As the Villainess Daughter-in-Law

by Usui Takumii

not mine, asia novel dot net. Total: 112 Chapters and 2 Extras. Beware edited mtl. Waiting for the translator to update.

6. 26 to 30

Chapter 26: Departing the Capital ◇

◎ Cease your clapping, they have long since left. ◎

As dawn broke, a veil of gray mist still veiled the sky, except for a golden rim that emerged from the east.

The once-renowned East Yuan Marquis's residence, now the humble Hu Mansion, stood wide open. Several carriages, loaded with people and goods, discreetly made their way towards the city gates.

The gates had just creaked open, and the soldiers on duty were still rubbing their eyes to awaken themselves. The streets were sparsely populated, save for a few diligent vendors setting up their breakfast stalls, steam rising in white clouds from their wares.

The identical twins, Hua Yan and Hua Xing, perched on the carriage window sill, peering outside. Upon catching sight of the steamed bun shop, their mouths watered, and they rubbed their bellies, claiming hunger.

"Grandmother..."

The elderly lady kept her eyes closed, ignoring them.

The twins then turned to plea with Yu Lian, "Sister-in-law..."

Half of their bodies leaned out, but Yu Lian pulled them back with one hand each, "Didn't you just have a meal? Weren't you full?"

Hua Xing, the younger brother, was even more mischievous than his older sibling, complaining, "It's all your fault for waking us up so early and urging us to eat quickly. I didn't even get to have two bites before you rushed me into the carriage."

The elder matriarch opened her eyes, displeased. "How dare you speak to your eldest sister-in-law like that? The boat has a strict schedule; it'll depart on time. If we don't leave the city sooner, we'll miss the boat, wasting not only the fare but also having to take the longer land route, doubling our travel time. Your eldest sister-in-law was merely doing me a favor by waking you up. Who asked you to sleep like little piglets, oblivious to everything? In my opinion, you two should just stay here. Your father, mother, eldest brother, and sister-in-law can go on without you."

To their surprise, the two young troublemakers clapped their hands in agreement. "Then no one will be able to boss us around. We can play however we want."

In a hurry to continue their journey, the adults in the carriage didn't indulge the misbehaving children. Yu Lian distributed steamed buns and pancakes she had brought from home to the twins, encouraging them to eat. The twins happily accepted, but to their dismay, their sister-in-law laughed and called for the coachman to stop, asking him to remove them from the carriage.

"Go find your parents."

The twins were left speechless.

With the troublesome children gone, the carriage regained its tranquility, and Yu Lian heaved a sigh of relief.

The elder matriarch chuckled. "Lian'er is clever, knowing how to send these two troublemakers to give your parents a headache."

Yu Lian replied, "You mentioned being concerned about disturbing Father's rest, so when we got on the carriage, I had Yan'er and Xing'er join us. But in my view, it would be beneficial to let them create some noise and liveliness. Father seems so lifeless these days. If they can stir even a fraction of his vitality, then their mischief would serve a purpose."

The elder matriarch hadn't considered this perspective. Reflecting on it, she agreed. "Lian'er truly thinks things through. I only thought of your father's lack of energy, but I overlooked the fact that it's a matter of his heart. Perhaps diverting his attention might help."

The carriage rumbled towards the city gates, occasionally catching the curious glances of early risers along the way.

However, as it was a hired carriage without any insignia of a noble household, and its occupants remained inside, no one could identify to whom it belonged.

Some did recognize the twins as they climbed into the second carriage, yet they couldn't quite place which family they were from.

Amidst the bustling capital, situated at the feet of the emperor, travelers and horse carriages entered daily. Yet, such a grand departure from the city was a rare sight. Intrigued, a few spectators, still holding their breakfast buns, followed the carriages from a distance.

Upon reaching the city gates, soldiers stopped them for routine identity checks, requesting that the passengers step down.

It was then that the onlookers learned whose family this was.

Yu Lian assisted the elderly lady out of the carriage, while Mrs. Chen, Lady Mei, exited the following carriage with her three children. As Hua Zhan was too ill to descend, he lay within, and the soldiers lifted the curtain to inspect him.

They had prepared travel permits two days prior, paying a small sum for them. After examining the carriage loaded with luggage, the soldiers looked surprised but waved them through.

The East Yuan Marquis's residence? Who didn't know it? The East Yuan Marquis was a renowned military general, and several of the ten guards at the gate, including the one in charge of clearance, had been under his command.

A passerby recognized Yu Lian and rushed over, asking loudly, "Excuse me, might you be Young Lady Hua? Why is it that today your entire family is leaving the capital?"

Yu Lian was assisting the elderly lady to get into the carriage when she heard this and paused, turning back with a smile. "Thank you for your concern, Elder Sister. My grandmother, my mother-in-law, and I are indeed leaving the capital."

A group of about ten curious onlookers had followed them, and with many people passing through the city gate, someone shouted Yu Lian's identity. Even those who didn't recognize her stopped, and soon more people gathered around.

Another elder asked, "You're really leaving? Where are you going? Oh, those damned nobles, pushing people out of the capital even in such dire circumstances. It's a tragedy."

Everyone in the capital knew that high-ranking officials were manipulating matters behind the scenes, preventing tooth brokers from selling houses to the Hua family. Despite some citizens, urged by Li Xiang, offering to guarantee the sale of the house to the Hua family, nobody had seen any members of the Hua family inspecting the property since that day. Thus, people instinctively wondered if these officials were up to their old tricks again.

The crowd chattered, bitterly criticizing the anonymous official, and encouraged Yu Lian not to be afraid. They declared that the capital was the Hua family's home, so why should they have to leave?

"If anyone troubles you again, just shout in the streets, and we'll come to your aid. Officials may have power, but we outnumber them. They couldn't fill the entire Jingzhao Prefecture and Criminal Ministry prisons with us. There's no need to fear him."

This was the first time the elderly lady had witnessed such a scene. She had only heard Yi Po mention that her granddaughter-in-law had an excellent reputation among the common folk, who adored her. Witnessing their eagerness to support Yu Lian and their promise to stand by her, she realized how much her granddaughter-in-law was truly loved.

Yu Lian replied, "I've always known that you all have kind hearts. Thank you once again, uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters. However, my husband is absent, and my father-in-law is seriously ill. My grandmother and I plan to take him back to our hometown to ease his worries, hoping it might improve his condition."

"It's getting late, and we're afraid we won't make the boat. I won't delay any longer. Yu Lian bids farewell to each of you and thanks you all for your care."

She bowed to the crowd as she spoke.

At that moment, an elderly lady rushed over and handed her a warm bag of baked flatbreads, saying with a smile, "Take these with you for the journey, dear. Don't let yourself go hungry on such a long road."

Her gesture prompted others to follow, rushing forward to stuff whatever edible items they had in their hands into the group's possession. Yu Lian refused to accept them, so they were piled onto the twins, who, being hungry and young, readily accepted without hesitation. In no time, they were surrounded by a heap of food, with some even being placed inside the carriage before the donors scurried away.

The corners of Yu Lian's mouth twitched slightly as she surveyed the assortment of provisions - steamed buns, rolls, pancakes, chestnuts, peanuts, and even fruits and cucumbers.

As she prepared to board the carriage, she caught sight of Little Guo'er standing timidly by another carriage, looking their way with reddened eyes. Yu Lian felt a pang of compassion and waved her over to join her in the same carriage. Seeing their sister approach, the twins also wanted to follow, grumbling, "Mother keeps crying, it's so annoying."

"And she won't even let us talk."

Yu Lian offered the twins a sisterly smile before assisting the elderly woman into the carriage and lifting the little girl aboard. Taking one last look at the capital city and its concerned citizens, she climbed in and drew the curtains.

The twins were furious but, with their arms full of food, couldn't manage to climb into another carriage. They had no choice but to join their parents in theirs.

With a crack of the whip, the carriage creaked and rolled forward, and the people watched them depart.

The wheels rolled steadily along the road, gradually disappearing from sight. The onlookers glanced at each other, feeling a sense of melancholy. Was that it? They were really gone?

"It's such a pity. I still remember how grand the East Yuan Marquis' residence was just a couple of months ago. In the blink of an eye, heir Hua Ji is gone, and they had to leave the capital in disgrace. Who would've thought?"

"Someone must have forced them. Don't be fooled by Young Lady Hua's claims. They must have received some sort of threat behind closed doors. They've made many enemies with their past arrogance. Plenty would be more than happy to kick them while they're down. But it's rather cruel to push them out of the capital. Saying that the Marquis is too ill and wants to return to the countryside for fresh air is just an excuse. Think about it, the Marquis grew up in the capital, it's his hometown. Would he really long for his ancestral village?"

"You have a point. I mainly feel sorry for Miss Sixth. Regardless of the Hua family's right or wrong, this outcome is their own choice. Miss Sixth is innocent. She only entered the family because of Prince Hua Ji. Her love for him is unwavering; otherwise, she wouldn't have had to suffer."

"How can life in the countryside be any good? Miss Sixth leaving with her family, old, weak, and sick, will surely face more hardships ahead."

"Why do good people never get rewarded?!"

The townsfolk sighed in sympathy. An old man carrying a basket of vegetables into the city chuckled, "That's not entirely true. You only see what's before your eyes but forget that one's happiness depends on themselves. A foolish person can squander even the greatest fortune, while someone capable and virtuous can rise from the mud and clean themselves up, building a house and digging a stream beside it. Miss Sixth is full of affection and righteousness. Her actions and behavior are commendable. Perhaps she'll truly uplift the family in the future. It can't possibly get worse than it is now."

"A wise wife brings blessings to the family. The Hua household might still have a bright future."

By the time the sun rose, and the streets began to buzz with activity, the news of the Hua family's departure from the capital to return to their ancestral village had spread throughout the city. Even officials returning from court had heard about it.

A commotion erupted at the Wei Duke's residence: "Oh no! Miss Sixth has left the capital! She took the entire Hua family with her to live in the countryside!"

This uproar startled everyone in the Wei Duke's residence. The matriarch had just woken up, while her three daughters-in-law and over ten young ladies were in her courtyard paying respects and attending to her. As usual, the group of women chatted over breakfast, subtly jabbing at each other. The shocking news left everyone stunned and unable to sit still.

The old lady was even more incredulous. She turned to Third Madam, "You're Sixth Son's mother. What's going on here? Explain it to us."

"I did send you to the Hu household to persuade Lian'er to remarry, and you did go. These past few days, I've seen Li Xiang visiting the Hu residence frequently, even defending Lian'er in public. I thought everything was settled. Now, what's happening?!"

Yu Niang was stunned, nearly fainting on the spot. She muttered blankly, "I don't know either, Lian'er, my Lian'er!"

With that, she rushed outside.

A young maid brought Erya in, bumping into the lady of the house. The maid quickly explained, "Madam, this is a servant girl from the Hu family. She's here to deliver a message for Miss and give you a letter."

Yu Niang hurriedly stopped in her tracks.

The old lady and the others emerged as well.

Erya took out the letter that the young mistress had entrusted to her and gave it to the young mistress's mother. "This is from the young mistress. She says she and her grandmother, as well as her husband's parents, have left the capital to return to their ancestral countryside. She asks you not to worry about her. By the way, there's also this one thousand taels of silver. The young mistress said housing in the capital is expensive, and they originally planned to buy a house, but now they won't need it. Properties in the countryside are cheaper, so she has the audacity to accept half of it, returning the other one thousand to you."

Tears were already streaming down Yu Niang's face. With trembling hands, she opened the letter. This time, the letter was thick, consisting of two and a half pages.

After skimming through it hastily, she was sobbing uncontrollably, her voice barely audible.

The old lady never expected the situation to escalate to this point. Her granddaughter had left the capital with her family without a word, truly regarding herself as a member of the Hu family.

After Yu Niang finished reading the letter, she instructed her young maid to prepare the carriage. She was determined to chase after her daughter! This silly daughter of hers had already caused her enough worry by refusing to marry into the Hu family, but at least she was still in the capital. Whenever she worried or missed her, she could send someone to inquire about her well-being or find an excuse to visit and lend a helping hand.

Now, however, her daughter had run off to some far-off rural area. In the future, when she yearned for her daughter, it would be difficult to meet her, let alone keep track of her news. She wouldn't know how her daughter was living, if she was hungry or poor, or if anyone was bullying her. As a mother, she felt utterly helpless.

Tears streamed down her face as she scolded her daughter for her recklessness and foolishness.

