Abandoned Woman Busy Farming

Chapter 1705: Chapter 1705: Desperate Escape

In the Capital at this moment, everyone is on edge. Even the common people who rarely care about politics know that times have changed. They fear saying the wrong things or doing the wrong deeds, only to be captured by the soon-to-be enthroned King Rui’s men.

”Have you heard? The shopkeeper from ’Welcoming Guests’ recklessly commented on the recently deceased Empress Dowager and was taken by the Dragon Guard.” Someone whispered on the street.

”No way? Isn’t ’Welcoming Guests’ supposed to have strong backing?” A person nearby asked in confusion.

”It’s precisely because of the strong backing that he died quickly, unless he’s part of those people...”

”Hey, lower your voice. Aren’t many things already obvious at this time? Let’s just not discuss national affairs. Who knows where the Dragon Guard might be hiding again? I’d like to keep my head.”

”...”

Wa San quickened his pace upon hearing these murmurs.

The Dragon Guard was recently established, and each member is a dark guard cultivated by King Rui, adept at gathering information and interrogating prisoners. Who knows how many people they’ve secretly seized during this turbulent period?

He furrowed his brow, feeling quite uneasy. Due to his distant familial ties with the Yang Family and his prior task for Yang Tianhua, he was safe in these times, to the point where others treated him with even more reverence.

Because the Yang Family had aligned with King Rui’s faction and helped him seize power, they would soon become close advisors to the emperor, one of the most favored families in the Capital.

Yet Wa San only felt nauseated, wishing he could tell others he had nothing to do with the Yang Family. But having faced many storms over the years, he was no impulsive youngster.

He twisted and turned through various paths, finally sneaking into the back alley of Hua Xiangrong Beauty Salon and climbing over the Yard wall.

Guizhi blushed slightly, with a stern face she said, ”I’ve told you not to come. What would the other maids think of me if they saw?”

Wa San’s expression was grave. ”Why care about others at this time? You can’t delay any longer. Tonight, I’ll take you out of the Capital.”

”I’m not going!” Guizhi rejected again, ”I said I want to stay here and help Ruozhu earn money. Otherwise, if I leave, what will happen to this Beauty Pavilion? I don’t believe King Rui would target law-abiding civilians right after his enthronement; doesn’t he fear being drowned in spittle?”

Suddenly Wa San rushed over, covering Guizhi’s mouth, ”Please, speak softly, stop discussing King Rui. The Dragon Guard is everywhere now and will deal with you secretly if they overhear. We are indeed law-abiding civilians, not afraid of open punishment, but who knows about secret actions?”

Guizhi angrily hit Wa San’s hand, her cheeks turning as red as rouge.

Wa San quickly let go and pulled her inside to continue speaking, ”I don’t know about others, but you’re the adopted daughter of the Bai Family, and King Rui might trouble you once he’s done with his tasks. You don’t understand Ruozhu’s character, would she risk your safety for these businesses? She didn’t send you a message probably fearing it would be intercepted, causing you harm, but deep down she surely hopes for you to escape the Capital. Are you truly willing to let her worry?”

”I...” Guizhi furrowed her brow, showing signs of hesitation, ”But what about the maids if I leave?”

”I can’t secretly send too many people out of the City, but they’re just ordinary maids, never staying by Ruozhu’s side. Give them some silver and let them hide in the Market District to find some livelihood, you can get them later.” Wa San added.

”Then, what about Na Ruolan?” Guizhi still couldn’t be at ease, ”And Uncle Zhang?”

Wa San felt stressed and hurriedly said, ”I saw Uncle Zhang yesterday, he connected with the Commerce Association and has a way to leave. Originally he planned to take us too, but I have my routes and figured it’d be safer if we scatter, so we arranged to meet at the boarding place later.”

”Will Uncle Zhang take Na Ruolan with them?” Guizhi remained uneasy.

Wa San paused, reluctant to lie to Guizhi, ”Na Ruolan caused a commotion once outside the yard, Uncle Zhang plans to sedate her and take her away, but it’s just an attempt.”

Guizhi nodded, no wonder Wa San said it was too conspicuous, it truly posed some trouble.

She reconsidered and finally agreed to the plan.

Wa San still felt uncertain, lowering his voice, ”Don’t inform all the maids you’re leaving, one must be cautious. Just tell the most dependable one alone.”

Guizhi wanted to say all the maids were dependable, but reconsidered and agreed.

Soon, Wa San left. Guizhi returned inside to hastily gather her things, having converted recent earnings into silver banknotes, now stashed into her hollow silver bracelets and hairpin interior.

This trick was once taught by Ruozhu, yet she didn’t expect to actually use it one day, although she wished she never had to.

She also sewed a few notes into the insoles and carried some broken silver for emergencies.

The streets have been sparsely populated recently and business plummeted; otherwise, with past earnings, she wouldn’t be able to hide it all.

Nights came quickly; Wa San returned the same way into the Yard seeing Guizhi ready. He finally relaxed, fearing her stubbornness would keep her from leaving with him.

Moreover, he knew Guizhi feared returning to Mountain Village, worried about facing her family, hence he always mentioned leaving the Capital, afraid she’d change her mind.

He supported her onto the Wall, then climbed over to catch her, grabbed her hand, and swiftly left, while she didn’t let go, making Wa San secretly joyful, determined to marry Guizhi once this period passed.

Just as they departed, a maid peeked out and quietly left the Main Gate too.

Wa San had already bribed the West Gate guard. He led Guizhi at a full sprint and promptly reached near the West Gate. Once through, there is a horse he hid outside to take Guizhi far away.

He handed the guard a wad of silver banknotes, and the City Gate creaked open a small gap. The guard whispered, ”Quickly go, don’t get noticed.”

As Wa San pulled Guizhi to exit, the sound of hoofbeats approached from behind, the guard’s face turned pale, ”How did you lead the Dragon Guard here?”

Saying this with frustration, he attempted to shut the gate, but Wa San reacted swiftly, kicking it open, pulling Guizhi through.

Guizhi’s legs went weak from fear, luckily she was a countryside girl, accustomed to running in fields, moving faster than those delicate young ladies. She dared not look back but the hoofbeats grew closer.

”You can’t escape!” An icy voice echoed; the Dragon Guard’s tone carried a chill, even a bloody scent.

Soon a few horses circled ahead, completely blocking their path, forming a ring with others behind, trapping them.

Guizhi looked in horror at the orange-clad woman on a horse, her heart sinking halfway...