With the last person safely inside, the entrance to the secret passage was quietly closed.
In this dimly lit passage, the number of torches was strictly limited to ensure air circulation. Although Sang Qian had thoroughly cleaned the passage beforehand, the traces of time still lingered heavily in the air. Everyone covered their mouths and noses with silk handkerchiefs and moved forward in silence.
The maids and servants ahead moved with light steps, their footsteps echoing clearly through the stone walls of the secret passage. However, due to the intricate network of twists and turns in the passage, they could only hear the footsteps but could not see what lay ahead. The following is a revised version:
With everything prepared, Gu Qinlan gestured for Hongye and Luofeng to go first, stepping into the narrow and winding secret passage. He carefully supported his aunt, Madam Liang, as they slowly descended the steps, ensuring her safety. Following closely behind, Zheng Huaiyu and Zheng Fenghui trailed like shadows, while Princess Duan and Zheng Huiyi kept pace, not daring to slacken their guard. Sang Qian held Zheng Fengyun tightly, calmly walking at the back of the group, with the Jiang family members following closely behind in orderly fashion. At the rear of the group, Polang and several loyal guards protected the retreat route.
As everyone safely entered, the entrance to the secret passage was silently sealed off.
In this dimly lit passage, the number of torches was strictly limited to a minimum to maintain fresh air. Although Sang Qian had thoroughly cleaned the passage, dampness and the marks of time still lingered in the air, forcing everyone to cover their mouths and noses with handkerchiefs to avoid inhaling too much odor. They moved forward quietly, each step taken with extreme caution.
The maids and servants leading the way moved with light, orderly steps, their footsteps echoing in the empty, dark passage like a silent melody. However, due to the winding and circuitous passage, they could only hear the footsteps ahead, unable to see the figures, adding to the mystery and the unknown.
Princess Duan was physically weak and extremely frightened, making it difficult for her to walk.
Before they had gone far, they noticed a subtle noise coming from the entrance of the secret passage.
Sang Qian said in a low, tense voice, "This is bad; the entrance has probably been discovered."
Princess Duan felt a surge of fear, her eyes welling with tears: "It's all because of me, this useless burden..."
Gu Qinlan calmly comforted her, "Mother, there's no need to worry. We have a way to deal with this. Someone, help the old lady up."
A guard immediately stepped forward: "Madam, please forgive my intrusion."
Before long, the guards carried Princess Duan steadily on their backs, and the group set off again, this time at a significantly faster pace.
However, the noise behind them gradually became clearer.
"Quick, there's a secret passage here! All the people from the Prince Duan's mansion are hiding in the secret passage!"
Zheng Huaiyu couldn't help but whisper, "Mother, I'm scared."
Gu Qinlan said to Madam Liang, "Aunt, please go ahead first."
Liang replied firmly, "Don't worry about me, I can manage. Go and keep Huaiyu company."
Gu Qinlan immediately turned around, grabbed Zheng Huaiyu's hand tightly, and gently comforted him, "Don't be afraid, I'm here. We will be safe and sound."
As soon as she finished speaking, she turned to the last few guards and instructed them: "Set up the traps we prepared in advance."
"Yes, sir!"
As soon as the guards finished speaking, clanging and clattering sounds rang out from the secret passage.
These traps are not complex, yet they are capable of causing great harm. They are coated with a special poison made by Luo Feng. Once stung, although not fatal, they will cause the skin to rot and cause excruciating pain.
However, these traps are limited in number and can only cover a short distance.
Soon, the sound of hurried footsteps filled the air.
Immediately afterwards, screams of agony filled the air.
The fugitives remained silent and sped away at full speed.
They knew all too well that these traps could not stop everyone.
Once the enemy steps over the corpses of others, they can catch up quickly.
Soon after, Po Lang and Fei Yun warned, "They're catching up."
Everyone tensed up and quickened their pace.
After a half-hour journey, the Zheng family finally met up with their servants and attendants.
These servants and attendants were walking through this secret passage for the first time. They were so frightened by the tomb chamber ahead that they dared not go any further, and the crowd gathered there.
With pursuers close behind, Gu Qinlan felt helpless at the panic of her servants and attendants.
But she didn't retaliate; instead, she commanded several strong followers: "Quickly, smash the wall!"
"Bro Waves, Flying Clouds, and a few other guards, please do your utmost to hold off the pursuers."
"Rest assured, Madam, we are here to protect you and will not let the enemy set foot on your property."
The exit from the secret passage in the tomb chamber was not sturdy, and Sang Qian had already prepared a sledgehammer to smash the walls inside the tomb chamber.
Several attendants swung sledgehammers and pounded on the wall at the exit, allowing fresh air and sunlight to filter in.
"It's open!"
Gu Qinlan immediately ordered, "Leave in an orderly line, no crowding! Maids first!"
The maids immediately lined up and squeezed out one by one, with those who went out first turning back to help those behind them.
Just as the maids were halfway out, the pursuers arrived.
Several timid attendants screamed in fright and, ignoring Gu Qinlan's orders, pushed aside others and rushed toward the exit. In their rush, they accidentally knocked down Gu Qinlan, who was standing next to them.
Gu Qinlan was suddenly pushed and lost her balance. She stumbled forward a few steps and accidentally stepped on a broken brick. Her ankle twisted violently, and a sharp pain immediately struck her.
The unbearable pain made her swear.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com