His heart sank like a stone to the bottom of the lake, breaking out in a cold sweat for no apparent reason.
This was not a good time to discuss matters.
Xie Jue asked, "The Emperor summoned you the day before yesterday. What did he say?"
Fang Chuning, not one to lie to him, replied, "He spoke of Jiangnan's border defense and also of marriage. He wants to arrange a match for me."
"Hmm." Xie Jue's expression remained calm, his eyes lowering slightly.
Fang Chuning gazed at Xie Jue's indifferent, cold face and softly said, "I refused."
Xie Jue had more to say, but then they suddenly heard the sound of birds and beasts. It was the imitation call of the Shadow Guards—a signal. Xie Jue and Fang Chuning stopped discussing personal matters, their gazes focusing intently on the approaching figures in the northwest. Under the blazing midday sun and with a clear line of sight, the two of them spotted four silhouettes.
They weren't Beiman!
