Chapter 118: The Calamity That Could Destroy a Nation

Proofreader : Mim

When Chu Jinyao first heard the news of the military defeat, after the initial shock passed, she immediately thought of the dangerous situation she was in.

 

Changhe Garden was originally a secluded and loosely guarded place, and if panic broke out, the consequences would be unimaginable.

 

She instinctively placed her hand on her lower abdomen. Her child was her weakness, but it was also her strength. People often say, “When the sky falls, the tall ones hold it up.” Right now, Chu Jinyao had to be the one holding up the sky.

 

The palace servants were so terrified that they were completely lost, and some of the more timid maids had already started crying, covering their faces. Chu Jinyao closed her eyes tightly and then opened them again, her gaze sharp, entirely different from her usual gentle and reasonable demeanor: “What are you crying for? It’s just a defeat on the front lines. The Emperor has not yet passed away, and the Crown Prince is still sitting in the capital. Are you crying because you want to curse the Emperor or the Crown Prince?”

 

The palace servants were stunned by her words, never having seen the Crown Princess show such a stern expression. The years of palace training took over, and they quickly stood up, their hands at their sides, no longer daring to act out.

 

The palace servants, trembling with fear, suddenly found themselves back in the rigid hierarchy of the palace. But that was a good thing. Hierarchy meant order, and for a moment, it was as if the ground beneath their feet had solidified. Their hearts weren’t as lost as before, and they stopped panicking.

 

Seeing that they had been brought back under control, Chu Jinyao immediately began issuing orders, telling them to lock the gates, check the windows, and be mindful of fire hazards. There were many tasks to be done. In such a critical moment, giving orders brought the palace servants a sense of security. They now looked to Chu Jinyao as their guiding figure, each one hurrying off to complete their assigned tasks.

 

Linglong and the others, having initially felt as though the world was collapsing upon hearing the news, now followed Chu Jinyao’s calm lead. Once the other servants left to carry out their duties, Linglong asked, “Your Highness, what should we do next?”

 

Chu Jinyao turned to look at her longtime maid, who gazed at her with wide, hopeful eyes. Chu Jinxian was holding her son, Lu Ge’er, also looking at her with trust and expectation in her eyes.

 

Chu Jinyao felt the weight of immense pressure. In truth, she didn’t know either. Her previous commands had been a reflexive reaction as the household’s mistress, but now, what should be done next? She was sure Qin Yi wouldn’t leave her and their child in the dangerous outskirts of the western suburbs, but given that her presence here wasn’t a secret, how could she be sure the first people to find them would be Qin Yi’s men?

 

The army had suffered a devastating defeat just a hundred miles from the capital, with the Emperor himself captured. Such a catastrophic event spelled near total disaster for the nation—akin to the prelude to the fall of a dynasty. What kind of life did the imperial family’s women endure during the Tatar Incident? Chu Jinyao didn’t dare to gamble. In times of chaos, ambitious men would rise, and she and her unborn child would make the perfect targets.

 

Grinding her teeth, she said, “Changhe Garden is too conspicuous. We can’t stay here. We need to leave the estate and hide somewhere until court officials come to our aid.”

 

Chu Jinyao briefly considered disguising herself as a maid to evade danger, but then she thought of her distinct appearance and abandoned the idea.

 

It was too risky. First, even if she changed into a maid’s attire, people might still recognize her. Second, she couldn’t afford to let herself be trapped in one place, becoming an easy target.

 

So, she needed to escape.

 

Chu Jinxian looked at her hard-won son in her arms, hesitated only briefly, and then firmly agreed, “Fine, I’ll go with you.”

 

“No,” Chu Jinyao refused outright. “You and Lu Ge’er can’t endure exposure to the cold. There’s no need for you to take the risk with me. You should take the guards and leave in the opposite direction. If someone comes after me, they’ll most likely follow my trail. If you remain hidden, you should be able to hold out until help arrives from the capital.”

 

“That won’t work,” Chu Jinxian shook her head resolutely. “You don’t have enough guards with you, and splitting up would stretch them too thin. If we stay together, we can help each other. There’s strength in numbers.”

 

Chu Jinyao considered the matter and realized that with her limited guards, sending her sister out alone might be more dangerous. If something were to happen to Chu Jinxian and her child, she’d be haunted by the guilt for the rest of her life. She hesitated for a moment, but seeing Chu Jinxian’s firm resolve, she relented. “Alright, we’ll go together.”

