“So that’s how it is, no wonder. Alright, I agree to leave with you for Daqi. But you just took me away from the court like that—my father and brother will be worried. I need to go back and explain to them before returning to you.”
Feng Moli’s words made Wanqing realize he was thinking of his birth mother. She nodded understandingly, then glanced at him and reminded, “You just took me away in front of everyone like that…”
“Alright, I’ll wait for you at Linglong Pavilion. But hurry—your mother can’t wait. Also, stay away from that Bohai prince and his father. And remind your father and brother to be wary of them.”
Wanqing’s words made Feng Moli pause. He hadn’t stopped her earlier when he took her away so abruptly. Seeing her nod and prepare to leave, he suddenly added another warning.
“Why do you feel they’re dangerous?”
Wanqing was puzzled by her uncle’s words. Inwardly, she wondered: *Does he know them?*
“Instinct. Just tell them to be cautious. Now, go quickly.”
Feng Moli’s eyes flickered, but he urged her on.
“Alright, I’ll head to the palace now.”
Though Wanqing knew her mother’s situation wasn’t exactly honorable—she still didn’t know who her real father was—her mother’s life was at stake. She gave him a firm look before turning to leave.
“What? You’re really going back to Daqi with Uncle?” Prince Ning was stunned by his sister’s words. Though he didn’t know what had happened in the past, the news that their mother was still alive filled him with joy.
“Yes. Uncle said Mother’s condition is critical—maybe only I can save her. So I must go. Oh, and Brother, after I leave, you and Father should be careful with the Bohai prince and his father. I have a bad feeling about them. They talk of peace, but everything they do seems aimed against us.”
Wanqing didn’t hide her suspicions from her brother, though she avoided mentioning their different mothers. Seeing Prince Ning nod despite his doubts, she pressed on with Feng Moli’s warning.
“Don’t worry, I’ll remind Father to be cautious. You go with Uncle and save Mother—leave things here to me. Qingfeng, you and Honglian will escort the princess.”
Prince Ning agreed, recalling the Bohai prince’s behavior in court. Concerned for her safety, he turned to his attendant and gave the order.
“No need, Brother. I’ll be going with Uncle. They should all stay in Daming—we’ll talk more when I return. Please explain to Father for me. I’ll go back to the manor to arrange things with Honglian, then meet Uncle.”
Wanqing gently refused her brother’s concern. Time was short—she gave him a final nod before hurrying out of the palace.
Unbeknownst to her, she had been watched from the moment she entered the palace. As she bid farewell to Prince Ning, a shadowy figure slipped out of the palace grounds.
*Sigh…*
Walking briskly with Honglian and Wanchun, the three boarded a single carriage. Wanqing sighed softly, thinking of leaving the peaceful life she had finally built—though she knew this journey was only to save her mother.
Suddenly, the air tensed.
“Something’s wrong,” Honglian murmured, immediately shielding Wanqing.
Peering through the carriage curtain, Wanqing saw they had stopped on a deserted street. The usual trickle of pedestrians had vanished—silence hung heavy.
Gripping the hidden needles and daggers in her sleeve, Wanqing tensed.
“Careful—Princess, are you alright? Who dares block your path? Seeking death?”
As the three listened for movement, a sharp whistling cut through the air. The maids reacted instantly, pulling Wanqing out just as chains with iron hooks shattered the carriage. The horses bolted in panic.
Black-clad figures dropped from the rooftops. Honglian stepped forward, voice icy. “State your purpose.”
“Who we are doesn’t matter. Hand over the princess, and we spare your lives.”
The masked leader’s dark, calculating eyes gleamed. Unfazed, he smirked.
“Over our dead bodies!” Honglian spat. She and Wanchun lunged.
“Wait—!” Wanqing’s warning came too late.
The maids moved swiftly, but before their blades could strike, the leader flicked his wrist—a faint floral scent filled the air.
“Poison!” Wanqing gasped.
Honglian and Wanchun froze mid-step. Two black-clad figures struck, sending them crashing toward the rooftops.
Wanqing rushed forward, but more attackers closed in. Two fell to her daggers—but blades pressed against the maids’ throats.
“Move, and they die. Clever girl—but catching you gives me leverage over your family.”
The leader landed before her. As Wanqing hesitated, he flicked his wrist again—sweet fragrance filled her nose.
“Fine. I’ll go. But harm them, and I’ll die before you use me against my family.”
Trapped, Wanqing glared.
“Bold. Swallow this, and I free them. Otherwise… their poison worsens.”
He tossed her a pill. Catching it, Wanqing saw Honglian and Wanchun’s faces—pale, flushed. She recognized the toxin: a floral-scented venom that ruptured blood vessels.
Though she could cure them, escape was impossible now.
Swallowing the pill, she ordered, “Release them. Honglian, find Uncle and Brother.”
Tears in their eyes, the maids shook their heads—but took the antidote thrown at them. Weakly, they stumbled away.
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