Shortly after Qingyao and her companions left the city, Yin Xuan and his group also departed.
Initially, everyone harbored some apprehension about potential incidents upon exiting the city, but unexpectedly, their fears proved to be unfounded, and nothing untoward occurred.
Upon reuniting outside the city, Qingyao assigned tasks. Moyou was to take the young beggars back to the siheyuan courtyard where they had previously stayed to continue their cultivation. Qingyao, along with Mochou and Yin Xuan, would proceed to Fengfen City. Qingyao had intended to part ways with Yin Xuan, but observing his domineering and non-negotiable demeanor, she wisely refrained from mentioning it, deeming further discussion futile.
The two carriages were given to Moyou to transport the young and old beggars back to their former siheyuan. Qingyao and her group, meanwhile, rode their horses towards Fengfen City.
More than ten days later, the group arrived outside Fengfen City.
The city gates were bustling with people. Qingyao and Mochou exchanged a glance and led the way into the city. Having disguised themselves, they were not concerned about being recognized.
Fengfen City was prosperous and lively. Although the previous tension had subsided, the city maintained strict checks and heavy security.
The Crown Prince had been injured twice, and Prince Yin had also sustained severe injuries, having teetered on the brink of death for several days before finally regaining a breath. Consequently, the entire Qingluo Kingdom dared not to show the slightest negligence.
The Emperor was nearing the peak of his fury; should such an incident occur again, the Minister of War and the local guards would all face execution.
With the imperial decree issued, who wouldn't be on edge?
Therefore, the Ministry of War and the capital's guards were on high alert. Assassin portraits were posted near the city gates. Both Qingyao and Yin Xuan were featured on these portraits. Qingyao had altered her appearance, making her unrecognizable, while Yin Xuan claimed he had his own methods of entering the city and would not be passing through the gates.
Indeed, it made sense. With his formidable martial arts skills, he could enter from anywhere; there was no need to use the city gates.
Qingyao led Mochou and the others into the city. After making a turn, she spotted Yin Xuan leaning against a large tree, arms crossed, exuding an aura of wildness and ethereal mystery.
As the carriage passed, he sprang up, gracefully slipping into the carriage compartment. The group then ambled aimlessly through the streets.
Qingyao looked up at Yin Xuan. Half of his dark hair obscured his exquisite features, revealing only the other half, which was flawless. The blooming Qianye Haitang seemed like a skillful sketch, lending him a touch of bewitchment. His eyes held the depth of dark, deep waters.
As Qingyao studied him, he suddenly raised his head. His magnetic voice flowed out like water, faintly carrying the aroma of sweet wine.
"I know a friend. We'll go settle down at his place first. We can discuss other matters later."
As soon as Yin Xuan spoke, Qingyao agreed. Although everyone had altered their appearances, any slip-up would invite trouble, hindering their plans for revenge.
The attendants driving the carriages followed Yin Xuan's instructions, heading towards the most secluded street in Fengfen City.
The bustling crowds gradually thinned, and the surrounding houses were ordinary courtyards. The carriage continued eastward until it stopped.
The sky had grown quite dark. Mochou dismounted and knocked on a door. Someone immediately came to open it – a man in his thirties. Mochou explained their purpose, and he followed Mochou, walking behind her. Upon seeing Yin Xuan, he immediately and respectfully spoke with caution.
"You've arrived. Come in quickly."
Afterward, he surveyed his surroundings. Living in Fengfen City, he was aware of the assassin portraits posted throughout the city, one of which depicted Yin Xuan.
"Mm," Yin Xuan nodded. He dismounted, extended his hand, and pulled Qingyao down with him. The others followed closely, entering the courtyard.
The man in his thirties walked over and led the horses into the back courtyard.
Qingyao and Yin Xuan surveyed the courtyard. While it appeared ordinary from the outside, the interior was quite spacious, with numerous courtyards arranged in a disordered yet aesthetically pleasing manner. As Qingyao finished her observation, the man returned, following closely behind Yin Xuan and speaking cautiously.
"Please follow me."
He then led their group to a courtyard that was exceptionally well-appointed, with many plants and flowers, exuding a fresh fragrance.
"You can stay in this courtyard. It's far from the main area, and people don't usually disturb it."
Qingyao cast a sidelong glance at Yin Xuan, who immediately smiled and introduced Qingyao, "This is my friend, Yun Haoran."
Although he introduced him as such, Qingyao did not expose the truth. She knew the situation was far more complex than he implied. The man named Haoran was clearly a subordinate, shown by his respectful and cautious demeanor towards Yin Xuan. However, since he did not elaborate, she naturally did not press the issue, smiling slightly.
"Hello. Thank you for your hospitality during this time."
As she spoke, her clear voice emerged. Haoran raised his eyebrows in surprise and pointed at Qingyao, "She is, she is?"
Yin Xuan answered his unspoken question, "Yes, she is my friend, a woman. So, let them stay here, and arrange another place for me."
Haoran had initially assumed they were all men, which was why he had arranged for them to stay together. He was taken aback to discover there was a woman among them. After a moment of surprise, he nodded, "Alright, then the women will stay here, and the men can stay in the adjacent courtyard. The environment there is also quite good."
"Fine, that's settled then."
Yin Xuan nodded and waved to Haoran, instructing him, "Go and prepare two sets of women's clothing."
"Certainly, I'll have someone prepare them immediately," Haoran replied. He retreated, taking several steps before unable to resist looking back at the tall figure ahead before departing.
Qingyao and Mochou surveyed their surroundings before finally sitting down.
"Miss, do you think that Haoran is truly Young Master Yin's friend? I don't think so."
Mochou, being naturally curious, voiced her doubts. Qingyao gave her a mild glance. "Why do you concern yourself with other people's affairs? As long as we have a place to stay, that's all that matters."
"Understood," Mochou replied, sticking out her tongue. She then thought of Moyou, wondering how he was doing.
Normally, seeing him was not particularly noteworthy, but now that they were separated, she found herself missing him. However, she dared not voice this, lest her mistress laugh at her for developing feelings for that young boy, Moyou.
As the two were conversing, two maids dressed in Luo skirts entered, carrying two sets of clothes. They respectfully and cautiously spoke.
"Greetings, Miss. Our master has instructed us to attend to your daily needs. If you require anything, please do not hesitate to command us. My name is Xiao Qiao, and this is Xiao Feng."
The maid who spoke was slightly taller and appeared to be a bit older, speaking with a calm and reserved demeanor, indicating that they were well-trained maids.
"Alright, you may put the clothes down. Please prepare some water for me; I wish to bathe."
"Yes, Miss," the younger maid replied.
As Qingyao spoke, the two maids recognized her as the principal lady and immediately hurried out to the adjacent bathing room to prepare the water without any delay.
The water was soon ready. Xiao Qiao and Xiao Feng walked in. "Miss, the water is ready."
Qingyao and Mochou entered and instructed them to wait outside the door.