Chapter 48: Comparisons

　　Chen Zhi stood on the city wall, gazing at the vast, desolate land stretching into the distance—all she could see were the tattered clouds and the fading twilight on the horizon. She couldn’t see the northern border from here; it was far too distant. She had always known Ayin (Yu Su) bore the responsibility of guarding the border and wouldn’t stay here for long.　　When they were together, she had deliberately avoided mentioning it. But the day of their separation had come so soon—he had left without even saying goodbye.　　The setting sun dyed the sky crimson, and dusk fell quickly. She hadn’t been feeling particularly sentimental, but the sight of this landscape stirred a faint sadness in her.　　"Let’s go back," Yue Qi said from behind her. "You’re still the Empress—this place isn’t private enough. Now that Yu Su is gone, you need to be even more careful in the palace." He trusted his little sister; even amid danger, she could protect herself. Besides, before leaving for the northern border, Yu Su had already made thorough preparations to keep Yue Chen safe. Like Yu