The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 119 - Breaking Free

The Han family's actions were swift and clean, leaving barely a whisper in the capital. With no formal exchange of betrothal letters or matchmaker involvement—only a token exchange—severing ties was simple.

Old Lady Song, with her eyes half-lidded in thought, sighed heavily. "So be it. Each has their fate."

But both she and Old Master Song knew that the Crown Prince's relationship with his brothers was still fraught with complications. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince's son was entangled with Zhou Weiqi. There would undoubtedly be further troubles ahead.

With Old Master Song's return, the entire household was soon bustling with activity. After paying her respects to the Old Lady, Song Chuyi prepared to go out. It had been a while since she visited the Huangdaxian Temple and felt it was time to check in.

Her concerns had only grown with the news of Song Yan's impending return from Shuzhong. After Song Jue's recent warning, she was increasingly uneasy. Although Song Chunning was dead, Han Zhi remained. Who knew if he would be as ruthless as in the past? Even if he wasn't, his cold, self-serving treatment of the Zhang family's daughter showed he couldn't be trusted.

Song Chuyi instructed Ma San and Ma Yongfu to ensure Song Yan's safe return from Shuzhong. She also brought up the matter of their sons' schooling. "Their teacher says they've started studying classics, like the Thousand Character Classic and the Hundred Family Surnames."

Ma San and Ma Yongfu couldn't fully understand this talk of schooling but felt relieved knowing that Song Chuyi was taking good care of their sons. Over the years, they had come to realize that the Sixth Miss of the Song family was far from ordinary. Her intelligence and foresight set her apart from other noble ladies. Moreover, she knew how to handle her subordinates, balancing kindness with authority and allowing them enough benefits to ensure their loyalty.

Ma San chuckled, "We're simple folk, but I know the young lady takes good care of us." His eldest daughter, now twelve, was already betrothed, and Song Chuyi had even provided a dowry of one hundred taels for her, giving the girl status and dignity in her future family.

Ma Yongfu, though less talkative than Ma San, was honest and reliable. Without options, he had once resorted to banditry, but Song Chuyi had since secured his family's well-being. Now he lived a far more peaceful life than before, naturally feeling grateful and loyal. He pledged with determination to ensure Song Yan's safe return and expressed his concern for Song Chuyi's safety. "But once we leave, you'll only have Wangkun and Changjiang. If anything else happens..."

Touched by their loyalty, Song Chuyi smiled and assured them she had plans in place, so they needn't worry. She also had Qingying prepare three hundred taels of silver for their travel expenses before they set off.

The lookout, Ma Changjiang, rushed in, unusually panicked, his face pale as he urged Song Chuyi to stay put. "Don't go out! At first, a few people showed up outside acting suspicious, but now the crowd has grown, and even the back door is blocked!"

Qingying, alarmed, silently leapt into a tree to get a better look through the branches. After a quick survey, she jumped down and nodded to Song Chuyi. "It's true; there are many people out there. It looks like we're trapped."

The alley near the Huangdaxian Temple was chosen specifically for its blend of characters, hoping to avoid attention in the bustling area. But seeing how this group deliberately waited until she was here to block the exits, it was clear they had been watching the place for some time.

Outside, the pounding on the door grew louder, and after a moment, it stopped—followed by the distinct sound of a saw cutting through wood.

Ma San spat angrily on the ground, stamping his foot. "Damn it! Broad daylight, and they think they can just take us?"

Though he put on a brave front, the situation was critical. It wasn't himself or the others he worried about; if Song Chuyi was endangered, it would be a disaster.

Just as they were running out of options, the large red wooden door of the neighboring, usually locked house creaked open. Qingzhu stuck her head out, coughing a little from the dust and beckoned urgently. "Sixth Miss, quickly, over here!"

Qingying, having previously been in the palace, recognized the young Daoist Qingzhuo, a close aide to the Crown Prince's son, known for his independent nature. Breathing a sigh of relief, she guided Song Chuyi toward the open door.

Without this escape route, they'd have had nowhere to hide. If Han Zhi, as ruthless as ever, had his way, he'd likely have buried them all here without a second thought.

Song Chuyi glanced at the saw poking through the door and hesitated, looking to Ma Yongfu and Ma San.

Understanding her look, Ma San waved her on. "We'll stay here. Too many people hiding together will only draw attention. Besides, we know how to handle ourselves. If we didn't have to worry about you, we'd be long gone by now."

He wasn't a fool; he knew they had chosen to strike when Song Chuyi was present, meaning they had been observing them for a while. The most likely culprit behind such a calculated approach was none other than the mastermind from the incident two years ago.

Song Chuyi gave a quick nod and glanced outside. "Split up and leave. Head out of the city before dark. If you lose any followers, wait at the old estate for Qingying's message. If you're still being followed... find a remote spot and take them out. Use any means necessary, as long as they don't catch you."

Ma San and the others nodded in unison. Watching her slip next door, they exhaled, then exchanged glances. Some climbed over walls, others crawled through small gaps, slipping away like shadows. They knew the area well and didn't hesitate, vanishing into the crowd within moments.

The big mahogany door had just closed when Song Chuyi heard a loud bang coming from next door. Knowing that the door next door had been smashed open, she pursed her lips and frowned slightly.

Qing Zhuo led them quickly through the corridor into the main room, and quickly moved the bookcase in the main room. Song Chuyi and Qingying saw an open secret door behind the bookcase.

"Sixth Miss, please come with me. His Highness is inside." Qing Zhuo nodded at her. "The people over there are not easy to deal with. They can chase us here in no time. Fortunately, we have made preparations. The people who live here have lived here for more than ten years and are familiar with the surrounding neighbors. No matter how suspicious he is, he can't do anything if he can't find us."