Bai Jinghuai wanted to press further—what exactly were these “particular channels”?—but after a moment’s thought, he held back. “No one else truly knows? Forgive me, my lord, but my daughter’s mind is made up. If word gets out, I fear someone may try to harm her.”
“Your concerns are only natural,” Ning Yan said. “No one else knows. But even if no one learns she’s heading southwest, it’s still a long journey through treacherous terrain. You wouldn’t be able to rest easy, would you?”
At that, Bai Jinghuai’s heart clenched. He no longer cared about formality or station and let out a long, weary sigh. “Who wouldn’t worry? My wife has nearly cried herself blind over this, tossing and turning every night without sleep. The court won’t allow any male members of our household to leave the city, and Qingqing—she’s barely even left Xuancheng her whole life. And to keep it quiet, we can’t even openly hire proper guards for her. Every time I think about it…”
In these past days, Bai Jinghuai had visibly aged. Whenever there was a sliver of opportunity, he’d try to persuade Bai Qingqing to reconsider. Even though he knew everything she said made sense, the thought of watching his daughter walk into danger—it tore at him.
Ning Yan tapped the table twice, drawing him back from his thoughts. “I can accompany her on the journey to the southwest. Would that put your mind at ease, Duke?”
The lingering worry on Bai Jinghuai’s face froze, then his eyes slowly widened. Bracing himself on the edge of the table, he nearly lunged forward. “Tr—truly? My lord, don’t joke about something . I’ll take it seriously!”
Could such a blessing truly fall from the heavens?
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Bai Jinghuai’s breath caught in his throat. If Ning Yan were to accompany her, then Qingqing’s safety would no longer be a concern. Heaven knew—he had never dared to even entertain such a hope. Not once.
“I’m not one for jokes. To be frank with you, His Majesty has tasked me with investigating the rebellion from years past—the very same matter your Bai family seeks to uncover. But the operation must remain covert. I trust you understand its gravity.”
“Of course I do! Naturally, I do!”
Bai Jinghuai still couldn’t quite believe it, but this was no time for pleasantries or polite decline. If there was even the slightest chance to ensure Qingqing’s safety, he would seize it with everything he had. Let alone when it was Ning Yan who had made the offer.
“Then I’ll entrust her to you, my lord!”
Ning Yan was somewhat surprised by his readiness. “The trip must be kept under wraps. It’ll just be me and Bai Qingqing—no one else. You’re not concerned?”
He had expected Bai Jinghuai to object, what with a man and woman traveling alone. But Bai Jinghuai straightened, his tone solemn. “I trust your character. Qingqing knows very little of the world beyond these walls. I must trouble you to look after her. If anything is needed, just say the word. All I ask is that she returns safely.”
“You needn’t worry about the rest. Where is she? I should brief her myself.”
Bai Jinghuai immediately sent someone to fetch Bai Qingqing. While they waited, he tried to play the host, offering tea. But Ning Yan, utterly at ease, began to crack open nuts on the side. Googlᴇ search novel•fire.net
On second thought, the reasoning behind Ning Yan accompanying Qingqing didn’t entirely hold water. With his skills, he could travel southwest alone far more easily and discreetly. And if he needed answers about the past, would the Bai family really withhold anything from him?
But he had chosen the most troublesome route—insisting on taking Qingqing along—and had even come in person to offer it. That, Bai Jinghuai couldn’t help but ponder.
“My lord, have some tea. Speaking of which, you’re not exactly young anymore. Have you given any thought to starting a family?”