Zhu Wanqing finally showed a relieved smile, turned to the black-clad hall master and said, "From now on, you are no longer members of the White Lotus Sect!"
The members of the Black-Clad Gang dropped their swords, and their leader, unable to contain himself, burst into tears, kneeling before Zhu Wanqing: "Leader, Leader, we can't bear to part with you!" The other men in black followed suit. Zhu Wanqing helped them up one by one, weeping, "I'm so sorry! I've left you all homeless, but I can't let you go to your deaths!"
The black-clad leader sobbed, "Master, we've never blamed you. If you hadn't taken us sisters in back then, we might have died in the wilderness by now..."
Zhu Wanqing gently wiped away the tears of the black-clad leader and comforted him with a smile, "Silly girl, following me will only lead to a life of wandering and fleeing. The prince of the Qing Dynasty has promised me that he will let you go! You must live well when you go back!" She choked up and couldn't speak anymore.
She had founded the White Lotus Sect herself, and now that she was truly leaving, she was filled with immense reluctance. However, Zhu Wanqing had no other choice. The black-clad leader and everyone else solemnly kowtowed several times to Zhu Wanqing. Zhu Wanqing was already sobbing uncontrollably, covering her mouth and turning away, saying painfully, "The White Lotus Sect will never exist again..."
Thirteenth and Fourteenth Masters approached. Seventeenth Master, now untied, had bruises all over his arms. After greeting Thirteenth Master, Seventeenth Master went to the Black-Clad Hall Master, who gripped his sword warily and took a step back: "You... what are you going to do?"
The Seventeenth Prince smiled and said, "Don't be so nervous. I just wanted to tell you that if you don't mind, you can come to the army of my Great Qing. Although there's no precedent for accepting women, I can put in a good word for you. After all, your martial arts skills are so good, it would be a waste not to use them!"
The black-clad leader was taken aback, and asked hesitantly, "I injured you before, aren't you angry?"
Seventeenth Master silently glanced at the wounds on his arm, then grinned and tugged at the cut on the corner of his mouth, laughing, "How would I know how powerful you are if I don't get hit by you a few times?"
At this moment, the Fourteenth Prince walked up to Zhu Wanqing, who avoided his gaze. The Fourteenth Prince took her hand and asked worriedly, "Are you alright?"
Zhu Wanqing felt a warmth in her heart, nodded with red eyes, then shook her head, "I...I'm fine!" After saying this, the Fourteenth Prince embraced Zhu Wanqing, who burst into tears. Neither of them spoke more. Having gone through so much, having given up everything, they were already grateful for this outcome.
Thirteen kept his promise and prepared a boat for Zhu Wanqing and Fourteen. Seventeen and Thirteen prepared enough travel expenses and provisions for them. Fearing danger on the way, Thirteen also specially asked Zhu Wanqing to select several guards who were willing to follow her.
The Fourteenth Prince helped Zhu Wanqing onto the boat, then ran off on his own. The three brothers looked at each other, a thousand words unspoken, but all they could say at that moment was, "Have a safe journey!"
The Fourteenth Prince clasped his hands in a fist salute and said, "The future of the Qing Dynasty is entrusted to you. Go back and apologize to Fourth Brother on my behalf. I..." Before the Fourteenth Prince could finish speaking, the Thirteenth Prince smiled and patted the Fourteenth Prince's shoulder, saying with emotion, "Don't worry, we'll explain things to Fourth Brother! He won't blame you..."
"Master..." Zhu Wanqing's voice rang out. The Fourteenth Prince turned around, and Zhu Wanqing stood at the bow of the boat, looking at him with panic. The Fourteenth Prince smiled and said to the Thirteenth and Seventeenth Princes, "Farewell!" After saying that, he jumped onto the boat, and Zhu Wanqing's face immediately lit up with a radiant smile.
As the Fourteenth Prince's ship sailed further and further away, the Seventeenth Prince suddenly sighed, "I wonder if I'll ever see my Fourteenth Brother again in this lifetime!" The Thirteenth Prince sighed and said, "It's better if we don't!"
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