Chapter 223 Escape
Of the six eunuchs, four were stationed in the outermost room, ready to be summoned from inside or to deliver necessary items, while the other two stood guard at the entrance to the bedchamber.
By this time, the four eunuchs who remained in the outer room were already getting sleepy.
The king's wedding was elaborate and meticulous, which exhausted the palace servants who served him closely.
"We'll go take a nap first, and then it'll be your turn to rest in the middle of the night." The two eunuchs went into a small room next door.
"Why should they get to rest first again?" one of the people left behind muttered in dissatisfaction.
"Forget it, they serve the king for a long time anyway. They have nothing to do at night, so if the king has any orders, those palace maids will do them. They usually don't get the message to us."
"Even though there's nothing to do, it's still uncomfortable to just stay up like this. Strange, I feel especially sleepy tonight," the eunuch said, yawning.
After hearing his words, another eunuch also felt he couldn't keep his eyes open and whispered, "Let's lie down on the table and take a nap."
For these palace servants, there was nothing to do on their nights of duty. It was common for them to take a nap at their desks. As long as they were alert, they could respond promptly to any messages from the palace maids inside.
The two eunuchs stopped trying to stay awake and quickly fell asleep, resting their heads on the table and using their arms as pillows.
Qiu Heng's footsteps were silent, and she arrived beside the two like a ghost.
Both of them were lying face down, with the back of their necks completely exposed, which provided Qiu Heng with great convenience.
There is a spot on the back of a person's neck where a sharp object can be inserted diagonally upwards, causing them to lose consciousness instantly and become completely unable to make a sound.
This was the killing technique that Uncle Fu taught her, and she had already mastered it.
The sound of the thorn piercing flesh was very slight. The eunuch tilted his head back and quickly stopped breathing.
Another eunuch, who had vaguely heard the commotion, opened his eyes groggily: "What's wrong—"
After the eyes suddenly widened, there was only eternal darkness.
Qiu Heng entered the small room where the other two eunuchs were resting. The two eunuchs were sleeping even more soundly, and she easily killed them. When she returned to the inner room, it had only been the time it takes to drink a cup of tea since she left.
However, this short period of time felt like an eternity for Princess Rongning and the others who were sharing a room with five corpses.
Upon seeing Qiu Heng enter, Princess Rongning's eyes lit up: "Aheng, how is it?"
Qiu Heng nodded slightly: "Take care of the four eunuchs outside. Go and strip them of their clothes and put them on. Be careful and try to avoid getting blood on their clothes. I'll take care of the two guarding the door."
The eight maids stared at Qiu Heng in shock, as did Princess Rong Ning, who had no doubt about her words. But when she saw the dead eunuch, her heart was filled with turmoil.
How could Ah Heng be so good at killing people!
Perhaps emboldened by the killing of the palace maids of Xijiang, the eight maids worked together to strip the clothes off the four eunuchs, their hands barely trembling.
Princess Rongning watched the efficient maids quietly, her lips pressed tightly together.
"Your Highness."
Princess Rongning turned around immediately upon hearing the sound and saw Qiuheng returning with clothes in her arms.
"Your Highness, let's each wear one set and change into them as well."
Soon after, the outer garments of four palace maids and six eunuchs were all put on Qiu Heng and the others, and even their hair was combed back to match the style of those people.
The bodies of two eunuchs at the entrance were also carried in and piled up with the bodies of their companions.
"Your Highness, what should we do next?" a maid asked.
Princess Rongning looked at Qiuheng: "You all listen to Princess Suiyun's instructions."
Using special scented powder to drug King Xijiang and then killing him, dealing with the palace servants and changing into their clothes—every step of Aheng's plan had been executed flawlessly. All that was left was to continue. They were already at a break-even point; every extra step was a gain.
Qiu Heng asked everyone, "Do you need to rest for a while?"
"The maids aren't tired."
This was no time for formalities. Hearing the maids' words, Qiu Heng gave the orders: "Two people go and guard the palace gate. The rest of you, bring all the wine and beverages from the sleeping quarters here..."
The palace door was bolted from the inside, and unless there was any unusual activity, the guards patrolling outside wouldn't approach, much less force their way in. But just in case, it was still necessary for two people to stand guard at the door.
After a flurry of activity, all the available drinks were gathered together.
"Rest now and conserve your energy. I'll call you when it's time."
"And you?"
Qiu Heng smiled and said, "I recover quickly; I can rest with my eyes closed. Your Highness need not worry; I will not push myself."
Princess Rongning hesitated for a moment, then said, "Okay."
The corpses lying around, the gradually thickening smell of blood—Princess Rongning and the others thought they wouldn't be able to sleep in such an environment, but to their surprise, they relaxed and soon fell into a deep sleep.
Qiu Heng was not surprised by this.
She lit incense in the area where the eunuchs were staying. Although the effect was mild, it gradually diffused over there and also had a sleep-inducing effect.
The real battle will begin at daybreak.
Time passed slowly, and Qiu Heng opened her eyes and woke everyone up.
After falling into a deep sleep, everyone felt refreshed and full of energy.
"Splash these places with alcohol."
The smell of alcohol quickly masked the smell of blood.
"You all wait at the entrance of the sleeping quarters, but don't remove the bolt."
After the eight maids escorted Princess Rongning out, Qiuheng threw the lit cloth in several places, and soon the flames spread and the fire spread like a dragon.
Qiu Heng then went to join the others.
The entire bedchamber was made of wood, with curtains and mattresses, and plenty of fuel for fire. Before long, thick smoke billowed up and flames shot into the sky.
The guards patrolling outside the palace were terrified at the sight and rushed toward the palace gate.
"Open the door! Open the door!"
At this point, rules were no longer important, and the guards pounded on the door.
"Did the palace gates open later than usual today? Are all the people inside—?"
"Don't talk nonsense! Break down the door!"
Before dawn, the palace gates were already open, and people inside and outside the palace began their daily tasks. The towering flames were seen by many, and more and more people rushed to the scene.
Qiu Heng gestured for everyone to move aside and pulled out the door bolt.
The door suddenly burst open, and guards rushed in, shouting amidst billowing smoke, "Where is the king?"
The "palace maid," covering her face and weeping, replied, "The king is inside and hasn't come out—"
Upon hearing this, the guards were terrified and, completely disregarding the palace servants, rushed straight into the sea of fire.
Having already received instructions from Qiu Heng, the group took advantage of the chaos to leave the palace. They split into pairs to minimize their presence and, under the cover of those rushing to put out the fire, headed straight for the palace gate.
Everyone knew that leaving the palace was the first step towards survival. This was why Qiu Heng waited until the palace gates opened before taking action. The palace gates would be locked at night; even if they killed everyone in the sleeping quarters, they wouldn't be able to escape.
The palace gates are getting closer; they're right in front of us.
Two guards stood at the palace gate, and a dozen or so guards stood at intervals further out. Even if they knew that a palace was on fire, they could not move around freely.
Seeing the eunuch rushing towards them, a guard at the door shouted sharply, "Halt! Which palace are you from?!"
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