 

The servants seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief. Linglong quickly stepped forward and said, “Your Highness, I’ll go back and pack the luggage right away.”

 

They were currently in Chu Jinxian’s courtyard since Lu Ge’er had been crying earlier that day. Chu Jinyao stopped her, saying, “No need to pack. Just find some inconspicuous clothes—preferably the kind worn by common women—and do it quickly.”

 

Linglong immediately understood. As long as the Crown Princess was safe, the treasures of Changhe Garden were meaningless. The important thing was to get away, not to worry about luggage. Since only trusted servants remained in the courtyard, Linglong led a few maids off to find clothing, while the others, Dingxiang and Jiegengg, helped Chu Jinyao remove her jewelry. As the Crown Princess, she was too visible. If anyone recognized her, the consequences would be disastrous.

 

Chu Jinyao and Chu Jinxian quickly finished disguising themselves. By then, Linglong had returned with two sets of plain, grayish clothes. Chu Jinyao took the garments and said, “I’ll change myself. You all should disguise yourselves too. You look too much like palace maids.”

 

The maids, trembling, removed their luxurious accessories. Chu Jinyao inspected each of them, pointing out areas that still gave them away. Once she was satisfied there were no glaring faults, they swaddled little Lu Ge’er carefully and quietly made their way outside.

 

The guards Qin Yi had left behind were already assembled at the side gate, ready for action. The head of the guards agreed that staying in Changhe Garden wasn’t safe, as it painted a target on the Crown Princess’s back. He had been preparing to persuade the Crown Princess and her family to flee. To his surprise, the Crown Princess had already sent word for them to meet at the side gate. When the guard captain saw the Crown Princess and her retinue, now disguised as commoners, he was even more surprised.

 

The Crown Princess had changed into civilian clothes, as had her maids. If they remained in their palace attire, it would be akin to traveling with a lantern at night—making them an easy target. The captain quickly suppressed his surprise and respectfully lowered his head, not daring to look directly at the Crown Princess and the others, as he vigilantly prepared their carriage.

 

The carriage had been intentionally altered to look ordinary on the outside while still being comfortable and warm on the inside. But no matter how comfortable, it couldn’t compare to the luxuries they were accustomed to. After all, they were fleeing for their lives. Inside the carriage, the only sound was the nervous breathing of its occupants.

 

By now, the sky had darkened, and the wind outside howled through the bare branches, making eerie, wailing sounds. Even the maids, usually as pampered as minor noblewomen, had never experienced such danger, let alone seen the likes of a rough-hewn wooden carriage. Linglong’s face had gone pale, and Chu Jinxian’s knuckles were white as she clutched little Lu Ge’er in her arms.

 

Chu Jinyao glanced at the sleeping Lu Ge’er, marveling at how children, even in such a crisis, could still find sleep.

 

Sensing the tension, Chu Jinyao couldn’t let it continue. In a low voice, she said, “Sister, it will be alright. We’re heading toward the capital. Once we reach a populated area, we’ll be safe.”

 

Under normal circumstances, traveling from the capital to Changhe Garden on horseback took just over an hour, while by carriage, it would take half a day. But those travel times assumed peace. Now, with the Emperor captured, the nation faced a catastrophe akin to the humiliation of the Tatar Incident. The people would panic, and some might take desperate measures. Additionally, more ambitious individuals might see this as their chance to rise.

 

Chu Jinyao suddenly heard a noise behind her. She lifted the curtain slightly and saw what she most dreaded.

 

Changhe Garden behind them had caught fire, and judging by the direction, it clearly wasn’t from the capital.

 

The others in the carriage also heard the sound and were terrified. They dared not lift the curtain to look, but judging from Chu Jinyao’s expression, they could guess that nothing good was happening outside.

 

Linglong asked nervously, “Crown Princess, what’s going on outside?”

 

“Changhe Garden has been surrounded.”

 

Just this one sentence was enough to scare away whatever courage the women had left. Linglong clutched her pounding heart, saying with lingering fear, “Thank goodness the Crown Princess was alert and left early; otherwise…” Linglong didn’t dare continue. Chu Jinyao was still carrying the only heir of the Eastern Palace. At a time like this, with an armed force surrounding Changhe Garden that wasn’t from the court, who knew what their intentions were? Were they here to rescue or to hold someone hostage?

