Chapter 10: Encountering Fu Heng Again at the City Gate

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To be honest, Chu Li quite liked this obedient master; her effort in using her spiritual power to divine for him was not in vain.
“Master, Lord Cao actually listened to you and is really heading to Kuangbei,” even Qiu Yi was surprised—Lord Cao was so obedient to his master, it was incredible.
At this moment, a clear path had been made at the city gate, allowing the carriage to pass smoothly out of the city.
Chu Li pulled the timid Qiu Yi behind her, while she calmly watched the carriage and horses pass before her.
When Fu Heng’s modest yet expensive carriage came before her, her previously indifferent eyes involuntarily welled up with a faint mist.
Fu Heng possessed the talents of a commander, and Kuangbei was a strategic military point. His appearance here must be under the emperor’s orders, likely to travel north alongside Lord Cao.
If so, would he have no time left to search for her?
Perhaps that was for the best—it spared her much trouble. Everyone busy with their own affairs, leaving each other in peace was ideal.
Fu Heng leaned back inside the padded carriage, exuding undeniable exhaustion. Chu Li had been gone for three days, and he had barely slept during that time.
He had already secretly searched the entire capital without any trace of Chu Li. She must have slipped out of the city early the day after her escape.
The household had accounted for all finances and supplies; the girl had truly left clean, not taking even a penny.
The outside world was far from peaceful, and winter was approaching. How could such a delicate young woman survive?
Fu Heng’s heart was in turmoil—he both resented her for heartlessly abandoning him and worried she might go hungry or suffer from the cold and break down in tears.
According to the household gossip, the girl was usually lazy and fond of good food, never harsh on herself.
Such a pleasure-loving woman—how could she bear to leave him and the manor?
Fu Heng couldn’t understand. His sharp fingers slightly lifted the carriage curtain, seeking fresh air and a change of mood.
Unexpectedly, a pair of eyes somewhat resembling the one he longed for suddenly appeared by the roadside, making his heart race wildly.
But as he focused, his heart sank abruptly, followed by deep disappointment.
Why was it a man? Not his beloved fragile girl.
That there could be someone with eyes similar to Chu Li’s was truly surprising to Fu Heng.

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Chu Li’s eyes were something he could endlessly fall into, possessing a fatal allure.
Those eyes were like stars suddenly lighting up a pitch-black night—dazzling and captivating.
Even amidst a magnificent galaxy, they were the most enchanting, instantly recognizable.
Fu Heng withdrew his gaze, restoring his usual cold demeanor.
Only when the carriage from Youwang Manor left the city gates did Chu Li exhale deeply, forcing down her pounding heart, though her hand beside her still trembled faintly.
Just now, she had actually locked eyes with Fu Heng. Those mesmerizing eyes were so close, and though she had used a disguise talisman, the oppressive feeling from facing Fu Heng directly was something no mere talisman could erase.
Fortunately, she had disguised herself as a man, so different in gender, Fu Heng likely wouldn’t suspect her.
Still, Fu Heng’s gaze had shifted for a brief moment, reminding Chu Li that next time she must not be lazy—she had to disguise her eyes as well.
She recalled that after their past intimate moments, Fu Heng had once said he adored her starry eyes, saying they were otherworldly beautiful and that he was amazed every day just by looking into them.
“Master, the prince has left.”
Snapped back to reality by Qiu Yi’s voice, Chu Li steadied herself, noticing a thin sweat had broken out on her back.
At that moment, the guards at the city gate suddenly withdrew, and the strict inspection orders were lifted. Crowds of townsfolk began to move in clusters inside and outside the gates.
Chu Li’s heart stirred—Fu Heng’s men had pulled back. Had he given up searching for her?
Her mood, which should have eased, twisted into something bittersweet.
Seeing most of the people had already left the city, Qiu Yi linked arms with Chu Li, urging her to leave.
“Master, it seems the inspections are no longer necessary. Let’s hurry out of the city while it’s still light; maybe we can find a place to stay.”
“Mm.”
—
As dusk approached, fortunately, along the official road just outside the capital, there were many places for travelers to rest, and several bustling villages. Chu Li and Qiu Yi lodged in a modest inn.
After a peaceful night, early the next morning, they ate a simple breakfast and prepared to depart. Passing by a tea stall, Chu Li overheard a group of burly men discussing Kuangbei. She slowed her pace and listened carefully.

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“Yan, who exactly is the boss for this northbound escort? It’s all so secretive—we’re not even allowed to meet him in the capital.”
Jiao Yan lowered his voice and said,
“It’s Lord Cao from the Ministry of Revenue. This escort isn’t simple; Lord Cao is extremely generous with money. Be smart, guys, no mistakes allowed.”
“Yes, Yan!”
Chu Li’s expression shifted slightly. These men were escort guards in the capital, apparently secretly hired by Lord Cao.
The leader named Yan was no ordinary man—only slightly older than Fu Heng, yet his aura of menace rivaled that of the Eastern Cang War God. He was clearly a formidable figure who had survived many deadly battles.
Qiu Yi returned with provisions and immediately whispered to Chu Li.
“Master, I found out the prince and Lord Cao are not traveling the same way. The prince took the official road on the left, while Lord Cao went right. Master, where shall we go?”
Chu Li didn’t answer immediately. Seeing the escort guards head toward Lord Cao’s route, she took Qiu Yi’s arm and followed.
“We’re following Lord Cao.”
Qiu Yi was stunned. “Master, Lord Cao is heading north to a terribly cold place. Shouldn’t we go south? I hear the coastal cities are warm in winter.”
“No, I have my own plans for leaving the capital. Qiu Yi, since you’ve followed me this far, just trust me. We’ll follow Lord Cao north first—I want to return to my hometown, and along the way, we might benefit from Lord Cao’s fortune.”
Chu Li had transmigrated into this body and now that she had left the manor, it was time to sever some of the original owner’s karmic ties.
In her memories, the original owner’s foster parents lived in Rong City up north. This trip would end the ties with them.
Qiu Yi had never heard her mistress mention her origins and was very surprised.
“Master, so you’re originally from the north. I’ll follow wherever you go. But what do you mean about benefiting from Lord Cao’s fortune?”
A faint smile curved Chu Li’s lips as she recalled Cao Ronghai’s miserable state.
“Lord Cao is unusually obedient. Didn’t I tell him to scatter wealth along the way when he went north? We’ll just follow this god of wealth and pick up some money—how wonderful is that?”