Erya also felt saddened. While her mistress' family had moved away, their household had returned to its original status, settling in the outskirts of the capital. She thought Yu Niang was being too selfish, but not knowing what else to do, she could only help Lady Hu with one last task.

Seeing Lady Hu weep uncontrollably, Erya panicked and didn't know how to console her. She tried to reassure her, "Don't worry, Lady Hu is very capable. She'll be fine. She even mentioned that she enjoys the simple life of working from dawn till dusk."

She also discouraged her from chasing after them, "You shouldn't go either, it's too late now. Lady Hu left before dawn. She specifically asked me to come with the news only when the sun was high in the sky. By now, the carriage must be far from the capital, and Lady Hu might have already boarded a ship."

Upon hearing this, Yu Niang's legs turned to jelly, and the maid had to support her. She lost all concern for her image and sat on the ground, weeping.

The old lady felt a mix of emotions, causing her head to ache. Initially, she wanted to say something, but she lost the desire, allowing the nursemaid to help her back to her room. She dismissed all her daughters-in-law and granddaughters.

The first wife and second wife helped Yu Niang to her feet. From their perspective, they were actually relieved. The Hu family was like a ticking time bomb in the capital. No matter what Yu Lian said about severing ties with the Wei Duke's residence, it remained her maiden family. They always feared that any trouble there would inevitably affect their own family.

Now that she's gone, it's for the best. The Emperor will no longer see the Huas, and thus, they won't be implicated.

But she couldn't bear to watch the spectacle. They all had daughters, and seeing her sister-in-law weep uncontrollably, she couldn't help but try to console her, urging her not to cry.

"Xiao Liu deliberately asked the servant to report later, surely out of concern for your feelings. Why are you crying so much?"

"It's too late to catch up with them if they've taken the water route. The boats come and go, drifting away. Since it has come to this, quickly send someone to inform Third Uncle."

Yu Niang wiped her tears and rushed back to her courtyard.

Lady First and Lady Second stood where they were, shaking their heads. "Xiao Liu has always been beautiful since she was young, like a national treasure. We thought she would have the best marriage among all the ladies in our household. Who would have thought it would end up like this? Life is truly unpredictable."

"When she was betrothed to the East Yuan Marquis's heir, Third Sister-in-Law held her head high with pride for an entire year. Now, look at her situation."

"Big Sister, don't say that. Xiao Liu used to be arrogant, not even sparing a glance for us, her aunts. It was as if she had already become a phoenix. Now that things have turned out this way, it's her own doing. No one else can be blamed. Fortunately, none of our other young misses were implicated by her."

Lady First gave her a glance. "In this state, try not to be too harsh with your words. While I don't agree with Xiao Liu's choice, her actions have benefited the reputation of our young misses. Outsiders now know that the ladies of the Marquis's household value loyalty and affection. There has been increased interest in our young misses' marriages. Don't tell me your legitimate and illegitimate daughters haven't gained anything from this?"

Lady Second replied awkwardly, "Not to that extent."

Observing the First Lady's departure, the Second Lady spat on the ground in disdain. What pretense! She only bothers to be kind when she sees no threat. Why didn't she do this before?

Erya, witnessing this, stormed out to chase after Young Lady's mother, fuming with anger.

Young Lady's aunt from her father's elder brother's side and the one from the second brother's side were both despicable individuals.

In the palace, the emperor received a report from a eunuch. "Your Majesty, this servant has learned that the family has left the capital."

"And where are they heading?"

"The rumor is that they're returning to their ancestral village in the countryside. I've checked with the local authorities, and their travel permit does indeed indicate Yuzhou. They took a water route, transferring to land at Yanzhou. The ship departed at a quarter past dawn, and it's already gone. Should we send someone to intercept them?"

The emperor paused his writing, rising to gaze out the window.

"No need," he chuckled softly. "They are quite clever."

"From now on, there's no need to keep spies on them."

His tone shifted as he continued, "Send someone to Yanzhou. Once they disembark, find an opportunity to make your move. Remember to disguise yourselves as bandits – do not let anyone recognize your true intentions."

"I'll grant Hua Ji's favor and give them three chances. If they survive the three attempts on their life, I'll let it slide. If not, it's their destiny."

Yu Sanlang was occupied with work when a servant from his residence rushed in, reporting that there was an emergency at home. His wife had summoned him urgently.

After seeking permission to take leave from his superior, Yu Sanlang returned home to find his wife weeping bitterly, her eyes swollen and red, crying even more than the day their daughter left the mansion.

The servant had already informed his master about Miss on the way. Yu Sanlang sighed inwardly and approached, saying, "This is Lian'er's choice. She has grown up and understands the consequences of her actions. Besides, going back to the countryside isn't necessarily a bad thing. At least she'll be away from the Emperor's watchful eye and out of harm's way. In the future, she will be free to do as she pleases without constraints. Isn't that better than living here in the capital?"

"Lian'er doesn't crave wealth or power. I am relieved that she made this decision."

"You always talk about your principles of being a noble gentleman and having integrity, but have you considered that Lian'er was pampered since childhood? She has never experienced the hardships of the countryside. There's no fine food or luxuries there, nor fashionable clothes to wear. It's all rough fabrics and simple attire. Can she endure such a life? Spending every day under the sun in the fields, how will her delicate skin cope?"

"Plain tea and meager meals, coarse grains that scrape the throat, bland dishes with little oil – how can she possibly stomach that?"

"She even sent back one thousand taels of silver! This foolish child! My lord, you must send someone to bring Lian'er back. Go to Salt State, I've already inquired. The merchant ship she was on docked there, and she'll continue her journey by land. Hurry and retrieve our daughter."

While Yu Sanlang logically agreed with his daughter's choice, emotionally, like any father, he couldn't help but worry. Seeing his wife's tears, he reluctantly consented, "But we no longer hold military authority, and as a sixth-rank official, I don't have anyone to command. Whoever goes after her should be skilled in horseback riding, physically strong, and preferably proficient in martial arts. In that case, I'll hire two bodyguards from a security agency to track her down."

"That's a good idea. Spend whatever it takes to make them travel day and night. Don't worry about the cost of the horses; I'll cover the expenses."

On the other side, Li Xiang had stormed back after being angered by Yu Lian the previous day. When he calmed down, he realized that he had been initially drawn to her because of her feelings for Hua Ji. How could he give up on her because of this? Hua Ji had just died, and Yu Lian still held him in her heart. He decided to be patient, believing that with time, she might eventually forget about Hua Ji. With this mental preparation, he bounced back the next morning, ready for action after breakfast, and rode his horse straight to the Hua residence.

Upon arrival, he saw the official seals of the government affixed to the Hua family's gates, with people outside pointing and discussing.

Li Xiang rushed over to knock, but a civilian told him, "Don't bother, they've already left."

Startled, he asked, "Where did they go?"

"Oh, you haven't heard? Right after the city gates opened this morning, Young Lady Hua took her entire family out of town. They hired several carriages to carry their belongings, saying they were returning to their ancestral village. She mentioned that her father-in-law is gravely ill and wants to breathe the fresh air of the countryside. In our opinion, they were probably forced to leave."

Li Xiang was utterly stunned, unable to absorb what he was hearing. Return to their ancestral village?

He racked his brains trying to remember where East Yuan Marquis's ancestral home was, but drew a blank. He then rushed to the Jingzhao Prefecture office to search through the records, only to discover that they were from Yuzhou.

Yuzhou was a remote, small region overseeing around half a dozen counties. To the capital, it was an isolated and barren land, a distant place that could take tens of thousands of miles to reach, so far away that an imperial order might not even reach them for ten days or more.

His heart shattered. He raced out of the office and pursued her on horseback, all the way to the canal dock, but not a single boat was in sight.

At this moment, Li Xiang was overwhelmed with regret. Why had he stormed off in a huff yesterday? He should have clarified why she didn't want to see the house and seemed intent on moving.

There was clearly something amiss in this situation.

Yet, she chose not to divulge it.

Meanwhile, in a secluded residence somewhere in the capital, a letter also arrived: "Young Madam has taken Lady Elder, Lord, and Lady to their ancestral home in Yuzhou. They boarded the ship at dawn."

Update for tomorrow before 11 PM.

Upcoming ancient novel: "Conquering the Minister's Wife"

The emperor, who had lived a simple life for many years, took an instant liking to the foster daughter-in-law of the top scholar.

Chapter 27: A Kaleidoscope of Characters

◎ Disaster! They've Escaped! ◇

Upon returning to the Ru Yang Marquis's residence, Li Xiang sat before his father and declared his intention to journey to Yuzhou. The Ru Yang Marquis interrogated, "Yuzhou is the ancestral homeland of the East Yuan Marquis. What exactly are you planning?"

Li Xiang replied, "Father, I have feelings for Yu Lian. I want to win her back, to marry her."

"You're daydreaming! Stay at home and behave yourself. If you dare run off, I'll break your legs!"

Li Xiang was puzzled. "Father, you've always said I'm unreliable. I've brought home a dependable daughter-in-law for you. She's beautiful, full of affection and loyalty, praised by the common folk for her virtue. Yet, you're still not satisfied?"

The Ru Yang Marquis threw a inkstone at him. "I said you're not allowed to go, so you can't!"

By then, the merchant ship had sailed far away...

On board, Yu Lian retched miserably, filled with regret. She shouldn't have hastily decided to travel by sea!

The original owner of this body suffered from seasickness. Barely minutes after boarding, she started feeling dizzy. Among her family, even the elderly matriarch merely felt lethargic, not experiencing such severe symptoms as Yu Lian did.

Seeing her granddaughter-in-law suffer from severe seasickness, the elderly matriarch's heart ached terribly. She immediately regretted not taking the land route in a carriage.

"Bandits are prevalent on land, and the journey is longer. Moreover, the carriage's jolts would be too much for you in the long run. I'll recover soon after a brief rest."

The grandmother arranged for some sweet preserved fruits to be brought over, hoping they'd alleviate the nausea.

"I just hope this trip to Yuzhou goes smoothly without any setbacks."

Yu Lian smiled. "You're already thinking of Yuzhou, and we haven't even reached Yanchou yet. It's still a long way to go."

It was the twins' first time on a boat, and they were quite thrilled. They ran around wildly as soon as they boarded, but Yu Lian, fearing they might collide with others and cause trouble, confined them in their cabin under their mother's watch, forbidding them from venturing out. This led to the twins angrily pounding on the door, calling their sister-in-law mean.

Little Guo'er had yet to fully recover from the shock of her aunt leaving to marry someone else. She now clung closely to Yu Lian, her head bowed, remaining quiet and composed.

Whenever Yu Lian felt nauseous and vomited, Little Guo'er would promptly offer clean handkerchiefs for her to wipe her mouth. By midday, she had used up three or four handkerchiefs that her mother had prepared for her, leaving only one which she reluctantly held onto, watching Yu Lian with tearful eyes.

Yu Lian gently stroked her little head, consoling her. "When we reach Yuzhou, I'll ask Mother to make you something beautiful from the finest fabrics."

Life on the ship was far from comfortable. There was no hot food available. The merchant group provided a small stove for boiling water, allowing them to drink hot water and consume the dry rations they had brought along.

Fortunately, the fruits and pastries given to her by the common folk on their way made Yu Lian's days much more tolerable.

During the first two days, she was so nauseous that she couldn't consume anything else, surviving on cucumbers and fruits. Gradually, she adapted, and the dizziness subsided, allowing her complexion to return to normal.

After sailing for a solid six or seven days, the merchant ship finally docked.

Yanzhou was a place with flourishing waterways and a robust economy. The harbor bustled with activity, filled with vendors selling fish, shrimp, and various snacks. It was a lively scene. Standing on the ship, Yu Lian took a deep breath, inhaling the aroma of wontons. Indeed, not far away, an elderly lady had set up a stall, hawking her wontons. Unlike the meat-filled ones in the capital, this region offered shrimp and fish paste-filled wontons. Her stomach, which had been abstaining from rich foods for several days, growled in anticipation, making her mouth water.

The two children eagerly wanted to disembark and rush over for some food, and even Little Guo'er couldn't take her eyes off the food stalls.

However, the merchant team was still unloading cargo, so they had to wait before they could leave the ship.

Yu Lian suggested they try the seafood wontons later, a proposal that met with everyone's approval, especially the three children, whose eyes lit up. The old lady said, "Eat plenty and well. Once we're on the road, we might not come across such treats. The journey is long, and most of the time, we'll have to rely on dry rations."

