He was covered with sweat. He was totally relieved, after getting overly nervous.

He passed the most intensive moment, so after that, he would basically be safe. He just could not imagine what consequences he would have to face, if something terrible happened. He did not even think that Gu Chaoyan would keep her promise.

Seeing him being so worried, Sword One added. “What are you so scared of? Elder Miss promised you two months, and she will make sure that nothing happens to you during this period.”

“You don’t understand what the Heir could do!” Xie Yan started before he concealed what he was about to say. He did not want to mention those things that made him feel unhappy.

Sword One fell silent.

Xie Yan did have terrible wounds all over him.

Even they, the guards, would find those wounds horrible, let alone a strategist like Xie Yan who did not practice any martial arts.

So how he behaved was totally understandable.

***

As the wagon went into the capital, it headed directly to Xinlin Mansion.

Gu Chaoyan arranged for Xie Yan to come with her to Xinlin Mansion, so Zhou Huaijin did not have to come alone. His Lord Huai’s Mansion must be watched by many eyes, whilst her Xinlin Mansion was all entrusted to people hired by her. So it was much safer for Xie Yan to live in her mansion instead.

After Zhou Huaijin accompanied them to Xinlin Mansion, he went back to his Lord Huai’s Mansion with Fu Bao and the others.

Xinlin Mansion was not a very large one, and with more servants joining the mansion, the rooms weren’t enough. So she arranged for Xie Yan to take Mr. Zhao’s old yard.

She did not get him any maids, he was in disguise, after all. So she did not think that maids were very handy for him, who was a man, and for another, she did not want Xie Yan to think that she got the maids to watch over him.

Everyone felt relieved when they arrived at Xinlin Mansion.

***

At the Heir’s mansion.

Junyi had watched the search done upon Lord Huai personally, the moment he heard about the return of Lord Huai. Then he hurried back to the Heir’s Mansion.

When the Heir saw Junyi’s hurried steps, his eyes brightened – could there be any news? “What is going on, Junyi? Any trace of Xie Yan?”

Junyi’s face sank slightly, when this was mentioned. He shook his head slightly, “Xie Yan is nowhere to be found yet, but the thing is, Lord Huai is back. So, be aware.”

What? His Eighth Brother was back?

It wasn’t long since he left the capital. He had thought that Lord Huai would spend a lot of time wandering outside until the New Year, just like the Sixth Brother.

What trouble! Another trouble arose again!

He had not yet settled down in the capital, yet he returned.

“Junyi, just say it, what should I do about him?” Zhou Huailing asked.

Junyi came to the Heir’s mansion personally, before Xie Yan mentioned his departure. He claimed that he was going to work for the Heir throughout his entire life as a strategist.

Zhou Huailing had tested him.

He was a very capable person, who exceeded Xie Yan.

It had been Junyi’s idea to conduct the hunt for Xie Yan as well as to establish guards at every gate.

He knew what he was capable of. So before making any decision, Zhou Huailing would ask Junyi for advice before adding his own thoughts.

When Junyi heard the question, he started to think carefully.