Having familiarized herself with the route over the past few days, she quickly arrived at the firewood storage area. The cart full of firewood was almost unloaded, with the workers resting nearby. Dan Xiaoya wished they would take the cart away so she could hide among the firewood, but she knew that was impossible. These workers clearly knew the gate guards.
If she tried to blend in, she would definitely be discovered. But if she couldn’t blend in, how could she get out?
The only place to hide was the cart, but with its flat board and the black horse, there seemed to be no hiding spot. Would she have to boldly sit on the board and leave? Hidden nearby, Dan Xiaoya pondered how to sneak out with them.
At that moment, a guard approached the workers, saying, “Brothers, you’ve worked hard. The supervisor wants you to come settle the previous account.” The workers, happy to get paid, followed the guard. Dan Xiaoya was excited – heaven was helping her! When they disappeared, she came out from her hiding spot, circling the cart and examining it carefully.
Finally, she found a spot underneath the cart, between the wheels. Though it would be uncomfortable, it was her only option. Without hesitation, she crawled underneath, using her hands and feet to brace herself between the wheels, barely fitting.
Just as she hid, the firewood workers returned, looking puzzled, glancing at the cart before hitching up the horse and moving forward. As the cart started moving, Dan Xiaoya was overjoyed – she was finally leaving!
The cart continued for a long time. What began as excitement turned to discomfort. Her arms and legs were going numb, and she worried about falling under the wheels.
She desperately wanted the cart to stop, to be out of the general’s mansion, but she had to remain silent to avoid detection.
After an agonizingly long time, just as her strength was failing, the cart hit a stone and jolted. Dan Xiaoya lost her grip and fell – coincidentally, the cart stopped at the same moment. The driver seemed to exhale in relief.
