The Conclusion (Jun Pin Yu + Hua Chu Xue)

Not long after noon, everyone was taking a break. The few servants who passed by moved cautiously, fearful of disturbing those who were napping. The entire inn was unusually quiet. Jun Pin Yu found himself in a secluded courtyard, and his preference for solitude amplified the stillness. The rustle of leaves stirred by the wind was distinctly audible. He sat at a table inside, with both windows open, holding a teacup from which swirling mist rose, gradually obscuring his gentle features.

"Jun Pin Yu." 

Suddenly, a white figure appeared at the open window. Jun Pin Yu turned, and in the blink of an eye, Xuan Yue stood before him, her bare face glowing with a smile, eyes sparkling with mirth. She took the teapot from in front of him, poured herself a cup of tea, sipped it, and downed it in one go. Licking her lips, she chuckled, "I still prefer drinking wine." 

Setting her teacup down, she took a seat beside him.

In the span of a few months, he seemed to have lost considerable weight, almost resembling a slender vine. His eyes, though still gentle and filled with compassion, lacked their former vitality.

"You've come." 

He merely lifted his gaze, casting a fleeting glance at Xuan Yue, before continuing to savor the freshly brewed tea, as if anticipating her arrival. His brows knitted together, the tea now tasted bitter and astringent, devoid of its previous sweetness and clarity.

Xuan Yue looked at Jun Pin Yu, nodded, and wore a smile that remained unchanged from the past, yet both understood that everything had shifted.

She smiled as she withdrew a jade bracelet from her bosom, a gift from Uncle Fu before his passing. She intended to return it to him, but he stubbornly insisted she keep it. However, something that didn't belong to him was futile to retain.

Xuan Yue placed the jade bracelet on the table and tapped it lightly. "This is for you."

Only then did Jun Pin Yu set down his teacup. His warm gaze became clouded, reminiscent of a deep autumn forest, where clarity was elusive. He fixed his eyes on the jade bracelet, its lustrous hue shimmering in the half-light of the room, resembling a gentle river, flowing slowly. When he finally looked up at her, a deeper bitterness filled his heart.

He yearned to retain her but lost his voice upon meeting her gaze. What right did he have?

Xuan Yue regarded Jun Pin Yu in silence. She wasn't so magnanimous as to smile and offer forgiveness after knowing everything, nor could she pretend their future encounters would still be friendly. She was merely a woman who despised deceit, particularly manipulation. She held grudges, and as he belonged to Xuanyuan Hao, future meetings would mark them as enemies. She would not go easy on him, nor would she expect someone who once sought her demise to remember their past affection.

"Jun Pin Yu, I hope we never meet again."

Rising from her seat, she leaned over the table, fixing her gaze on him. This was truly her sentiment; should they meet again, it would inevitably mirror the situation in Ye City—different paths meant they would be adversaries, especially in these chaotic times. With differing allegiances, they were opponents. In such a place, being friendly to an enemy was akin to cruelty toward oneself. Not meeting would at least spare them the status of foes.

Jun Pin Yu watched Xuan Yue's retreating figure and abruptly stood, anxiously calling out, "You know everything."

Yet his tone was more of an affirmation than a question.

Xuan Yue turned back, sighing inwardly. Out of respect for their past, she chose not to confront him. Seeing he was not completely indifferent to her, why should she rip open old wounds? Perhaps it was better this way; let the pain be profound and unforgettable, a reminder that would resonate within her forever, leading her to fully let go.

"Of all that's transpired, Jun Pin Yu, which specific event do you refer to?"

Jun Pin Yu was momentarily speechless. Indeed, he had wronged her on multiple counts; where could he possibly begin?

Xuan Yue smiled and settled back into her original position. "Jun Pin Yu, I will enumerate each grievance, and you can tell me if my recounting is accurate."

Jun Pin Yu gazed at her smile, casual and unrestrained, yet devoid of any hint of pain. Perhaps he was inconsequential in her eyes, allowing her to feel indifferent about whatever he did.

He forced a smile, feeling the strain in his expression, before returning to his seat.

"That day I went to Tianfu to find you, I vaguely sensed a pair of eyes watching me—familiar yet unrecognizable. However, time was of the essence, and I didn't dwell on it. Gradually, I forgot about it, until the moment I plummeted from the cliff. It was then that I focused on the eyes of the person who pushed me. They were profound and icy, like ancient glaciers—cold and sharp. Living on the mountain for years, my senses were heightened compared to ordinary people. I couldn't recall his face, but his eyes were unforgettable—not just in Yingcheng, but also in Yanjing, from the one who warned me of Lanyi Xuan and Yanyu Lou's ulterior motives."

Xuan Yue's gaze turned scornful as she regarded Jun Pin Yu. He had repeatedly employed the same person, perhaps due to trust, or perhaps to avoid revealing too much to others—especially her. Yet he never anticipated that this would be his gravest oversight. Perhaps frequent interactions with that individual dulled his vigilance, or perhaps when that person watched him, it was with the stealth of a predator poised to pounce.

"From the very beginning, you were misleading me. Even if I hadn't approached you due to my brother's affairs, you would have sought every possible way to get close to me. From that time, you must have realized that to Lanyi Xuan, I am not like other women. It may not be love, but I hold a unique position in his heart. You deliberately placed that person on the path to Yinyuan Mountain, leaving me puzzled—such a significant matter, and yet he knew nothing about me, why insist on revealing my intentions? Because that was your desire. The truth is, for you, the Crown Prince and the Third Prince were never your primary objectives. You wanted me to despise Lanyi Xuan, or at least not to like him."

Jun Pin Yu stared at Xuan Yue, rendered speechless. He had to concede that her powers of observation were astonishingly keen. All his efforts were directed at understanding Xuan Yue's standing in Lanyi Xuan's heart and sowing discord between her and him. He had always believed that a woman of her character, free-spirited and forthright, would never favor a man filled with schemes. He had indeed achieved his goal; Xuan Yue had distanced herself from him, and according to his original plan, he had intentionally passed through that official road. Even if she hadn't obstructed him, he would have used a chance encounter as an excuse to invite her along.

"The meeting on the official road and the archery contest in Zhaoyang were also orchestrated by you to bring me and Xuanyuan Hao together, right? That day, your reaction was abnormal, wasn't it?"

Xuan Yue chuckled softly. "You and Xuanyuan Hao might have long known Lanyi Xuan's true identity, or perhaps it was merely a guess. Nevertheless, even so, you were still apprehensive. You aimed to unite me with Xuanyuan Hao. Should he encounter Lanyi Xuan on the battlefield, Lanyi Xuan might feel wary, and when two equally matched opponents harbor doubts, defeat is inevitable. You thought I could assist Xuanyuan Hao."

"Actually, since our encounter in Yanjing, after I revealed my brother's situation, I have been misled by you. Initially with Ning Yunyan and then during my journey to the Chu Kingdom, everything has unfolded under your control. You never expected Lanyi Xuan would leap after me, nor did you anticipate we would survive the Valley of Death."

In truth, she hadn't foreseen Lanyi Xuan's decision to follow her. Perhaps that choice would only become clear to him in that moment.

"You simply wished for my demise, indeed—"

Xianyue let out a soft laugh, "If I were to perish, this vast realm would descend into chaos, allowing Xuanyuan to reap the benefits." 

Upon hearing the devastating news, her brother acted recklessly, dispatching troops to Chu, and Bai Zhanfeng, consumed by his disdain for the royal family, offered little resistance. The situation would remain as it is now, with the King of Chu seeking Xuanyuan's assistance. Naturally, if Lan Yixuan had not plummeted alongside her, he would undoubtedly seek vengeance. If he were willing to risk his life for her, even while living, he would surely act recklessly. With a formidable queen in Lan, civil strife was inevitable, leaving Lan in a weakened state. Xuanyuan would become the dominant force, and with Chu embroiled in conflict with Feng, they would be no match for him. In that scenario, who could challenge his supremacy? The calculations are truly astute. 

Jun Pinyu nodded, though his heart felt pierced by sharp needles; he had experienced this acute pain before. Watching her scream as she tumbled from the precipice ignited a fierce impulse to leap after her, yet he ultimately remained calm. 

She spoke of the responsibilities and obligations each person must bear, and he too had his duties, tasks he had resolved to accomplish even before their paths crossed. Their meeting came too late, in a moment ill-suited for their union, leaving him destined to endure a life of solitude. 

He had manipulated Hua Chuxue, and she likely perceived that as well. How could a woman as fervent as Hua Chuxue willingly harm Lan Yixuan? 