 

No one knew.

 

Chu Jinxian, after all, was still a young lady of a noble family. Now that something out of history books was happening right in front of her, she was scared out of her wits, barely holding onto her composure due to her upbringing. Chu Jinyao looked back for a while longer, then put down the curtain and gently tapped the side of the carriage.

 

A guard’s voice immediately responded from outside, “Crown Princess, what are your instructions?”

 

“They’ll soon realize I’m not there and will likely pursue us. We can’t stop on the road. Find somewhere to hide quickly.”

 

There was only one road leading to the capital, and the pursuers wouldn’t need to think to know which way they had fled. They were a group of women and couldn’t hope to outrun mounted soldiers. The only option now was to hide under the cover of darkness. All they needed was to hold out until Qin Yi’s men arrived for rescue.

 

The captain of the guards had the same thought and said, “The Crown Princess is right. However, there are no forests in the capital’s outskirts, so I fear we’ll have to trouble the Crown Princess to make do in a farmer’s home.”

 

“Never mind making do; survival is the priority,” Chu Jinyao frowned at the guard captain’s formality. “And don’t call me Crown Princess. In my family, I’m the fifth daughter. From now on, refer to me as Fifth Miss.”

 

“Understood.”

 

Chu Jinyao clearly felt the carriage change direction, and the others in the carriage noticed it too, but no one said a word. There was no time for Chu Jinyao to comfort them. She reminded them again, “Remember, under no circumstances should you reveal your identity. I’m the fifth daughter of a common family in the capital. My father is a fifth-ranked Hanlin scholar, and we’re here to accompany my elder sister to rest at the family’s estate. Understand?”

 

Linglong and the other two maids, understanding the gravity of the situation, hurriedly repeated it to themselves several times and nodded, “Understood.”

 

A fifth-ranked scholar was neither too high to draw suspicion nor too low to be easily bullied. Hanlin scholars were prestigious, and not someone that could be pushed around easily. Chu Jinyao and her companions had already changed into civilian clothes, hoping to pass unnoticed. If they were unlucky enough to be discovered, at least they would have a plausible cover.

 

The western outskirts were filled with estates owned by the wealthy, so it wouldn’t be strange to find a young lady from a noble family in the area. Chu Jinyao was deeply relieved that her belly had yet to show; she still had the chance to pass as an unmarried young woman.

 

Despite his habit of being overly cautious, the captain of the guards was efficient. The carriage soon stopped, and after a while, the captain came over to escort them. “Eldest Miss, Fifth Miss, this family’s surname is Zhuang, and they happen to have hot water ready. You two ladies may rest here for a while.”

 

Chu Jinyao understood the captain’s coded message and gently supported Chu Jinxian’s arm, saying, “Sister, let’s go.”

 

Chu Jinxian’s face was pale, and she nodded slowly, holding her child as she stepped out.

 

Since they were assuming the roles of the eldest and fifth daughters, Chu Jinyao couldn’t exit the carriage first. After Chu Jinxian had gotten out and stood properly, the maids hurriedly came to support Chu Jinyao. Inwardly, Chu Jinyao shook her head. It was too conspicuous. How could a fifth daughter have more attendants than the eldest? She could only hope the family wouldn’t notice and, more importantly, that the pursuers wouldn’t find them here.

 

The family consisted of a grandmother and daughter-in-law, with a seven-year-old boy. The grandmother’s husband had died, and her son was away. It was just the women and child at home, which was why the captain had chosen this house—if worst came to worst, there would be no men to fight off, and the guards could easily control the household.

 

The Zhuang family stood in the courtyard, watching their visitors cautiously. They had heard earlier that the front lines had fallen, which had frightened them into locking their doors early. But soon after, someone knocked on the door, and a cold-looking man handed them a small piece of silver, asking for hot water for his lady. A farmer could hardly make that much in a year, so despite their fear, the grandmother accepted the silver and opened the door.

 

The women of the Zhuang family were curious yet wary of the visitors. They had seen plenty of officials’ families come and go, living under the emperor’s shadow, but they had never seen people as striking as these. Especially the second woman who stepped out of the carriage—despite wearing plain clothes, she seemed to glow in the dim courtyard, making everyone’s eyes involuntarily turn toward her.

