Chapter 1539: Chapter 1539: Believe What’s in Your Heart

"As for Longteng, I don’t want to go back for the time being. Since Father Emperor has kept this Imperial Decree for me all these years, let it remain sealed here."

Chu Qianli walked behind the desk and, retracing her steps, placed the Imperial Decree back into the wooden box.

Then she returned the wooden box to the deepest part of the desk.

"Long Ziyue is a good Emperor. Perhaps in terms of strategy, she’s not outstanding, but she has Wei Xian in civil affairs and Wei Qiong in military affairs. The mother and daughter duo can surely assist her in governing Longteng well."

Most importantly, Long Ziyue has a kind heart.

A benevolent ruler will surely ensure that the people live well.

"So? You’re not returning to Longteng, but planning to go to Beiming, correct?"

Although Chu Jiangnan didn’t spend much time with his daughter, in the end, he is still Chu Qianli’s father.

Blood is thicker than water.

He had some sense of what his daughter was thinking.

"Is it still discontent in your heart?"

This time Father spoke directly, leaving Chu Qianli unable to conceal anything.

It’s not that she wanted to hide it, but rather, she didn’t know how to answer.

"It’s not so much discontent, perhaps... confusion, uncertainty, wanting something but not knowing exactly what."

She bit her lip; perhaps only in front of Father could she express her feelings so candidly.

"It always feels like things aren’t that simple, but I don’t want to let my imagination run wild. So, Beiming is a place I must visit. Only by going can I find the answer."

"Good, your current mindset comforts your father."

Chu Jiangnan let out a light sigh, looking at his daughter, with a smile in his eyes.

"Father indeed is somewhat worried, fearing that your heart is filled only with resentment and missing the bigger picture."

These words left Chu Qianli momentarily stunned, staring blankly at him.

Father’s view of things is very different from Fourth Uncle and the others.

The reality is clear: Prince Yexuan left with the Treasure Map.

Anyone would first suspect his intentions over the years.

Even Fourth Uncle, who had shared many years of friendship with Feng Yexuan, harbors doubts.

But Father thinks first of hidden truths.

If he were a woman, he’d be criticized as being lovestruck.

But in fact, haven’t I been the same?

Just, unwilling to say it or admit it.

"If you have doubts in your heart, seek the answers yourself. What you’ve heard may not be true; what you’ve seen may not be fact."

In the end, Chu Jiangnan gently rubbed her head again, speaking softly, "Go, child, seek everything you desire."

"Trust no one, except for what your heart believes."

...

Ten days later, Chu Jiangnan’s health was completely stable.

On the twelfth day after waking, the Emperor attended court.

That day, there were no winds or waves; everything was slowly improving.

On the thirteenth day, Chu Qianli set out on her journey.

Without telling too many people, she only bid farewell to Chu Jiangnan and also informed Chu Wang.

Taking the simplest of companions—Fu Ning, Shiyi, Xi Jiu—and the brothers they initially came with, they departed from the Imperial City of Nanming in batches.

However, that evening, as they checked into the inn, Fu Long arrived.

"Prince Jing has sent someone to guard the State Preceptor, so I’ve come."

Fu Long set down his luggage, looked at Chu Qianli, and reassured her with a smile, "Don’t worry, now everyone’s greatest enemy is only Lan Fan."

"But with Lan Fan’s skills, even if he comes, I wouldn’t be able to hold him back. If Lan Fan doesn’t come, the State Preceptor shouldn’t be in any danger, so rest assured."