Tang Yun smiled and leaned in close to Mu Junwu: "Shu State is under the jurisdiction of Tang, the money from the east and west markets clearly goes into the mansion of the governor, as for the night market's money, that goes straight into the governor's own pocket!"

  You nodded in agreement: "So that's how it is, you even know about these things?"

  "Of course, I've been out on business many times over the years, so naturally I know more. Later, you'll come out more and know more too." Tang Yu pointed to the Come Luck Inn in front of them: "Let's stay here for tonight!"

  He certainly wouldn't have any objections, and he nodded in agreement.

  Tang Yun stopped in his tracks, pulled out the purse and handed the bundle to Mu Junwu: "You go ahead and check in, I'll come back to find you at dinner time."

  "Where are you going?"

  Tang Yunbai gave him a glance and leaned in close, lowering his voice to say: "Now that we're out, of course we have to take the opportunity to vent our frustrations!"

  Tang Yun finished speaking, smiled and nudged Mu Junwu, then turned around and slipped into the alley across the street.

  I raised my eyes and looked afar, a sea of green surrounded Tang Yu as she walked away with the swallows and orioles.

  Mo Jun looked around and then carried his luggage into the Lucky Inn.

  I ordered a room facing the street, brewed a pot of tea, and sat by the window with Mu Jun. After flipping through the shopping list in my hand, I sipped my tea while watching the bustling crowd downstairs.

  An elderly woman with grey hair hanging from a bamboo basket with needles and threads strolled along the street, humming an unintelligible folk song.

  A little boy with a pigtail sat on the ground and refused to get up, tightly holding his mother's hand and crying loudly for a lollipop.

  Mischievous kids chasing each other in play among the crowd, occasionally bumping into a passerby and earning a scolding laugh.

  Young and beautiful women, dressed in colorful clothes with flowers in their hair, gathered together chatting and laughing, gently waving their fans adorned with elegant Shu brocade...

  Admiring you, I silently gaze at him, with a hint of envy in his eyes.

  The palace, in the eyes of outsiders, is high and unattainable, with an aura that is oppressive, but he knows that there is no true affection, only hypocrisy, and none of the stirring excitement and passion, only forever a bloody game of cat and mouse.

  As he looked on, he thought back to a year ago.

  At that time, although the emperor was not seriously ill, his increasingly poor spirit and erratic temperament made everyone in the palace uneasy.

  The ministers of the previous dynasty were constantly scheming for the position of crown prince, while the concubines in the harem were also selecting a direction for my future life.

  But he had no intention of contending for the throne.

  "Master Fan, you're getting on in years, what plans do you have?"

  The queen mother looked at him with a worried face, obviously the unclear situation made her anxious.

  "The day before yesterday, I had already asked the Emperor to send me to Zhen Nan. If he agreed, I would ask him to let me take Empress Dowager with me. I think the Emperor will probably agree."

  "Zhen Nan?" The empress's face was full of surprise: "Why go there?"

  "The scenery there is beautiful with clear mountains and water, suitable for Your Majesty's retirement."

  The empress looked at him, smiling helplessly and bitterly: "You! Among the many children of the great king, you are the one who is most uninterested in politics. Yet, you are his only designated prince, and were even granted the name 'Ying Ce'. Do you think that just by requesting a transfer to an external post, you can avoid the struggle for the throne?"

  "I'd rather go to Zhen Nan, it's not that I'm unwilling to take the throne. I've retreated so clearly, Empress De should be very happy. Even if Father Emperor is reluctant, as long as Empress De speaks up, Father Emperor will surely agree."

  De Fei deeply gained the emperor's favor, and in this palace, many beauties' tears could not compare to her gentle smile.

  So her son became a hot candidate after his elder brother devoted himself to Taoism.

  Although there were many people who would have liked to support him, he was not interested in the throne and did not want his weak and timid mother to continue struggling.

  Life is short, just a few decades, why be so carefree and content?

  Rather than fighting to the death in a golden graveyard, and killing each other as brothers, it would be better for him to leave early and find a place with beautiful mountains and rivers to live out his remaining years peacefully with his mother, and enjoy more warmth.

  "I hope so." The empress dowager held his hand: "Son, it's your mother who owes you an apology. You have such talent and were born into the imperial family, but I'm just a humble concubine..."

  "Empress Mother, don't say that. You know, for a son, imperial power and the throne are not as comfortable or carefree as a peaceful life with books and writing."

  Her mother's eyes floated with helplessness as she looked at him with a heavy heart.

  "My son! If the Emperor really agrees, you must not ask him to bring your mother along with you. As long as I am in this palace, people will not suspect that you are seeking to establish a separate kingdom. You promise me, if you can truly stay away from the struggles of royal power in the future, you must live a carefree and happy life."

  Carefree and contented...

  Longing for you, I put down the teacup in my hand with a sigh.

  I have poison in me, and Tangmen's poisonous medicine can't do anything to me. It's better to leave now and become an ordinary person, living a carefree life.

  His mind was made up, and he suddenly felt a sense of relief.

  He gazed at the pedestrians on the street below: laughing children, passersby chatting with each other... As he looked at those smiling faces, his heart swelled with emotion.

  The life he wants is within reach.

  I am Mo Junwu, not Qi Wang, what does the matter of Chu State have to do with me?

  I don't need to investigate who is colluding with the Tang Gate, nor do I need to investigate who gave me the handkerchief and pearl flower!

  I just need to walk out and disappear, then I can get the peace and freedom I want.

  Admiring you, I take a step forward, he left the inn, he abandoned his identity as a Tangmen disciple, and took a step towards the life of his dreams!

  Leaving the room and walking onto the street, the gloom in his heart was gone. He felt that every breath he took in was filled with the sweet scent of freedom.

  His face was no longer icy and expressionless, but radiant with free joy and relaxation.

  Even within sight, everything has a soft glow, looking so comfortable and gentle, without any sharpness.

  I suppose those who walk out of prison must feel as joyful and reborn as I do!

  He thought, and started walking casually.

  The result of being carefree and relaxed is that he would smile at passing strangers, and stop to browse some goods, things he had never done before in his life.

  He was like a playful child, happily feeling the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the street, and didn't notice at all that there was someone following him not far behind.

  Where should I avoid going?

  As soon as I had the thought, a crying sound entered my ears. Following the sound, I saw an 8 or 9-year-old little girl standing in the middle of the road wailing loudly, while people around her just glanced at her twice without anyone approaching to show concern.

  Longing for you, I couldn't help but furrow my brow and hasten forward with quick steps.

  "Little sister, why are you crying?"

  "Mom, mom is gone!"

  When I heard the words, I was stunned for a moment. Then I comforted her and patted her head: "Don't cry, don't cry. Tell me, what color is your mother's dress? What does she look like? I'll help you find her, okay?"

  The little girl had a good memory and described the blue dress, green waistband, and floral headscarf.

  Mu Jun immediately stood up and looked around: "What did your mother bring you out to do?"

  "My mother said she would tear off a piece of cloth to make clothes for me."

  The fabric workshop is just ahead, Mu Jun immediately reached out: "Just ahead is the fabric workshop, let's go there and take a look?"

  The little girl was not afraid at all and immediately reached out to grab his sleeve.

  Mo Jun's body paused slightly, and in his mind appeared the image of Hua Rou holding onto his sleeve.

  I was stunned at once: I left, what would she do?