Chapter 153

During dinner that night, Fan Xiaoxiao found Fan Shi and Uncle Wang and briefly told them her thoughts, which, as expected, elicited a strong rejection from them.

"No! You're taking a risk!"

After learning what Fan Xiaoxiao wanted to do, Madam Fan's expression was full of resistance. Her previously gentle tone turned extremely firm; she knew her own sister better than anyone. She said there was no danger, but going alone with Gu Zhongtai was already extremely dangerous! Let alone taking shortcuts!

“Sister, apart from the danger we encountered in that deserted village, we haven’t met any of their people along the way! If you’re worried about those assassins catching up, we just need to get to the foot of Tianshan Mountain as quickly as possible! Please don’t mention traveling alone again! I absolutely disagree!”

Fan Xiaoxiao sighed, anticipating the Fan family's rejection.

She wasn't talking about her worries for Gu Zhongtai and Bai Chaoyan's pursuers; she was using herself as a pretext. She explained that they were back on the official road and would be entering Youzhou City in two days. It seemed the court was aware of her actions after the commotion they caused in Yongzhou. Therefore, she suggested they split up to ensure everyone's safety.

However, after this matter was proposed, it was met with strong opposition from Uncle Wang and Madam Fan, which led to the scene before us.

"Sister, my mind is made up. Don't worry, I only proposed this plan because I can guarantee my own safety. If I go to Youzhou City with you, then our target will only be bigger. Our destination is Tianshan Mountain, which is about thirty miles behind Youzhou City."

Youzhou City is surrounded by plains, offering a wide and unobstructed view. To bypass the city, one would need to travel several days in advance along narrow paths through the mountains and forests. However, carriages cannot travel through the mountains and forests, so someone must drive the carriage into Youzhou.

Sister, listen to me, let's separate for a few days tomorrow. I promise you I'll be fine. Remember last time…”

Fan Xiaoxiao paused, what she wanted to say was that she hadn't been injured at all when she followed Gu Zhongtai and the others last time, but in those few days, Fan Shi, Uncle Wang, and Master Lu had almost lost their lives.

Thinking of this, she pursed her lips, determined not to let such a thing happen again this time.

“Girl, nothing else happened when you and the Ghost Doctor went in disguise last time, so is it really necessary for you to take a detour?” Although Uncle Wang knew that Fan Xiaoxiao’s words made some sense, he was still worried about the decision she was going to make.

“It’s necessary, Godfather. You didn’t come into the city with us last time. If the general guarding the city hadn’t stopped chasing us, I’m afraid the Ghost Doctor and I wouldn’t have been able to get back to you. Moreover, I offended the princess in Yongzhou, so I’m afraid the travel document I used last time is no longer valid. Therefore, I absolutely cannot go into Youzhou this time.”

"But……"

Madam Fan frowned, wanting to say something, but Fan Xiaoxiao stood up and interrupted her.

"Alright, it's decided then. We'll split into two groups tomorrow. This time, Ghost Doctor will lead me and Young Hero Gu along the back path. We'll meet up at the foot of the sky in seven days. If we don't arrive, you'll have to figure out how to get your household registration done first. We'll deal with the rest after we meet up."

After saying that, Fan Xiaoxiao climbed into the carriage, startling Bai Chaoyan, who had been sitting inside all day.

She hadn't heard anything clearly from the group chatting outside, which was quite far away. Now, seeing Fan Xiaoxiao get into the carriage with a somewhat somber expression, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, she moved her body further into the carriage.

Fan Xiaoxiao lay down in the small space she had vacated. Neither of them spoke for a while, and after a long silence, Bai Chaoyan finally spoke first: "Wife, could you drop me off at the crossroads ten miles away tomorrow?"

Fan Xiaoxiao glanced at her, not particularly surprised. The female lead was currently a wanted criminal, and she would definitely be afraid if she got close to Youzhou City. Therefore, she would definitely suggest taking the back road alone, which was exactly what she wanted.

"Tomorrow, the people in the carriage ahead and I will also travel that road; we have some errands to run. If you need, you can come with us."

Bai Chaoyan was surprised that Fan Xiaoxiao and the others also wanted to take a detour, and her expression immediately became hesitant.

Fan Xiaoxiao turned away from her, put one hand behind her head, and looked into the corner of the carriage.

"If you want to walk through that forest, we won't force you. Besides, taking you along is just a convenient option."

Bai Chaoyan gritted her teeth. Although these people in front of her could not be completely trusted, they could easily take her life if they really wanted to.

Moreover, if she were to cross that forest on her own, it would take her more than ten days or half a month. If she were to be ambushed and surrounded, losing her life would be a minor matter compared to the fact that it would delay her journey to save Aye and the others...

During the meal, she observed that the group's horses were all magnificent and powerful, covering in a single day what she had covered in three or four days. At this rate, even if they had to take a detour, she could reach the vicinity of the Tianshan Mountains very quickly.

Although following this group of people could easily lead them into trouble as well...

Bai Chaoyan lowered her eyes slightly, a hint of hesitation flashing in them. But after thinking of her father's words before he left, she gritted her teeth.

Now is not the time to pity others; she must get to Tianshan as quickly as possible. Only there can her father be saved, and only then will the imperial court's reach be limited!

With that thought in mind, she made up her mind and decided to stick to her decision.

"I've heard that there are man-eating insects in that forest, so I'm still a little scared. It seems I'll have to trouble you all again tomorrow."

Fan Xiaoxiao waved her hand and added, "We only took pity on you because you're a woman. But let me make this clear: if you arrive safely, remember to pay us!"

Bai Chaoyan was slightly taken aback, not remembering that she was supposed to give the other party a reward.

Her pause made Fan Xiaoxiao frown slightly in displeasure. She turned and glanced at her before continuing, "Although you're just a woman, everything you've eaten and used along the way has been bought with our money. Don't tell me we won't even get paid after we bring you to your destination?"

When Fan Xiaoxiao spoke, she was very harsh, as if she would make Bai Chaoyan get off the carriage right now if Bai Chaoyan said that she had no reward.

Bai Chaoyan frowned slightly, displeased by the other party's disdainful tone. However, since the other party had mentioned compensation, it was clear that they were at least only after profit. Thinking this way, she lowered her guard a bit.

"Don't worry, as long as my wife delivers me safely to Tianshan, I will give you any reward you ask for, as long as I can fulfill it!"

Fan Xiaoxiao slightly curled the corners of her lips and turned back. That was exactly what she wanted to hear!

(End of this chapter)