Prince Han's audacity in ambushing the Seventh Prince at Phoenix Mountain suggests he is intimately familiar with the capital's defenses.
However, Prince Han's troop strength remains unknown. Tonight presents an opportunity to probe his forces, for knowing oneself and the enemy ensures victory in every battle.
Rashly informing the Sage that rebels are outside the city would arouse suspicion. While mobilizing the Qianniu Guard under the pretext of searching for young ladies from various households might be seen as an abuse of public office, it at least avoids alarming the Sage.
Once the city gates are closed, no one is permitted to leave without the Sage's or Prime Minister Mo's personal order.
Xie Jiayan glanced at the restored "Sunrise Over Mount Dongyue" painting. It seemed he would have to visit Prime Minister Mo's mansion personally today.
The young ladies had been gone for an extended period, and even Old Madam Gu was becoming restless.
These ladies were invited by the Gu family. Should any accident befall them, the Gu family would be held responsible, both in principle and in reason.
Previously, the third daughter of the Yao family had gone missing for a night during the Lantern Festival, and the outcome was...
Madam Gu stood beside her mother-in-law, torn between worrying about her own children and comforting her mother-in-law, a truly difficult position.
"Mother, please don't worry. I will go to Prime Minister Mo's mansion immediately and use his order to leave the city," Gu Bohao said hastily.
Among these younger generation, the old madam favored Yaoyao and Dalang the most. If they were to meet with misfortune, the old madam might not be able to live on.
Xie Jiayan and Gu Bohao arrived at Prime Minister Mo's mansion almost simultaneously. Xie Jiayan quickly clasped his hands in greeting, "Uncle Gu."
"Jiayan!"
"A few days ago, Prime Minister Mo asked me to restore a painting. I'm off duty today and happened to bring it over."
Gu Bohao nodded, "I didn't expect you, at such a young age, to inherit your father's true teachings. Young people nowadays lack such patience. Excellent, excellent. How is your father's health? I've been busy these past few days and haven't had a chance to visit him."
The day Xie Yuanlang fainted at the Imperial Academy had even alarmed the Sage, who dispatched imperial physicians for treatment.
"My father has suffered from overwork over the years. The imperial physicians say he needs a period of recuperation. My uncle intends to send him to the countryside to rest," Xie Jiayan replied respectfully.
"Your father has wandered far and wide over the years; he has indeed suffered. Fortunately, you, my nephew, are filial, and your hardship has finally borne fruit," Gu Bohao patted Xie Jiayan's shoulder.
"Uncle praises me too highly."
"Very well, let's go in together," Gu Bohao said.
While they were speaking, a servant had already gone in to announce their arrival. Prime Minister Mo was waiting in his study.
Upon reaching the study, Xie Jiayan had already learned from Gu Bohao the purpose of his visit to the Prime Minister's mansion.
"Uncle, please do not worry. Brother Tingyun and Sister Youyou are blessed with good fortune and will surely be fine," Xie Jiayan consoled.
Prime Minister Mo's household was also in disarray. However, as Prime Minister Mo held a high position, his every word and action were scrutinized. It was difficult for him to issue an order to search outside the city rashly due to his granddaughter not returning on time.
Seeing that the Gu family had sent someone now was opportune. If it were only to search for his granddaughter, it might invite gossip. But with so many families involved, it was justifiable.
The two elders did not treat Xie Jiayan as an outsider. Gu Bohao and Xie Yuanlang were sworn friends, and Xie Jiayan was someone Prime Minister Mo thought highly of.
Xie Jiayan seized the moment to speak, "Uncle Gu, Prime Minister, I am acquainted with Brother Tingyun and several of the young ladies. Why don't I accompany the Qianniu Guard out of the city? It would be more convenient then."
Gu Bohao nodded, "That would be good. Jiayan has always been steady; his presence will make things more secure."
Prime Minister Mo also nodded. They were all young ladies, and the Qianniu Guard were rough fellows; it would be best to avoid any offense.
...
Song Wei was not on duty in the palace today. Before he could even have a drink, his subordinates arrived with Prime Minister Mo's order.
Upon inquiring about the reason, he understood what was happening. He had initially intended to casually assign a subordinate to lead a team.
But then he thought, this was not right. Why give away such a golden opportunity to others?
Once he found these young ladies, all the households would owe him a favor.
Serving the Sage was a good job, but mistakes were inevitable. Building good relationships with these people was beneficial.
Song Wei drank his wine, rose from his chair, and said, "Assemble fifty men and follow me out of the city."