As the carriage began to move after evading inspection, Song Qingchao, hidden beneath a cloak, let out a sigh of relief.
She wouldn't have chosen such a risky method to enter the city if she weren't in a hurry. Her original plan was to sneak in by climbing over the city walls under the cover of night.
"Don't move."
Song Qingchao glared at Bai Youan. Just as she was about to retort, her mouth was covered.
"Shh..." Bai Youan smiled seductively, "It's not safe yet."
Song Qingchao: "..."
You old scoundrel, don't think I don't know what you're thinking!
She reached out and grabbed a soft spot on Bai Youan's waist, pinching it hard.
Bai Youan continued to smile as if unaffected, though the strain of enduring the pain was visible.
Song Qingchao, unwilling to savor a moment of triumph, used the momentum to kick Bai Youan away.
"Attempting to murder your husband?"
Bai Youan, slumped on the ground, propped up one leg, resting his hand on it, and smiled with an unnerving allure.
Song Qingchao pulled her cloak tighter, nonchalantly replying, "Don't slander me. Go out, I need to change."
Bai Youan's hand, which had been resting on his leg, moved to his chin. "Can't I watch?"
Song Qingchao narrowed her eyes at him and, in one swift motion, grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. "No!"
Hit by the pillow, Bai Youan burst into laughter. Clutching the pillow, he walked out, his tone laced with mock exasperation, "Alas, there are so many people here, spare your husband some dignity."
Song Qingchao: "..."
I regret it, I truly regret it...
After she changed her clothes again, she didn't have the kindness to call Bai Youan back into the carriage. She felt he needed to feel the biting wind of Mobei to clear his head.
It had to be said, the weather in Mobei was indeed extremely cold. Now, in the carriage, she had shelter from the wind and a brazier for warmth. Once they reached the place of exile, life would become difficult.
The carriage gradually picked up speed, and soon they reached her future dwelling place—Lingshi Valley. Fortunately, she had arrived in time, and the entire convoy was not yet in the handover stage.
To avoid attracting attention, Song Qingchao had changed into more inconspicuous clothing and left the carriage outside. The three of them proceeded on foot towards the chaotic crowd.
She had initially planned to leave Zhou Zhengxi outside to handle reception, but Zhou Zhengxi refused, saying he wouldn't be at ease if he didn't follow her. Song Qingchao thought about it and agreed; with Zhou Zhengxi, who looked formidable, by her side, it would save a lot of trouble. Especially considering her current appearance...
As they blended into the convoy, Song Qingchao quickly spotted Song Qingmu and his entourage. Although they were all being exiled and had traveled a long distance, thanks to someone looking after them, Song Qingmu appeared somewhat stronger than before. Unlike the others who were gaunt and emaciated...
At the same moment, Song Qingmu also quickly spotted her. They were indeed siblings, connected by a telepathic bond. After they reunited, Song Qingchao threw herself into Song Qingmu's arms. It was only then that she realized how much her brother had grown. Emerging from his embrace, she tugged on his arm and examined him closely. He had tanned. Now, looking at him, he was almost catching up to Bai Youan in appearance.
"Eldest sister, I've finally waited for you."
Song Qingmu's voice remained cool, but his words were incredibly warming to Song Qingchao.
"Next time, don't leave me behind. I can't do without you."
Song Qingchao smiled, her eyes crinkling, "Silly boy."
She swallowed the questions she wanted to ask, as time was pressing, and there were things to discuss with Thin Monkey. Just as she was about to look for him, she saw him approaching, cracking a whip. As he walked, he yelled at those slumped on the ground, "Stand up! Line up!"
Song Qingchao and the others also automatically lined up with the main group. However, to buy time to speak with Thin Monkey, she intentionally moved to the very end of the line.
Thin Monkey was dutifully urging the group along from the rear, but he quietly said to Song Qingchao, "I've already arranged the identities for these individuals. They can enter with you, but I'm not sure about Mr. Bai here..."
Song Qingchao also wanted to know Bai Youan's thoughts, but before she could ask, Bai Youan preempted her, "I'm going in."
"Good," Thin Monkey said, promptly handing Bai Youan a pre-prepared identification plaque. He then added, "I will stay here for one day to arrange some daily necessities before returning to Chang'an. After all, these are still Mobei soldiers, and there are many matters I cannot interfere with. Master must be very careful."
Song Qingchao nodded, "I understand. Tell me about the situation here first."
"This Lingshi Valley has always been chaotic. Although it's our territory, it was barbarian land over a decade ago. While soldiers have been stationed here for management, there are still barbarians hiding in the region causing trouble. You must remember to stay within three hundred li of the entrance."
Song Qingchao nodded. It seemed the situation here was more complicated than she had imagined. But she was not afraid. She had survived in Nanyi, a land of miasma, so she certainly wouldn't put Mobei in her eyes, especially since she had lived here with Feng Shaocheng for a long time in her previous life. Although she hadn't ventured out much, she understood the climate and customs extremely well. Despite the cold, the local inhabitants were quite warm.
Thin Monkey continued to relay important points. "Lingshi Valley is named so because of its iron ore. The imperial court likes to exile criminals here, partly to probe the barbarians' capabilities and partly for labor. Since Master is literate, I took the liberty of arranging a record keeper position for you. You'll only need to work for half the day."
"Thank you for your trouble," Song Qingchao said. She hadn't expected Thin Monkey to arrange things so thoughtfully.
"It's my duty. Be very careful with everything in the valley. I've heard that the mountain range you're heading to is vast. Although there are guards, you mustn't let your guard down. And absolutely do not have any thoughts of escaping."
Thin Monkey emphasized the word "escaping." He said it specifically for Song Qingchao, knowing how many times she had run off during their journey. If she hadn't decided to return on her own, he wouldn't have been able to catch her, even if he chased her to the ends of the earth.
Song Qingchao nodded guiltily. But! She had only agreed casually; whether she would try to escape would depend on the circumstances.
"And about meritorious service for reduced sentences..."
Song Qingchao immediately cut him off. She truly wasn't considering that. She had already devised her own method of leaving. Following the rules was useless to her, especially since her father had committed treason. Unless there was a general amnesty or the powers that be changed, only then might she be released.
"I think I have a good understanding of Lingshi Valley. I will handle everything here. However, there is one thing I need you to do back in Chang'an."
Song Qingchao produced a letter she had written earlier and handed it to Thin Monkey. "Remember everything I've told you."
Thin Monkey tucked the letter into his robes and then sauntered away. Some things could be done, but they couldn't be too obvious.
Song Qingchao suppressed her thoughts and followed the convoy. How could she allow those in Chang'an to have an easy time while she suffered in Mobei? Having successfully elevated Feng Shaocheng to a high position, all she needed to do now was to fan the flames. If she didn't turn Chang'an upside down, she would write the character "Song" backward!
Seeing the line gradually shorten, Song Qingchao felt a sense of relief. Finally, she would have a place to settle. When she presented her identification plaque, she felt a pang of anxiety, but thankfully, it went smoothly.
But she never expected Zuo Suiran to appear! And to walk directly towards her!
Song Qingchao: "!?!"