Jun Huang nodded. She knew Nan Xun’s urgency was also for her sake. She coughed. “I’d like to write a letter to reassure him that I’m alright.”

“But you - ”

“I’m fine.” Jun Huang knew what he wanted to say. She touched her eyes without thinking, a bitter smile tugging her lips. Nan Jihan swallowed his words. He ordered the maid to retrieve the writing instrument and helped Jun Huang to the desk. He guided her hands to the brush and the sheet of paper.

Although Jun Huang couldn’t see, her handwriting was still graceful. She told Nan Xun to take care of himself and think before he acted.

Nan Xun had reached the border when he received Jun Huang’s letter. He stood atop the fort, looking at the city they’d lost from a distance. He clenched his fists, narrowing his eyes in deep thought.

“This subordinate is to blame,” the officer in charge said, kneeling on the floor. “My carelessness...