Kangdu County, Queshan Jin Ferry Crossing.

The fastest way to Liang Continent was by the canal waterway. Wei Ming's party was all packed and ready to go. While waiting for the boatmen to move their luggage, Gui Heng sidled up to Wei Ming's carriage and whispered the news, "His Highness, he still hasn't come."

Wei Ming had woken up early today and was still a little sleepy. He sat upright in the carriage with his eyes closed to rest. Upon hearing this, he didn't seem to care much, merely letting out a faint "en."

Gui Heng grumbled resentfully, "One after another, they're all so composed."

In truth, he was purely deceived by His Highness's face, as pure as ice and as cold as snow. If Wei Ming's current mood could be made manifest, everyone would see a small figure anxiously pacing back and forth, looking all around, dispirited, suddenly going mad, scratching the corners of the walls to shreds, then becoming dispirited again... a whole series of varied monkey antics.

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a boatman came over to report that all the luggage and trunks had been loaded, and invited the masters to board the ship. Seeing that he could delay no longer, Wei Ming had no choice but to get out of the carriage and walk to the pier.

Just before boarding, Wei Ming restrained himself again and again, but in the end, he couldn't hold back. Facing the wind, he looked back and gazed at the distant city gate tower.

The gate tower was empty. Apart from the fluttering banners, there was not a single familiar figure.

Wei Ming sighed to himself. It would be a lie to say he wasn't disappointed, but there was nothing to be done about the disappointment. He chanted the words "there will be plenty of time in the future" over and over in his mind seven or eight times like a mantra before he finally gathered his spirits and boarded the passenger ship, surrounded by his attendants.

Although Wei Ming had said before this trip that they should keep a low profile and not disturb the local populace, His Highness, Prince Duan was, after all, an imperial prince of esteemed status. The palace had still specially arranged a large ship just for him. On this ship were only Wei Ming's two subordinates, Gui Heng and Jiang Hai, who traveled with him, plus four Jinwu Guards dispatched from the palace as personal bodyguards. The pomp and circumstance were not grand, and Wei Ming wasn't one to put on airs. Upon reaching the front of the cabin, he turned and said to the Jinwu Guards, "You all may go and rest. There is nothing to do on the ship, so there is no need to follow me."

The Jinwu Guards were naturally happy for the leisure and each excused themselves before departing. Wei Ming turned back and pushed open the door to his room, saying to Gui Heng, "Come in first—"

His peripheral vision caught a glimpse of the room, and his voice came to an abrupt halt. He then awkwardly changed his tune, pulling the door he had just pushed open back a little. "It's nothing, you two go and rest as well."

Jiang Hai was fiercely loyal and was about to say, 'How could that be? This servant must go in first to sweep and make the bed.' But Gui Heng, in that brief moment when the door opened, had already spotted the corner of a silver-blue hem trailing on the floor. He immediately reached out, put an arm around Jiang Hai, and said with a grin, "Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness. In that case, this subordinate will take his leave."

After speaking, he used his arm strength to directly tuck Jiang Hai under his arm and carried him away, his feet not even touching the ground.

Wei Ming: "..."

He held onto the doorframe, needing to take a deep breath to barely calm his currently chaotic heartbeat, before pushing the door open and walking in.

In the room prepared for His Highness, Prince Duan, another person had appeared without a sound. It was unknown how long he had been sitting there.

The early morning light, reflected off the water's surface, passed through the window paper, casting gentle ripples of light inside the room. Wei Ming stared at his face as if gazing into a long-cherished dream. Neither of them spoke immediately, simply looking at each other quietly in this tender silence.

After what felt like a lifetime, Wei Ming finally said in a low voice, "To what do I owe the honor of the Grand Preceptor's visit?"

Chi Lian stood up. The hem of his robes slid from his knees like flowing water. His movements seemed to be wreathed in a wisp of cloud and mist, making him appear even more ethereal and otherworldly. He leaned slightly to the side, gesturing for Wei Ming to come in and sit, while answering, "Your Highness is traveling a thousand li. Could this subject possibly sit still in Zixiao Academy with peace of mind?"