As Yu Lian gazed at the bustling port and lively spectacle, she suddenly asked, "Grandmother, what if we don't return to Yuzhou but settle down here in Yanzhou?"

The old lady chuckled at her naivety. "Apart from the fact that our travel permits are only valid for Yuzhou, we can't stay here indefinitely. Do you know who the Prefect of Yanzhou City is?"

Yu Lian shook her head, indicating she didn't know.

"That man is the seventh prince's maternal uncle. Your late father and Hua'er put in so much effort to support the seventh prince's rise to power. But when it came down to it, this weakling was easily intimidated and swayed, turning his back on our Hua family. Lian'er, do you think it would be wise for us to stay here if he were to find out?"

Yu Lian replied, "Grandmother is right. No matter how lively or prosperous this place may be, it's not our territory, and we won't feel at ease here."

Feeling sympathetic towards her granddaughter-in-law, the elderly lady continued, "Yanzhou has a thriving waterway system and bustling commerce. Goods from all over the country, even beyond the borders, flow through here. After our meal, Lian'er, you should pick out some things you like to take with you. I've heard that there's a type of rouge imported from beyond the borders, available exclusively in Yanzhou."

Once the merchants had unloaded their goods, it was the turn of casual travelers like them. Yu Lian paid some silver to have the merchants help them disembark. These traders were well-versed in all sorts of people and matters, especially regarding transportation and accommodation. Yu Lian asked the leader about suitable inns and which merchant caravans traveled to Yuzhou.

Grateful for the money, the trader leader warmly recommended a renowned inn within the city, known for its safety. Although it was more expensive, each floor had guards, ensuring high security, perfect for the elderly, women, and children.

"For Yuzhou, I can introduce you to a carriage and driver. There's a stable in the city that specializes in long and short-distance trips, with experienced drivers who have traveled far and wide."

Yu Lian thanked him with a smile. As they needed to transport their belongings to the inn, there was no time to wait. The three children looked eagerly at Yu Lian, then at the nearby wonton stall where the vendor was enthusiastically promoting, "Wontons! Hot and savory Yanzhou-style wontons, with shrimp, fish paste, or meat fillings – something for everyone! You won't find anything like these elsewhere!"

Beside the wonton stall, a baker called out, "A bowl of wontons with a baked bun – a blissful delight like being a deity!"

The children's mouths watered at the tempting offer.

They had been wearing plain clothes for days, and their taste buds were craving variety. If adults were longing for flavors, how much more so the children? Fortunately, the apprentice of the merchant leader offered to guide them to the inn with a cheerful smile, saying, "There are countless wonton stalls like this in the city. With many merchants coming and going from the docks, these street vendors often overcharge outsiders. It's better to eat in town, where the food is both delicious and affordable."

Yu Lian was convinced by these words, and the family followed the caravan to an inn.

Yu Lian accompanied the elderly matriarch with the three children. Little Guo'er, obedient, walked effortlessly alongside her grandmother, while the mischievous twins were held firmly by Yu Lian's hands to prevent them from wandering off.

Her father-in-law remained in the carriage, with Mother Chen and Aunt Mei taking care of him.

The dock was not far from the city, and after a leisurely stroll, they arrived at their destination.

Upon entering the city, the inn was located on the busiest street. Spotting the grand entourage, the enthusiastic innkeeper rushed forward to welcome them, even opening the back gate for the carriage to enter.

Yu Lian proceeded to handle the check-in procedures. The innkeeper warmly explained the differences between the rooms, "Each room in the 'Heaven' category is assigned a guard at the entrance, while 'Human' rooms have one guard per floor. The 'Earth' rooms have no guards but are cheaper and currently fully occupied."

"I can tell you're from out of town, traveling with your family must be challenging. For safety, it's better to stay in the 'Heaven' rooms. We'll keep your luggage secure for free, so there's no need to unload."

The 'Heaven' rooms were twice as expensive as the 'Human' ones, but considering that they would soon find a caravan to Youzhou within the next couple of days and depart, Yu Lian generously reserved two 'Heaven' rooms. She and her grandmother would share with the three children, while her father-in-law and Mother Chen would have their own room.

Just as she was about to pay, she noticed a group of people entering. There were five robust young men, walking softly with solid stances, all carrying swords and daggers.

In passing, Yu Lian asked who they were. The proud innkeeper replied, "Those are our signature guards, unique to our establishment. No other inn can afford to hire skilled fighters as guards."

The leader glanced their way, and the five of them promptly sat down to have tea.

Yu Lian's fingers curled slightly, halting her motion to retrieve her money. She smiled at the waiter and said she suddenly remembered leaving something on the boat and would return shortly.

The waiter looked at the old lady. Although she was unsure of her granddaughter-in-law's intentions, her years of experience allowed her to quickly feign concern, exclaiming, "The boat won't stay docked for long. We must hurry back to retrieve it."

The three children were still thinking about the wonton stall by the pier and eagerly tugged at their grandmother and sister-in-law's hands, eager to leave. Amidst their playful banter, the scene appeared utterly genuine, as if they genuinely had forgotten something.

As Yu Lian and the old lady left with the children, they happened to encounter Mrs. Chen and Aunt Mei supporting Hua Zhan as they entered. Seeing them depart, they were surprised.

The old lady gave her son a subtle signal, silencing Mrs. Chen's inquisitive look with a stern gaze. Aunt Mei, always observant, remained quiet and followed them out.

The waiter stood dumbfounded, calling out to them twice before reminding, "Guest, please hurry. Your three carts of luggage are still in the backyard."

Halfway down the street from the inn, Yu Lian checked behind her to ensure no one was following. Only then did she heave a sigh of relief.

The old lady had blindly followed without question due to her unwavering trust in her granddaughter-in-law. It was only now that she asked what was happening.

Yu Lian took a deep breath. "The head of the guards at that inn was the captain of the palace guards. Grandmother, Father, Mother, what kind of inn can afford to hire a palace guard as their chief protector?"

From the moment she saw him, Yu Lian's senses were heightened. She suddenly remembered a detail from the novel: The third prince had a trusted aide who was once a martial arts expert with a deep vendetta. He had wiped out his enemy's entire clan, consisting of over a hundred people, causing a stir throughout the kingdom.

However, instead of being executed, the third prince, moved by the man's revenge for his family, secretly took him in and arranged for someone else to take the blame. Ever since then, this man remained by the third prince's side, carrying out all his shady dealings as his hidden blade.

He had changed his name to Yang Chou. A scar on his eyelid from childhood wouldn't have caught Yu Lian's attention alone. But it was the jade pendant he wore that made her wary – it was the pendant left to him by his parents, which the novel had described in detail. When it was stolen, Yang Chou beheaded the thief.

Despite his brutality, the third prince tolerated him. Yu Lian had been impressed back then; this was indeed how the royal family of ancient times operated, where even the protagonist didn't value human life highly.

The pendant was pure white jade, carved with two magpies, with a chipped corner in the upper left.

Coincidences might explain one feature, but not both together. This person was indeed the emperor's trusted aide, Yang Chou. Why had the emperor sent such a person to Salt City, and as the chief guard of an inn? Surely he wasn't idle?

This was Yu Lian's first direct encounter with the oppressive power of ancient royalty, and her voice trembled slightly.

"Grandmother, Father, I suspect he's here on the Emperor's orders."

The old lady was startled. "Lian'er, you couldn't have seen wrong, could you? What would the emperor send someone for? He is the emperor, after all."

Hua Zhan's face still held a pale hue. Despite his efforts to eat and take medicine just so he could walk, running or engaging in combat was out of the question.

"I've been in and out of the imperial court for years, and I've never seen that person before, let alone near the Third Prince. How did you recognize him as someone from the palace, my daughter-in-law?"

That person was the hidden blade by the male lead's side, never appearing in public. Naturally, Hua Zhan would not have encountered him.

Yu Lian fabricated a story. "He wore an jade pendant. When I went to Tianyuan Temple to seek a talisman, I happened upon the Ninth Prince. He kindly sent one of his female bodyguards to escort me down the mountain. Along the way, she mentioned a chief guard in the palace who was exceptionally skilled in martial arts. He had a scar on his face and wore a broken jade pendant, making him quite an eccentric character."

"I noticed that the man I saw just now matched this description perfectly. Moreover, his demeanor was extraordinary, and the people he led didn't seem like ordinary henchmen or guards. They moved with grace and precision, following a strict pattern. Such discipline can only come from rigorous training."

Hua Zhan was not one to hesitate, even with his weakened state. His mind remained clear. Without further questioning, he made a decisive decision. "It's not safe to stay here any longer. We should leave the city first."

The old lady pondered the emperor's intentions. Surely, he wouldn't send someone to kill them all to silence them?

Back then, the Hua family's military power and the secret influence Hua'er wielded were handed over to the emperor in exchange for sparing everyone else's lives. The emperor's word was supposed to be unbreakable. Why would he go back on his promise now?

Hua Zhan let out a long sigh. "Mother, the most unreliable thing in this world is the golden word of an emperor."

Yu Lian glanced behind her and smiled. "Father, if he sent someone disguised, it means he doesn't want others to know about his plans against us. Therefore, we won't leave the city just yet. Let's have a meal first, and then we can think of a plan slowly."

Hua Zhan, upon hearing this, found the reasoning sound. The family pretended that nothing was amiss and sought out a wonton stall, each ordering a bowl of steaming wontons to enjoy with buns and steamed buns.

Back when the East Yuan Marquis's mansion was at its peak, they had indulged in all manner of delicacies. Now, savoring this simple bowl of wontons brought them a contented sigh.

The twins were almost moved to tears, exclaiming in delight how delicious it was. They quickly devoured their large bowls and asked for more. But with a stern glance from their father, the twins fell silent, gently gnawing on their buns.

The matriarch, Mrs. Chen, and Aunt Mei, preoccupied with the threat of pursuit, were deeply worried and could barely eat, managing only half a bowl each.

Putting down her chopsticks, Mrs. Chen was clearly panicked but still managed to whisper, "What about our luggage? What do we do about it?"

Yu Lian smiled bitterly. "Mother, the emperor has sent men to kill us; our lives are at stake. What use is our luggage now? Had it not been for those trunks as leverage, they wouldn't have let us go so easily. That inn is likely already under their control."

"But my private savings, jewelry, and your husband's medicine are all in the carriage. And we have no food either."

The family fell into a somber silence, none of them having anticipated the emperor's ruthless act of sending assassins in secret.

They had considered before that living in the capital, under the emperor's watchful eye, would make them vulnerable to enemies. However, they hadn't foreseen the emperor's duplicity.

The matriarch regretted whether they had left the capital too hastily. If they had stayed, the emperor might not have dared to act openly against them. But she heard her son sigh, "It doesn't matter where we are. If he wants you dead, he'll find a way. In the capital, he could use others to silence you. Out of the capital, he can still send pursuers. I think in the capital, power crushes us, leaving us with no escape. Leaving the city gives us a chance to break free."

"My daughter-in-law speaks wisely. It's not suitable to return now. Let the luggage go; it will be easier for us to leave with fewer belongings."

"Should we head to the dock then?"

"Yes, to the dock. Since we've decided, let's take a look around and inquire about any merchant caravans. If possible, we could depart by boat. We can't stay in Salt City any longer."

The family pretended that nothing was amiss, finished their wontons, paid, strolled around the city, purchasing provisions and clothing, and even got a prescription filled for Hua Zhan. Each person shouldered a pack once more.

At the city inn, the attendant had already made several trips up and down the stairs, his face glistening with sweat as he reported, "That family first had a meal, then wandered and shopped. It seems we'll have to wait quite a while for them to return."

Yang Chou, the leader, frowned and led his men upstairs. "Keep watching. Inform me when they come back."

Half an hour later, the attendant rushed upstairs in a panic. "Something's wrong! The family has vanished, they've run away!"

Yang Chou swiftly pursued with his men.

On the other side, the Hua family left the city and headed for the harbor. Fortunately, a group of merchants was recruiting, though their destination wasn't Yu State but Mu Tang, a neighboring state in the same direction.

In those times, many merchant caravans would recruit travelers to cut costs. People heading to the same place could pay a small fee to join the caravan, providing them with a safer journey than traveling alone.

Upon settling the silver, they immediately set off for Mu Tang. The caravan consisted of around seventy to eighty people, and with the additional travelers and common folk tagging along, their numbers swelled to over a hundred. The Hua family blended seamlessly into this crowd.

When others inquired about their purpose, the elder lady explained that her family had once been prosperous merchants, but due to poor management, they had fallen on hard times and were now seeking refuge with relatives.