"Will you hate me?" 

Xianyue pursed her lips, gazing at Jun Pinyu, and shook her head. 

A sudden urge to cry gripped him. At the Archery Festival, his wish had been that no matter his deeds, she would never harbor hatred towards him. Indeed, she held no malice, but should he be a bit more greedy? Until the day he died, he wished she would remain oblivious to the truth. Yet, in this world, where is there a paper window that cannot be pierced? 

"I initially harbored resentment, but that has changed." 

In the moment she fell from the cliff, her heart brimmed with bitterness. She had never wronged Jun Pinyu; in fact, she had aided him. Why then had he placed her in peril? However, that resentment was fleeting, dissipating with the passage of time. 

Why harbor hatred? Just as she believed Bai Zhanfeng had no need to apologize, the same held true for Jun Pinyu. They were two individuals standing on entirely different sides; he had no obligation to refrain from actions that harmed himself. 

For Lan Yixuan and her brother, she had drawn Bai Zhanfeng into the battlefield of worldly competition. Such actions were selfish, yet understandable, as they were driven by her desires to protect those she held dear. She herself acted in self-interest, so why should she cast blame upon others? However, she lacked Bai Zhanfeng's sentiment; perhaps her feelings for Jun Pinyu could not be compared to the way Bai Zhanfeng felt about her. Thus, she could grasp tightly and then release without hesitation. 

Her feelings for Jun Pinyu may have once existed, arising from her perception of him as a simple man—a straightforward physician with exceptional skills. If he became her husband, her brother would have a capable doctor at his side. In all her endeavors, she harbored her own motives. Because of this, she could not expect every individual around her to be entirely sincere; having one or two was fortunate enough. 

Jun Pinyu chuckled, yet in truth, he wanted to cry. He knew what she was contemplating, but many things were not as simple as she believed. Had she ever asked herself why she thought this way? It was because he did not occupy a significant place in her heart. Perhaps there had been trust, leading her to follow his guidance to Chu, even to the royal tomb and the Valley of Death. Yet this trust was as fragile as a thin sheet of glass, incapable of withstanding any real test, for a single event could shatter it entirely. 

Because she did not particularly care, she placed no high demands on herself; after suffering, she could rise again swiftly. It all stemmed from a lack of concern. 

"I hope you will never hate me." 

He looked at Xianyue, murmuring softly. 

Xianyue fixed her gaze on Jun Pinyu. "You are concealing something from me." 

She was certain he intended to do something else. Suddenly recalling the dragon fruit he had made her pay for with her life but then discarded, her delicate brow furrowed, and tension gripped her entire being. "Jun Pinyu, if you have something to say, direct it at me, and do not attempt to harm my brother or Lan Yixuan. Otherwise, I will not hesitate to cast aside any remnants of our past. I will kill you without a second thought." 

Xianyue stood, her hands clenched into fists on the table, her eyes glaring fiercely at Jun Pinyu, utterly devoid of humor. 

"You now care for one more person." 

But that was not ideal; caring for only one person was sufficient. If she cared for two, she would inevitably face a dilemma, and when forced to choose, she would suffer the most. 

Yet he kept the rest of his thoughts to himself, sighing quietly within. 

"Because he values me more than his own life, such a man is worthy of my concern, deserving of my affection. I will go to great lengths for them because they are worth it. Jun Pinyu, I believe I have done nothing wrong by you, but our positions differ. You can do as you please, and I have no right to feel guilty. However, if you seek to harm those I care about, you will have to step over my dead body first; otherwise, you will never succeed. Nevertheless, since I survived your heavy schemes once, I will surely evade death a second time. For those who care about me, I will fight to survive. I care for Lan Yixuan because of you, Jun Pinyu; does that not amount to shooting oneself in the foot?" 

If she claimed to harbor no resentment, that would be a lie. The reason she was deceived and used stemmed from her trust—a trust built upon his identity and profession. Yet, she never imagined the first person she trusted would be the one to cause her the most harm. He not only wished to hurt her but also sought to harm those who cared for her. She could not allow this. She was no saint and had not intended to say so much that it left them both feeling uncomfortable, but he relished in rubbing salt into his own wounds. 

Lan Yixuan remained unconscious, and the mere thought of it ignited her frustration, knowing that the source of all this chaos sat directly across from her. 