Wei Ming sat down opposite him, his heart already softened by fifty or sixty percent, but he said, "What is there to worry about? I'm just leaving the capital to investigate a case. With the Jinwu Guard and Gui Heng following, neither river pirates nor demons are a problem. They can't stir up any trouble."

Chi Lian said helplessly, "That may be so, but even if ten thousand people were following you, it wouldn't be as reassuring as having you under my own watch."

Wei Ming finally experienced the joy of being soothed with sweet words. His expression cleared slightly as he hummed, "So, after thinking it over, you've decided to personally follow us to Liang Continent?"

"Not exactly," Chi Lian said. "I cannot leave the palace."

Wei Ming's expression changed faster than a June thunderstorm, instantly falling.

It was at this moment that Chi Lian suddenly realized that Wei Ming was indeed different from the Emperor Cangze in his memory. Or to be more precise, he saw in Wei Ming a side of Emperor Cangze's personality that had never been shown before.

Emperor Cangze seemed to have been an emperor from the moment he was born, always calm and composed, with the grand situation in his grasp, like a bottomless, placid cold pool. His shoulders bore the expectations of the Heavenly Court's immortals and the mortal realm's living beings. He was accustomed to being the one to take ultimate responsibility, yet he had never shown even the slightest hint of weakness to anyone or any living creature.

But Wei Ming, as the amnesiac Emperor, had also cast off the heaviest burden. He possessed a composure far beyond that of ordinary people, was naturally intelligent, and mentally mature. Yet, he was more frank than the Emperor, a lovesick fool who would write 'I need you' in his eyes and on his forehead.

That night's confession had completely torn the paper window between them. It was no longer possible to maintain the balance between them at a comfortable distance as before. But now, it seemed it wasn't all bad. At the very least, Chi Lian could finally begin to observe Wei Ming from a perspective that wasn't one of looking up. The cold moon, once suspended alone in the sky, had fallen into his arms. The halo, long noble and sacred but like a shackle, had finally shattered.

Chi Lian pulled a thin booklet from his sleeve and handed it to Wei Ming. "This subject has come this time, first, to see Your Highness off, and second, to ask Your Highness to look at this."

Wei Ming, half-pouting, took it and flipped through it. It was filled with the backgrounds and life stories of everyone on his trip, from the accompanying officials down to the miscellaneous servants, and even the family histories and careers of the local officials in Liang Continent. To have compiled this document in the short span of ten days, from the imperial edict's issuance to today's departure, one could imagine the time and effort it must have taken.

"To go to such great lengths, just how worried are you?" He looked down at the handwriting on the paper. Despite being cherished, a great sense of grievance welled up in him for no reason. "You'd rather spend your time on this than see me even once."

Chi Lian perhaps heard it in his tone and smiled comfortingly, "This is this subject's duty. It is only right. Your Highness need not mind it too much."

Wei Ming said, "Do you still remember whose man you are, Grand Preceptor? What kind of duty is this? Go ask Zixiao Academy if they recognize this 'only right'."

Chi Lian just looked at him gently, not arguing.

After the pang of bitterness subsided, Wei Ming also realized he had been a bit too emotional just now. He gave a dry cough and changed the subject. "This trip will take at least a few months. While I am away from the capital, Grand Preceptor, please help me look after my Prince's Manor. Liang Continent is Prince Kang's sphere of influence. If I really uncover something, I'm afraid he might act out of desperation and take his anger out on innocent people."

"Since Your Highness knows this journey is perilous, why do you insist on going personally?" Chi Lian said. "A mighty dragon cannot crush a local snake. In the capital, anything can be managed, but Liang Continent is far from the emperor's reach. Not to mention, there's the West Sea Governor-General, Fang Tianchong, who oversees the coastal defense of three continents. He has close ties with Prince Kang. What if Prince Kang, fearing Your Highness's growing influence, has him trip you up in Liang Continent?"

Wei Ming laughed nonchalantly. "You've investigated the situation in such detail, aren't you just waiting for the right moment to come to my rescue? Since I have such a powerful backer, what do I have to fear?"

Chi Lian: "..."

"Of course, having the Grand Preceptor backing me is one thing, but I naturally have my own reasons for having to go." Wei Ming said, "Haven't you always been encouraging me to become the emperor? If I don't have some presentable achievements, how can I win over the people? And why would the Emperor choose me over Prince Kang?"