At that time, transportation was not as developed, and ordinary folks rarely ventured far from home. Those who did were often wandering scholars, merchants, or desperate individuals searching for a better life. To others, the Hua family seemed to belong to the latter category, evoking a sense of shared misfortune.

One man sighed, "Mu Tang is unlike Salt State. In Salt State, commerce is paramount, and people prefer small-scale trades. The land is scarce, suitable for only a few crops. Our family lacks the knack for business; like many others, we tried our hand at petty ventures and quickly lost our capital. Now, we plan to purchase a plot of land in Mu Tang, where farmers are respected, the climate is favorable, and fertile plains abound. With a year of hard work, we can sustain ourselves for two."

A woman holding a child wiped away tears as she spoke, "You should consider yourselves fortunate, at least your family remains intact. What does leaving one's homeland matter? Salt State is plagued by corrupt officials. My husband was falsely accused of murder to cover up a crime committed by the governor's son. The governor is a royal relative with connections in the court. Even if I wanted to appeal to the emperor, I have no means to do so. Thus, my orphaned child and I have no choice but to seek refuge with distant relatives."

Observing the diverse crowd, Yu Lian suddenly realized that though the court appeared tranquil, the common folk were actually leading difficult lives.

This time, the Huas didn't have much luggage; each person carried only a single bundle on their back, making the journey much lighter. They hired two carriages and blended into a merchant convoy. As twilight fell, the shadow of Salt City had vanished from sight.

Throughout the journey, they traveled by carriage. The merchants would halt twice a day, in the morning and evening, to rest, eat, and attend to other needs. Whenever they passed through towns or supply stations, they would stop for replenishment or engage in trade. The goods in the carriages were frequently shuffled, consuming considerable time.

However, the fellow travelers were accustomed to such scenes. They explained that merchants bought and sold, purchasing items cheaply wherever they found them along the way and then selling them at higher prices elsewhere, thus amassing substantial profits. The sums they earned on these trips were beyond what ordinary people dared to imagine.

One of the merchant's assistants overheard this and chuckled. "Do you think trading comes without costs? Subtracting the expenses of the goods, our profit margin for a single trip might be around thirty to forty percent. But many fees must be deducted, such as when we traverse regions with poor security and frequent banditry. We have to hire bodyguards for protection, and these men require a tael of silver per day for their services. Do you understand now?"

Journeys were arduous, and there were times when they couldn't make it to the city gates before they closed, forcing them to spend the night outside the gates or even in the wilderness. During these instances, Yu Lian and her grandmother would share the carriage with the child, a cramped space that barely allowed adults to stretch, let alone a child. After a few days, every movement caused their bones to creak, and their bodies ached as if they didn't belong to them.

The old lady's condition worsened, but when Yu Lian suggested renting another carriage from a caravan, she insisted on persevering for a few more days. They would have time to rest and recuperate once they reached Mu Tang, which was adjacent to Yuzhou. The light at the end of the tunnel, figuratively speaking, was almost within sight.

On this day, after the merchants had completed their final transaction, they addressed the traveling civilians, "Hurry and purchase supplies, stock up on food and drink. We'll soon be crossing the Xuan Pass Ridge, where there will be no opportunities to buy anything along the way. The area is sparsely populated, filled with desolate mountains and wilderness."

Chapter 28: Pursuit

◎Your eldest sister-in-law represents your elder brother◎

Yu Lian was unaware that shortly after their departure from Salt City, three separate groups had arrived at the city's docks, all searching for her.

The first group consisted of a young man in black, who left promptly after his arrival.

The second group was made up of two skilled mercenaries hired by her parents. They rushed to the Salt City docks but arrived too late; the merchant ship they were looking for had already docked and its passengers had disembarked. The duo, seasoned travelers, knew that sailing was no easy feat, and those on board would need time to rest and regroup before arranging for further transportation with the merchant convoy or a carriage. Thus, it would likely take them at least another day or two before they could depart.

Having learned that the merchant ship had arrived only the previous day, the two of them rushed to the city's inn. After much inquiry, they finally discovered that the family had initially intended to stay at the inn but, for some unknown reason, never returned. They had even left their luggage behind.

"The innkeeper's assistant is a dishonest fellow. Seeing that they weren't coming back, he didn't bother to take their belongings to the authorities or wait a few more days. Instead, he unloaded their carriage and sold everything. I've heard there were quite a few valuable items on board, which made him a substantial profit. Perhaps there were more possessions in the carriage, maybe even silver and jewels – the assistant must have hit the jackpot."

Both of them were startled. Had something happened that forced them to leave without their luggage? Or had they met with foul play and couldn't return? Despite inquiries throughout Salt City, no reports of such a tragedy or accident had surfaced. The family consisted of eight people; if anything untoward had occurred, it would likely not have gone unnoticed unless it took place in a remote wilderness.

Unable to determine their whereabouts, the pair decided to revisit the docks. Perhaps the family had changed their minds and returned to the capital?

After much poking around, they finally gleaned some useful information. An old lady selling wontons at the dock mentioned that the family was quite distinctive. "That young lady was a sight to behold. In all my years running this stall, I've seen all sorts, but never such a beautiful and fair-skinned young woman. She was accompanied by an elderly lady, probably her grandmother, a middle-aged couple, a concubine or servant, and three children. Every member of the family was good-looking, and their bearing suggested noble origins. They entered the city right after disembarking, then came back later that afternoon. Around that time, a trading convoy was recruiting travelers to join them. That family decided to follow along with the merchants."

They hurriedly asked where they were headed.

Lady says she has forgotten, and didn't hear it clearly.

Yet, the pie vendor nearby knew the truth but merely smiled without saying a word.

The two drew out their copper coins wordlessly to purchase two baked pancakes, and only then did the man speak, "That's the renowned Ruyi Merchant House of Yanshou Prefecture. This time they're venturing towards Mu Tang, a place not abutting any rivers or seas, where seafood is quite expensive. On this trip, the Ruyi Merchant House has acquired a substantial amount of dried seafood goods to sell there. My son happens to be an apprentice within their establishment and is accompanying the trading caravan on this journey."

The two inquired about the trading route of the merchant caravan, but the pancake seller wasn't very knowledgeable and could only provide some general information. After listening, they hastily departed.

The third group arrived a few days later. By then, Yu Lian had already been gone for four or five days. The elderly couple selling wontons and baked pancakes found it peculiar and whispered to each other, "Why do they all seem to be looking for this family?"

"Consider yourselves fortunate. With the constant flow of people at the dock every day, who could possibly remember everyone? However, your inquiry about this particular family has been recurring, and thus, I have managed to retain the memory of it."

As she spoke, she inquired if the guest would like some cakes. The elder madam also asked if they would care for a bowl of wontons.

Li Xiang: "..."

Only after tossing a silver ingot did I manage to obtain the precise information.

Li Xiang, with a dust-covered demeanor, had lost his usual charm and playfulness. Anxiety and fatigue etched deep into his countenance. He had been confined within his family's estate for several days by his father, forbidden from venturing out. Eventually, he inadvertently overheard his father discussing matters concerning the East Yuan Marquis' residence with his elder brother.

It was rumored that the Emperor had dispatched agents in secret to eliminate them. The narrator reminisced about the former glory of Marquis East Yuan, Hua Zhan. During the reign of the late Emperor, he and his son were at the height of their power, instilling fear in every corner of the court. Now, however, they found themselves in such a dire situation.

His father said, "It's understandable that the Emperor wishes to eliminate any potential threats, but he had already made a promise and gained benefits and reputation. Now, to turn around and silence those involved seems rather callous and ruthless. Our dynasty was founded on the principles of benevolence and righteousness, where even nobles are held accountable under the law, and the common folk are treated with leniency. This is what earned the support of the people for our first emperor, and successive rulers followed his example, ruling with virtue and kindness, thus gaining the hearts of the nation. The current emperor has also relied on this principle to gain his position, despite his humble origins. Yet, behind closed doors... I'm reminding you not to take advantage of your sister's favor and act recklessly. It's best to remain cautious, for one day, the Emperor might turn against you..."

"It's just a shame about that young lady from the Wei Duke's residence; she's a fine young woman..."

"Xiang'er was so set on marrying that young lady, what shall we do now?"

"Times have changed. If he were still here, I might have indulged his antics. But now that the Emperor has shown his hand, we must sever all connections. Keep an eye on your brother these few days; do not let him act recklessly."

At the time, Li Xiang was struck dumb upon hearing these words; when he regained his senses, he had already mounted his horse and burst through the mansion gates, disregarding the attempts of his attendants to stop him. His elder brother dispatched men to pursue him, catching up with him outside the city walls with the intent of bringing him back. It was then that two renowned martial heroes happened to pass by, swooping down from the trees in their black attire, exuding an air of formidable grandeur.

In a moment of desperate ingenuity, he promised them substantial rewards, beseeching the two martial heroes to protect him and help him escape, all the way to Salt City.

These two valiant knights were indeed straightforward. After receiving their reward, they helped him drive away the men his elder brother had sent and accompanied him to Salt City. With the aid of the knights, he made good progress, yet despite his haste and enduring the hardships of traveling, he still arrived too late. Yu Lian had already left Salt City.

But this wasn't particularly bad news for Li Xiang, for according to his father, the Emperor's envoy had intended to deal with anyone the moment they stepped off the ship in Salt City. The fact that Lian'er had departed for another location immediately after landing suggests she was aware of the danger and could escape from Salt State, which was indeed fortunate.

Yet, it had been too long since she left. They must have received the news and pursued her by now. Who knew what had happened or if any harm had befallen them? Based on Li Xiang's speculation, the situation didn't look promising. The people around the Emperor were all highly skilled in martial arts; how could an elderly woman, a weakling, and children evade their pursuit?

With this in mind, he mounted his horse and hurriedly set off with the two knights towards Mu Tang.

One of the knights said, "There are many places along the way from Salt City to Mu Tang where ambushes can take place. However, the most convenient spot would be this stretch between the Dark Gate Pass and Jingan Town in Mu Tang. It's a barren land filled with sandstorms and steep terrain, sparsely populated. Rumor has it that there are two bandit lairs permanently established there due to the difficult terrain, making it hard for the imperial forces to eliminate them despite numerous attempts."

"Many merchant caravans have suffered attacks in that area over the years. Even if they escape the Emperor's men, they might fall into the hands of these bandits."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiang was even more worried. He urged his horse forward, increasing his speed.

The two "knights" behind him exchanged glances, wearing odd smiles.

Back at the caravan, Yu Lian asked one of the merchants how much longer it would take to reach Mu Tang. The man replied, "If we're lucky, we should arrive in about two to three days. Once we pass the Dark Gate Pass and enter Jingan Town under Mu Tang's jurisdiction, we'll be safe. From there, we can directly head to Mu Tang Prefecture."

"On the other hand, it might take three to five days, depending on the weather. Sandstorms make visibility poor, and enduring them is a challenge. We also need to watch out for bandits, so it's best to stock up on food and water. If anything happens and we're stranded for days without sustenance, it would be disastrous."

Hence, the people in the caravan formed groups to purchase supplies. Dry rations were essential, and they bought extra water flasks, filling them with boiled, clean water to conserve for several days.

While a long journey might be tiring but manageable for young individuals, it posed a significant test for the elderly and children.

The elderly lady's health was faltering; she couldn't leave the carriage for several days and found it difficult to even swallow hardtack. Yu Lian asked for permission to borrow a stove from the traveling group. Whenever they stopped to rest, she would light a fire to boil water, adding the hardtack to create a porridge-like consistency for the elderly lady to consume.

The three children were utterly exhausted, especially Little Guo'er, who had lost a noticeable amount of weight. Despite her weariness, she remained obedient and didn't complain. The twin boys, on the other hand, were quite a handful. They cried and threw tantrums several times, insisting that they didn't want to continue, complaining of being too tired, hungry, and thirsty.

"The lack of food is one thing, but not even allowing us to drink enough water? You're all so mean," the younger twin complained.

"I miss Elder Brother!" he continued. "He would never be as mean as you all! Father is mean, Mother is mean, Grandmother is mean, even Sister-in-law is mean."

Their father, Hua Zhan, scolded them, but the two mischievous boys seemed to have reached their breaking point and were no longer afraid. Through their tears, they lamented how difficult life had become.

"When Elder Brother was around, we could eat whatever we desired. But now, following you all on this journey, we're constantly on the move. We have to sleep in the carriages, which are far too cramped. It's scorching during the day and freezing at night, with nothing decent to eat. All we've had is sand in our mouths every day."

