When Xi Weilan heard what Xi Qingyue had said, her eyebrows practically danced with delight, and even the food tasted better to her.
“Big Sister, it’s a promise, then. You can’t lie to me.”
Xi Qingyue smiled and nodded. “Don’t worry. When have I ever lied to you?”
With that, she turned to Mu Jin. “By the way, send word to Big Sister Lu about what happened here. Also, spread the news that we’re leaving for Xinan City. Let the people know where we’re going.”
Mu Jin looked completely puzzled. “Commandery Princess, why?”
Xi Qingyue took a few sips of soybean milk before setting down the cup and slowly explaining, “We killed the officials here, but that doesn’t mean everyone in Xinzhou is a good person. Until the imperial court sends someone here, anything could happen. Telling them our destination is giving certain people a way out.”
She did not specify whom she meant, but Mu Jin understood. It was not just one person—it was an entire group.
In the past, many oppressed commoners might have endured their suffering in silence. But things could be different from now on. In the worst-case scenario, they might kill their oppressors and flee. As long as they reached Xinan City and were truly innocent, Xi Qingyue would naturally protect them. In front of her, all those laws and regulations were nothing more than decorations.
Mu Jin smiled and praised her. “Commandery Princess, you really are benevolent. Your reputation has already spread throughout the nearby cities. If any officials or noble families try to bully people through their power again, those commoners may actually resist. As long as they want to live, they’ll find a way to escape to Xinan City. In this way, you’ll be able to save some of them indirectly.”
Although this method went against the laws of the imperial court, it truly was beneficial to the common people—and the most effective solution.
An hour later, Xi Qingyue led Xi Weilan toward the gates of the government residence. It was time for them to leave.
When they reached the entrance, groups of commoners were kneeling outside, repeatedly bowing their heads to thank them for ridding Xinzhou of several major scourges.
Standing before the gates, Xi Qingyue wore a radiant smile. “Rise, all of you. I’ve already sent word to the capital about the situation here. I believe the imperial court will send new officials soon. Before long, you’ll all be able to live better lives.”
“Thank you, Commandery Princess!” the commoners cried out excitedly once more.
Xi Qingyue waved goodbye to them, then led her people toward the docks.
Along the way, she received countless grateful looks. Many commoners lined the streets to see her off.
At the same time, in Xuanzhou.
Inside an inconspicuous residence, Prince Kang sat in the room with a gloomy expression. Sitting beside him was the Ninth Prince, who had escaped.
The Ninth Prince told Prince Kang everything he knew, including what he understood about Xi Qingyue.
Prince Kang let out a cold snort. “Hmph. She’s nothing more than a Commandery Princess of humble birth, yet she’s bold enough to kill imperial officials so brazenly throughout Jiangnan. How arrogant.”
The Ninth Prince sighed helplessly. “I had intended to seize those powerful hidden weapons and have people mass-produce them, but I couldn’t get close to that large ship. No matter how good my qinggong was, it was useless against those weapons.”
Whenever he thought of this, the Ninth Prince became furious. The jade token identifying him as a prince had actually been thrown away by one of the guards without a second thought. It was a tremendous humiliation.
Prince Kang glanced at him and shook his head. “Ninth Brother, you should have gone straight to the provincial governor’s residence at the time. You’re a prince, while they’re Commandery Princesses. How could they have refused you entry? You should have approached them first, then looked for an opportunity to take the weapons. You were too impulsive.”
The Ninth Prince regretted it as well. He had even lost a capable guard—someone whose qinggong was second only to his own. It was a terrible loss.
He let out a long sigh. “I never expected her guards to refuse to acknowledge me, let alone throw away my jade token. I certainly didn’t expect them to attack without hesitation. Fortunately, I had people notify the Guangling Pavilions in various regions to withdraw. Otherwise, we would definitely have been wiped out this time.”
News of the destruction of the Guangling Pavilions elsewhere had not yet reached them, so the Ninth Prince still did not know that several branches had already been annihilated.
At this, Prince Kang felt slightly consoled and nodded in agreement. “Yes, fortunately you ordered them to withdraw in time. By the time those women spend several days in Xinzhou and remember the Guangling Pavilion, everyone will already have been relocated.”
He lightly tapped his fingers against the table, thinking about what to do next.
After a moment, he looked at the Ninth Prince and slowly said, “Ninth Brother, I suddenly remembered that Xinan City is Wenqing’s fief. Since the sisters know Wenqing, they may go there as well. Why don’t you wait for them there? We happen to have people in that city, so it will be convenient to make arrangements. This time, take more men with you.”
The Ninth Prince had been thinking the same thing. He was determined to obtain those powerful hidden weapons by any means necessary. They were extremely important to him.
“What eldest imperial brother says is absolutely right. When the time comes, I’ll reveal my identity in full view of the public. Even if they throw away my jade token in the middle of the street, it won’t matter. As long as they don’t attack me on the spot, I’ll definitely find an opportunity.”
He spoke with complete confidence. He was very sure of his martial prowess; last time, he had merely lacked the advantage of favorable terrain.
Prince Kang laughed loudly and patted him on the shoulder. “Good. Your brother believes in you. Once you obtain those powerful hidden weapons, we’ll certainly be able to accomplish our goal. I’ll wait here for your good news.”
The Ninth Prince rose and smiled as he bid Prince Kang farewell. “Rest assured, eldest imperial brother. Just wait for my good news.”
With that, he strode outside.
At the same time, he thought to himself, Hmph. Once I get those weapons, what use will I have for you? I’m not an idiot.
Little did he know that the moment he left, Prince Kang’s expression turned icy.
“Idiot. Once you obtain the weapons, I’ll naturally be even stronger. Even if you fail and die there, it will give me the perfect excuse to rebel. His Majesty was so foolish as to make two little girls Commandery Princesses of a different surname. They’re both reckless killers. If they kill you, an imperial prince, as well, my justification will be even stronger.”
At this thought, he called out, “Nightshadow!”
An instant later, a ghostlike shadow appeared before him.
“Your Highness, this subordinate is here.”
Prince Kang stared at him solemnly. “Follow them to Xinan City. Old Nine will remain in the open while you stay hidden. Find a way to obtain their hidden weapons. Once you have them, kill Old Nine and frame those two little girls. If you truly can’t get the weapons, kill him anyway—or find a way to make the two children act themselves. Ideally, he should die in full view of the public.”
“Yes, Your Highness. This subordinate will certainly complete the mission.”
With that, the ghostlike shadow rapidly vanished.
Prince Kang sat in his chair, a treacherous smile spreading across his face.
“Fourth Brother, who would have thought you could be killed so easily in the capital? With you dead, everything will be much simpler. The others can forget about competing with me for the throne. Even that idiot Old Nine wants to fight me for it. Don’t think I don’t know what he’s planning.”
“And Father, those pills of yours have all been provided by me. After taking them for so long, your health should be failing by now, shouldn’t it?”
“Hmph. I am the only one qualified to become emperor of Great Jing. None of you deserve it.”
He sat there, muttering to himself. His gaze was vicious, and a crazed smile appeared on his face, making him look like a twisted, obsessive madman.
