight is all I can remember.” She chuckled, but it was a bitter one.

It hit Nan Xun hard. He took a deep breath and walked up to Jun Huang, gently pulling her close to him. “It's alright. If you can't remember, I'll tell you about us. If you don't want to hear it, I'll retread our tracks with you.”

Jun Huang laughed into Nan Xun's arms, the sound as carefree as she'd ever been. She snuck a glance at him. “There are other things I remember. The memories are unclear, but I have a feeling that you're in all those memories.”

Nan Xun couldn't be more pleased. His earlier frustration melted away. He wanted nothing but for Jun Huang to become part of him.

Jun Huang had been slowly recovering her memory. Although many of her recollections had nothing to do with him, he was glad to see her becoming healthier, lighter. When the time came, he'd be able to tie up his plan and take Jun Huang away, living a life free of care.

Before he could do that, however, a letter from Northern Qi arrived.

Nan Xun had been in a good mood that day. He'd gone outside with Jun Huang in the morning, listening to her talk about what she remembered about her childhood. Then his shadowguard came suddenly. He wasn't able to walk Jun Huang home himself, so he had a shadowguard keep an eye on Jun Huang while he returned to his safehouse.

“What's the emergency?” Nan Xun asked with a frown as he opened the door.

“Northern Qi sent a message,” the shadowguard took out an envelope as he said. “This subordinate worried that it might be something important, so I sought you out immediately.”

Nan Xun took the envelope and nodded. His expression changed when he read the letter.

“A temporary peace has been reached. I hope you'll return soon. Do not dally around in Eastern Wu. There are many affairs to take care of in the imperial city, and many problems have arisen. It's better that you return before the officials get suspicious.”

Qi Yun had told him about the current situation in Northern Qi and asked him to go back at once.

“What do we do, Your Highness?” the shadowguard asked, looking over at Nan Xun. The general stood before a window with a thoughtful look on his face.

Nan Xun broke out of his trance. “He must have a reason to ask for my return. It is true that the courtiers may get suspicious if I stay after the war ceased. Moreover, this is an opportunity for us to get out. We should seize it in case something goes wrong.”

The shadowguard admired Nan Xun for his calmness. They had something that could send Eastern Wu into chaos, which would be perfect for their purpose. “What about Miss Jun Huang? That's a tricky issue we'll have to solve properly. If we leave anything that can be used against us, the tide may be turned. After all, we don't know what the hidden forces at work want.”

“I'll take care of it.” Nan Xun's expression clouded. Getting Jun Huang out was the most difficult part of their departure. Everyone in the Grand Chancellor manor was tied to Jun Huang. He had to come up with a solution.

The shadowguard quietly left the room. Nan Xun stood there for a long time until it started to get windy. He walked out and made his way to the Grand Chancellor's manor.

As he expected, Jun Huang was sitting in a pavilion, her expression cool. The light-colored dress waved in the wind, and her hair tangled and danced. She looked ethereal and untouchable.

“What is it?” Jun Huang gave him a small smile and walked up to him.