While the Eastern Palace was in a state of panic and everyone was on edge, on the other side, Song Xibai's carriage finally arrived at the manor on the outskirts of the capital.
The Crown Prince's men had notified Commander Yue in advance, so as soon as the carriage entered the estate, there were already quite a few people secretly guarding it.
The carriage stopped in front of the courtyard gate. Dingxiang and Wei Hong jumped off the carriage first, and then Song Xibai helped them down carefully.
"Your subordinate greets Your Majesty."
Commander Yue, accompanied by several men dressed as peasants, bowed to Song Xibai.
Song Xibai waved his hand: "The matter is urgent, Commander Yue, there's no need for formalities, please go inside!"
Her face was pale and she looked exhausted.
To keep a low profile, the Crown Prince specially arranged for an ordinary carriage with almost no shock absorption. In order to save time, the carriage traveled very fast, making the journey quite bumpy.
If it weren't for Dingxiang following her around, Song Xibai was afraid she wouldn't have made it this far.
The group helped Song Xibai into the courtyard. After giving Dingxiang and the others a few instructions, Granny Fangqi went to find Commander Yue.
Now that she's here, we must take immediate action on matters in the inner quarters, so that our master has no worries.
Granny Fangqi also invited her father-in-law and his apprentice.
The kitchen in the front yard was fairly spacious, but the father-in-law said that the master's meals had to be cooked separately and could not be mixed with outsiders, otherwise something might happen.
Commander Yue, recalling the previous poisoning incident, wholeheartedly agreed.
However, there was no time to build a temporary stove, so after discussing it, the three decided to use the kitchen in the front yard as Song Xibai's private kitchen.
As for the others, they should stay at the nearest farmer's house for a day, and at the same time, the two back rooms next to the gatehouse should be converted into an outdoor kitchen.
Next, we settled the accommodations for everyone in the group, which was quite simple.
After settling in and putting away the luggage, Granny Fangqi said with a serious expression.
"Commander Yue, how many capable men are there on this estate? Could we organize them into a guard? We're traveling light this time and haven't brought any guards."
Commander Yue nodded.
The secret guards usually disguised themselves as farmers, so outsiders were unaware of their presence. In addition, there was a force of three hundred able-bodied men in the mountain valley behind the mountain.
Under the guise of reclaiming wasteland, they were actually training troops in the mountains.
However, this is only the beginning; the rules haven't even been taught yet.
But there's no other way now.
Granny Fangqi glanced towards the capital, worried about the Crown Prince's condition. But the thought of the child in Princess Xi's womb immediately cheered her up.
"Commander Yue, His Highness is in the most critical moment. We must protect this estate! Even if it costs us our lives, we must protect Master Xi and the child in her womb!"
"This is the key to Your Highness's destiny."
Commander Yue was startled: "Has the situation in the capital become so dangerous? How come I didn't receive any news?"
Granny Fangqi sighed.
"Before yesterday, I didn't know... that His Highness intended to sacrifice himself to expose the conflict between him and the Emperor. Now, His Highness may have been confined to his quarters, and the Eastern Palace is probably surrounded as well."
Commander Yue was extremely anxious.
"His Highness is in such danger, yet you all flee for your lives alone?! Why didn't you protect His Highness?!"
Granny Fangqi glared at him, her imposing manner in no way diminished.
"What do you know? These are all His Highness's orders. His Highness is an outstanding person, a chosen one of heaven, and has a brilliant mind. How can we mortals compare to him? You just need to obey orders. If you dare to act on your own and ruin His Highness's grand plan, I will definitely report you to the late Empress after I die!"
Commander Yue choked, unable to speak.
The two stood facing off for a while until Wei Hong ran over.
"Commander, the master is calling for you!"
Commander Yue responded and followed Wei Hong toward the second gate.
Song Xibai went back to the backyard and lay down for a while. Once she had recovered somewhat, she immediately asked Wei Hong to deliver a message.
Commander Yue is in charge of this estate, which has the advantage of quick order transmission and rapid execution, but it also has its disadvantages.
Song Xibai was worried that Commander Yue would not listen to him.
Unbeknownst to her, Granny Fangqi had already argued with Commander Yue in the front yard.
After drinking half a cup of tea, Commander Yue arrived.
Song Xibai dismissed his formalities and asked Fuliu to bring over a stool.
"Please sit down, Commander. It is truly presumptuous of me to come here so abruptly today."
“Your Highness is right to say that. You are His Highness’s person, so you can come to this estate at any time.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Song Xibai's tone suddenly shifted, becoming sharp and solemn.
"Then I won't stand on ceremony. Right now, there are two things that need to be done by the commander. First, arrange for a few reliable people to go to the capital to find out about the situation at the Crown Prince's Palace."
"Second, find a few unfamiliar faces to go to nearby shops to buy daily necessities such as rice, flour, oil, salt, cloth, and medicine. Buy more and stock up, preferably enough for half a year."
Commander Yue was taken aback by her tone.
He understood the first point; even without Song Xibai mentioning it, Commander Yue would send people to the capital to gather information.
But the second point...
Why hoard supplies?
Commander Yue couldn't help but ask.
Song Xibai rubbed his temples: "I just have a feeling that this matter won't be resolved so quickly, so I'm just doing this as a precaution! After all, there are many people on the estate, and the needs are huge. By the way, buying too much stuff will attract attention, so remember to buy it in batches and spread it out to other places."
She paused here and turned to Granny Fangqi.
"Granny, how much silver did you bring with you this time?"
"There are more than two hundred taels of loose silver, and a small box of gold ingots, about one hundred taels."
Song Xibai's brows relaxed slightly.
This money should be enough for now.
Commander Yue quickly went out and arranged for several secret guards to disguise themselves and head to the capital. At the same time, he ordered the others on the estate to be careful and vigilant, and to divide the able-bodied men into groups of ten to patrol day and night.
Song Xibai was constantly worried, unable to eat or sleep, concerned about the Crown Prince's condition.
Dingxiang couldn't stand it and forced her to sit on the table.
“You barely ate anything all day. You can handle it, but the baby in your belly can’t. Eat something.”
Song Xibai sighed, drank a bowl of porridge with the dishes, and said she couldn't eat anymore.
Dingxiang's brows furrowed so deeply they could trap a fly, and she wanted to persuade her again, but just then, Fuliu's shouts rang out from outside.
"Master, we have guests in the front yard!"
Song Xibai suddenly stood up.
"Who is it? Why would there be a guest at this hour? Could it be sent by His Highness?"
"This servant doesn't recognize them. I heard they're from the Prince of Wu's residence, and Commander Yue is receiving them!"
"The Prince of Wu's residence?"
Song Xibai was puzzled. Why were people from the Prince of Wu's residence coming at this time? Did they come from the estate? Or...?
Before she could figure it out, Qingxi came running over to report.
"Master, Commander Yue has ordered me to invite you to the front courtyard."
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