Nodding, the person behind her released her. Before she could even look at their face, the courtyard was already swarming with people.
Ming Yu leaned against the rockery. Shen Yunxuan walked out of the imperial study. Under the bright candlelight, Shen Yunxuan’s eyes were filled with rage.
"Where is the person?"
Shen Lan, the one in the lead, bowed with guilt and said, "Your subordinate failed in his duty and did not apprehend the assassin."
Upon hearing this, Shen Yunxuan let out a cold snort, "You indeed failed. You couldn't even catch an assassin."
"Please punish me, Lord Shen!" Shen Lan knelt on one knee.
After a long moment, Shen Yunxuan said, "Never mind. The situation was sudden, and you were unprepared."
"Lord Shen..." A person hurried over from not far away and spoke a few words into Shen Yunxuan's ear. Ming Yu saw Shen Yunxuan's eyes instantly turn icy.
"Useless! You can't even keep one person in check. Tell him that if he doesn't find Ming Yu, he doesn't need to come back." Shen Yunxuan said furiously.
Ming Yu was slightly taken aback. She figured that her departure had been discovered by the fake Cheng Changxing.
She couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. Fortunately, she had discovered it in time; otherwise, who knew what they might have used her for.
However, she probably couldn't protect herself now, could she?
It seemed her safety was not an issue, but escaping the imperial palace would be incredibly difficult.
After Shen Yunxuan gave his orders, the place finally returned to a semblance of peace. She breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at the person behind her. It was an unfamiliar face; at least, she had no memory of ever seeing this person before.
"Thank you, young sir, for saving my life. I will repay your kindness another day." Saying this, Ming Yu prepared to leave.
"Does the young lady have a place to go?" the person behind her suddenly asked.
Ming Yu paused, then replied, "I want to leave this imperial palace."
"It's probably easier to get in than to get out."
Ming Yu looked at him and asked, "What do you mean, young sir?"
"The imperial palace must be on high alert now after what just happened. Do you have confidence in getting out?"
Ming Yu faltered and said, "I will be careful and cautious. It's not impossible to get out." But in her heart, she told herself that her chances of getting out were practically zero.
"I'm afraid the young lady overestimates herself. Not to mention other places, just this area alone has several times more guards than before."
Ming Yu was startled. She hadn't expected this man to be so perceptive, to know even that?
"Then may I ask, young sir, what should I do?" Ming Yu asked.
"Now is not a good time to leave. Why not accompany me back to my room to hide for the night?" the man suggested.
Ming Yu looked at him, her gaze turning cold. "You and I are not related, and you saving me is already a great kindness. You also wish to take me in. I don't know how I can repay you." People who offer favors without reason are either thieves or villains. How could she believe there were such good people?
As expected, after she looked up at him, he slowly said, "Naturally, I also have something I hope the young lady can help with."
"What is it?" She knew there was no such thing as a free lunch. How could someone help her without asking for anything in return?
"I have a friend who has gone missing. I ask that after you escape danger, you help me find them."
"Are there any distinguishing features?" Ming Yu asked.
He replied, "Their height is about the same as the young lady's, and their appearance is also similar to the young lady's."
Ming Yu frowned and looked at him. "Are you joking with me, young sir? How can someone look like me?"
He said, "Young lady, please do not be angry. The world is vast, and anything is possible. It is common for many people to resemble you."
"Young sir, I'm afraid I can't help much with finding people. You should find someone else." Ming Yu said.
"Young lady, I am not asking you to help me find them immediately, but merely hoping that after you leave the palace, you will convey this request to the Flower King!"
Ming Yu trembled all over. She unholster the dagger from her waist and asked coldly, "Who exactly are you? What are your intentions?"
The man did not react to her intimidation. "Young lady, if I had intentions, I would not have saved you just now."
Ming Yu frowned. "You know who I am?"
The man nodded. "The only female official by the side of the Flower King, and Shen Yunxuan cares about you so much. I surmise you can only be Miss Ming."
"I don't believe you," Ming Yu said.
"Miss Ming, whether you believe me or not, you will likely have to believe me, because right now, you have no choice but to trust me."
Ming Yu knew the man was right. "May I ask your esteemed name, young sir?"
"Miss Ming, you can just call me Chang Yu!"
Chang Yu? For some reason, Ming Yu felt an indescribable feeling, a very strange one.
"Miss Ming, for now, please come to my room and hide for the night. Tomorrow, I will find an opportunity to send Miss Ming away."
Ming Yu nodded. "Thank you, young sir."
Upon arriving at Chang Yu's room, Chang Yu pointed to the bed and said, "Miss Ming, please make do for the night."
Ming Yu was not a coy person, but in the same room with a man and a woman, she still felt a bit awkward.
Chang Yu seemed to sense her awkwardness, got up, and walked to the door, saying, "Miss Ming, please do not worry. I will sleep outside."
Without waiting for Ming Yu's reply, Chang Yu had already left.
She quickly stepped forward and bolted the door. She trusted no one.
She lay down on the bed, and a faint, clean scent wafted towards her, making her feel at ease. Soon, she drifted into dreamland.
The bolted door was suddenly gently shifted, and a moment later, the door opened, and someone walked in.
He was dressed in black, and although his face was ordinary, his eyes were exceptionally bright, like stars.
His gaze was fixed on Ming Yu, lying on the bed, his eyes softening considerably.
Suddenly, someone landed before him. "Master."
He said softly, "Let's talk outside."
They moved to the courtyard, and Chang Yu asked, "Any news of Cheng Changxing?"
"Yes, but he is surrounded by Shen Yunxuan's men, making it impossible to get through. If we try to rescue him by force, it might alert Shen Yunxuan."
"No rush, there will be opportunities." he said.
"Master, since you have found Miss Ming, why are you..."
"I have my own plans. You may withdraw!" he waved his hand, signaling the person before him to leave.
"Yes, Master."
He looked up at the moonless night sky and sighed softly.
During these days in Huangze Kingdom, without his presence, she would have probably forgotten him completely. Therefore, he had no confidence that she would definitely follow him.
He felt a bit flustered, fearing that her answer to his request might be a refusal. In that case, it would be better to help her accomplish what she wanted to accomplish.
The next morning, Ming Yu woke from her dream and looked at the unfamiliar room. She was stunned for a moment.
Where was this? Where was she? Why had she never remembered coming here?