Chapter 27: Mei Xi (Twenty-Seven) Encounter with Yi Yin

The doomsday tide in the royal capital is intensifying.

Xia Jie's tyranny was like a noose, tightening more and more. The granaries were completely emptied, and even the last bit of food for the palace slaves was looted. Young and strong men were forcibly conscripted into the army and driven to the top of the city walls like animals. Under the whips and blades of the soldiers, they carried heavy rolling logs and stones. The cries of crying, whipping, and desperate curses continued day and night. The entire kingdom was shrouded in the shadow of death and despair, like hell on earth.

Inside the side hall, the atmosphere was oppressive and suffocating. Lin Jiaojiao sat by the window, gazing at the gray sky outside and the figures crawling like ants on the distant city wall. Her eyes were as calm as water, but they could not hide the deep worry and solemnity.

Chun was silently sorting out the few remaining clean cloth strips and medicines, her little face full of worry. Wanyan and the other two girls were like frightened little animals, snuggling tightly beside Lin Jiaojiao, their eyes full of fear for the future and complete dependence on Lin Jiaojiao.

Xia Jie's disgust and expulsion that day completely shattered their last bit of fantasy. In this purgatory of doomsday, their only support was the quiet and powerful "sister" in front of them.

[External Environment: Continuously Deteriorating (Supplies Depleted, Morale Collapsed). Threat Level: Extremely High (City Breach Imminent). Host Survival Pressure: Peak. Emotion Simulation Unit: ...Redundant Data (Anxiety, Sense of Responsibility) Dominates.] The system's notification sounded with a heavy sigh.

The palace door was suddenly pushed open, and a strong smell of blood and violence rushed in instantly. The tall figure of Xia Jie appeared at the door. He was still wearing the tattered royal robe, his face was covered with dust and fatigue, but his red eyes were burning with an almost crazy and desperate light.

The hall suddenly became dead silent. Chun and Wanyan were so frightened that their faces turned pale. They knelt on the ground in panic, their bodies shaking uncontrollably.

Lin Jiaojiao's heart suddenly sank. She pretended to be calm, stood up and knelt to salute: "I pay my respects to the king."

Xia Jie strode into the hall, his eyes sweeping over everyone like a searchlight, finally locking onto Lin Jiaojiao. His eyes were sharp and scrutinizing, carrying a heart-pounding sense of oppression and... a hint of indescribable complex emotions.

"My beloved!" Xia Jie's voice was hoarse, carrying an unquestionable determination and... a hint of barely perceptible fatigue. "The vanguard of the Shang army is approaching the capital. Cheng Tang will personally lead the main force and arrive soon!" He paused, a deep, sinister and unwilling look flashing in the depths of his crimson eyes. "The capital... may not be able to hold on for long."

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall felt like it was thrown into an ice cellar. Wanyan and the other girl were so scared that they collapsed to the ground, forgetting even to cry. Chun also trembled all over, her little face as pale as paper.

Finally... it came. Lin Jiaojiao's heart sank to the bottom. Although she had expected it, when she heard Xia Jie say "the capital is hard to defend" with her own ears, the feeling of despair was still like a cold tide that drowned her in an instant.

Xia Jie's gaze was fixed on Lin Jiaojiao, and his voice suddenly became stern. "I have decided to retreat to Nanchao. The terrain there is dangerous, so there is still hope!" He changed the subject and issued an unquestionable command, "My beloved! Take Wan, Yan, and some capable men, escort some food and treasures, and proceed to Nanchao first. You will... lead the way for me! You must hold it!"

Leading the charge?! Lin Jiaojiao understood instantly. It was nothing more than a pawn or bait. Xia Jie knew that the capital was difficult to defend and Nanchao was even more of a dead end. He asked her to lead the troops ahead, just to use them to attract the attention of the Shang army, or... to buy time for his retreat. Those so-called "food and treasures" were probably a burden that he couldn't take away and didn't want to leave to the enemy.

