After two years of effort, Binzhou was no longer the Binzhou of people's impressions. Suitable fruit trees had been planted on its barren lands, and the problem of people's sustenance had long been solved. In fact, every household had surplus grain, and numerous merchant caravans traveled through it daily, transporting goods produced in Binzhou to various parts of the Heavenly Dynasty. These goods were sought after by nobles, and upon arrival, they could be exchanged for chests full of silver. Some were then transported back, while others were distributed throughout the Heavenly Dynasty.
Due to the Emperor's increased control over grain, fearing that these rebels would hoard it, leaving him with no provisions to levy should a war break out, the punishment for secretly selling grain was particularly severe. Consequently, the number of grain merchant caravans decreased significantly. However, there were always those who risked their lives for profit, or those with powerful connections, who wished to take a gamble and strike it rich.
For the past year, the Prince of Qin had been acting strangely, no longer allowing the two, master and servant, to move freely within his territory. They were confined to a courtyard, rarely permitted to leave. Wu Caiwei, however, was unbothered. She spent her days either instructing Li Dahhu in martial arts or studying with him.
Without even looking, she knew that the guards outside her courtyard were layered three-deep, and that all correspondence, both sent and received, was thoroughly scrutinized by the Prince of Qin before reaching its intended recipient. It had been a month since she had received any letters.
Wu Caiwei remained as calm as ever, continuing with her usual activities. But the Prince of Qin was growing anxious. What had happened in Binzhou? Why had communication suddenly ceased?
The personnel he had stationed there had reported no anomalies. Apart from mentioning that Binzhou had developed well in recent years, attracting the attention of the imperial court, and that the court might send troops to attack, with the populace living in prosperity and peace, there was no useful information.
While he was in doubt, Wu Caiwei instructed Li Dahhu to quietly pack their belongings. They were to leave in two days. Li Dahhu was overjoyed upon hearing this. Wu Caiwei might be indifferent to being confined in the courtyard, but he had long been unable to bear it. Returning to Binzhou was ideal. Perhaps the skills he had acquired over the past two years could be useful on the battlefield, contributing to his master's cause.
His training with Wu Caiwei had not been in vain. Despite his inner excitement, he maintained his usual demeanor once outside.
When the time came, Wu Caiwei, as usual, calmly blew out the candle and lay in bed. As the moon quietly ascended to its zenith, she suddenly opened her eyes.
Picking up her satchel, she quietly opened the door. Li Dahhu also emerged, and with a tacit understanding, they approached the highest courtyard wall and scaled it.
Using the moonlight, they avoided the patrolling soldiers on the streets and arrived outside a courtyard. After mimicking a few cat meows, the door was quietly opened from within, and the two slipped inside.
Not only had the Prince of Qin stationed personnel in Binzhou, but someone was also there to relay messages for them. The owner of the courtyard they had arrived at was named Wu San, a businessman, sent by Ye Xingli specifically to meet them.
Having escaped from the Prince of Qin's mansion, they had no intention of leaving immediately. After all, the city gates were heavily guarded, and any attempt to leave would attract attention, leading to a large number of pursuers. Although Wu Caiwei did not fear them, she also did not wish to spend her days fleeing and living as an exile.
After being led into a room, Wu Caiwei told Wu San to go and rest and not bother them. Then, she took out the women's clothing that had been prepared for her and disguised herself. Since she was already a woman and always wore a mask, no one had seen her true appearance, so the disguise was effortless.
When she emerged again, Li Dahhu was not surprised at all. What terrified him was that Wu Caiwei had produced a set of women's clothing tailored for him. He looked at her with disbelief, pointing at himself, "Is this outfit for me?"
"Of course. So many people in the Prince of Qin's mansion have seen you. While I can alter your appearance, your build cannot be changed. After much thought, only by wearing women's clothing will people not associate you with Li Dahhu from the Prince of Qin's mansion," Wu Caiwei said, looking at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"But with my appearance, can I pass as a woman? Can't you think of another way?" Li Dahhu felt he was destined to become a great general, and if his subordinates knew he had once worn women's clothes and impersonated a woman, wouldn't they laugh him to scorn?
"There is no better way. Shall I just hand you over?"
"No... no... it's almost dawn, let's hurry." Li Dahhu was not ignorant of the gravity of the situation. If anyone from the Prince of Qin's mansion discovered their departure, they would surely search the entire city. It was best to make haste.
When he emerged again, he was dressed as a woman. This was his first time wearing women's clothing, and he felt awkward and hesitant. Wu Caiwei grabbed him and brought him to the dressing table, fussing with his face and styling his hair into a beautiful updo.
He felt that the biggest change was shaving off his thick beard. At this moment, he couldn't help but wonder if his master's instruction to let his beard grow long and not shave it was preparation for this very day. After shaving, he looked completely different from before, instantly appearing ten years younger.
The next morning, when Wu San saw them, he could hardly believe these were the strategist and Li Dahhu he had met yesterday. They were clearly men, yet had suddenly transformed into women. After careful observation, he recognized their disguise and had to admit that their plan was brilliant.
This was the first time he had seen the strategist's true appearance. Although she appeared as a woman, he had to admit she was truly beautiful. He cast a single glance and dared not look again, lowering his head with slightly flushed ears.
He was instantly unsure how to address them and stood there, somewhat flustered.
Just then, there was a "bang bang bang" knocking at the door from outside. The force of the knocks indicated great urgency, and without a doubt, they knew who had arrived. If this had happened last night, Wu San would have been somewhat nervous, fearing exposure. But now, he was confident, believing that even if the two stood before them, they would not recognize them as the individuals they were searching for.
Li Dahhu was somewhat tense and quickly assumed a ready posture, his chest held high. Turning his head, he saw his master smiling as she admired the flowers in the courtyard, making him feel that his own skills were still lacking, unable to remain calm in the face of adversity.
As soon as Wu San opened the door, he was pushed aside by the soldiers who frantically squeezed their way in. After finally regaining his balance, he saw them searching every room like bandits.
"Chief, nothing."
"Chief, nothing."
...
Soon, the searching soldiers reported their findings to the leading soldier.