"One final question." 

Xianyue stood tall, her spine straight, staring intently at the seated Lan Yixuan. 

"What is your relationship with Xuanyuan?"

She could see that he was not a cruel-hearted individual, nor was he truly cold-blooded and unfeeling. Everything he had done was for the sake of Xuanyuan Hao. What kind of bond could compel him to willingly drift alone in the tumultuous world for decades, even at the cost of becoming stained with blood?

Jun Pinyu lowered his head, gazing vacantly at the teacup before him, the gently swaying liquid faintly reflecting his bright and spirited eyes. He lifted his gaze to Xianyue and said, "We are half-brothers."

Such a revelation took Xianyue by surprise, though she masked her astonishment well. Her long eyelashes fluttered down as she replied softly, "I see."

The truth of their shared parentage revealed that the words Fu Bo had spoken to her were fabrications. Her parents had not perished in obscurity; rather, he was the noble Xuanyuan prince.

Then, like every other person she had never truly cherished, he departed without any lingering affection, his exit as graceful as it was unceremonious.

Jun Pinyu observed her silhouette retreating, his smile growing ever more radiant, akin to fireworks bursting against the night sky, dazzling to the point of blinding brilliance. Suddenly, he let out a laugh.

Xianyue did not leave through the window but instead opened the door directly. Jun Pinyu picked up the jade bracelet from the table. "What I offer you is yours alone."

Just as Xianyue stepped outside, a crisp shattering sound echoed from the room. She recognized it instantly, yet she did not look back.

Jun Pinyu stared at the shards on the ground, glistening in the sunlight. Suddenly, he rushed down, meticulously gathering each piece, tightly clasping them in his palm. The sharp edges quickly drew blood, yet he seemed unconcerned, remaining crouched as he sought out the scattered fragments, until his blurred vision could no longer perceive the light's reflection in the crystal shards. Then, he sat there, lost in thought.

This woman possessed an innate ability to evoke tears from men; Bai Zhanfeng was one such victim, as was he. Perhaps one day, even Xuanyuan Yi would find himself ensnared in a similar fate. Even Feng Jiulan might not escape this destiny.

He understood that she had misinterpreted his intentions, and perhaps this was for the best. The children born of a union between brothers and sisters had a bond difficult to articulate. Moreover, he had always acknowledged only the deceased man as his father, not the hypocrite adored by the Xuanyuan people.

Gifting a cherished woman? He had only one heart, already bestowed upon her. Could he still harbor feelings for another? That heart, now long dead, could not possibly be capable of loving another.

"Jun Pinyu, what is the matter with you?" 

Xuanyuan Hao entered, and this was the scene that greeted him: the ethereal boy from his memories sat dazed on the floor, gazing at the blood-stained shards in his palm, his pale and haggard face marred by tears.

Jun Pinyu looked up, meeting the imposing figure of the newcomer, his silhouette glinting with a golden hue in the sunlight, making it all the more blinding. The tears that had been pooling in his eyes spilled over as he lowered his gaze.

Upon hearing that Xianyue had arrived, Xuanyuan Hao hurriedly set aside what he was holding, driven by the desire to see her and concern for Jun Pinyu's well-being. Little did he know that his worries would manifest into reality; this was the first time in ages he had seen Jun Pinyu in such a state.

"Brother, come here. Let me hold you; just one embrace will ease this sorrow."

In that moment, Jun Pinyu resembled a pampered child, and the sight stirred a pang of nostalgia within Xuanyuan Hao, evoking memories of familiar words that had not been uttered in years.

From a young age, the two brothers had shared a close bond. Xuanyuan Hao was strong-willed, always striving for the best, but the title of prince belonged to him and not Jun Pinyu. Later, his father had launched a coup, usurping his uncle's position, and he became the prince, witnessing firsthand as the army his father commanded murdered his uncle. He watched, hidden in a corner, as his uncle's wife embraced his lifeless body before taking her own life. He concealed himself under his bed, trembling, but never cried. Instead, he called out in a choked voice, "Brother, come here. Let me hold you; just one embrace will ease this sorrow."

He had sent Jun Pinyu away from the palace, accompanied by a eunuch who had cared for him. Over the years, their correspondence had dwindled, yet they both remained aware of each other's whereabouts. He had become the renowned divine physician of the martial world, all in pursuit of his own desires.

