Shi Muyuan rolled her eyes. She knew that nothing could be hidden from this man.
Ever since she got the item from the Zhao siblings, this man had been keeping a close eye on her.
"The national preceptor has such a keen nose. You don't seem like an ordinary person."
"Then what do I seem like?"
The man curiously followed up on her words. But as soon as he asked, he immediately realized something and suddenly felt a bit regretful.
Cui Qizhou looked at the faint smile on her lips, gritted his teeth, and his face darkened.
"Sure enough, the empress dowager is as sharp - tongued as ever. You should be glad that we're on the same boat. Otherwise..."
Although he didn't finish his sentence, Shi Muyuan understood what he meant.
"Humph, the national preceptor might as well come in and see if this item is real. I remember you said it was the last fragment."
Her eyes were fixed on the fragment, full of curiosity.
Cui Qizhou picked up the fragment with one hand and examined it carefully. With the other hand, he secretly used his internal energy to check its inside.
After a long time, he put it down with indescribable joy on his face.
"This is the last fragment. We've finally collected them all. It's been hard on the empress dowager these days."
These words were like a pardon for Shi Muyuan, and the big stone in her heart finally dropped.
"Since all the fragments have been collected, can the national preceptor fulfill his promise?"
"Promise? What promise? The empress dowager is not that old, but her memory is getting worse. I never said anything back then."
He looked innocent. If Shi Muyuan didn't remember clearly, she might have been deceived by this man.
Thinking that he had clearly promised before but now wanted to go back on his word, Shi Muyuan just couldn't accept it.
The girl's eyes gradually turned cold. Even a man who was used to life - and - death situations and grand schemes was slightly shocked.
Her eyes were cold, different from the smiling face she had shown these days. At this moment, she seemed really angry, extremely angry.
"Just because I've been nice to you, you have no hesitation in breaking your promise. It really broadens my horizons. Do you believe that I'll go out right now and tell the whole world about this? I'm sure this item in your hand is very important."
There was a hint of fierceness in her eyes. But along with a fleeting look in her eyes, there seemed to be some other emotions. It was just too fast for even herself to catch.
Cui Qizhou knew that even a rabbit would bite when cornered, not to mention the woman in front of him, who was not a rabbit but a wolf that had hidden its claws.
When he spoke again, he was trying to soothe the girl's emotions.
"The empress dowager doesn't need to be so impatient. I just think it would be better for the empress dowager to go with me in person. Maybe you'll find something interesting there."
Shi Muyuan was stunned for a moment, and her coldness was gradually replaced by confusion.
"What do you mean? Is there more to this fragment?"
"Exactly. I've received news that the map formed by these fragments is related to the late emperor's treasure. If we can find that treasure, the depleted national treasury over the years can be replenished."
As soon as he said this, there was an immediate sparkle in the girl's eyes. Even her previous attitude of aloofness disappeared.
"Then I'll go with the national preceptor. I'm not at ease if you go alone. After all, you're a minister who whole - heartedly serves our Great Liang."
Her obsequious expression made the man twitch the corner of his mouth involuntarily.
Cui Qizhou turned his head awkwardly and withdrew his hand.
"This matter is settled. We'll set off tomorrow. The empress dowager should remember to tell the eldest young master. We shouldn't bring too many people this time."
He made his point, and the girl understood and quickly agreed.
As soon as the man left, Shi An couldn't wait to come and find his younger sister to ask about the next plan.
"Sister, are you going to capture that traitor next? Such a dangerous task might as well be left to me. I'll surely satisfy you."
"Let's just leave it like this for now. It's not easy to have settled the matter in the Western Regions. The soldiers need to rest. If the Western Regions need help, we must send our people to assist as much as possible. I have other things to deal with, so I'll be away for a few days. I'll meet up with you when I get back."
Hearing this, Shi An almost instinctively disagreed.
"If there's anything to be done, let big brother do it for you, or send other trustworthy people. I'm not at ease if you go alone."
Hearing this, Shi Muyuan smiled helplessly.
"Brother, have you forgotten? Your sister can handle everything on her own now. I can stand on my own. Brother can't protect me for a lifetime, right?"
After she said this earnestly, the atmosphere immediately turned cold.
Shi An remained silent, not knowing what he was thinking.
He opened his mouth, and his voice was a bit hoarse.
"Yes, after all this time, why can't I understand? The little sister I've always loved is no longer the little girl who used to follow me around asking for sugar - coated haws. You're a grown - up girl now. Alas, I'm just too stupid."
At this moment, when Shi An said these words, Shi Muyuan suddenly felt a sense of desolation.
She looked at the great general who used to be a hero on the battlefield with heartache. In fact, she could have chosen a more euphemistic way instead of being so direct. It seemed a bit too hurtful, hurting one of the people who had been the kindest to her in this dynasty.
"Brother, I..."
"Little sister, you don't need to feel sorry. If you hadn't said that, maybe I wouldn't have thought of this for so many years. You're right. I can't protect you for a lifetime. You'll leave me sooner or later and have your own ideas. Well, you should rest early. I'll lead the soldiers back tomorrow. Have a safe journey."
"It's best that brother can think like this. Don't worry. I'll have the national preceptor accompany me this time. I'll surely return safely and accompany you back then."
"It's a deal. No, I have to go and see that stinky boy right now. I mustn't let him bully you on the way."
Saying this, Shi An walked out. Looking at his back, Shi Muyuan couldn't help but laugh.
And the eldest young master Shi really did what he said. He came directly outside Cui Qizhou's room, opened the door without hesitation, and swaggered in as if it were his own room.
"I heard you're taking my little sister out tomorrow?"
Cui Qizhou gently patted the dust off his clothes, sat down, and poured a cup of tea for him.
"The eldest young master came quite quickly."
Yes, it was completely within his expectation that Shi An would come.
This remark left Shi An stunned for a long time.