A wave of cold anger and sorrow surged in her heart. What a tyrant! Even on the verge of death, he dragged others down with him. But she knew this was her only chance to lead them out of this hell on earth, a… extremely slim, life-or-death chance.

She suppressed her anger and despair, her face revealing a perfectly balanced expression of worry and loyalty. "Your Majesty is a mighty king, and will surely defeat the enemy. I...I obey your command and will defend Nanchao for you. However..." She paused, her voice adding a touch of pleading. "The journey to Nanchao is difficult and dangerous, and I am frail. I'm afraid I won't be able to make it. I beg Your Majesty to allow me to bring more capable guards."

Xia Jie's brow furrowed, a flicker of impatience in his eyes. He was completely consumed by the moment, desperate to arrange a quick retreat. How could he care less about such trivial details? He looked at Lin Jiaojiao's pale, beautiful face, now filled with "pleading" and "weakness." That beauty, against the backdrop of despair and "loyalty," was even more breathtaking.

The remaining possessiveness in his heart was intertwined with... a trace of indescribable irritation.

"Forget it!" Xia Jie waved his hand irritably. "Take whoever you want. And... that medical officer, take him too. Don't get killed on the way!" He only remembered the medical officer; as for the others, he didn't care at all. "I'll give you three carts of food and fodder, and some light treasures. Leave tomorrow, no! Today! Now! Get out!" He practically shouted the last sentence, brimming with undeniable brutality.

"Yes! I obey your command!" Lin Jiaojiao bent her knees deeply to hide the gleam in her eyes.

Xia Jie no longer looked at her, turned around and strode away, his heavy footsteps like the beat of a death drum.

The oppressive silence in the hall was not broken until Xia Jie's figure disappeared outside the door. Wanyan and the other girl collapsed on the ground as if exhausted, crying silently. Chun also covered her mouth with her hands, tears silently sliding down her face.

Lin Jiaojiao suddenly stood up, her eyes no longer showing any weakness, only a desperate determination and calmness. This was her chance! This was her only chance!

"Chun!" Her voice was quick and clear. "Go immediately! Quietly notify General Shi Hu! Doctor Zhao! And... Asan and the others! Have them quickly come to the corner gate behind the side hall. Remember! Stay away from everyone! Especially... the Blood Wolf Guards."

"Yes!" Chun wiped away her tears, nodded vigorously, and slipped out like a nimble cat.

"Sister Wan, Sister Yan!" Lin Jiaojiao turned to the two women, who were still in shock, and spoke with undeniable strength, "Pack immediately! Take only the lightest clothes! Everything else... nothing! Hurry!"

Wanyan and the other girl looked at the fire burning in Lin Jiaojiao's eyes. The determination and strength in her eyes instantly infected them. They nodded vigorously, struggled to get up, and began to clean up in a hurry.

Lin Jiaojiao walked to the desk, spread out a piece of clean linen, picked up a bamboo pen, and quickly wrote down a few names - all of them were palace slave leaders whom she had rescued before and who showed loyalty and certain abilities. She folded the linen and stuffed it into her sleeve.

Soon, at the back corner door, several figures gathered quietly like ghosts.

Shi Hu was dressed in military uniform, his face was dusty and solemn, and his eyes were as sharp as an eagle.

Doctor Zhao was still wearing the dark hemp robe, carrying the medicine box, his eyes as calm as water, as if he had already anticipated this moment.

Asan and her companions also arrived, followed by several palace slaves who also had firm eyes and strong bodies.

Chun Ze was holding a small package, which contained some clean clothes and a small jar of precious salt that Lin Jiaojiao asked her to prepare.

"Your Majesty!" Shi Hu clasped his fists and said in a low voice, "I have gathered twenty of our most loyal brothers! We are ready to serve you at any time!"

