Lin Yiniang hurriedly came in from outside, took a set of maidservant clothes for her to wear, and explained while leading her towards the back door.
“I heard they are remnants of the Rui Prince, but there’s nothing to hide about such a matter, so it should be true.”
Lin Yiniang walked quickly but bumped into a woman at the corner, fortunately steadied by Gu Qingtong.
“Lin Yiniang, where are you rushing to?” The woman, supported by her maid, nearly fell. Recognizing Lin Yiniang, her tone was icy.
“Princess.” Lin Yiniang hurriedly curtsied, and Gu Qingtong immediately bowed.
Princess Zhuang Qiang was draped in a black shawl, her expression grim. The dim yellow lantern light cast on her face looked eerily strange as she slowly walked to Gu Qingtong’s side: “When did this girl enter the mansion? I don’t recognize her.”
Lin Yiniang subtly positioned herself between them, lowering her eyes: “She is a maidservant named Xiao Mei from my mother’s side. Because my mother is ill, the mansion specially sent her to notify us. But I heard assassins have hidden in this area, and Yan Xiangye is suddenly searching the mansion, so I can only escort her out through the back door.”
Upon hearing that Yan Xiangye was coming to search, Princess Zhuang Qiang’s previously stern expression suddenly showed panic. She casually threw a few words to Lin Yiniang and hurried forward.
Lin Yiniang watched her leave and took a deep breath.
Outside the back door, an inconspicuous horse-drawn carriage was waiting half a street away. Gu Qingtong was urged to board, seeing three children and Han Yuan’an inside, knowing it was time to leave.
At the city gate, it was already late at night and the gates were closed, requiring opening the next day.
Moreover, with the assassination incident, the city guards were reluctant to let anyone pass. Fortunately, Fan Xiliu came to vouch and allowed Gu Qingtong to leave. Because Shen Yuqing and others were searching the Zhen Yuan Marquis’ residence, Gu Qingtong safely passed through the city gate without any pursuit.
Han Yuan’an dropped her off at the next town and returned. Gu Qingtong was left with three children and the carriage driver.