"Wahhh, this life is too bitter, it's unbearable! I miss Elder Brother!"

"Our parents, grandmother, and even our sister don't love us. Nobody cares about us, they just make us suffer, go hungry, and work hard. If we can't continue, then we won't!"

The children's wails were enough to send anyone into a headache. The caravan had stopped for a break, and many cast glances their way. Such scenes were not uncommon among other travelers, as many brought their families along. Young children, unable to endure the hardships, would eventually rebel after a while.

However, the twins were particularly troublesome. They were accustomed to a life of luxury and were doted on by their father and elder brother. Even their playmates had to fawn over them due to their family's influence. They had always been unbridled, and their tolerance had lasted this long only because of their father's prestige. But the hardship of the Xuanmen Ridge route proved too much, causing them to lose their composure.

The matriarch glared at the twins and dragged them over, slapping their bottoms fiercely. She scolded them mercilessly, "Do you think it's only difficult for the two of you? Is it easy for anyone else? Your grandmother is unwell, so your eldest brother had to give up his seat for me to rest. Both of you are young and need sleep, so your eldest brother hasn't had a good night's rest these few days; he has been leaning against the carriage to sleep with no proper place to lie down. Who is more tired than him? The two of you are ungrateful, always thinking only about yourselves. How could you be so selfish and wicked? It's all because your father and eldest brother spoiled you too much."

"You know that your eldest brother is kind to you, and his wife is Mrs. Chen. As a married couple, they are one. You should treat her well too, shouldn't you? Don't always think about yourself. Isn't everyone tired?"

At first, the twins were defiant, but after the scolding, they finally understood and quietened down, mainly due to embarrassment. When they heard their grandmother mention how their eldest brother sacrificed his sleep for them, they kept silent, lowered their heads, and endured their grandmother's punishment.

Seeing that they had learned their lesson, the matriarch stopped. Her health had deteriorated even further these days, and she had to take a few deep breaths after scolding her grandsons to calm her racing heart before feeling better.

Mrs. Chen, with her head bowed in shame, realized that she had failed to teach her children properly. After her mother-in-law finished disciplining them, she beckoned the boys over and whispered something to them.

At first, the boys were reluctant to move, but eventually, they slowly made their way to their sister-in-law and whispered, "Sister-in-law... we're sorry."

"Thank you... for taking care of our sleep."

They also promised that they would sleep with their parents that night, allowing her to have a good rest. After apologizing to her, they went on to apologize to the whole family in front of everyone, assuring them that they wouldn't cause trouble again.

However, being children, their temporary guilt and remorse only made them behave slightly better for a while. Over the days, they still misbehaved from time to time.

Among the entire family, Hua Zhan seemed to be in a much better state than before. Being in his prime and having a background as a military officer, his physical foundation was strong. His spirit had only waned due to the death of his son and the upheaval within the family. Now, seeing his elderly mother, his young children, and his exhausted daughter-in-law on this escape journey, he felt immense guilt. As the head of the family, he knew he needed to shoulder this responsibility.

With a renewed purpose and the pressure of pursuers, his mind naturally shifted, and over a few days, he became more actively helpful. His spirits visibly improved, his vitality appearing much livelier than before. Gradually, a hint of the former East Yuan Marquis's radiance returned to his face.

By the latter days, he no longer slept in the carriage. Instead, he allowed Mrs. Chen and Aunt Mei to take care of their three children inside one carriage, while another was reserved for his mother and daughter-in-law. He purchased a sword from the carriage team and stood guard at the carriage, closing his eyes to rest, managing to snatch some sleep.

His mother was quite concerned about his health. Despite his injuries, he forced himself to stand, potentially harming his recovery. If he relaxed too soon, it could worsen his condition.

But circumstances left them with no choice. Their situation was akin to fleeing a disaster, the difference being that refugees were not pursued by killers, whereas they were hunted by a treacherous emperor's assassins.

Yu Lian found it strange that despite traveling for so long, halfway through the Xuanmen Ridge, no one had attempted to kill them. Could her initial assumption have been wrong? Was this man not Yang Chou, or was it just a coincidence? Had she misjudged the emperor?

Hua Zhan had interacted with the Third Prince on several occasions and understood his character. He shook his head, dismissing the idea of coincidence. "He's a hypocrite, obsessed with his reputation. If he were to strike, it wouldn't be in plain sight. His absence now is likely due to the populated areas ahead. Once they reach the Xuanmen Ridge, he won't miss the opportunity. His subordinates understand his intentions; their actions will likely follow suit."

"So, Father, you've been staying awake with your sword, guarding us, just in case they appear at any moment?"

"Indeed... He's also quite arrogant, believing in righteousness and honor. I suspect he might not pursue us into Yuzhou. If we manage to escape, he'll likely refrain from further action, as it would lower his status."

"Be extra vigilant these days, and don't sleep too deeply at night. If anything happens, run first without worrying about me. Escape wherever you can, and stay together. Hold hands and run, preferably finding a place to hide."

The old lady looked at her son, hesitating before finally sighing. She thought of something and added, "If it comes to that, you don't need to worry about an old woman like me. I'm too old to run. At that point, preserving our family lineage is most important. Lian, our Hua family owes you the most. You should survive, you're innocent. Run first if the situation allows it, and if possible, I beg you to take the three children with you."

Yu Lian observed all this in silence. In the face of life and death, the two elders of the Hua family had made the most rational yet ruthless decision. They cared not for their own lives, but only for the continuation of the Hua lineage, much like Hua Ji's self-sacrifice to free his family from prison. They were prepared to sacrifice themselves so that their descendants could escape unscathed.

Upon entering the Xuanmen Ridge, the first two days were relatively smooth despite unfavorable weather conditions that didn't escalate into sandstorms. However, the poor weather slowed their progress, and some travelers, unable to endure the harsh environment, fell ill, causing further delays.

The head of the merchant convoy estimated their distance and informed the group that they were just a day and a half away from their destination. He urged them not to lose heart and to hasten their journey to avoid potential trouble with bandits lurking in the mountains if they lingered.

That very night, Yu Lian found it difficult to sleep. Leaning against the carriage, she wrapped her arms around herself, lost in deep contemplation about life.

The elderly woman also remained silent. Camping outdoors was no easy feat - lacking proper sustenance and light, the nights grew dark and cold. With a significant temperature difference between day and night, they sealed the carriage windows and doors to keep out the chill, even wrapping cloth around the walls for added insulation, though it provided little comfort, it was better than nothing.

In this manner, the moonlight was blocked, casting the room into a pitch-black darkness where one could not discern facial features.

Yu Lian held a water flask in her hands, its contents still warm from being boiled before nightfall. She took a small sip and then held it close as a makeshift hot water bottle.

Suddenly, the elder lady asked, "Are you afraid?"

Yu Lian shook her head. Considering that the old lady couldn't see, she smiled and replied, "It would be a lie to say I'm not afraid. At first, I was indeed scared, full of anxiety and panic, even disbelief. But these past few days, I've gradually adapted. Grandma, I've thought about it deeply, and finally understood that just as the heavens send rain and mothers marry, some things are beyond our control. The one who holds the world in their hands, if they wish to harm us, there's nothing we can do to stop them. Since these matters are not within our power to decide, there's no need for us to be afraid. We should simply be true to ourselves and do our best. If we can escape, we should. If not, it's nothing to die together as a family."

The elder lady sat up, reaching out blindly to hold her granddaughter-in-law's hand. She sighed with comfort, "Lian-er, do you know what Grandma loves most about you?"

Yu Lian playfully replied, "I'm wonderful in every way, so Grandmother naturally can't help but adore me."

The elderly lady chuckled and teasingly scolded her, "Yes, you're wonderful, that's true. But Grandma always feels that you resemble an old friend of mine."

"Who is it?"

"I had a biological older sister. She was much older than I and had always treated me with utmost care, nurturing me as we grew up together. She was incredibly wise, knowing when to advance and when to retreat, a highly intelligent and composed woman. You remind me of her in how you can always think things through on your own, find a solution, and remain calm – that's already half the battle won."

Intrigued, Yu Lian asked, "What about Auntie? Where is she now?"

But the elderly lady fell silent. While wisdom and composure were indeed her traits, love could sometimes lead to misjudgments.

She gently stroked her granddaughter-in-law's hand, "Yu Lian, you're different from her. You're destined for a prosperous life."

As the deep of night settled, the old lady drifted off to sleep, and Yu Lian also began to feel drowsy. Just as she was about to doze off, a sudden commotion awoke everyone.

Someone cried out in panic, "Bandits have descended! Bandits have descended! Everyone, wake up! Grab your weapons! Don't run around aimlessly!"

The cries startled both adults and children, who rubbed their eyes and stepped outside the carriage. To their horror, they saw flames illuminating the sky, as bandits, wielding torches, surrounded them.

It was roughly around the fourth watch of the night, and all were deep in slumber when they were suddenly caught off guard by the unexpected attack.

The wails of infants filled the air, coupled with the panicked cries of adults, creating a chaotic cacophony.

In this situation, the Hu family twins exhibited remarkable composure, distinguishing themselves from the other ordinary children. Standing obediently behind their father, they shielded the womenfolk, mindful of their roles as young men of the Hu family, tasked with protecting their grandmother, mother, eldest sister, and younger sister alongside their father.

None of the three children shed a tear.

However, no one paid attention to them. The leader of the merchant convoy, despite the biting cold of the late-night, was drenched in sweat as he negotiated with the bandit chief, offering to pay a toll to be spared.

They had expected to exit the Xuanmen Ridge within a day and a half, completing their mission in full, but fate had other plans, throwing them into the path of bandits at the last moment.

Despite his frustration, he maintained a composed facade as he bargained with the bandits.

The bandit chief sneered, "Today, I'm not just after money; I want people too. Not a single one of you will escape!"

A voice suddenly interjected, addressing the bandit, "Stop wasting time with them, just get on with it."

Yu Lian instantly became alert, straining her ears to listen. She whispered to her father-in-law, "He's here. It's the man we met at the inn. It's most likely him." Yang Chou's voice was distinct; his throat had been damaged by fire during the massacre of his family in his childhood, giving him a scratchy, ear-grating tone that made him easily recognizable.

Hua Zhan tightly grasped the sword, "When the time comes, run eastward. There's a water source over there. Find a place to hide first."

Chapter 29: Three Times ◇

◎ Lady Yu truly loves her Master to the core ◇

The situation seemed to be on the brink of explosion.

The twins clung tightly to their father's robe, their voices trembling with fear even though they didn't cry, "Father, we won't run. We'll protect everyone with you."

Yu Lian held Little Guo'er's hand, her mind racing at top speed. She reviewed the original book's content, searching for any possible solution. However, in such a dire scenario, recognizing someone's identity would not provide any practical assistance.

Their opponents were highly skilled in martial arts, numerous, and had even enlisted bandits as allies and cover. It was a near-certain deathtrap.

Hua Zhan was already making arrangements for escape. Taking advantage of the ongoing negotiation with the merchants, he whispered, "When chaos erupts, run immediately, as far as you can. Try not to scatter, but if you do, don't panic. Find a place to hide."

Mrs. Chen's tears flowed, and she sobbed uncontrollably. The elderly matriarch sternly said, "At a time like this, no more crying. Run as far as possible. You're the mother of Yan'er and Xing'er, and the legal mother of Little Guo'er. You must take responsibility."

The old lady seemed to have changed her mind, suggesting, "Let Aunt Mei take care of Little Guo'er, while Mrs. Chen takes Yan'er and Xing'er. Lian'er, you run on your own. You're the young miss of the Wei Duke's residence. If caught, tell them you have no connection with the Hua family, and they should let you go."

"Grandmother, you're mistaken. Lian'er's capabilities are her own affair, but entrusting the children to her is not right. In that situation, how can a young woman with three children survive? Run, as far as you can. Return to the capital, apologize to your grandmother. That boy from the Ru Yang Marquis residence likes you, doesn't he? Marry him. Don't linger long at the Wei Duke's residence. Grandmother... when I see Hua'er again, I will tell him that Lian'er is the best girl in the world, and it's his good fortune to have your affection."

Yu Lian felt a pang of sorrow in her nose upon hearing this, even though she knew it was all part of her plan. She embraced her grandmother's arm and shook her head resolutely. "Grandmother, I've said before that since the day I married into the Hua family, I have never regretted it. I vowed in front of my late husband's memorial tablet to take care of you all, and I will not break that promise. I won't leave, nor will I abandon you."