Seeing Jun Pinyu like this pained Xuanyuan Hao. He approached, crouched down, and enveloped him in a warm embrace.

"You foolish boy."

Was it truly so heartbreaking? How deeply must he care? If it mattered so much, why had he initially pushed her away? If it was of such importance, why manipulate her so? If he truly valued her, why drive her towards despair? Was his debt of gratitude so paramount?

"I will seize my own destiny with my hands. I do not require you to act on my behalf."

Though he was spared the casualties of war, his own suffering had left him battered and weary. How could he endure this?

Jun Pinyu leaned against Xuanyuan Hao's chest, trembling all over. "Brother, in the future, you must treat the common people with kindness."

No matter whom she chose to align with or aid, the realm would ultimately belong to the Xuanyuan family, to Xuanyuan Hao alone.

As Xianyue approached the doorway, she was abruptly collided with a frantically rushing figure clad in pink. She pressed a hand to her chest, feigning injury, and gazed at the person opposite her. The girl's striking beauty and alluring, crystalline eyes retained their charm but were now tinged with urgency.

As soon as she regained her footing, the other girl, Hua Chuxue, halted her retreat and stared at Xianyue, her clear eyes shimmering like flames as she rushed forward, asking, "Where's Brother Xuan?"

As she spoke, she rose on her toes, reaching toward Xianyue's back as if Xuanyuan Yi were standing right beside her.

"Why haven't you seen Brother Xuan? Where have you hidden him?"

Hua Chuxue appeared completely frantic, a sight that irked Xianyue. As she scrutinized the girl, it felt as though her heart had transformed into a sharp icicle, piercing her with disdain. This foolish woman, who claimed to love Xuanyuan Yi, was but a confederate in harming him. Not only did she show no remorse, but she also shouted at her without a care in the world. Xianyue wondered how Xuanyuan Yi could endure such a trial.

"Do you truly think I would need to hide him?"

Xuan Yue's eyes widened as she shouted even louder than before, momentarily stunning the boisterous Hua Chuxue into silence. 

"Your Xuan brother loves me. For my sake, he would forsake his life. Such a man, even in the presence of the world's most beautiful woman, would disdain her. Hua Chuxue, how can you still be so reckless? On what grounds do you stand here with such brazen confidence, trying to intimidate me? We are both princesses, yet you must recognize your own predicament." 

The State of Chu was already at its wits' end, and its demise was only a matter of time. This land now belonged to the Bai family, but they were no longer the royal family that the Bai clan would fiercely support. 

"You have always believed that Lan Rixuan has wronged you. In truth, who has wronged whom? The one who should apologize is you. Your abduction had nothing to do with him; what you experienced during that time is irrelevant to him. You know well what you did. By what right do you cling to him? Why do you expect him to bear responsibility for you? Do you believe he belongs to you? Is he your toy? Did he ever agree to bear your label? Do you think you are special simply because you possess a pretty face? Should all men revolve around you? If it were me, I would have told you outright that you are a woman who pretends to be innocent, hypocritical to the core, with malicious intent, and unbelievably foolish—whoever it is would find you utterly tiresome." 

She was uncertain whether Lan Rixuan found her tiresome, but she harbored deep disdain for Hua Chuxue, who had caused her immense suffering in the imperial mausoleum, nearly leading her to despair. And as for the Valley of Death, yes, both she and Hua Chuxue had been exploited, yet she simply could not stand Hua Chuxue in her current state. Perhaps it was due to the acknowledgment of Lan Rixuan's position in her heart; indeed, the phrase "lovers grow jealous when they meet" held true. 

Was Lan Rixuan Hua Chuxue's? Certainly not; he belonged to her, Feng Xuan Yue. Therefore, all other women should step aside. 

In truth, Xuan Yue longed to reveal Lan Rixuan's current situation to Hua Chuxue and boldly declare that all of this was her doing, thereby settling the score between them. However, with Xuanyuan Hao's people present and ears lurking behind walls, she refrained from saying a word. 

"Do you know why Lan Rixuan hasn't come? He said that seeing you makes him uneasy; he doesn't wish to see you again. So, Hua Chuxue, it's time to let go. With your limited time as a princess of the State of Chu, while you are still young and beautiful, find another man to marry." 

