Then she slowly stood up, took one last look at her daughters, and prayed silently in her heart that they would be safe.
Aunt Zi looked at Jin Linlin deeply, as if trying to remember her appearance at the moment. Then, she turned around resolutely and walked out of the room first, her steps firm and powerful.
Following closely behind her were the two children's nurses and maids. They carefully held Dabao and Nianchu in their arms and followed Aunt Zi's lead.
It was just as the city gates were opening, and the sky and earth were still shrouded in a faint veil of night. Jin Linlin stood not far from the gates, calmly directing everyone to leave the city in batches.
The two young children were held tightly in the wet nurse's arms, just like a mother and child.
As the group quietly left the city, they didn't attract anyone's attention. They successfully joined up with the large army waiting outside the city, and then headed straight for Linhai Prefecture without stopping.
Zhenguogong Mansion
Jin Linlin stood quietly in the courtyard, looking around, feeling a sense of loss.
This mansion was once filled with laughter and prosperity, but now it is deserted and lonely.
At this moment, Butler Liu slowly walked over. His steps seemed a little heavy, as if he also sensed the desolation and loneliness of the mansion.
"Princess, most of the servants in the mansion have been dismissed. So, when do you plan to leave?" Butler Liu asked softly.
Jin Linlin turned and looked at Butler Liu, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes. She took the stack of banknotes from Chunxue and handed it to Butler Liu:
"Butler Liu, you are an elder in the mansion and have been loyal to it for all these years. This should be the time for you to enjoy your old age, but given the current situation, I can only give you these material possessions."
Butler Liu took the banknote, but suddenly fell to his knees with a thud, his voice trembling slightly.
The princess looked at Butler Liu, a touch of emotion and helplessness flashing in her eyes. She knew very well that Butler Liu had deep feelings for the Zhenguo Mansion, and she also understood his loyalty to her.
However, the current situation made it impossible for her to easily agree to Butler Liu's request.
"Butler Liu, I understand your intentions, but the circumstances this time are special and I can't take you with me. The road ahead is full of unknowns and risks, and I can't let you get caught up in it." Jin Linlin said earnestly.
Butler Liu quickly shook his head and said firmly, "Princess, I am not afraid of danger. Wherever you go, I will follow you. No questions asked!"
Jin Linlin sighed helplessly. She knew that once Butler Liu made up his mind, it would be difficult to change his mind. But she really couldn't bear to let Butler Liu take the risk with her.
"I can't leave for the time being. I need to wait for a while. I can only leave after Aunt Zi and the others have gone far enough. Moreover, during this period, I need to travel in a high-profile manner to let the court know that I am still in Kyoto, so as to distract their attention." Jin Linlin explained.
After hearing this, Butler Liu showed a worried look on his face, but he still insisted: "Princess, no matter what, this old servant will stay by your side."
Jin Linlin thought for a moment and suddenly came up with an idea. She took out a stack of banknotes from her pocket and handed it to Butler Liu:
"How about this, you take these banknotes and go find your prince. Everyone else has to leave too. You can't risk it here with me. This is an order."
Butler Liu hesitated for a moment, but finally accepted the banknote. He knew Jin Linlin's decision was for everyone's benefit, and although he felt a little reluctant, he had no choice but to obey her arrangement.
"Princess, you must take care of yourself. I will find the prince as soon as possible and report your situation to him."
Jin Linlin nodded and warned, "Be careful on the road, and don't act recklessly when you encounter danger."
Steward Liu quietly left Kyoto with a few homeless servants, their figures gradually disappearing at the city gate.
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