Chapter 305 Departure
The heavy atmosphere in the hall finally eased slightly after Huo Yuan's words.
Although Huo Yuan's mind was constantly filled with curses and swears, his mouth was actually listing out plans in a very reliable way.
With a stern face, he quickly said to Jiang Huan and Xu Xiuyuan, "This matter should not be publicized, and the palace guards or any other forces should not be used. I will mobilize a group of absolutely loyal and reliable private soldiers from the mansion. They will be few in number, but each one will be a match for ten. They will be responsible for protecting Your Highness's safety along the way until we meet up with the Northern Army."
He paused, then added, "I will have them disguise themselves as caravan guards, take the most secret routes, avoid official roads and major towns, and shorten the journey as much as possible. I will also arrange for the horses, vehicles, provisions, and water needed along the way immediately."
Oh no, oh no, oh no, he's really finished.
He actually compromised and did something that could cost him his life!
May our ancestors bless us, and may His Majesty be blessed with boundless fortune, so that nothing goes wrong.
Otherwise, given her resolute nature, she might really... sigh!
Upon hearing this, Xu Xiuyuan nodded solemnly.
“The Crown Prince has made very good arrangements. I will take care of the affairs in the capital.”
He looked at Jiang Huan and said in a steady voice, "I will announce to the public that you have contracted a severe cold and need to stay in the palace to rest. No one is allowed to disturb you. I will also use this opportunity to allocate manpower to guard Weiyang Palace and prevent troublemakers from causing trouble."
"The journey is long, so you must be careful and follow the guards' instructions. Do not act recklessly. Once you reach the northern border, immediately try to contact the Emperor's personal guards. Do not rush into the front lines."
Jiang Huan was grateful as she watched the two of them quickly get into the swing of things and make arrangements for her.
She nodded emphatically: "I understand, thank you, elder brother, thank you, young master. I have remembered your instructions. I will be careful and will never cause trouble for the guards or act rashly."
Without delay, with the plan set, the three immediately split up and took action.
Huo Yuan hurriedly left to mobilize manpower and prepare supplies, while Xu Xiuyuan began to deploy cover operations within the palace.
As night fell, the lights in Weiyang Palace were extinguished early, and the only public statement was that Consort Zhuang was suffering from light sensitivity due to illness and needed absolute rest.
The palace was completely silent, with only a few faint candlelight flickering in a corner.
Jiang Huan, however, was wide awake. She paced around the palace, pondering what else she needed to prepare.
Swords have no eyes, and the northern border is bitterly cold. Having someone to protect her is not enough; she needs to find another layer of protection.
She had already given the life-saving charm to Huo Lin, but she could probably exchange it for some other little trinkets for self-defense.
Thinking of this, she immediately summoned He Ling secretly.
He Ling also looked worried; she already knew Jiang Huan's plan.
"Your Majesty, are you really sure? It's too dangerous." He Ling grabbed Jiang Huan's hand anxiously as soon as she entered.
“It’s decided, I have to go.” Jiang Huan grasped her hand in return, her eyes resolute. “He Ling, I called you here to ask if there are any other useful gadgets in your system shop? My journey to the Northern Border is uncertain, so it’s always good to be prepared.”
He Ling nodded immediately: "Let me take a look!"
She immediately focused her mind, immersing herself in the system space and quickly browsing the product list.
"Ugh, a flying and teleporting talisman? I can't afford it! An invisibility cloak? Wow, this price is highway robbery!"
He Ling clicked her tongue as she looked at it, "Charm Halo, who's she going to impress on the battlefield? The Northern Barbarians? She'd probably just die even faster..."
Listening to her grumbling, Jiang Huan couldn't help but facepalm: "Pick something practical. I'm going to fight a war and escape, not to participate in a beauty pageant!"
"Yes, Your Majesty, I know. I'm watching. Oh, I've got it!"
He Ling's eyes lit up. "This is good. It's a fast-acting hemostatic and tissue-regenerating powder. It's for external use. Sprinkling it on a wound can quickly stop bleeding, promote healing, and reduce the risk of infection."
"Change it!" Jiang Huan said without hesitation. "Injuries on the battlefield are too common; we absolutely need this!"
Without saying a word, He Ling redeemed the item with a single click, and a small white porcelain bottle appeared out of thin air in her hand.
"And this too, the Hundred Herbs Detoxifying Pill, which is said to alleviate or neutralize most common toxins, such as snake venom and insect venom. A serving is three pills." He Ling continued to report, "It might come in handy in the desolate mountains and wilderness of the northern border."
"Change it!" Jiang Huan nodded. "It's better to be prepared."
Another small blue porcelain bottle appeared.
He Ling continued browsing, her brows furrowing again: "The potent energizing pills seem to work, but they don't seem to do much. Once the effect wears off, I'll feel even more tired."
Jiang Huan thought for a moment and said, "Let's change it. What if we need to travel overnight or can't afford to collapse in a critical moment?"
“Okay…” He Ling reluctantly exchanged for another small paper packet.
...
The two exchanged for a lot of things in one go, all of them small items for survival.
After tidying up the items they had received, Jiang Huan hugged He Ling, her tone sincere and firm.
"Thank you, He Ling. I'll remember this kindness. When I get back, I'll definitely help you raise your favorability rating to the maximum!"
He Ling leaned on Jiang Huan's shoulder and smiled.
"Your Majesty saved my life, so why are you being so polite with me..."
She paused, looked up, her eyes a little red, "Your Majesty, you must take good care of yourself."
"Don't worry, I value my life." Jiang Huan patted her back, pretending to be relaxed, and said, "With these treasures and the guards sent by the Crown Prince, I will definitely come back safe and sound!"
By this time, the night was deep, and the appointed time was approaching.
Jiang Huan checked her attire one last time, and after confirming that everything was in order, she nodded to He Ling, picked up her bundle, and quietly walked towards the west corner gate deep in the palace garden.
He Ling followed closely behind her, her heart pounding in her chest.
Near the side gate, the night was deep and deserted; the original guards had been transferred away by Huo Yuan.
Jiang Huan took a deep breath and glanced back at He Ling one last time.
"Guard the home and wait for my news."
He Ling nodded heavily, her eyes red-rimmed, and she covered her mouth tightly to keep from crying out loud.
Da...da da...
Several rhythmic knocks came from outside the side gate.
Without further hesitation, Jiang Huan reached out, pushed open the door, and went out.
Outside the gate, a carriage sat quietly in the shadows, with a coachman of ordinary appearance but sharp eyes sitting on the shaft.
In the surrounding shadows, several guards dressed in tight-fitting clothes and with their auras restrained stood silently.
Upon seeing Jiang Huan, the leading man silently clasped his hands in a salute, then made a hand gesture.
Jiang Huan understood, waved to He Ling inside the door, and then bent down and climbed into the carriage without hesitation.
The carriage curtains fell, separating the inside from the outside.
The carriage swayed gently, smoothly and swiftly leaving the palace walls, silently blending into the night of the capital, and speeding northward.
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