fall!
...
Xu Qingyao's arm injury gradually healed, but her anxiety grew day by day.
Although Xiao Zhouyan stopped asking about Wolf Howling Valley and became even more considerate towards her, she knew that it was just the calm before the storm.
His probing gaze would occasionally fall on her, deep and unfathomable.
The system keeps prompting: [The male protagonist's suspicion level remains high, and the risk of the host's identity being exposed has not been eliminated].
The fragments of memory left behind by Shen Rou are like time bombs. The images of Xiao Zhouyan's tragic death and her own demise in the fire often send chills down her spine in the middle of the night.
She could no longer stay by Xiao Zhouyan's side.
At the very least, not under the identity of "Xu Qingyao".
His keen insight and persistence will eventually uncover her biggest secret.
What awaits her then?
She couldn't imagine it.
Moreover, the tragic future they foreshadowed was like a sword hanging over their heads.
Perhaps, only by completely breaking away from the current trajectory can one escape the so-called "fate".
Faking death is the only option.
She must plan flawlessly to make Xiao Zhouyan and everyone else believe that "Xu Qingyao" is dead, only then can she gain true freedom, and perhaps... only then can she secretly find an opportunity to turn the tide.
[Host, according to the current database of customs and traditions of various countries, the Southern Yue Kingdom will be holding its once-in-a-decade 'Spirit Serpent Festival' next month. With nationwide celebrations, large crowds, and relatively relaxed border controls, it is an ideal location to implement the plan.]
The system provided information in a timely manner.
South Vietnam……
Xu Qingyao's heart stirred slightly.
This is a neighboring country located in the southwest of the Great Zhou Dynasty. It has a hot and humid climate, with many mountains and dense forests, and is mysterious and unpredictable. It is indeed a good place to escape tracking and hide one's tracks.
Upon arriving in the capital, Xiao Zhouyan was busy reporting to the emperor and dealing with the aftermath of the cases in the northern border and Yangzhou, but he still placed Xu Qingyao in the heavily guarded Zhenyuan Marquis's residence.
Xu Qingyao knew that this was protection, but also a form of supervision.
She began preparations quietly.
Through the system, Yuejian exchanged some disguise materials and small self-defense tools, secretly sold some inconspicuous jewelry to fund her travel expenses, and began to intentionally or unintentionally reveal her curiosity and longing for the "Spirit Snake Festival" of Nanyue in her casual conversations with noblewomen in the capital.
"I've heard that the Snake Festival in Nanyue is quite magical, where you can see giant pythons parading around, as well as all sorts of strange witchcraft performances."
At a tea party, she exclaimed in a seemingly innocent manner, "I wish I could see it with my own eyes."
The ladies simply dismissed it as a young girl's mentality and laughed it off.
But these words will likely reach Xiao Zhouyan's ears through some channels.
The time is gradually ripe.
Xu Qingyao seized an opportunity and pleaded softly with Xiao Zhouyan, "General, I've been resting in the manor these past few days and it's been quite boring. I've heard that the Spirit Serpent Festival in Nan Yue is coming soon, and it's going to be very lively. I... I'd like to go and see it to clear my head."
Her eyes were earnest, carrying a hint of vulnerability during her recovery and a longing for the outside world.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhouyan frowned slightly.
The journey to Nanyue is long and arduous. Although there is currently no war on the border, it is not within the territory of the Great Zhou Dynasty. How can he feel at ease?
"The southern region is plagued by miasma, and the journey is arduous. Your injuries have just healed, so it is not advisable for you to travel far. If you wish to relax, there may be a good place to go in the outskirts of the capital."
Xu Qingyao had anticipated his objection, and immediately produced her prepared explanation, her tone carrying a hint of coquettishness and insistence:
“What’s so interesting about the outskirts of the capital? I’ve already inquired about it. The weather in Nanyue is just right right now, and there are caravans that know the way, so it’s safe. I promise I’ll only go to a few large cities near the border, and I’ll come back after the festival. I’m going to get sick from being stuck in this small world all day.”
Her eyes even reddened slightly. "Ever since...ever since I came back from the northern frontier, I've always felt uneasy and wanted to go somewhere far away to change my mindset."
Her mention of "northern border" and "unease" indeed touched upon Xiao Zhouyan.
Looking at her pale face and pleading eyes, he felt a pang of tenderness and guilt as he recalled her earlier fright.
Perhaps, letting her go out and clear her head, away from the troubles of the capital, is indeed a good thing for her.
Moreover, the situation in South Vietnam is currently stable, and there should be no problem in sending more capable personnel to protect them.
After a long silence, Xiao Zhouyan finally relented: "Alright. I will arrange for an elite guard to accompany us, and I will also notify various places along the way to provide support. You must promise me that you will not venture deep into the heart of Nan Yue, and you will return immediately after the ceremony."
"Thank you, Zhou Yan!" Xu Qingyao's face lit up with a surprised smile, but her heart remained calm.
The first step was successful.
The departure date is set for three days from now.
Xiao Zhouyan personally selected ten trusted bodyguards, while on the surface, they were accompanied by the experienced and prudent steward and maid Yuejian, forming a seemingly ordinary convoy of wealthy merchant's family.
Before leaving, Xiao Zhouyan placed a small jade whistle into Xu Qingyao's hand: "If you encounter danger, blow it, and our people nearby will arrive immediately."
He looked at her intently again. "Come back soon."
Xu Qingyao suppressed the complex emotions in her heart and nodded in agreement.
