"No," Zhou Huaijin disagreed directly.


    Chaoyan was not feeling well, and she might get sick anytime. If she went to deal with this for him, it would only make him worried.


    "Duke North… well, I used to consider him a good friend, and he was deeply devoted to the people at the border. But his personality has changed due to the injury. There seems to be a connection between these things, and I don''t believe he is the same as before."


    "…"


    "But this is a great opportunity for me to meet him and sort things out, considering what he did for the country in the past."


    "…"


    "I am so bored here in the court. It would be better if I took a walk outside," Gu Chaoyan presented a solid argument.


    Upon hearing this, Zhou Huaijin did not stop her.


    However…


    She could not just go to Duke North Mansion alone.


    "Bring Sword Four and all, Lingyun too. I will give you 20 hidden guards. Anything happens, they will all appear." Zhou Huaijin arranged directly.


    "No problem!" Gu Chaoyan said straightforwardly.


    She looked out of the window at the sky.


    "I will go outter. It is still very early now."


    "I will get the wagon prepared." Zhou Huaijin got up, already getting very worried.


    Gu Chaoyan went out of the court with them altogether.


    Outside the court.


    Duke North Mansion also received the order that told them the Queen''s arrival.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>


    Zheng Chenyi smiled briefly upon receiving the order, as it was exactly what he had expected.


    Whenever the affair involved Duke North, she would alwayse to Duke North''s Mansion. Many people considered her cold, but Zheng Chenyi knew she was someone with a heart.


    Having done so much for her in the past, Zheng Chenyi knew he upied a small spot in her heart. That small spot was enough for him. And now, he was determined to make her stay with him using whatever means necessary. He didn''t care where her heart wandered; he only desired her presence by his side.


    "Prepare everything. She''sing, and I want her to love my ce," Zheng Chenyi said with a dark tone.


    "Yes," the servants acknowledged and went downstairs to attend to their duties.


    Seated in the lobby, Zheng Chenyi personally arranged an array of pastries, eagerly awaiting the girl''s arrival.


    One hourter…


    Gu Chaoyan''s carriage came to a halt at the gate of Duke North Mansion.


    To her surprise, Duke North himself did note out to greet her. Instead, a servant approached with a smile. "Wee, the Queen. Duke North sends his regards and says that as old friends, you needn''t worry about formalities. You are here as an esteemed guest. Please make yourself at home."


    Gu Chaoyan''s brows furrowed slightly, but she nodded and proceeded to enter the mansion.


    She had visited Duke North Mansion a few times before. It was a grand estate bestowed upon Duke North in recognition of his achievements on the battlefield. Over the years, the mansion had grown even more splendid.


    Past Duke North''s wife had poured all her resources into its construction, and her dedication was evident in its magnificent appearance.


    But…


    When she walked into Duke North Mansion on this visit, she felt that something was wrong.


    The air was different. It was no longer lively.


    "Where is Mr.Duke?"