"Moreover, the reason this case is handled by the Dali Temple instead of the Ministry of Justice is precisely because of that West Sea Governor-General. The Sea God festival is just a pretext. The coastal defenses and corruption in the various prefectures along the West Sea are the real fishbone stuck in the Emperor's throat. If it's not thoroughly investigated now, it will sooner or later lead to disaster. At that time, whoever sits on the throne will have to clean up the mess. Maybe I'll be the unlucky one."

Wei Ming had a very spiritual ability: no matter how monumental the matter, he could describe it as if it were kittens fighting. The bit of anxiety born from worry in Chi Lian's heart was finally soothed by him. He nodded and said, "That is fine as well, it's just that Your Highness will have to work too hard."

Wei Ming teased, "'Without a bitter cold that chills to the bone, how can one get the fragrance of lotus blossoms?' If I didn't strive for progress and just idled my life away waiting for death, I'm afraid I'd still be in Prince Duan's Manor, foolishly waiting for someone who would never turn back."

Chi Lian: "..."

"It seems Your Highness is in a good mood now, even reciting sour poetry to tease people." At this moment, a loud cry came from outside the cabin, the signal that the ship was about to set sail. Chi Lian said in a flat tone, "I wish Your Highness success on your journey and a safe return. This subject will take his leave now."

Wei Ming said quickly, "Wait!"

Chi Lian: "Hm?"

"We're about to part and won't see each other for several months. You think you can dismiss me with a simple 'take my leave'?" Wei Ming hinted suggestively, "Isn't there a more intense way to say goodbye?"

Chi Lian was completely worn down by him, his patience gone. He said coolly, "What, do you need me to cry for you before you're satisfied, Your Highness?"

Wei Ming was speechless at this blockhead. He had no choice but to open his own arms and say, "I want a hug."

Chi Lian, a perfectly fine immortal, was so shocked by his unconventional request that a vein throbbed on his temple. "Your Highness, this is probably not appropriate..."

Wei Ming was full of confidence. "Am I not your most revered Emperor Cangze? What's not appropriate about it? Or are the rules of your Heavenly Court so strict that not even a hug is allowed?"

Chi Lian crossed his arms and stared at him, expressionless, repeating word by word, "Only when you want something from someone are you willing to admit you are the Emperor. The moment you get difficult and throw a tantrum, you insist you're just a mortal."

Wei Ming: "..."

He stubbornly kept his arms outstretched. Chi Lian stood stiffly for a moment, then finally couldn't hold back a sigh. He walked over, bent down slightly, and embraced him completely.

Wei Ming rested his chin on Chi Lian's shoulder, hugging him with longing, as if to commit his warmth to memory forever through this gesture. He whispered in a tiny, breathy voice, "I really don't want you to go."

A sudden warmth flooded Chi Lian's eyes. 'What a sin,' he thought. However, he couldn't indulge in this for too long. He could only pat his back gently and say in a low voice, "I hope everything goes smoothly for Your Highness, and that you remain safe. Please remember, Your Highness, no matter what difficulties you encounter, I will definitely come to save you. Your Highness, you must, you absolutely must... wait for me."

The ship's swaying grew more pronounced. Chi Lian released his hands, took a step back, and said, "Your Highness, take care. This subject takes his leave."

Wei Ming: "Wait!"

Chi Lian: "What is it now?"

Wei Ming: "Can you not turn into smoke and disappear? It makes me sad to see it. Can you do something else?"

Chi Lian: "..."

Fighting the resentful thought of 'So much trouble,' he walked towards the door. "Then I'll..."

Wei Ming: "You're just going to leave like that? The whole ship will know that the Grand Preceptor walked out of my room."

Chi Lian: "..."

In the end, he had no other choice but to climb out of the window on the side of Wei Ming's cabin, his figure disappearing amidst the glistening ripples of the water.

Wei Ming sat beside the small table and opened the booklet Chi Lian had meticulously prepared. 'Excellent,' he thought. 'A few more incidents like this, and I can justifiably make Chi Lian take responsibility for my innocence.'