Finally, even the Emperor could not bear to watch anymore. When it was near the winter solstice, Gu Yun was released back to the court.

That day, coincidentally, it was Gu Yun's day off. A few days prior, he was already a bit dejected, unable to get up from the early morning and unable to sleep well at night. Although he was quite careful at concealing himself and did not toss and turn, Chang Geng knew he wasn't asleep. In order not to disturb him, Gu Yun would unconsciously keep his breath low and long. Sometimes, he could hardly hear him.

He did not answer even when Chang Geng asked. If he was being pressed too much, he began to talk nonsense. Either way, with that Gu's ability of a flexible tongue, what he did not want to say, one could never find out even if they pried with an awl.

In addition to the new year's festival, the important officials above third grade took turns to rest every day in case an accident happened and there would not be anyone available to overtake their duty. In other words, although Gu Yun's rest was today, it didn't mean that His Majesty, the Emperor, who secretly snuck out of the palace and stayed overnight at the Marquis's Manor, could also rest. At the beginning of the new government, Chang Geng had a mountain of things to attend to, he still had to get up early in the morning to rush back to work.

Then he found that Gu Yun was also dressed to go out.

"Wear more clothes on such a cold day," Chang Geng asked casually. "By the way, where are you going?"

Gu Yun seriously told a fib: "For a horse ride in the suburbs."

Chang Geng looked up at the howling northwest wind outside, then at Gu Yun's face that belonged to someone who had just recovered from serious injury, with no trace of blood, and frowned: "What?"

Gu Yun glanced elsewhere, at the sky, at the ground, anywhere but Chang Geng, and refused to talk.

Chang Geng had no time to linger around the manor and interrogate a certain someone, he could only quickly signal Huo Dan with his eyes before his leave. Ever since he witnessed his Marquis being severely ill, being carried back home personally by His Majesty, Huo Dan was determined to go on the path of being a secret spy, eating from one but protecting another.

Gu Yun's ears and eyes were still not sharp. For a moment, he didn't realize that a traitor had risen from his own backyard. After Chang Geng left, he put on his coat stealthily, and told his servants to prepare a very low-profile carriage. He only took Huo Dan with him, the extra guards were all left at home.

Huo Dan: "Marquis, sir, where are we going."

Gu Yun mumbled something.

Huo Dan: "Marquis, sir, do you have a toothache?"

Gu Yun: "..."