The carrier pigeon flew up from under the cliff, surely a signal from Qi Yun who must have found something at the bottom of the cliff.
Han Yu's gaze stirred but he hesitated to reach out and untie the message bound to the pigeon's leg. He merely watched intently, wondering when he, Han Yu, had become such a coward that he was somewhat afraid to face reality, dreading the worst news from Qi Yun, news he might be unable to bear, and the likelihood of which was more than slim.
The secret guard following Han Yu understood his reluctance and stood silently beside him, not daring to urge him, though anxious to know what Qi Yun had written. How was Madam faring?
After what felt like an eternity, Han Yu finally sighed, caught the pigeon, and shakily took the message from its leg to open it.
