"Take more people with you. Leave immediately if there's any danger," Ouyang Chenxi grabbed her hand and urged. At this moment, he truly hated the Xiongnu for severing his tendons and ligaments; otherwise, how could he let her face such a perilous situation? Of course, he understood his own condition and didn't want to be a burden, so he didn't step forward.
Wu Caiwei, who had initially intended to fight alone, nodded with a smile to reassure him and led a few disciples towards the entrance of the secret tunnel.
The closer they got to the entrance, the thicker the smoke became. Wu Caiwei quickly handed out the handkerchiefs she had brought and then used the water skin at her waist to wet them, covering their mouths and noses.
"Master, why is the wall hot?" As they neared the entrance, a woman inadvertently touched the wall and quickly withdrew her hand in surprise.
Wu Caiwei was startled and also touched the wall beside her, finding it indeed hot, and it grew hotter as they moved forward.
"Master, is our courtyard on fire?" A female disciple, seeing her standing motionless at the tunnel entrance, cautiously voiced her concern.
Wu Caiwei sighed and said softly, "Let's go."
When they returned to the secret room where everyone had been, they found half of the people lying motionless on the ground.
"How is it? Are you alright?" Ouyang Chenxi asked with concern upon seeing her.
"I'm fine. Has the drug taken effect on them?"
Ouyang Chenxi nodded.
"The Emperor has gone to great lengths to deal with us. The location of the estate is excellent, with court officials living all around. The Emperor brazenly intended to incapacitate us all and burn us to death. Even before I left, I knew the fire was immense; it would have undoubtedly implicated them. He's not afraid of chilling the hearts of those ministers."
"The Emperor is considered a wise ruler, but he lost his composure in this matter. It shows that everyone has a weakness," Ouyang Chenxi said, speaking pragmatically. If the Emperor were incompetent, he and Wu Caiwei could have joined forces to depose him and he himself could have become emperor. But his opponent was a wise ruler, and they didn't wish to disrupt the harmony, as changing dynasties always involved bloodshed. Suda Novel Network
Wu Caiwei knew what he was thinking. After years of living together, she had developed feelings for the children following them. If they intended to usurp the throne, some would surely sacrifice themselves. She couldn't bear to see them harmed, but if they didn't usurp the throne, she didn't know if the Emperor would let them off.
"Let's leave here first," Ouyang Chenxi said, seeing her lost in thought. He knew they were thinking along the same lines. The smoke here was getting thicker; if this continued, they'd suffocate before the Emperor could kill them.
The exit of the secret tunnel was in a small grove outside the city. As soon as they moved into the Ouyang family estate, they had made preparations. They had quickly summoned ten people and dug for days. It had been completed a few days ago, and they hadn't expected it to be used so soon.
After everyone had emerged, Wu Caiwei led them southward. After traveling about twenty li, they saw a manor.
This was a contingency plan prepared by the couple. They decided to settle here first and then send a few people into the city to gather information.
"What did you say? The Ouyang residence is empty, and not a single person was harmed?" The Emperor stared at the chief eunuch with disbelief.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Our men searched the courtyard for a long time and found markings left by two women. It turns out they escaped through a secret tunnel. Our men followed the markings all the way to the Ouyang family's manor," the chief eunuch replied softly, head bowed, not daring to meet the Emperor's gaze.
"They actually escaped. Such a secret matter couldn't have leaked. Is there a mole?" After these events, the Emperor suspected everyone and always assumed the worst.
"Your servant will dispatch more people to contact those two women. I believe we will understand the truth soon."
"Do not make any more mistakes this time."
The chief eunuch, hearing the ominous voice from above, couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat. After the Grand Princess's death, outwardly, the Emperor seemed no different, but only those who served him closely knew that his temper had changed drastically, becoming unpredictable.
Leaving the Emperor's chambers, he couldn't help but wipe the sweat from his forehead and quickly made arrangements.
Wu Caiwei, who had been asleep, suddenly heard a bird's chirp in the middle of the night. She immediately grabbed the sword beside her and rushed to where the sound had come from.
When she arrived, she saw two women conversing with several men. She approached cautiously and overheard them describing the events of the previous night.
"We understand the situation this time. When the superiors assign new tasks, we will contact you again."
The two women exchanged glances and nodded frantically. They were deeply ashamed that they hadn't succeeded this time and feared the Emperor's reprimand. Knowing they had a chance to redeem themselves, they secretly resolved to be more cautious and strive to complete their mission successfully.
After the other party gave further instructions, urging them to be careful and avoid exposure, they quickly parted ways. The two women had been away for a long time and feared attracting attention, so they hurried back. Upon entering the courtyard, they carefully closed the door. When they looked up, they discovered Wu Caiwei standing under a tree.
"Mis... Mistress, why are you here?" the two women asked somewhat flustered.
"That's what I should be asking you. You're dressed so neatly, wearing black robes over your clothes, and on such a dark and windy night, you look anything but ordinary."
The two women trembled and, as one, turned to flee. Wu Caiwei let out a cold laugh, raised her hand, and the next moment, both women collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
"Why has Master summoned us so early in the morning? Have the arsonists been found?"
"I hope so. Those who dared to set fire to the Ouyang estate will certainly feel our wrath."
"It's probably not that. They wouldn't even let us eat breakfast. This is the first time in so many years. Something significant must have happened. The incident with the estate was very important to us, yet Master seems unfazed. I wonder what has truly transpired."
...
The group stood together, speculating amongst themselves, but as soon as Wu Caiwei and Ouyang Chenxi appeared, the atmosphere immediately became quiet.
"I've called you all here today to inform you that we have offended someone and faced retaliation, which led to the recent incident of our estate being set on fire. When I saw you at the border passes, I took pity on you and took you in, teaching you martial arts, literacy, medicine, and business. I believe I have treated you well. When we left the border, I asked for your opinions, and none of you wished to leave. I will ask you again: if anyone is afraid or has a better destination, tell me now, for everyone has their own aspirations."
Seeing that they were not joking, one woman glanced around and, after much hesitation, bit her lip and stepped forward, kneeling before Wu Caiwei. She choked back tears and said, "I am sorry, Master. You have given me a new life, and I will remember your kindness forever. However, I have met someone and wish to leave with him."
"There is no feast that lasts forever. You are a good girl, and whoever marries you will be blessed for eight lifetimes. I only hope he does not mistreat you. Of course, if you ever find yourself unable to continue, the doors of our Ouyang family will always be open to you," Wu Caiwei said with a smile. She then pulled a gold hairpin from her own hair and tucked it into the woman's embrace as a memento.