 

Although the captain of the guards was expressionless, he stood firmly at Chu Jinyao’s side, alert and with his hand resting on his sword. The other guards were already hidden around the perimeter, watching for any movement. Chu Jinyao glanced around before quietly telling the captain, “Guard Captain, it’s too conspicuous to have the carriage in the yard. We won’t be here long, so it’s better to leave it outside.”

 

The captain quickly understood—after all, the low walls of a farmhouse wouldn’t hide a carriage, which would make them an obvious target. “Yes, Fifth Miss.”

 

The captain led the carriage away, and Chu Jinyao, now feeling safer knowing there were still guards around, followed the Zhuang family women inside. The daughter-in-law of the family had just brought out water when she noticed the carriage had vanished. Her eyelid twitched, but she said nothing, lowering her head and entering the house.

 

The daughter-in-law brought out water for Chu Jinyao and Chu Jinxian, and Linglong quickly took over. “Thank you, I’ll take it from here.”

 

The daughter-in-law had been about to comment on Linglong’s delicate appearance and how someone like her couldn’t possibly be used to such tasks, but seeing how practiced she was, the words died in her throat.

 

The Zhuang family’s grandmother was growing increasingly convinced that these weren’t ordinary people. Living under the emperor’s shadow, they were used to seeing wealthy officials, but no one they’d seen compared to these women, whose every move and feature seemed to separate them from the world around them.

 

Even the maids, Linglong and the others, were as fair as one might rarely see in the village, not to mention Chu Jinyao and Chu Jinxian. The daughter-in-law of the Zhuang family realized for the first time that such ethereal beauty could exist in the world. Sharing a room with these women, she suddenly felt awkward and unsure of what to do with her hands.

 

The captain of the guards stood behind Chu Jinyao like a statue, his gaze so sharp it seemed to cut through the air. Chu Jinyao noticed that the original inhabitants of the house had been all but pushed into the corner and sighed inwardly. She wanted to tell the captain to stop intimidating them but feared saying too much would lead to mistakes, so she held her tongue. Her eyes caught sight of a seven- or eight-year-old boy peeking from behind a cabinet. Naturally fond of children due to her own pregnancy, Chu Jinyao smiled and asked gently, “What’s your name? Why are you hiding back there?”

 

The boy continued to hide timidly behind the cabinet, too afraid to approach. The grandmother hurried to explain, “That’s my grandson. He’s never seen strangers before, so he’s a bit shy. Please don’t laugh at him, Miss.”

 

Unconsciously, the grandmother had started using more formal language.

 

Chu Jinyao assumed the boy was afraid of the stern captain of the guards, but in reality, the boy was in awe of the beautiful lady before him. He was afraid that if he got too close, she would disappear like a dream, so he only dared to watch from a distance.

 

Sitting in the farmhouse, Chu Jinyao felt a strange sense of safety, despite the stark difference in surroundings from the palace. On the other hand, Chu Jinxian seemed uncomfortable. At that moment, Lu Ge’er woke up and began crying softly, and Chu Jinxian furrowed her brows in worry.

 

In the countryside, where everything quiets down at night, the sound of a child crying was not a good sign. Chu Jinyao got up, concerned for the baby, while the grandmother, seeing the two young women flustered, offered, “The baby is likely hungry, seeing how he’s crying. If you don’t mind, I could make some rice porridge for him?”

 

With limited staff on the road, Lu Ge’er’s wet nurse had been left behind at Changhe Garden. With the baby hungry and no other options, Chu Jinxian could only say, “Thank you,” and let the grandmother prepare some food for the child.

 

The daughter-in-law went to help in the kitchen, the soft sounds of their work mingling with the calm of the evening, lending a peaceful air that helped soothe the nerves of those inside. Chu Jinyao gradually felt more at ease, and even Chu Jinxian’s worry seemed to dissipate a little. But just as the grandmother brought the hot porridge inside, the captain of the guards, who had been silent the whole time, suddenly stiffened. Chu Jinyao soon heard it too—hoofbeats from outside.

 

Linglong and Dingxiang instinctively moved to shield Chu Jinyao, while the maid attending to Chu Jinxian trembled and moved closer to her mistress.

 

“Is anyone inside? We have questions to ask.”