A general of the Western Xia kingdom?
How could a general possess so much hidden influence?
She found it all rather unusual.
If a general harbored such a network of assassins, the Emperor of Western Xia would never permit it.
Therefore, there had to be someone else behind all this.
"Then those women..." Jing Heng glanced inside.
"Have them watched discreetly. Once we reach the capital, they can tell us the answer."
"Understood."
...
Ten days later.
Near the capital, outside the city.
Two inconspicuous carriages were parked in a small thicket.
A rider galloped from the direction of the city gate towards the thicket.
Finally stopping beside the carriages.
"Miss, I've investigated. There are still people at the city gate holding your portrait, and even Master's portrait. They are searching very thoroughly," Qiu Lu reported to Yun Shu after dismounting.
Yun Shu was not surprised. "Every place we've passed through, we've been scrutinized. The portraits get more detailed each time. It seems they're trying to guard against me. Are they so afraid of me reaching the capital?"
Are they afraid I'll discover something?
Unfortunately for them, she had arrived in the capital of Western Xia.
She was determined to see why they were so wary of her.
"Such precautions against you, Shu'er, only proves there's something fishy. Perhaps we've come to the right place. I have a feeling the person we're looking for is here," Yun Changfeng said, looking at Yun Shu.
He didn't state it explicitly.
He feared that Xiao Li and the others might overhear and overthink it.
However, Yun Shu understood his implication.
Indeed, as they approached the capital of Western Xia, she too had a sudden intuition.
Seeing Yun Shu suddenly become distant, the others did not disturb her.
They waited quietly by her side.
Yun Xiao Jing winked at Zhan Xiao Li and Zhan Xiao Feng.
The three little ones did not bother their mother and the adults at this moment. Instead, they exchanged winks with each other.
Without speaking, they understood each other's thoughts.
Yun Xiao Jing: Father might be in the capital.
Zhan Xiao Li: But someone doesn't want Mother to go to the capital.
Zhan Xiao Feng: No matter who tries to stop Mother, they won't succeed. We're about to see Father! I really want to know why Father left us.
The three little ones suddenly felt a bit downcast.
No matter how much they thought about it, day after day, they couldn't understand why their father had left them.
"Xiao Li, Xiao Jing, you'll ride with your grandfather in one carriage. Xiao Feng will be with your mother."
At that moment, Yun Changfeng waved them over, signaling them to get into the carriages.
Just like every time they entered a city before, the three of them were separated.
And they put on new faces.
Mother's disguises were always perfect. Once they put them on, their appearances were completely altered, as if they had always looked that way.
The two carriages headed towards the capital's city gate.
A long line had formed at the gate.
Because everyone was being meticulously inspected, even those in carriages were not spared. After a thorough comparison with the portraits, people were allowed to enter the capital, which made the process very slow.
Not far from the line, Concubine Xiao and Yun Ying walked at the forefront.
Qiu Lu whispered to Yun Shu inside the carriage, "Two familiar people are ahead."
"Have someone follow them closely," Yun Shu replied.
"Yes."
Ahead, Yun Ying complained to Concubine Xiao, "It's just looking for Yun Shu. How can they find her this way? Yun Shu isn't stupid; she won't let them identify her from a portrait. This is too much of a fuss! It's as if Yun Shu is some important person, when in reality, she's just like me, reduced to a commoner now?"
Concubine Xiao shushed her. "Be careful of eavesdroppers. There are people all around us. Speak cautiously! We are no longer from the Eastern Ning kingdom. We have new identities in Western Xia. It's best not to mention past matters."
Looking at Concubine Xiao's cautious demeanor, Yun Ying felt speechless, but inwardly she paid little attention. "I know, Mother. I just want to get to the capital quickly and have a good bath after meeting the Master."
Unfortunately.
Just as they were about to reach the mother and daughter, a group of people suddenly blocked the city gate.
Their presence was imposing.
The two of them peered and saw that they were soldiers.
Why would soldiers be at the city gate?
"What's going on?" Yun Ying asked, confused.
Concubine Xiao stared at the dense crowd of soldiers at the gate, her brow furrowed. "Things don't look good. I'm afraid we won't be able to enter the capital today."
Yun Ying was displeased upon hearing this. They had finally reached the gate, so close to returning home and resting. To be stopped now, how could she be happy?
"Miss, several more soldiers have appeared at the city gate, blocking people from entering," Qiu Lu said, looking up towards the gate. He saw the commotion and heard the discussions coming from ahead, realizing the danger.
Yun Shu heard this and lifted the carriage curtain to look ahead.
The people in line remained stationary.
And at the city gate, many soldiers were indeed blocking the way.
These soldiers held up portraits and announced to the people at the gate, "The authorities are currently searching for a fugitive, a female criminal who has committed heinous crimes. She may be among the people entering the city. Everyone remain where you are! Await our inspection. Only those without issues will be allowed to enter!"
Upon hearing this, the people in line, who had been worried they wouldn't be able to enter the city today, were immediately reassured upon learning they only needed to be inspected.
Qiu Lu suddenly tightened the reins and turned to Yun Shu, "Should we leave for now?"
"No need." Yun Shu looked at the soldiers ahead. They were not too far away. If they turned back now, they would inevitably attract attention.
Besides, they had made preparations. No matter how realistic the portraits were, they wouldn't reveal anything from their faces.
Qiu Lu also realized that leaving was no longer an option. Turning the carriage around would only expose their tracks and arouse suspicion.
He turned to look at Jing Heng and his group a few carriages away.
When Qiu Lu saw that Jing Heng remained as impassive as ever, completely unfazed, he couldn't help but admire him. Truly the most formidable assassin! No matter the situation, his expression was always consistent; it was difficult to elicit any reaction from him.
The dense group of soldiers, almost every one of them holding a portrait, approached the crowd step by step, inspecting them closely.
This was not a big deal.
When they saw a woman about to enter the city, they immediately splashed a water pouch onto her face!
Qiu Lu looked closely and realized that many soldiers were indeed holding water pouches!
The women who were splashed with water cried out in surprise.
Someone asked the reason.
But the soldiers simply replied with a casual remark about checking for criminals.
Qiu Lu understood why the soldiers were splashing water and turned back to look at Yun Shu.