“Don’t worry. If we can get out later, remember to go back as quickly as possible—return to the banquet and find Prince Ning and Young Master Song. As for me, you don’t need to concern yourselves… Ugh, my stomach hurts, it really hurts…”
The two women were filled with worry, thinking of Wu Qingyang and even the spiteful Mu Wanxia sisters who, despite being cold-shouldered by Wu Qingyang, still followed closely behind. Suddenly, one of them clutched her stomach, rolling on the bed in pain and crying out.
“If you call for help now, as soon as someone comes in, I can find a way to get you out…” Seeing their pale, anxious faces as she moaned in pain, Wan Qing covered her stomach with one hand but still managed to whisper instructions to them. Though skeptical, the two women did as she said, knocking on the door and shouting for help.
“This…” Outside, there were indeed two maids on guard. Hearing the cries of pain and the pleas for help from Qian Yuying and Cui Hongxiao, they hesitated.
“Hey, stop shouting. We’ll go find Miss Liu and let her decide whether to take you to a doctor,” one of the maids, who still had some conscience, called through the door. After a brief exchange, hurried footsteps faded into the distance.
“Wait. If they come in, I’ll handle them. You two must seize the chance to escape. As for me, don’t worry about me.” Hearing that the guards had gone to fetch someone, Wan Qing turned to the two women and whispered her plan. She wasn’t the least bit concerned about these petty tricks.
“But Qing’er, this is too dangerous. Anyone can see that Princess Qingyang is targeting you…” Qian Yuying, though helpless, couldn’t help but voice her concern, seeing Wan Qing as just another vulnerable woman like themselves.
“Don’t worry, I have a way. Sister Cui, when the time comes, find a chance to leave. Remember, once you’re out, go straight to Prince Ning and the others. Staying here only puts you in more danger…”
Wan Qing smiled faintly at Qian Yuying’s concern. She wasn’t intimidated by these people, though she kept her composure, offering them a reassuring smile. She then turned to Cui Hongxiao, who was equally worried.
“No, Qing’er. It’s too dangerous for you alone. With more of us here, Princess Qingyang wouldn’t dare go too far. But if you’re alone, who knows what might happen? If you stay, we stay too.”
Cui Hongxiao, though unsure of the exact grudge between Wu Qingyang and Wan Qing, assumed it was because she had rejected Leng Minghao, who seemed close to the princess. She believed Wan Qing had offended the princess on her behalf. Recalling the ruthless schemes of palace women, she insisted on staying.
“That’s right, Qing’er. We’re women of status too. With us by your side, Princess Qingyang wouldn’t dare go too far, no matter what grudge she holds. It’s too dangerous for you alone.” Qian Yuying echoed, determined to stand with her.
“Alright, since you both insist, I’ll go with you. But if an opportunity arises, remember to protect yourselves first, understand?”
Their loyalty moved Wan Qing deeply. Though they had only just met—even if Qian Yuying’s grandmother had been treated by her for a hefty fee—their protectiveness warmed her heart. Accustomed to fighting alone in the marquis’s household, she rarely experienced such camaraderie. Though she had her brother, Bai Gu from Linglong Pavilion, and her maids, these two women stirred something new in her—she had never had close female friends before.
Grateful for their concern, Wan Qing nodded with a helpless smile, though her eyes still held worry for what might come.
“Good, then we’ll leave together.”
The two women, relieved she agreed, didn’t catch her hesitation. They nodded, waiting in the room.
Soon, Liu Cui’er’s voice rang out.
“Weren’t you supposed to be resting? What’s with all the screaming? You two, go see what tricks they’re playing…”
Her annoyed command was followed by footsteps approaching.
“Get ready. We’ll rush out together when they come in…”
Wan Qing’s eyes sharpened as she positioned herself between the two women, watching the screen.
To their surprise, two male guards entered instead of maids.
“This…” Qian Yuying and Cui Hongxiao paled, their plan disrupted. Meanwhile, the Mu sisters remained on the bed, feigning drunkenness, their faces twisted in silent distress.
“Hmph…”
Just as the guards drew near, the seemingly asleep figure on the bed suddenly opened her eyes. With a swift motion, two silver needles shot out, striking the men.
“Quick, catch them!”
Wan Qing leaped down, steadying one falling guard while instructing the others to do the same.
“Qing’er, you… they…”
The women, shocked, watched as Wan Qing retrieved the needles from the guards’ bodies.
“Don’t worry, they’re just asleep. Liu Cui’er and the maids are still outside. Stay behind me. Here, take these—if there’s danger, cover your noses and scatter this…”
Seeing their fear, Wan Qing reassured them softly, handing them small sachets. Though confused, they nodded and followed her lead.
“You dare try to leave? Guards! Damn it, Mu Wanqing, you dare needle me? You… you…”
Liu Cui’er, realizing something was wrong when the three emerged without the guards, turned to flee but collapsed as Wan Qing struck her shoulder with a needle.
With Liu Cui’er unconscious, Wan Qing swiftly dealt with the remaining maids before turning back to her companions.
“She’s asleep too. Let’s go.”
Retrieving the needle, Wan Qing smiled and led them boldly out the door.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage