193 A Hearts Foolish Choice (2/2)

Surprised by Rin's unexpected question, Yun Suyin was silent for a moment. The hands by her sides clenched.

”They do not know.”

Rin sounded a faint hum. ”I met your little sister back at the inn. I'm sure they all must be worried not knowing where you are. I know my family was whenever I went missing.”

”…Yes.” Yun Suyin's voice grew quiet. ”But...my mother always told me to follow my heart's desires, no matter what others thought.”

After she had finished speaking, Yun Suyin stole a glance at Rin only to see she was smiling at her. For some unknown reason, she felt a little tense when their gazes met.

Yun Suyin found Rin's eyes had always been unsettling; pale emerald, almost luminous, flecked with gold. Her eyes could see inside a person, could see their truest, darkest thoughts they possessed down deep.

When Rin looked at her, Yun Suyin felt all her emotions were exposed, leaving her bare and vulnerable. While Rin could sense the girl's uneasiness, she didn't try to defuse it.

”Your mother's words are very wise, Miss Yun. Following your heart is often the right choice.” Rin stopped to stare at a blooming pink orchid. Her fingertips stroked the petals gently with a dull gaze.

”But once in a while, our hearts will make foolish choices. It's up to you whether or not you wish to follow it.”

Yun Suyin's eyes widened. She opened her mouth to respond but closed it, unable to think of the words to say. Rin watched the various expression play out on the girl's face and smiled helplessly.

For the remainder of their walk, the two silently admired the blooming flowers within the garden.

…

At dusk, the interior of the tents turned dim and eerie. The last light of day slanted down through the flaps of the tent, washing the camp in a red gloom.

”I see you have returned. I take everything has been handled well?”

Standing before the An Clan head, Manchu cupped his fist with a lowered gaze.

”Yes, my Lord. I apologize for my lateness, however, after the ambush…” Manchu's words paused, his hands squeezing to the point of trembling. ”I had to issue out a proper burial for Young Master An.”

An Hongyu examined his expression and made an affirmative grunt in response.

”You've traveled long. You may go rest for the day and receive orders in the morning.”

Manchu bowed his head. At that moment, he suddenly raised his eyes, a look of resolution spread across his face.

”My Lord, before I go, there is one thing I'd like to show you.”

”What is it?” An Hongyu's eyebrows wrinkled.

”Before Young Master An's death, he received an order from you to take the head of the Governor Duyi of the Jilin province.”

An Hongyu had a cold expression on his face. After a while, he uttered a response, ”Yes. That's correct.”

Manchu's eyes slanted upward. He cast a glance at the soldier beside him. The soldier nodded his head to his signal. He took the dirty brown cloth bag in his hands and flung its contents on the floor.

At that moment, the room fell silent, everyone's eyes set on the object that had rolled out of the bag. An Hongyu's eyes widened with shock as he looked down at the object below his feet.

Staring at him with swelling eyes and a ghostly complexion was the head of Duyi Zhong.