The convoy slowly drove away from Beijing.
Xu Qingyao sat in the carriage, watching the familiar scenery outside the window gradually recede into the distance. There was no sadness of parting in her heart, only a resolute plan for the future.
She inquired in detail about the details of the Southern Yue Spirit Serpent Festival from the system, especially the fact that during the climax of the festival, believers would gather at a specific "Soul-Falling Ravine" to perform a certain ritual. The terrain there was treacherous, the water was swift, and the fog was thick, making it an excellent place to carry out "death escape".
[Host, multiple 'accidental fall into water' scenarios have been simulated based on terrain data. It is recommended to act when the ritual is most chaotic and the fog is thickest.]
The system coldly plans every step of "death".
Xu Qingyao closed her eyes.
She knew that once she left, there would be no more Lady Xu Qingyao, the wife of the Marquis of Zhenyuan.
She will become a "dead person," and then hide in the shadows with a completely new identity.
While evading possible investigation, he tries to unravel the mysteries left behind by Shen Rou, and... change that seemingly destined tragic future.
The convoy headed south, getting closer and closer to the South Vietnamese border.
Xu Qingyao's heart became increasingly calm and resolute.
A meticulously planned "death" is about to unfold.
As the convoy traveled south, the climate gradually became hot and humid, and the scenery differed greatly from the vast and majestic landscapes of the north, possessing a more enchanting and mysterious quality.
Xu Qingyao mostly stayed quietly in the carriage. Occasionally she would get out of the carriage for some fresh air, but she only acted like a young lady attracted by the novel sights. In secret, she would memorize the terrain and the guard situation at the checkpoints along the way and continuously optimize her plan through the system.
The secret guards sent by Xiao Zhouyan were indeed elite, seemingly loose but actually tight, protecting Xu Qingyao completely.
This made Xu Qingyao even more convinced that only by taking advantage of the chaos of the special occasion of the Spirit Serpent Festival could she possibly get rid of these eyes.
*
Half a month later, the convoy arrived at Nanque Pass, a key border town between the Great Zhou and the Southern Yue.
This place is bustling with merchants and travelers, and the air is filled with the mixed scents of spices and humid vegetation. People dressed in various ethnic costumes come and go, talking and laughing, creating a more untamed vitality than the capital.
The atmosphere of the Serpent Festival is already strong, with serpent-shaped totems and vendors selling related offerings visible everywhere.
After checking into the inn, Xu Qingyao used the excuse of purchasing festival supplies and experiencing local customs to take Yuejian and two guards for a stroll around the city.
She appeared very interested, showing great curiosity about the silver ornaments, brocades, and witchcraft trinkets of Nan Yue. In reality, she was carefully observing the layout of the city, especially the path leading to "Luo Hun Jian," where the core ceremony was held.
Luohunjian is located about ten miles west of Nanque Pass. It is a deep canyon with rushing and roaring water, and is shrouded in mist all year round.
According to locals, during the climax of the Snake Festival, the high priest leads believers to worship the snake god by the stream, praying for good weather and abundant harvests. At that time, the stream is crowded and chaotic, and the unique thick fog makes it an excellent place to create "accidents".
[Host, the hydrological data of Fallen Soul Ravine has been analyzed. The ravine is swift-flowing and riddled with hidden reefs; the chances of survival after falling in are extremely low, which fits the rationale for 'faking death'. It is recommended to act when the ritual begins and the crowds rush to the ravine's edge.]
The system analyzes the situation calmly.
Xu Qingyao had already made up her mind.
She even bought a set of ordinary South Vietnamese women's clothing and some plant juices for disguise from the stall, and secretly put them into her bag.
On the eve of the festival, Xu Qingyao summoned Yuejian to her room.
Yuejian was a trusted confidante she brought from the Xu family; she was simple and loyal, but the matter of her feigned death was of great importance and she absolutely could not be implicated.
"Moon Viewing, there will be many people and distractions at the festival tomorrow. Since you are not feeling well, you should stay at the inn and watch over the luggage. You don't need to come with me."
Xu Qingyao's tone was gentle but left no room for argument.
Yuejian hesitated for a moment: "Madam, the Marquis instructed me to stay with you at all times..."
"It's alright, there are so many guards here."
Xu Qingyao patted her hand, "I'll feel more at ease if you keep an eye on the things we brought. I've heard there are quite a few petty thieves in Southern Yue."
Seeing that Madam Tsukimi insisted, he had no choice but to agree.
On the day of the Spirit Serpent Festival, before dawn, the area outside the city was already bustling with noise.
Xu Qingyao changed into clothes that were easy to move in, covered them with a gorgeous cloak, and headed towards the Fallen Soul Ravine surrounded by guards.
The closer you get to the canyon, the thicker the fog becomes, and the air is filled with the scent of incense and some strange herbs. In your ears, there is the deafening sound of drums and the fervent chanting of believers.
On a huge platform by the stream, a shaman from the Southern Yue region was performing a bizarre dance, surrounded by a crowd of excited believers.
The guards tried to carve out a small space in the crowd to protect Xu Qingyao, but the pushing force of the crowd grew stronger and stronger.
The time has come.
Xu Qingyao seized the moment when the guard was distracted in dealing with the crowd, deliberately slipped, cried out in surprise, and "fell" towards the misty ravine!
At the same time, she secretly crushed a packet of dye that resembled human blood, which she had prepared beforehand and redeemed from the system, and stained a patch of dazzling "bright red" on her cloak.
"lady!"
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