"Princess Yuan." The manager who took over the management of the warehouse also had a trembling voice. "The three carts of grain and some light jewelry and medicine in the warehouse have been... prepared and hidden in the abandoned stable outside the west corner gate..." He was obviously frightened, but he didn't dare to disobey Lin Jiaojiao's order.

Zhao nodded slightly: "I have prepared emergency medicine."

Asan and the palace slaves also bowed, their eyes full of trust in Lin Jiaojiao and... a desire to survive.

Lin Jiaojiao looked at the people in front of her - Shi Hu's loyalty and bravery, Zhao's medical skills and calmness, Asan and others' tenacity and reliability... This was all the strength she could muster in this doomsday court.

"Okay!" Lin Jiaojiao glanced at everyone, her voice was not loud, but it was filled with an unquestionable decisiveness, "We have the king's order, set off immediately! Target - Nanchao!" She deliberately emphasized "the king's order", which was both a cover and a banner to unite people's hearts.

"General Shi Hu! You will lead your troops to escort the convoy and transport the food and supplies! Doctor Zhao! You will be responsible for treating any injuries along the way. Asang, you will lead the troops to assist Doctor Zhao and take care of everyone's daily needs." She assigned tasks in a clear and organized manner. "Everyone! Travel light! No noise! ​​Let's go!"

"Yes!" Everyone responded in unison. Although their voices were low, they were filled with a determination to burn their boats.

The group left the side hall silently, like ghosts blending into the night.

Lin Jiaojiao, supported by Chun and Wanyan, walked in the middle of the team. She looked back at the royal palace, which was dormant like a giant beast and filled with a strong aura of death. A complex emotion flashed in her eyes. Goodbye, this hell on earth.

[Objective (Escape from the Royal Capital) initiated. Execution Unit: Confirmed. Threat Level: High (Risks En route). Emotion Simulation Unit: ...Redundant Data (Hope, Determination) increasing...] The system's notification tone fluctuated slightly.

They avoided the main road and took out the three simple ox carts from the abandoned stable at the west corner gate. Taking advantage of the darkest moment before dawn, they fled from the royal capital that was about to be engulfed by war in a panic like stray dogs.

The road to escape is more difficult than imagined.

Behind him, in the direction of the royal capital, flames shot up into the sky and thick smoke billowed.

Shouts, screams, and the clash of weapons could be heard faintly like thunder. It was obvious that the vanguard of the Shang army had launched a fierce attack, and the capital... was about to fall.

Ahead of them was a vast wilderness and rolling barren mountains. The road was rugged and difficult to travel on, and the cold wind was as sharp as a knife. The ox cart creaked on the bumpy stone road and moved slowly. They did not dare to take the official road and could only move forward with difficulty along the remote path.

What we saw along the way was devastation: villages burned down by war, barren fields, and starving people lying dead on the roadside... The cruelty of war was laid bare before our eyes.

Hunger, cold, and fatigue were like maggots in the tarsal bones, tormenting everyone at all times. The food they brought was limited, so they had to budget carefully. Asan took a few strong palace slaves with him and collected some edible wild vegetables and fruits along the way to barely fill their stomachs. The medical officer Zhao used the limited herbs to treat those who fell ill in the bumpy ride and cold.

Shi Hu and his soldiers, like the most loyal hunting dogs, vigilantly guarded the convoy. They had sharp eyes and always paid attention to the movements around them. Occasionally, when they encountered a small group of defeated soldiers or refugees, Shi Hu would bring his men forward to negotiate or intimidate them to ensure the safety of the convoy.

At first, Wanyan and her two daughters felt a little relieved for escaping from the royal capital, but they were soon tortured by the difficult life of escape.

Miss Yan, spoiled and pampered, had blisters on her feet, bringing her to tears. Miss Wan, though more resilient, was also worn down by the fatigue and fear of the long journey. They clung to Lin Jiaojiao like two frightened fledglings, their eyes filled with dependence on her and... a hint of growth they themselves hadn't even noticed.