The night breeze was chilly, and the old lady was struggling to remain standing, leaning against the carriage behind her. Yu Lian stroked the horse's head gently; the animal was well-behaved, snorting softly.

She reached out to support her grandmother.

The old lady chuckled. "Lian'er, we've been through so much together as grandmother and granddaughter. Today, let's go meet Hua'er together. Even in the afterlife, we'll still be a family. What is there to fear?"

Little Guo'er whispered, "A family."

The bandits had grown impatient, drawing their large swords and planting them into the ground, their blades reflecting a menacing glow in the firelight. The leader of the merchant convoy jumped in fright, wondering if this was the end for him.

All who worked in this line of work had imagined the possibility of encountering danger on the road, but when it actually happened, panic set in.

The leader of the convoy nearly fell to his knees to beg for mercy, but the bandits were ruthless and showed no interest in listening to apologies. However, the common folk and the merchants' assistants did not wish to lose their lives and, in their desperation, knelt down and pleaded for mercy.

The hired bodyguards of the convoy, though, proved to have some backbone. They stepped forward with their weapons drawn, forming a protective barrier. Tensions escalated as swords and sabers were unsheathed.

The bandit leader sneered disdainfully and waved his hand, signaling his men to charge. A fierce battle ensued between the two parties.

The disparity in strength was too great, and before long, all the henchmen were subdued and pinned to the ground. The bandit leader declared, "Step back, merchants. Bring those civilians you've been transporting forward. I'll spare your lives today."

Upon hearing this, the merchant leader hastily retreated, instructing his men to bring the civilians to the front.

The common folk panicked upon hearing this. Who would willingly be marched forward? Rumor had it that bandits not only robbed but also abducted women and even ate children. The terrified villagers now regarded the bandits as fierce beasts, and they scattered in all directions, breaking into a run.

The situation immediately descended into chaos.

From a distance, someone shouted at the selfish merchants, "After we paid you, who knew you'd turn around and sell us to bandits? If I survive this, I'll definitely ransack your Ruyi Trading Company!"

Yang Chou's impatient voice rang out, "Why did you meddle in this? Find the Huas, they're the wealthy ones."

Upon hearing this, a fleeing villager halted and pointed in Yu Lian's direction. "The Hua family is over there, all eight of them. Quickly, seize them!"

The Hua family's location was a blind spot, hidden by the carriage. Amidst the commotion, Yu Lian had already led the twins and the elderly woman to prepare for a stealthy escape. However, with their position illuminated by the flames, they could no longer remain concealed.

A bandit approached, but Hua Zhan drew his sword to block him. The man sneered, and the two engaged in a fierce clash.

Hua Zhan, once a renowned general, was skilled in combat, every move aimed to kill. Though the bandit was not weak, his skills paled in comparison to Hua Zhan's, who could only be described as a novice. Nonetheless, Hua Zhan had been ailing for quite some time, his body lacking vitality and energy. He soon grew weary but managed to maintain a facade of strength, pushing back the first bandit with great effort.

Several more bandits joined in, surrounding the entire Hu family.

Yang Chou arrived with his men at that moment.

All the common folk knelt on the ground with their heads bowed, occasionally stealing a glance while remaining silent out of fear.

The leader of the merchant convoy even tried to appease the bandits, "Sir, now that we've handed them over to you, can you let us go?"

The villager who first pointed fingers at the Hu family echoed, "Yes, please let us leave. We've given you the people."

Infuriated, the twins crouched down, picked up a stone, and threw it at the convoy leader and the speaker, hitting them both. The man cursed at the children, prompting Yang Chou, growing impatient, to draw his sword. At once, everyone fell silent, trembling as they kept their heads lowered.

The fearless twins, despite their young age, widened their eyes and glared back. The older one declared, "We're not afraid of you!"

"Go ahead, do what you want! When we get to the underworld, we'll find our big brother to take revenge!" The two children didn't fully comprehend the concept of the underworld; they only knew that's where their elder brother had gone, as their grandmother had told them.

Their brother was waiting for them there, ready to avenge them.

Yang Chou understood that children spoke without filters and it would be best to stop them from talking further to avoid divulging more information. If word got out, it might arouse suspicion. He raised his hand, signaling his men to move in, preparing to seize them.

Hua Zhan felt an intense pain in his chest, accompanied by a weakness that seemed to have seized his limbs. His hand, holding the sword, trembled slightly, yet he stubbornly refused to loosen his grip or take a single step back. Behind him stood his entire family, old and young; he could not, under any circumstances, abandon them, even at the cost of his own life.

Yu Lian cast a glance at the shadow of the sword, a silent sigh escaping her lips. Having transmigrated into this world, she found the original owner's circumstances dire. She had no desire to hastily wed and share a husband with others, nor did she wish to become entangled in the endless intrigues of domestic or palace conflicts in this ancient era. Thus, she meticulously planned, seeking a place where she could settle comfortably and erase the blemishes of the original person's life. Yet, her plans proved no match for the whims of imperial power.

Innocence was indeed misplaced. In ancient times, the emperor's power surpassed all else; if he chose not to honor his word, what could one possibly do?

She had also considered a way to possibly escape, but it was a risky gamble. If at this moment, she exposed Yang Chou's true identity and revealed her own, pointing out that he intended to silence the Huas, perhaps he wouldn't act out of concern for the witnesses present.

Yet Yu Lian dismissed the idea. Yang Chou, having experienced the massacre of his family from a young age, bore a heavy burden of vengeance. His mindset was far from ordinary; while others might scold someone for stealing a jade pendant, he would unhesitantly sever their head. It could not be ruled out that, upon exposing his identity, he might silence her to protect the emperor's secret.

In that instant, the lives of over a hundred people present hung in the balance.

As he pondered, Father-in-law had already exchanged two moves with Yang Chou. Despite his former prowess, he was now exhausted and fell in defeat after just three strikes. His sword clattered to the ground, striking a heavy chord in the hearts of the Huas.

Yang Chou commanded, "Take her away."

Distant hoofbeats echoed, pounding against the earth, particularly distinct in the quiet of the night.

After a few breaths, the source of the noise drew near. Three figures rode swiftly on horseback. Li Xiang saw someone reaching for Yu Lian's shoulder, ready to apprehend her. Frustrated, he yelled, "I dare you! Young Master will sever your hand!"

Approaching, Li Xiang dismounted and stood before Yu Lian, scrutinizing her from head to toe. Relieved to see that she was unharmed, merely pale and weary, he then turned his gaze to the others, drawing his sword. "Remove your filthy paws and step back, or face the consequences!"

The man glanced at Yang Chou, who sighed inwardly. Why had this little tyrant shown up?

He wasn't afraid of a spoiled noble, but he worried that if the Empress got involved, trouble would ensue.

Seeing Yu Lian safe, the enormous weight on Li Xiang's heart lifted. Since her departure, he had been relentlessly chasing after the two heroes, rarely resting, even in his dreams. Born into wealth and privilege, this was the first time he had ever pushed himself so hard and endured such hardship for another person.

Nonetheless, the thought brought a sweetness to his heart.

Now, elated to have found her, he knew he needed to deal with the emperor's envoy first. However, considering the emperor was his brother-in-law and the Son of Heaven, he was cautious not to reveal Yang Chou's identity. Instead, he raised his chin, adopting an arrogant demeanor. "You should be familiar with my status? Your master is my elder sister's husband, and Yu Lian is the girl I've taken a liking to. I won't tolerate a hair on her head being harmed. Now, take your men and leave!"

Yang Chou replied, "You can keep the girl, but the rest must come with me."

In Li Xiang's ideal scenario, he would have been content with this arrangement. He didn't wish to offend his imperial brother-in-law nor endanger his family. Moreover, if the Huas perished, he could openly protect Yu Lian and eventually marry her.

However... in reality, as Yu Lian frowned and stepped in front of the Hua family, he instinctively shouted, "Hero, assist me."

"Unthinkable! Robbing innocent civilians in broad daylight and even abducting them to the mountains? You lawless rascals have gone too far! I'll teach you a lesson on behalf of His Majesty today!"

Yu Lian's lips twitched slightly. Broad daylight... and teaching a lesson on behalf of the Emperor.

This fellow was quite skilled at spinning lies.

But inwardly, she was still grateful for this wayward noble's actions. He had traveled a great distance to find her, bringing along two martial arts experts to assist, and ultimately saved her and her entire family from peril. She would remember this debt of gratitude.

As Yang Chou's gang clashed with the two heroes, it became apparent that these two warriors were exceptionally skilled, surpassing even Yang Chou when combined. Despite his group numbering in the dozens, including the bandits, they were quickly defeated.

In the end, Yang Chou managed to escape with injuries.

Li Xiang presented himself proudly before Yu Lian. "Well, aren't the two people I brought along impressive?"

Yu Lian's eyes curved into a gentle smile. "Very impressive. Thank you for today."

Receiving praise from the one he loved, Li Xiang was overjoyed and felt a bit bashful. However, being accustomed to his flirtatious ways, he wasn't particularly shy. Seizing the moment, he said, "Lian'er, I truly care for you. You've seen my sincerity. So, come back with me. Marry me, and we'll return to the capital to live a good life. Look at this place. It's no suitable environment for you. The thought of you spending your whole life here makes me miserable. Why are you so foolish? Refusing happiness for the sake of a deceased person while ignoring a living, charming gentleman like myself!"

"I went to the Hu residence to find you that day, only to discover that your family had moved. When I asked my father, he locked me up, forbidding me from searching for you. Later, I overheard... so I hastily escaped and came straight to find you without hesitation. You know, I've never left the capital my entire life, let alone ventured this far. During this journey, I've barely slept or properly eaten, all out of fear for your safety. I had to rush to find you, didn't I, heroes?"

The two martial heroes looked at the young man fawning on their master's wife with peculiar expressions, itching to teach him a lesson for his shameless behavior.

It was clear that they had been sent by their master to rescue the young madam based on their analysis of the route the emperor's men would likely take to intercept them. Thanks to their efforts, they managed to arrive in time to save the master's family and the young madam.

How did this become the credit of that boy?

However... facing the young madam's gaze, they reluctantly nodded their heads.

Seeing how moved she was and how well she treated the boy, they wondered if their master might regret it someday.

Li Xiang said smugly, "Yu Lian, see? Even the martial heroes have proven my point."

As the head of the Hua family, Hua Zhan, regardless of the savior's motives, expressed his gratitude to Li Xiang and the two martial heroes at this crucial moment.

"We, the Hua family, will remember this favor. If there is ever a need, we will repay it."

Li Xiang laughed on the surface but inwardly grumbled about who would bother saving an old man like him. He disliked every member of the Hua family, and he would have cheered if Hua Ji were dead. It was only because of Yu Lian that anyone bothered to rescue them.

At that moment, the leader of the merchant caravan also stepped forward to express his gratitude with a bow. The twins spat, "You're bad! You just handed us over to the bandits. You're villains!"

The leader of the merchant convoy felt awkward, but in such a situation, who wouldn't want to survive? He defended himself, "Perhaps they have a grudge against you and specifically came looking for you. I didn't say that you've implicated us."

Some of the civilians who had earlier colluded with the convoy leader to betray the Hua family felt a bit more at ease hearing this. They argued, "That's right, they were repeatedly asking for someone named Hua. It must be because of you that we're in trouble."

Hua Zhan knew that this was indeed due to the actions of the Hua family members. However, he was aware that Yang Chou wouldn't harm anyone else. There were over a hundred people here; if they all suddenly died, it would cause an uproar. That was why he had called them out separately and wouldn't even dare to attack them in front of these people. He would only take them away before making his move. Later, he could claim that they had been killed by bandits after being abducted, which was a common occurrence in these times. No one would suspect the emperor.

Li Xiang sneered and scratched his ear. "Is that all? So what if we've implicated you? Do you have the guts to fight this young master?"

The noise subsided once again.

The convoy leader realized that this person was not someone he could easily provoke or please, so he retreated with an embarrassed smile.

Li Xiang turned to Yu Lian. "In the middle of this deserted wilderness, these people aren't much help. Why don't you come with me? Let's leave now."

Yu Lian looked at her father-in-law.

Hua Zhan shook his head. "Madame is not in good health, and it's not suitable to travel at midnight. We'll leave early tomorrow morning instead."

Yu Lian agreed with this decision, so the Hua family returned to their carriage to make do with some sleep.

Li Xiang and the three martial heroes spread a hide on the ground, crossed their legs, and drank some old wine to warm themselves up.

