"It leads straight to the back mountain; I've prepared horses there." She handed Xin Jiuwei a sheepskin map. "Follow this route, and you'll reach the capital in three days."

Xin Jiuwei took the map and suddenly asked, "Why are you helping me?"

Lan Mingyue smiled: "I'm not helping you, I'm following orders." She paused, a complex look flashing in her eyes, "That lord said that if anything happens to him, he will protect Miss Xin's safety at all costs."

These words struck Xin Jiuwei's heart like a heavy hammer. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Xiao Xun had secretly made such an arrangement...

It was normal for Xiao Xun to expect danger on this dangerous road, but she didn't expect him to send someone to protect her and consider her safety.

Xin Jiuwei's feelings were somewhat complicated.

Chaotic footsteps and shouts came from outside the cellar. Lan Mingyue gave her a push: "Hurry up! Remember, once you get to the capital, go to Huichuntang in the West Market first; someone will meet you there."

Xin Jiuwei glanced at Lan Mingyue one last time, etching her image deeply into her mind, then bent down and slipped into the dark passage. In the darkness, she touched Xin Kui's trembling hand and grasped it tightly.

"Don't be afraid," she whispered, more as if telling herself, "we will definitely reach the capital safely."

The passage was narrow and damp. After walking for an unknown amount of time, a glimmer of light finally appeared ahead. When Xin Jiuwei crawled out of the cave, the blinding sunlight shone on the snow, making it difficult for her to open her eyes. Two fine horses were tied to a nearby tree, with provisions and water bags on their saddles.

Xin Jiuwei mounted her horse, taking one last look at the inn in the distance. Lan Mingyue hadn't followed; she had chosen to stay behind to cover their retreat. This realization made Xin Jiuwei's chest tighten—yet another person had been put in danger because of her.

"Xiao Xun..." she murmured the name in her heart, as if that would give him strength, "Wait for me."

The horse galloped away through the snow, heading towards the perilous capital city, and also towards the person who haunted her dreams.