Gu Family Villa
As Jing Zhan entered, Gu Youyou practically threw herself at him: "Jing Zhan!"
Jing Zhan patted Gu Youyou's shoulder in comfort.
Gu Youyou looked up at him, "Did the letter get delivered?"
Jing Zhan shook his head, and everyone's expressions shifted from surprise back to deep worry.
"There are several hidden sentries, we can't get out now. We'll have to wait until dark to figure something out," Jing Zhan said calmly, not panicking, maintaining his composure.
"They probably aren't sure yet that we've discovered something, so they're just having people watch us and not let us leave," Yu Mingyue analyzed.
"Then what should we do? Will they break in?" Yu Miaoyan grabbed Yu Mingyue's arm, her voice trembling with tears.
"Will we not be able to go back?" another young lady whispered, her voice also laced with tears.
"Don't worry, if they were going to make a move, they would have done so at the land temple. We are safe for now," Yu Mingyue said, comforting Yu Miaoyan and speaking to everyone.
"Perhaps we should go into the secret passage first?" Gu Tingyun suggested.
"The secret passage hasn't been used in a long time and isn't ready yet," Gu Youyou pouted, clearly unwilling.
Gu Tingyun touched his forehead. Truly a pampered young lady's temperament. At a time like this, when their lives were on the line.
"Yes, Brother Tingyun, that secret passage hasn't been used in many years, it smells musty."
All the young ladies nodded in agreement. They were accustomed to comfort and luxury at home. Even a spacious room with ice blocks wasn't as comfortable as a secret passage.
Although the secret passage had ventilation, with so many people inside, it would undoubtedly be stuffy and hot.
Knowing about danger and seeing danger with one's own eyes were two different things. They didn't understand the cruelty of life and death in an instant and felt it was more comfortable to be outside.
"The city gates will close in about half an hour. If we don't return home, Uncle Gu will surely send people to look for us," Yu Mingyue said with a smile, trying to soothe everyone.
Uncle Gu and Prime Minister Mo were close friends. Prime Minister Mo's token could allow passage out of the city and mobilize some of the Qianniu Guard forces.
Even if they couldn't send this letter out, the elite soldiers of the Qianniu Guard should notice something amiss.
There were tens of thousands of Northern Army soldiers outside the city. With them prepared, the rebel army's sneak attack would not succeed.
It was likely they wouldn't have a significant advantage in terms of numbers, which was why they chose a surprise attack.
"That's right, my father won't abandon us," Gu Youyou's spirits lifted.
She had invited them, so the Gu family would be responsible for them.
Upon hearing this, the young ladies' expressions relaxed. It was good that someone would come to pick them up.
Yu Mingyue didn't want the atmosphere to be too tense. All those present were young ladies unfamiliar with the world. If their emotions weren't calmed first, they would panic before the rebels even made a move.
"Tingyun, does the villa have a map of this area?" Jing Zhan asked.
"Probably not. What do you need a map for?" Gu Tingyun asked, puzzled.
Jing Zhan shook his head and said no more. Gu Tingyun, knowing his reserved nature, didn't press further.
Yu Mingyue noticed Jing Zhan looking thoughtful, but since he always had a cold expression, no one thought much of it.
"Brother Jing Zhan, if you don't need extreme precision, I can draw a simple map," Yu Mingyue said with a smile.
Gu Tingyun quickly chimed in, "Yes, Sister Mingyue can. I almost forgot, the Yu family has an innate sense of direction. They can create a map of any place they've been to."
"Then I'll have to trouble Sixth Lady," Jing Zhan cupped his hands towards Yu Mingyue.
Yu Mingyue quickly drew a map of the Phoenix Mountain area from memory. After looking at it, Jing Zhan's doubts were further confirmed, and his brow furrowed slightly.
"What happened? Brother Jing Zhan, please tell us," Yu Mingyue asked.
"I'm not sure if my guess is correct," Jing Zhan paused for a moment before continuing, "I fear they intend to attack the Seventh Prince."