Seeing Hua Zhan guarding outside without sleeping, Li Xiang, unusually, felt a surge of kindness and tossed him a flask of wine.

Hua Zhan caught the wine and nodded at him. It had been a long time since he last drank, so he uncorked the bottle and took a swig, feeling the spicy warmth spread through his body and dispel the chill.

Looking up at the dark sky, Hua Zhan thought of his eldest son, Hua Ji, and then the current state of his family, filling him with a myriad of complicated emotions. Before long, he had consumed half the flask; saving the rest, he put the lid back on and set it aside.

The two martial heroes, witnessing their master's father in his twilight years, couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow. They yearned to tell him that their master was safe, merely hiding, and that he would one day accomplish great deeds, reclaim his position, and overthrow the despicable emperor.

They all held onto this belief.

By the time they settled down to sleep, it was almost dawn, and the sky would soon brighten. Yu Lian, not having slept for long, sensed the light and rubbed her eyes, getting up. The old lady was drinking water and said with a smile, "Lian'er, get some more rest, there's no rush to wake up."

Yu Lian shook her head, grabbed a handkerchief and a water jug, and stepped out of the carriage. As she lifted the curtain, she saw Li Xiang's enlarged face peering into the carriage.

Spotting her, he grinned, "I heard the noise and knew Lian'er was about to rise. Look, it's already daylight. Come with me, Lian'er."

Then, from his bosom, he pulled out two wrapped flatbreads sealed in oil paper and handed them to Yu Lian. "Lian'er, I bought these on the way and kept them close to my heart. They're not warm anymore, but they're not cold either. Take your time."

Having retrieved the steamed buns, she then, seemingly from nowhere, produced a few pieces of osmanthus candy.

The two valiant knights, observing the master's romantic rival fawning over the young madam, began contemplating the feasibility of assisting their master in eliminating this rival.

Feeling a chill at the back of her head, Li Xiang turned to see the two chivalrous heroes watching her closely. "Please rest assured, honored heroes. I will fulfill my promise and reward you when I return to the capital. My word is my bond."

Hero: "..."

After dawn broke, perhaps due to a sense of guilt or having sensed something amiss, the merchant caravan refunded half the silver and hastily departed with the rest of their company.

The Hua family was deliberating on their next destination.

Li Xiang persistently urged Yu Lian to return to the capital. As a pampered son of wealth and privilege, he couldn't comprehend why she would choose to suffer in such a place. Even without marrying her, she had other options, he believed. Through his rose-tinted glasses, Yu Lian was perfect in every way – beautiful and loyal. She was the epitome of an ideal woman in his eyes. Why couldn't such a wonderful girl have a better life?

The twins, though oblivious to the nuances, knew that their sister-in-law belonged to them, she was their big brother's wife. Feeling a sense of protectiveness, they stood in front of her, secretly casting hostile glances at Li Xiang. They still remembered how he had lifted and then abruptly dropped them last time, causing them to fall on their bottoms with a painful thud.

The rest of the Hua family remained quiet. The matriarch had always supported her granddaughter-in-law, while the others dared not voice their opinions, as they had no standing to do so. Hua Zhan maintained his silence throughout.

Yu Lian explained, "We've come too far to turn back now. Beyond this gateway lies Mu Tang, and from there, it's not far to Yuzhou. Once we pass this stretch, we can finally live in peace. I don't want to go back."

Li Xiang was about to speak, but Yu Lian looked at him with a smile. "Perhaps you don't understand, the high and mighty always have complicated affairs. I've grown up competing with over a dozen sisters in our household, witnessing endless strife between uncles, concubines, and wives. I'm tired of such days and only long for a peaceful life. Even if not for my husband, I wish to stay."

Li Xiang opened his mouth, but found himself speechless. What could he say? Seeing the determination in her eyes, he knew that no words could change her mind.

She was determined to stay here, to be with this family, and endure hardships without complaint!

From Li Xiang's perspective, her desire for such a life was mere pretense. The root reason had to be her inability to let go of Hua Ji.

He gave a bitter smile and asked hoarsely, "What is so great about Hua Ji?" What made him worthy of her devotion, even after his death? What sense was there in holding onto a love for a deceased person?

Yu Lian smiled gently and shook her head. "My husband is indeed excellent." He had provided her with a place to live and a family to collaborate with – that was more than enough.

The two heroes standing by exchanged glances, almost moved to tears. Zhu Ying was right; Lady Yu truly loved her master with an unwavering passion, a love that moved heaven and earth.

In their hearts, they secretly envied the master for a moment.

Since Yu Lian had no intention of returning with Li Xiang, the family then discussed leaving Xuan Guan Ling as soon as possible, to avoid Yang Chou's potential return. They didn't believe the emperor's men would let them off easily.

Li Xiang was aware of this situation. He said, "I've heard my father mention that the emperor plans to kill you three times."

Regarding the update schedule, to make it convenient for my dear readers to follow, I'll fix a specific time. Starting from tomorrow, I'll aim to update around 6 PM daily. I'll do my best to maintain consistency. The daily update will consist of 6,000 characters, equivalent to two chapters combined in a double release. For weekends and holidays, I may release additional chapters depending on the circumstances. Sending you all my love! Muah!

Chapter 30: Arrival

◎If life is unbearable, write to me.◎

Beyond the Dark Gate Pass, a vast plain stretched out, now bustling with spring plowing and farming activities. Along the way, they saw farmers working diligently in their fields, and a steady flow of travelers and merchants on the road – a stark contrast to the desolation of the pass.

Upon entering Jingan Town, the scent of everyday life enveloped them. Street vendors called out their wares, and though there were no grand inns or restaurants, numerous small guesthouses dotted the area. The Hua family breathed a collective sigh of relief upon entering the town.

The twins, unable to contain their excitement, clamored for delicious food. The family, too weary to rest, stopped at a roadside stall for a bowl of noodles. These were locally-made, hand-pulled noodles, thin yet chewy, served with a distinctive mutton topping and broth. As the warm flavors coursed through their bodies, the fatigue from their journey dissipated.

The noodle seller was generous, serving each portion in a large bowl. Yu Lian was satisfied after half a bowl, but the twins, despite their small stature, had insatiable appetites. They truly embodied the saying "teenage sons can impoverish their fathers," each finishing a huge bowl and still eyeing hers.

The matriarch joked, "We lost all our luggage on the way, so if you want more, you'll have to stay here and wash dishes for the owner."

The twins were astonished.

The younger one, Hua Xing, being more astute, asked his elder sister if she wanted more. Yu Lian said she was full, so the two boys happily shared her remaining noodles, finally satiated.

Mrs. Chen watched with a pang of sorrow. Since birth, these two youngest sons had grown up amid the height of the family's power and privilege. What delicacies hadn't they tasted or seen? Once picky eaters, they would refuse everything unless coaxed gently by their mother. Now, after enduring hardship along the journey, they were content with the simplest white noodles and even eager to finish their sister's leftovers. She wiped away a tear discreetly, her heart aching more as she thought about their lost belongings.

After the ransacking, she didn't have much left, save for a few silver banknotes she had casually stashed away in the past. Now, they would come in handy. Along with some jewelry and makeup, they could fetch a considerable sum, providing a foundation for her future livelihood. It was devastating to realize that even these were lost.

Li Xiang was utterly astonished, never imagining that they had fallen so low that they had even lost the knowledge of how to pay respects, let alone their silver.

"What can be done about it?"

He reached for some silver, "I brought a few banknotes when I left, Lian'er..."

Yu Lian stopped him, saying, "Not all of it is lost; I kept some on me, enough to sustain our living."

Li Xiang was an outsider, so Yu Lian did not go into detail. She simply made it clear that his money could not be accepted. If Li Xiang were her friend and she were living alone, facing hardships, it would be acceptable to accept his help. But this was the entire Hu family; from any perspective, they should not take silver from someone outside their kinship.

This was not just a matter of principle in dealing with others; more importantly, it was about preserving the integrity of the Hu family.

She was convinced that her father-in-law would rather starve than accept money from others.

When Li Xiang insisted on paying for the meal, Yu Lian did not refuse this time.

After finishing their noodles, the family found an inn in town to settle down. Hearing about the previous incident at the inn in Salt City, Li Xiang and the two martial heroes remained vigilant. Upon entering the inn, they conducted a thorough investigation, summoning the waiter and the manager for questioning. They even inspected every corner of the establishment before finally feeling reassured enough to let them stay.

Though the inn in this town was small, it was affordable. The cost of accommodating so many people was comparable to a top-notch room in Yanzhou City. Yu Lian decided to treat herself to a separate room and instructed the waiter to prepare hot water for her to take a bath and wash her hair, planning to rest well.

With the hurried journey, she barely had any opportunities to bathe properly. Not to mention nights spent camping in the wilderness, even when they had the chance to stay at an inn, their stays were fleeting, leaving her with little more than a quick wipe-down using warm water.

Listening from the side, Li Xiang's ears subtly turned red, as if she was lost in some secretive thought.

The two heroes promptly whisked the young lad away; did he truly dare to attempt to steal their master's affection?

When Zhu Ying's letter arrived, revealing that this young man intended to contend with the Master for his lady, none could have foreseen that during their return to their ancestral hometown, the Master's family would encounter an assassination attempt and would need to rely on this very youth's name for protection.

Yet, regardless of the circumstances, they couldn't allow this young man to delve deeper under their watch and actually try to poach their master's wife. They had to help their master protect their young lady.

Yu Lian soaked in her chamber for a good half-hour, shampooing her long tresses and cleansing herself thoroughly. She sighed contentedly, feeling a measure of her weariness fade away. Though drowsy, she couldn't sleep with her damp hair, so she sat by the window, gently towel-drying her mane, waiting for it to air-dry as she felt the breeze.

As she dried her hair, she pondered over the events that had transpired and imagined how life would be in Yuzhou if they managed to overcome this challenge.

According to Li Xiang, the emperor intended to kill them three times. The first attempt was at the Salt City Inn, then the Black Gate Pass. The final attempt would likely take place before they reached Yuzhou. Now that Yang Chou knew they were being followed by two skilled masters like the Two Heroes, would he return with more reinforcements to ensure a successful strike?

If that were the case, the third assault might prove even more perilous than the previous two.

Outside the inn, two wandering heroes were enjoying drinks at a street-side stall, discussing this very issue.

Since ancient times, there were two places where skilled individuals thrived: the imperial palace and the martial world. However, since the previous dynasty, the power of the court had grown, leading to the decline of the martial world. Nowadays, many skilled warriors had either withdrawn from society or disappeared altogether. Only a few remained, while the palace was teeming with them. If a few more were to join the pursuit, they might not be able to handle it.

"You shouldn't worry too much. How far is this place from the capital? Even if he sends a message from here to the capital, then dispatches troops back, it would take top-notch experts several days to return. By then, everything will be over, and our master's family would have long reached their hometown in Yuzhou. Didn't that 'dog emperor' say he'd give up the chase once they reach Yuzhou?"

"Can we trust the words of that dog emperor? His statement probably stems from extreme arrogance, not considering the possibility of failure. I'm afraid he'll disregard his reputation and insist on silencing them."

"He's already sacrificed his reputation once; he won't do it again. Zhu Qing has already spread the news in the capital that the emperor is sending assassins after the Hu family. The emperor must now be in a hurry to refute these claims. Not only will he not dare to send more killers, but he'll also have to ensure the safety of Master's family to prove his supposed 'benevolence.'"

"If we're lucky, we just need to wait a few days, and those people will withdraw on their own. They might even cancel the third attempt."

"In that case, let's delay for a while. Let Madam stay in this town for a few days until the situation cools down. Then, we'll escort them to Yuzhou."

"That's right, no need to rush. Keep an eye on that Li boy, he's got guts and thick skin. If he manages to run off with Madam, our master will be left without a wife, and both of us will have to face the consequences."

As they spoke, Li Xiang approached them. They waved him over to join them for a drink.

Li Xiang sat down and took a couple of sips. His face flushed, and a rosy glow appeared. His gaze seemed distant as if lost in thought. He asked, "Heroes, you've traveled far and wide, experienced much in the world. Please teach me, how can I win a girl's heart and make Lian'er forget about that man from the Hu family and accept me?"

The two heroes: "..."

One of them commented, "Forget it. She wouldn't even give you a second glance. What do you have besides your background? Your martial arts skills are mediocre; you can't defeat villains nor scale walls. And as for your literary talent, could you have been a top scholar in the imperial exams?" Their master was not only a master of martial arts but had also achieved the rare feat of winning six consecutive championships in his youth, making him the top among top scholars. How could this kid compare?

