If it weren’t for me, she and my elder brother would have surely opened a tavern in Yanfeng, living a comfortable life together, and would not have suffered such hardships.
However, Miaoyin comforted me instead, saying that as a family, they should share both good and bad times.
After staying in Yao Town for just one day, the Qi Emperor’s wanted notice was already posted throughout the town. The notice not only had portraits of me and my family but even included Yuan Xiao’s portrait, showing how furious the Qi Emperor and the Eastern Palace were. We had no choice but to continue moving, rushing towards the South Rui border. Once we reached South Rui territory, we would be considered safe.
Unexpectedly, as we approached the border, a small incident occurred. Yuan Xiao had a quarrel with Xiao Huang and jumped out of the carriage to chase and play, being caught red-handed by the border guards.
The guard held up the portrait from the wanted notice in one hand and grabbed Yuan Xiao’s collar with the other, carefully comparing. Seemingly finding a resemblance, his suspicious gaze turned towards our carriage.
I quickly lowered the curtain and instructed everyone to put on human skin masks and be extra cautious.
“Are all white dogs in the world going to look the same? Can they really tell?” My younger sister grumbled while putting on her mask, which displeased her.
The Tang Clan members chatted with the guards. They frequently crossed borders and were familiar with the guards, so despite the guard’s suspicions about Yuan Xiao, he lifted the carriage curtain and let us pass.
An Jin’s arrangement to have the Tang Clan assist was extremely clever. Although nothing went wrong, I still scolded Yuan Xiao and Xiao Huang, who hung their heads in submission.
The carriage successfully left the Qi Kingdom border and entered South Rui territory. The first stop was Lan City, the small city where my biological mother, the Proclamation Emperor, had died during childbirth, and my birthplace.
Lan City was not large, but a solemn guard was stationed beneath the city gate. The leading man was tall with handsome features. Xiao Huang flapped its wings and flew to him, landing on his shoulder and shouting, “General! General!”
My younger sister rolled her eyes. “Him again?”
General Shen dismounted his horse and bowed to me.
