Chapter 161: Traces of her

The mountains rose higher with every mile they covered, but the climb did not ease up after the pass.

There were uneven ridges that forced the horses into a slower rhythm, their breaths heavier now. Hooves scraped against stone that shifted more than it held.

Lieyin clicked her tongue in irritation, leaning forward like it would make the horse go faster. "At this rate, we won’t reach the foot of the mountain before nightfall."

"We’re not racing the sun," Han Shuying said from behind Ru Yi, her voice steady and unaffected by the strain of the climb. "We’re tracking someone that does not want you to find her."

Lieyin shot her a look. "You don’t know that."

"I do," Han Shuying replied calmly. "If Qingyue wanted to be found, she wouldn’t be this far ahead."

"That doesn’t mean she doesn’t want us to catch up," Lieyin snapped. "She needs us as much as we need her."

Han Shuying sighed softly. "If that is what you tell yourself to feel better, then...sure."

Yexue spoke before the tension could sharpen. "Qingyue wouldn’t make it easy."

Lieyin frowned from behind her. "You’re speaking like you know exactly what she was thinking."

Yexue let out a quiet, frustrated breath. "Qingyue left because she was angry and hurt..." All thanks to her. "It’s only logical that she wants to be as far from us as she can. I wouldn’t want to be found either."

"If only you’d just kept quiet and—" Lieyin broke off when she saw Han Shuying’s ear perk up. "Why don’t you mind your business and focus on getting us to the Fortress."

Han Shuying chuckled, like she had no care in the world. "I’ve never seen the three of you have such a big tight." She squeezed Ru Yi’s waist with her free hand. "And to think it’s because of a woman you consider lowly..."

"Ru Yi is anything but lowly," Yexue snapped, staring dagger at Han Shuying. "She’s equal to all of us."

"Not me though," Han Shuying scoffed. "I command the Imperial Army, my rank is not to be taken lightly. Especially among commoners like you."

Lieyin hissed in dissatisfaction. "Pig."

"I heard that." Han Shuying didn’t seem at all affected by it.

If anything it reminded her of when they’d been kids, forced to get along at first. She always picked the most trouble with Lieyin and her foul temper.

"Can you two please stop?" Yexue was frustrated enough thinking of what she’d do when they finally caught up with Qingyue. She did feel sorry for hurting her sister, but she’d meant every word.

A normal life with Ru Yi would be a dream come true. But she was already starting to realize that she would’ve never met Ru Yi if she’d chosen a different path.

She looked at Han Shuying.

In a way, the airhead had brought the two of them together. If Han Shuying had not stabbed Ru Yi that night, Yexue would’ve never had to save her.

"Why is she here anyway?" Lieyin muttered.

"Because someone needs to take control since Qingyue has abandoned you both," Han Shuying replied in a light voice.

Lieyin pulled on the reins just enough to slow down, turning slightly in her saddle. "You think you’re in control?"

Han Shuying gave her a smug smile before riding up ahead. "I know I am. And you better watch your mouth if you don’t want me to abandon you here."

"Enough," Ru Yi said, her voice cutting through before Lieyin could respond again. "Let’s not fight, please..."

Lieyin muttered something under her breath as she urged her horse forward, riding past Han Shuying.

They rode on in silence for a while after that, the only sound between them was the steady rhythm of hooves.

Han Shuying slowed down.

Lieyin noticed immediately. "What?"

Han Shuying didn’t answer at first, her gaze narrowing as she looked past Ru Yi’s shoulder. Lieyin followed her line of sight.

At first, the others didn’t see anything. Then a section of ground where dust was pressed into the ground became visible.

"I think Qingyue passed through here," Han Shuying announced. "She must’ve stayed here for a while."

"Do you think she changed pace?" Yexue asked.

Han Shuying got down from the horse. "That is possible. Look..."

A short distance off the path, partially hidden by uneven rock, there was a shallow indentation on the ground. It didn’t look fully like a campsite, but it was enough that someone had stayed there.

The others dismounted.

Yexue walked over to help Ru Yi down, her hands lingering on either side of her waist for a moment too long. "Are you alright?" she asked softly.

Ru Yi nodded. "Are you?"

"Han Shuying is a pain to deal with, but it’s not too bad." They turned to Han Shuying. "At least she knows what she’s doing."

They walked over to where Han Shuying was crouched on the ground.

"She rested here," Han Shuying said. "But not for long, probably just to recover from exhaustion."

Lieyin looked around them. "I don’t think she’d risk staying here, it’s too dangerous and open."

"What if she had to?" Yexue asked. "Maybe she was injured."

"Lets hope not," Lieyin answered. "But we need to hurry." She started back toward the horses but Yexue spoke before she could get far.

"Wait—"

Lieyin stopped, tension snapping through her posture. "What now?"

Yexue picked something up from the ground.

"Whayt is that?" Lieyin asked.

Yexue hesitated before holding it out. It wasn’t much, just a piece of cloth that was worn thin. The edges were frayed like it had been torn rather than cut out.

Lieyin stared at it. "That’s Qingyue’s..."

"Do you think something happened to her?" Yexue asked in a small voice. "Maybe she was injured and had to cut her cloth to wrap around it. Do you think they encountered bandits? What if the guide turned against her?"

Ru Yi put a hand on Yexue’s shoulder to stop her rambling. "Qingyue will be fine."

Yexue looked at her with tear filled eyes. "How can we be sure?"