Li Xiang took a swig of wine and defended himself, "Although my martial arts are not impressive, I'm skilled in horseback riding and archery. I've even ranked in competitions of the Six Arts at the National Academy before. Moreover, my literary talent is not weak. Can't I compose poetry or write essays? I've even been praised as a charming and talented man."

In the past, he was always overshadowed by Hua Ji, but now that Hua Ji was gone, he was no less than anyone else!

"I have looks, family background, and literary charm. Why doesn't she like me?" He frowned, taking another sip of wine, utterly perplexed.

As the evening wore on and her wine cup ran deep, she muttered to herself, "What is love in this world but something that compels life and death devotion? Lian'er is willing to pledge her life to Hu, to confront destiny until the very end. If that is so, why can't I do the same?"

The two heroes: "..." Is this kid drunk-talking or is he serious?

At the inn, Yu Lian's hair had dried, and she was preparing to retire for the night. As she changed out of her clothes, she discovered a sum of money hidden within. Laying it out beside her, she counted it carefully, finding that it amounted to a little over five hundred taels.

The two thousand taels of silver notes she had brought from home were tucked inside her clothes, landing within the carriage along with her bundle. However, she always kept some silver on her person while traveling. This amount of over five hundred taels was what remained from previous expenses. Her mother had given her two thousand taels, but she had returned a thousand. When combined with the one thousand tael refund and the hundred-odd taels left from the sale of miscellaneous items and the estate's accounting, she now had nearly two thousand taels in total.

After subtracting the cost of the ship tickets, the expenses with the merchant caravan, the money spent along the journey, and the items purchased in the capital, I am left with a total of over five hundred taels of silver.

With five hundred-tael banknotes safely tucked away close to her body, Yu Lian placed the remaining silver coins and copper coins in her purse, alongside her clothes. She sipped a cup of hot water before climbing into bed, letting go of all her complicated thoughts as she drifted into a deep slumber. It had been a long time since she had slept so comfortably. When she woke up, it was already dark, deep into the night.

Not wanting to disturb others, Yu Lian opened the window for some fresh air. For a moment, she thought she saw a shadow flit across the tree in front of her window, but upon closer inspection, she realized it was merely an illusion caused by the swaying branches in the wind.

Zhu Ying, upon arriving at Jingan Town, rushed to visit the young madam. To his surprise, he nearly got caught by her. He then returned to his two colleagues and conveyed their master's orders: "Yang Chou has been recalled to the capital by the emperor, so the assassination is canceled. You two should return, while I am instructed by the master to stay here and secretly protect the family."

The two knights were taken aback. "Master doesn't have many reliable people around. Wouldn't it be a waste for you to stay here? Master could really use your help right now..."

Zhu Ying chuckled. "Master's revenge and grand plans are crucial, but family is equally important. Isn't the young madam significant? It's an honor for me that Master entrusted me with protecting them. I'll stay here to safeguard them covertly. When Master completes his mission, I will reunite the entire family with him, safe and sound."

That same night, the two knights left a letter for Li Xiang, explaining they had urgent business to attend to and thus departed hastily.

When Li Xiang woke up from his drunken stupor, he was disoriented. How could the knights be so unfaithful? They'd already run off even before the third wave of assassins arrived?

Suddenly on edge, he hurried to inform Hua Zhan of the situation.

Hua Zhan furrowed his brow, sensing something amiss, but upon reflection, he found nothing out of the ordinary. Those two heroes were indeed free spirits of the martial world, coming and going as they pleased. It was only natural for them to leave in a hurry when faced with an urgent matter.

He sighed and said, "Then let us depart sooner rather than later. Yang Chou is injured, and the longer we stay here, the more troublesome it will become. If he sends more men after us, we'll be in deep trouble."

When Yu Lian got up for breakfast, she also heard about the news. She took out a banknote worth a hundred taels of silver and proposed, "Let's see if there are any skilled fighters in town. We should hire a few to escort us to Yuzhou."

"That's a good idea. But, Lian'er, you don't have much money to begin with, and you're unwilling to take mine. Leave the hiring of the fighters to me."

Seeing Yu Lian frown, Li Xiang looked at her pleadingly. "Just consider me a friend. A friend in need is a friend indeed. What's wrong with me helping to hire some fighters for protection? Think of it as my final gesture of care..."

Yu Lian met his gaze, sighed, and nodded.

Observing this, Hua Zhan spoke to his daughter-in-law, "Count Li Xiang's favor as mine, my dear. Don't burden yourself with it. If there's an opportunity in the future, I will repay it. Back then, I had no relationship with the Ru Yang Marquis, and due to his daughter marrying the Third Prince, we could almost be considered adversaries. Yet now, I owe him a favor because of his youngest son. This boy is quite sincere and straightforward..."

He left the rest unsaid.

Yu Lian gave her father-in-law a closer look, grasping the underlying meaning. He seemed to share the same thoughts as the old lady, praising Li Xiang's character in front of her, perhaps suggesting that she should consider remarrying to Li Xiang. They wanted her to know that they wouldn't mind if she remarried.

Li Xiang hurried outside to search for skilled fighters. In such a small, remote town, there weren't many martial artists. So, he went to a security agency to find help. To his surprise, he managed to gather a dozen men who agreed to escort them to Yuzhou as if on a regular security mission. Li Xiang's generous offer left them with no reason to decline.

That morning, after the entire family finished their meal, they checked out of the inn and set off on a simple journey, escorted by a dozen bodyguards from several renowned escort agencies, heading towards Yuzhou.

Jin Gan Town lies almost halfway across Mu Tang from Yuzhou, a considerable distance. Throughout the journey, the family remained on high alert, constantly wary of any sign of the emperor's agents. Yet, to their surprise, not a single assassin made an appearance as they entered Yuzhou's territory.

Feeling himself the only capable adult male in the group, apart from the bodyguards, Li Xiang didn't have it any easier than the Huas along the journey. He rode alongside the carriage, not mentioning how exhausting it was, the toil was undeniable. His skin had tanned significantly, and he had lost a noticeable amount of weight, causing the matriarch to express her heartfelt concern.

Having observed him along the way, the elderly lady had already taken a liking to the young man, almost viewing him as her own son-in-law. She insisted that once they were settled, she would cook several delicious meals to help him regain his strength.

Yu Lian observed the grandmother's loving gaze upon Li Xiang and felt quite astonished within her heart. It was understandable for the matriarch to show compassion towards her and encourage marriage; however, she was still her granddaughter-in-law at present. The grandmother seemed to have regarded her as a granddaughter and, in turn, viewed her suitor as a potential son-in-law?

If Hua Ji, lying beneath the earth, were to learn of this, even his coffin lid wouldn't be able to contain his rage.

How truly affectionate of a grandmother!

Yet, upon arriving in Yuzhou, before they could even settle down, messengers from the Ru Yang Marquis arrived and promptly escorted Li Xiang back, much to her fury. Her face flushed with anger, she felt that she had lost all dignity in front of the one she loved. Frustrated, she yelled at them, "Let me go! I'll go with you, isn't that enough? Just let me say a few farewell words to Lian'er!"

The men exchanged glances, realizing that the young master's fate was sealed, and reluctantly released their grip on her.

Li Xiang rushed to Yu Lian's side, her eyes reddened as she said, "I have to leave now..."

Yu Lian nodded, offering a slight smile.

Li Xiang lowered his head. "You're... enduring hardships here... Forget it. If you can't take it and want to leave, write to me, and I'll send someone for you. No, I'll come for you myself."

"I know you won't accept my help or my money, but if life becomes unbearable, promise me you'll write. Send the letter to the residence of the Ru Yang Marquis, or to the Spring Breeze Trading Company. That's my uncle's business, and Mu Tang has a branch. I'll give instructions that you only need to mention my name to the manager."

Yu Lian cast her eyes down and replied, "Alright..."

The young man's lips curled into a smile. "Who knows when we'll meet again after today. My father definitely won't allow me out again."

"Can I ask you one last question, Lian'er?"

Yu Lian nodded. He then asked, "If you had met me before Hua Ji, would you have liked someone like me?"

Yu Lian looked at him intently for a moment. The young man's eyes shimmered with hope.

In the next second, however, Yu Lian averted her gaze and shook her head.

He forced a bitter smile. "Then I'll be on my way. Goodbye." With that, he mounted his horse and rode off without looking back. As the horse took a few steps, he tightened his grip on the reins but still couldn't resist turning his head for one last glance.

There, Yu Lian stood her ground, smiling as she waved goodbye to him.

He laughed, revealing eight perfect pearly whites, his eyebrows carrying a proud and uninhibited air, just like the charming young tyrant of old.

Yu Lian watched him depart until his figure vanished from sight, only then climbing into her carriage.

From the depths of her heart, if she had not encountered such troubles and dire circumstances upon crossing through time, and if she had met Li Xiang earlier on, there was a possibility that she might have chosen to be with him—a simple soul as he was.

Yet, at a time like this, she wouldn't offer him any hope. Children were innocent but also impulsive and headstrong. A mere glimmer of a rainbow could ignite their spirits, making them capable of acting without regard for consequences. It might be better to let him have no illusions.

The young tyrant continued his opulent life, while she led her modest peasant existence; their paths never crossed.

After the Hua family bid farewell to Li Xiang, they spent a day resting in Yuzhou's provincial capital before embarking on their journey to their ancestral home.

The Hua family's roots were in a mountain village within one of Yuzhou's subordinate counties.

The village was called Shangyi Village.

Upon arrival, the group first went to the county office to complete the necessary procedures. Upon finishing the paperwork, they received an official seal, which allowed them to settle and register as residents. Without this document, purchasing property or land would be forbidden, and they risked being treated as vagrants and expelled if discovered.

With their credentials in hand, the family hired a local coachman familiar with the area to guide them on their journey from the county seat to their ancestral village, Yu Village.

Yu Village was an insignificant hamlet nestled in the corners of Yuzhou, surrounded by mountains and water. The villagers spent their days toiling in the fields, leading a life almost disconnected from the outside world. Their primary interaction with the broader society occurred during the monthly market day when they would sell produce, grains, or fresh vegetables in the nearby town or purchase essential items.

This was an exceptionally backward rural village, where a legend persisted that generations ago, one of its inhabitants had risen to become a high-ranking official. The village also boasted a clan school established by that official, which continued to operate even today, albeit with skepticism from the villagers who suspected it was merely an old tale spun by the clan elders.

Recently, the clan school had been demolished by the village chief and the elders, who declared that reading was no longer allowed, and future generations of children would be prohibited from studying. What was the point, they argued, if education ultimately led to disappointment and burdened others?

This decision piqued the curiosity of the village's youth. Was there truly such a prominent official? Had something happened to him, prompting this reaction from the clan elders?

Little did the people of Yu Village expect that, in a place where even ox carts were scarce, two horse-drawn carriages would arrive on this day, nor did they anticipate that these visitors would be descendants of that great official...

The village was still some distance from the town, and the roads connecting them were barely developed, mostly carved out by generations of footsteps. The uneven, muddy terrain tested both the bodies and buttocks of those riding in the carriages, causing a jarring, bumpy ride.

Halfway through the journey, Yu Lian found the conditions unbearable, and the elderly woman sighed repeatedly. Eventually, they decided to alternate walking and resting. Upon reaching a halfway point, they stumbled upon a tea stall along the road, where they stopped to quench their thirst with hot tea and savor a couple of steamed buns and dumplings.

The three children, holding their buns, gazed around in disbelief, wondering if this would be the place they would call home in the future.

The twins scrunched up their noses in disdain and remarked, "Isn't this place too shabby? There isn't even a proper road, and these buns are mixed with coarse flour. They're hard to bite into and not soft at all. They don't taste good!"

The tea sellers, a middle-aged couple, chuckled upon hearing this and said, "Young guests, you must be outsiders, right? You probably don't know that our entire vicinity is quite poor. The people who pass through here aren't wealthy. Everyone is reluctant to eat refined flour, so these buns mixed with coarse flour are cheaper and more popular. We used to sell plain white flour buns, but they were a penny more expensive, and hardly anyone bought them. Eventually, we switched to this kind of bun; it's affordable and practical!"

"The way you two behave shows that you're accustomed to a life of luxury. I wonder why you've come to a humble place like ours?"

The twins were about to respond, but when their father shot them a glance, they dared not speak. Instead, they sipped their tea and munched on the buns, their cheeks puffing up with each bite.