She would not allow any further entanglement between them and Lan Rixuan. 

"That's impossible! It can't be! Xuan brother would never do that to me!" 

Hua Chuxue shook her head vigorously, tears streaming down her cheeks. "He promised that as long as I behave, he wouldn't abandon me." 

"But Hua Chuxue, you are not behaving. He clearly instructed you not to harm me, yet you ignored him and even colluded with others to try to kill me. Therefore, he no longer wants you." 

Having said this, Xuan Yue brushed past Hua Chuxue. This argument seemed too trivial; it made Lan Rixuan's stance clear. She initially intended to give her a good lesson, perhaps even a couple of slaps, but now it seemed utterly unnecessary. The fact that she could never again possess Lan Rixuan was a blow far more devastating than any physical punishment. 

As Xuan Yue attempted to leave, Hua Chuxue refused to let go, clutching her hand tightly. "It's you! It must be you! You told Xuan brother bad things about me, you wicked woman!" 

The very words that escaped her lips sounded so juvenile. Xuan Yue shook off her grip, but Hua Chuxue clung even tighter. "It's all your fault! It's all because of you that the Feng Kingdom attacked our Chu Kingdom! Father is blaming me; he wants me to marry Xuanyuan's fifth prince. I refuse! I will only marry Xuan brother!" 

The fifth prince of Xuanyuan, despite not being inferior in stature to Xuanyuan Hao, was notorious for his brutality and lechery. It was rumored that his harem was more populous than that of the emperor's consorts, and this man had a tendency to indulge in debauchery. He would become reckless and fearless after a drink, only Xuanyuan Hao could rein him in. To marry such a man would surely ruin her life. 

"Princess Chuxue, such a delicate beauty, he would surely cherish you." 

In truth, Xuan Yue disliked Hua Chuxue immensely. If she were to marry into the Xuanyuan family, it would conveniently provide Lan Rixuan an opportunity to rid himself of this troublesome affair. 

Every cause must have its effect; if she hadn't brought this upon herself, she wouldn't have found herself in such a predicament. As for someone who had nearly brought her to her demise, she naturally felt no sympathy. 

Xuan Yue shook off her grip with all her strength this time. Hua Chuxue stumbled back, glaring at her, wishing to consume her whole. 

"White Zhanfeng, this madwoman is yours to deal with." 

Xuan Yue pointed at the furious Hua Chuxue, whose eyes were bloodshot, ready to erupt. She dusted off her hands, her smile radiant as she declared, "Princess Chuxue, I wish you and Xuanyuan Jiu a lifetime of love and harmony. On the day of your wedding, I shall ensure that our Feng Kingdom prepares generous gifts." 

With a wave of her hand, she turned to leave. Hua Chuxue, in a frenzy, lunged at her but was blocked by Bai Zhanfeng. 

Thanks to Bai Pingting's care and Xuan Yue's companionship, Feng Jiulan's health began to improve gradually. During this time, Xuan Yue had taken on nearly all of Feng Jiulan's military responsibilities, forging friendly relations with both veteran and young generals, becoming increasingly adept in military affairs. 

With no war on the horizon, and Feng Jiulan's health restored, it was time to return to their homeland. The Feng Kingdom could not be without a ruler for a day; with Feng Xuanling's health deteriorating, he urged their swift return. He had already learned that Xuan Yue was unharmed and subtly hinted that she should return home with them. 

"Yue'er, these past years, Father has indeed neglected you, but he still cares for you deeply." 

Xuan Yue nodded. Since she had promised her brother, she would certainly return: "Brother, I want to see Lan Rixuan. I wonder if his wounds have healed and whether he has awakened." 

No sooner had Xuan Yue spoken than a soldier reported that a man claiming to be Luo Cheng wished to see her. Upon hearing this, Xuan Yue hurriedly inquired about his whereabouts, and the soldier pointed her in the right direction. She dashed out, urgency propelling her forward. 

Luo Cheng said nothing but handed her a letter. Eagerly, Xuan Yue tore open the envelope, her eyes scanning the familiar handwriting. When Feng Jiulan emerged, he saw Xuan Yue's face alight with joy, tears streaming down her cheeks. A smile crept across his face as he understood the situation. He instructed Yun Qinghen and Bai Pingting beside him, "Prepare to depart for home at any time."