Under Qi Rufeng's sharp gaze, Xie Lingqin and Tridacna lowered their heads, revealing their fear.
"But……"
After a short while, Qi Rufeng withdrew his gaze, raised his voice at the end, and said with an arrogant air, "The Emperor has just ordered a citywide state of emergency."
"grown ups……"
"Alright, if you keep talking nonsense, it won't be as simple as just returning to the palace."
Xie Lingqin pulled the giant clam along, but with so many people around, taking a gamble would be like throwing an egg against a rock.
"Miss, I'll distract them, you..."
"Wait a minute."
Before Tridacna could finish speaking in a low voice, a eunuch's voice came from afar, and a magnificent and spacious carriage slowly approached.
Xie Lingqin immediately pulled the giant clam shell back a step without making a sound.
Qi Rufeng looked at the carriage and said, "This is..."
"Lord Qi, you haven't been an official for long, yet you already have such a big attitude."
The carriage slowly approached, and the curtain was pulled back slightly. Inside, Consort Shu, dressed in casual clothes, sat upright, looking at Qi Rufeng, but her smile did not reach her eyes.
Qi Rufeng asked with some confusion, "Your Majesty, what is this...?"
"I heard from Physician Qin that there is a kind of herb called Liangzi Grass in Wushi Mountain outside the city, which is most suitable for women to nourish their health. I am not quite at ease sending two palace maids to pick it, so I will go and pick it myself. Is there any problem?"
"this……"
Qi Rufeng cupped her hands and smiled, "Of course, no problem. However, Your Highness must have had a long and tiring journey."
"It's alright. I've already spoken to the Emperor, so please allow them to pass."
"this……"
"What are you two standing there for? Go, follow behind." Before Qi Rufeng could speak, Consort Shu pointed at Xie Lingqin and Chequ, who were standing there, and scolded them softly.
Xie Lingqin and Tridacna were taken aback. They didn't have time to think about it, so they quickly walked over and followed the carriage.
"I have also heard about the citywide curfew. It's perfect timing. Since the person you're looking to arrest hasn't left the city yet, I can go with peace of mind. Otherwise, I'm afraid I'll become someone else's hostage."
Consort Shu's words completely silenced Qi Rufeng's attempt to speak.
"Eunuch Yu, what are you waiting for? Let's go."
Consort Shu then ordered the palace maids to lower the curtain, and the eunuch driving the carriage immediately spurred his horse to leave.
"Wait."
Qi Rufeng frowned, hesitated for a long time, then rode forward and blocked the carriage. "Your Majesty, this journey is not short. Why don't I have someone go and find it, so you won't have to travel so far?"
"I need to go out for a walk to clear my head. Can you go in my place?"
Consort Shu's anger inexplicably flared up when she said these words.
Qi Rufeng was now in a difficult position.
The Emperor has said that no one is allowed to leave.
At this moment, Xie Lingqin was also a little anxious. If Qi Rufeng resolutely refused to give face to Consort Shu, then she and Tridacna would really have a hard time leaving the palace.
"If Lord Qi is not at ease, I can personally escort Consort Shu out of the city. I can't say anything about that, can I?"
Meanwhile, on the other side, the crowd dispersed, and Liu Yunzhou suddenly walked over.
Qi Rufeng knew, of course, that Consort Shu was Liu Yunzhou's cousin.
Not to mention that Consort She is not someone he can easily offend, even Liu Yunzhou would be a problem if he were to cross him.
and……
Qi Rufeng looked around the carriage from top to bottom.
"I understand now. So, Qi Da is afraid that someone might be hiding in my carriage and get away with it. In that case, let's investigate thoroughly."
Upon hearing this, Qi Rufeng felt relieved. "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. However, Your Highness is so cooperative, this humble official..."
Before Qi Rufeng could speak, the carriage curtain was opened wide. Inside, apart from Consort Shu and two maids who served her, there was no one else. It was clear at a glance whether anyone could be hiding inside.
"Lord Qi, if we don't let them pass now, shouldn't we really go and complain to the Emperor?"
Liu Yunzhou's timely words put pressure on Qi Rufeng. A sharp glint flashed in Qi Rufeng's eyes, and he raised the corner of his lips, "What are you saying?" He then gestured with both hands, "Please, Noble Consort Shu."
The journey out of the city went smoothly, and Xie Lingqin and Tridacna, who were following behind Consort Shu's carriage, also made it out of the city.
Behind him, Qi Rufeng kept looking into the distance before ordering the city gate guard, "Close the city gate."
"yes."
"squeak--"
The towering city gate closed slowly behind us, the sound heavy and muffled.
At the very top of the city gate, in a dark corner, a pair of eyes watched the departing carriage, focusing on a certain figure behind it. The thick eyelashes were furrowed, and the emotions were complex and heavy.
The carriage traveled for about half an incense stick's time before finally stopping.
Xie Lingqin also stopped walking.
The carriage curtain was lifted, and Consort Shu stepped down. She then stood directly in front of Xie Lingqin and said, "Miss Xie, this is as far as I can take you."
Xie Lingqin slowly raised her eyes, looking at the dignified and beautiful Consort Shu, her gaze cool, "Why is Your Highness helping me?"
"Because I know you are Yun Yishang's daughter."
Consort Shu looked around and seemed to sigh, "You'll be gone for many years. Be careful."
"Thanks."
Xie Lingqin didn't stand on ceremony and bowed deeply to Consort Shu, saying, "Farewell."
"Hurry up and get going, the Emperor will soon find out you've left the capital."
"I see."
Xie Lingqin looked at Liu Yunzhou beside her. After this parting, she really didn't know when they would meet again.
"Take care of yourself."
Besides those two words, Liu Yunzhou didn't know what else to say.
Time, on the brow bone of that pedantic and upright man, imbued him with a cold and resolute spirit, and a desolate indifference to the world.
The winter wind howled, causing skirts to flutter and robes to billow.
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