The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 243 - Entering the City in a Prison Carriage

"It's safe now, Sir and Madam," Liu Qin said hurriedly, helping them out with his mother.

Pei Yao's wounds had reopened, staining the bandages red again.

"Thank you for saving our lives. We will repay your kindness once we are safe," Pei Yao said, bowing.

Fang Yun also bowed deeply.

If not for Chen Shi's quick thinking, bringing Liu Bo to play hide-and-seek, the soldiers might not have been so easily fooled. If they had continued searching and found the trapdoor under the chest, it would have been over.

The Liu family waved off the thanks, saying it was their duty.

After some polite exchanges, Liu Qin asked his parents to take Liu Bo outside so he could speak privately with Pei Yao and Fang Yun.

Understanding the need for discretion, Liu Jin and Chen Shi nodded and left with their youngest son.

Once back in Liu Qin's room, Fang Yun changed Pei Yao's bandages while Liu Qin reported the current situation.

"Today, I met with King Dun. The city is tightly controlled by King Ming. Sending a large group to escort you is difficult, and even if a small group sneaks out, bringing you back into the city is risky. We need a way to bypass King Ming's spies and safely get you into the city."

"It must be quick," Pei Yao said grimly. "King Ming's men were just here. They won't return immediately, but if they do, they won't leave so easily next time."

Liu Qin frowned deeply, then suggested, "Maybe I should try to meet with Chancellor Lu or Commander Hu."

"No," Fang Yun interjected. "Without proper credentials, meeting them requires passing through many layers, risking exposure to King Ming's spies. It's safer to wait for King Dun to contact Chancellor Lu."

With only the Liu family to protect them, they couldn't afford to take unnecessary risks. If King Ming's men arrived before Chancellor Lu or Commander Hu, they'd be defenseless.

Her reasoning was sound. Liu Qin, though young and inexperienced, felt the weight of his responsibility acutely.

The room fell silent as they pondered their next move.

"If we could disguise you as someone who wouldn't be thoroughly inspected, we might get you into the city," Liu Qin mused.

"But even commoners are being searched. What disguise could avoid suspicion?" Fang Yun asked, frowning.

Listening to their conversation, an idea slowly formed in Pei Yao's mind.

After a moment, he looked up and said two words: "Prisoners."

"Prisoners?" Liu Qin echoed, startled, then quickly realized the brilliance. "Yes, prisoners are the least suspicious. Disguising as prisoners should get us through!"

"But we still need to send a message out," Fang Yun reminded gently. "King Ming's men were here today. They might recognize you in the city."

Another valid point.

"King Dun said he'd send someone to check on you. If they arrive by morning, we can proceed. If not, I'll disguise myself and sneak into the city," Liu Qin decided.

It was their best option.

Pei Yao nodded, agreeing to the plan.

After a long, intense day, they shared a simple meal with the food Liu Qin had bought, then retired for the night.

Pei Yao and Fang Yun took Liu Qin's room while he shared a room with his brother, Liu Bo.

That night, dressed in the new clothes Liu Qin had bought, Pei Yao and Fang Yun lay side by side on the hard, small bed, unable to sleep.

Despite the discomfort, they were grateful to be alive.

Pei Yao wanted to hold Fang Yun, but she was mindful of his injuries and kept close without pressing against him. They lay facing each other, talking quietly.

"I never expected to face such danger. You were foolish to carry me while pregnant. What if something happened to you?" Pei Yao said softly.

Fang Yun rested her head on his shoulder, "Marrying you means sharing honor and danger with you. You didn't leave me behind, so how could I abandon you? Without you, I wouldn't want to live."

"Nonsense." Pei Yao gently stroked her cheek. "If I'm gone, you must live on with our child. You are your own person, with or without me."

Surprised by his words, Fang Yun looked up at him, momentarily lost in his deep eyes. She buried her face in his chest, her voice muffled.

"I understand, but I'm scared. I can't bear to lose you."

Hearing her trembling voice, Pei Yao pictured her killing the struggling guard and carrying him through the forest. She was afraid but brave and determined, never giving up. Her inner strength contrasted sharply with her delicate appearance, making him cherish her even more.

"Don't be afraid. I'll always be by your side," Pei Yao said, gently patting her back and resting his chin on her soft hair.

The quiet night passed safely in the small courtyard.

In the middle of the night, a shadow crept into the courtyard, knocking softly on the door.

Liu Qin, a light sleeper, quickly dressed and went to the door. Outside, a voice whispered, "I'm from King Dun's secret guard, here to see Liu Qin."

He produced an identification token.

Liu Qin verified it with a small flame and let him in, then knocked on Pei Yao and Fang Yun's door.

They had been sleeping lightly and quickly got up, dressed, and opened the door.

Time was of the essence, and they wasted no words. After exchanging information, Pei Yao explained his plan to use a prison carriage to disguise themselves and enter the city.

The secret guard, unable to make decisions alone, suggested Pei Yao and Fang Yun stay put while he quickly relayed the plan to King Dun.