Xiuyun thought about it and agreed, but made her promise to only watch and not intervene. Yu Yi agreed.
The Min clan ancestral hall had only one exit.
Xiuyun saw two people guarding outside the door, and the courtyard inside was also watched by two others. Third Master Min, having been deceived by Min Da’an and then having Xiuyun escape with Min Ling’s help, was angry and cautious, so he arranged more guards.
Although Xiuyun didn’t want Min Ling’s help, she couldn’t help but worry.
Yu Yi whispered something in her ear, and Xiuyun’s worry turned to joy. She went home to prepare something.
Half an hour later, Xiuyun returned to the ancestral hall, raising a bamboo basket to the guard Gen Bao, “I’m bringing some food for Xiushuang.”
Gen Bao was an honest man who secretly liked Xiuyun but always blushed when seeing her. Knowing she was married to Min Da’an, he had never dared to have thoughts beyond friendship.
When rumors spread about Xiuyun’s infidelity, Gen Bao was both shocked and heartbroken. He didn’t believe the rumors and had considered helping her escape but hesitated about breaking clan rules until he heard about Xiuyun’s escape.
He was happy to learn Xiuyun had been wrongly accused.
Facing Xiuyun’s smile, Gen Bao blushed again, stammering and unable to speak, just waving his hand to indicate she could enter.
Since Gen Bao let her in, no one else objected – after all, even a condemned prisoner deserves a final meal.
Xiuyun walked with her basket to the west side room where Xiushuang was detained. Because of Xiuyun’s previous escape, a large lock hung on the door. Gen Bao opened the lock and stepped back.
Xiuyun asked bashfully, “Brother Gen Bao, I want to ask Xiushuang about her and Da’an’s… those… marital matters. Would you mind waiting outside?”
Gen Bao blushed deeply and stammered, “Okay, okay, I’ll wait outside. Take your time.”
After Gen Bao left, Xiuyun quickly cut Xiushuang’s ropes with a kitchen knife, removed the cloth from her mouth, and whispered instructions, “Don’t make a sound, just do as I say.”