Lin Jiaojiao was equally exhausted. The wound on her right shoulder ached slightly from the bumpy ride, and the cold night wind made her cough uncontrollably. However, she always kept her back straight and her eyes calm, like the backbone of the team.

She distributed her own rations to the sick and weak, encouraged the demoralized palace servants, and comforted the crying Concubine Yan. Her quiet strength and beautiful face became the only comfort and hope in everyone's heart on this desperate journey.

[External Environment: Harsh (hunger, cold, disease, potential threats). Team Status: Exhausted (persistent). Cohesion: High (host core role). Emotional Simulation Unit: …detecting emotional fluctuations of "hope," "dependence," and "resilience"…redundant data increasing…] The system silently recorded.

That evening, the sky was gloomy and the wind was cold. The convoy was struggling to move forward in a desolate valley. The bare, rocky cliffs on both sides added a bit of bleakness and depression. The scouts sent by Shi Hu reported that there seemed to be traces of a large group of people ahead.

Shi Hu immediately became alert and ordered the convoy to stop and hide in the shadows of the valley. He personally led several elite soldiers and sneaked forward to investigate as quietly as a cheetah.

Lin Jiaojiao's heart was in her throat. Fleeing soldiers? Bandits? Or... the Shang army?! She clutched Chun's hand tightly. Wanyan and the other two girls were so frightened that their faces turned pale, not daring to breathe.

Not long after, Shi Hu returned. His face was extremely solemn, and his eyes held a hint of disbelief... shock?!

"Empress!" Shi Hu lowered his voice to a whisper, carrying an unprecedented tension. "Up ahead... are the Shang army! Look at the flags... it's... it's Shang Tang's... Yi Yin!"

Yi Yin?! Shang Tang's chief advisor, a key figure in his conquest of the Xia Dynasty, how could he be here?! Could it be that... the main force of the Shang army has already bypassed the capital and headed straight for Nanchao?!

A huge fear instantly gripped everyone. Asan and the others turned pale, and Wanyan and the other two girls were so scared that they hugged each other and trembled.

It's over! Lin Jiaojiao's heart sank to the bottom of a cold valley. Blocked in front, pursued from behind. Could it be that... they had just escaped from hell, and were about to die here?!

"Empress! What should we do?!" Shi Hu gripped the bronze sword at his waist tightly, his eyes determined, ready to fight to the death.

Lin Jiaojiao forced herself to calm down. She couldn't panic! She absolutely couldn't panic. She took a deep breath, the cold air stinging her lungs. She looked at Shi Hu, then at the eyes behind her that were filled with fear and despair. A bold and adventurous idea flashed through her mind like lightning.

Yi Yin... according to legend... was a virtuous minister? She recalled the evaluation of Yi Yin by later generations - respectful to the wise and humble, benevolent and loving to the people. Perhaps... this was the only chance?!

"General Shi!" Lin Jiaojiao's voice was filled with a desperate determination. "Put away your weapons! Everyone... remain where you are and wait! Do not move rashly! I... will go see him personally!"

"Your Majesty! No!" Shi Hu was horrified.

"Sister! Don't go!" Wanyan and the other daughter screamed in shock.

Lin Jiaojiao, however, was resolute. She smoothed her wind-twisted hair and straightened her back, which was slightly hunched from exhaustion. Although her face was pale, her clothes were simple, and even covered in dust, her calm demeanor and stunning beauty still shone with a radiance that could not be ignored in the twilight. She looked at Shi Hu with clear and resolute eyes: "Trust me! This is... the only way to survive!"

After saying that, she no longer hesitated. Supported by Chun, she slowly walked out of the shadow of the valley and headed towards the solemn and orderly army in front.

The afterglow of the setting sun was smeared on the sky like residual blood. The cold wind blew her thin robe, outlining her slender but straight back. Her beauty was even more breathtaking in the desperate twilight, carrying a kind of desperate tragedy and...unspeakable courage.