Liao Zhibing, Jingzhe, and the others had all witnessed the devastation of shattered lands during the Great Yan Dynasty, and they deeply understood the danger of their current situation.

Although the Princess Consort appeared composed, their group was ultimately trapped within the government office.

It was fortunate that the government office’s courtyard walls were tall and sturdy. If this had been an ordinary residence, the people outside would have long since broken in.

However, even so, with just the few people inside the government office, trying to resist Lu Heng’s forces was like reaching for the sky. Right now, they still wanted to capture Qin Yining alive, which was why they weren’t launching a full assault. But if they stopped caring about Qin Yining’s life and death, they would probably use fire oil, and not a single person among them would survive.

“Princess Consort, please don’t try to persuade us anymore. None of us will leave your side,” Ji Yun said, wiping the blood droplets on her cheeks with a handkerchief and grinning mischievously. “If the Princess Consort can’t bear it, just reward us with a good feast later.”

“Exactly so.” The four Blue Sky Alliance members led by Liao Zhibing all nodded in agreement.

With thousands upon thousands of troops outside, Lu Heng would soon learn of her presence here and would certainly order this place to be heavily surrounded. He might even use every possible means to force them to hand her over. Yet in such perilous circumstances, none of the people beside her had abandoned her.

Warmth filled Qin Yining’s heart, and her gaze became even more resolute.

She had to find a way out for those around her. She absolutely could not let them lose their lives here. She never wanted to witness another tragedy like what happened to Sakurai.

Lu Weigui led his attendants and secretaries on a patrol around the government office, instructing his subordinates to remain extremely vigilant. He also tirelessly repeated Qin Yining’s earlier analysis to the constables and bailiffs who hadn’t been present.

Huichuan was very close to the capital. His Majesty would certainly act swiftly and would never let the rebels go unpunished. Reinforcements would arrive soon!

With this thought, even though danger loomed before them, everyone’s spirits lifted. At least they didn’t have to hold out indefinitely—they could give their all until the moment reinforcements arrived.

Lu Weigui bowed respectfully and said, “Princess Consort, why don’t you rest for now? This humble official will have someone prepare some food.”

Qin Yining nodded and walked aside with Lu Weigui, asking in a low voice, “How many days’ worth of food is there in the government office?”

Lu Weigui smiled bitterly, lowering his voice even further: “If everyone eats only thin porridge for every meal, all the people in the entire office could barely last half a month.”

But if they ate only thin porridge for every meal, the constables and bailiffs in the government office would likely become weak all over. How would they be able to fight then?

They were now like people trapped on an isolated island, surrounded on all sides by endless seawater, with no food, no fresh water, completely cut off and unable to see any way out or hope.

Qin Yining lowered her long lashes, then smiled. “There’s no need to be so pessimistic. When His Majesty learns of the situation here, he will certainly send people immediately. If the Five Military Camps’ cavalry sets out, they could arrive at the city gates in just one day. It’s right to conserve food, but there’s no need to worry too much. In the meantime, we’ll look for opportunities to find ways to obtain more provisions.”

“The Princess Consort speaks truly.” Lu Weigui thought this made sense, and his heart relaxed slightly. “This humble official will immediately arrange for the family members to move out from the inner quarters. Please wait a moment, Princess Consort.”

“No need for such trouble.” Qin Yining smiled and waved her hand. “I still want to listen to the situation outside. Staying in the outer courtyard is just right. Governor Lu, just find any room for me to rest.”

Lu Weigui felt this was inappropriate and discussed it further with Qin Yining. But seeing that her mind was made up and that she didn’t seem like she would be angry about it, he abandoned the idea. He found a clean side room and had it tidied up, then invited Qin Yining’s group to rest there temporarily.

Jingzhe and the others naturally refused to leave Qin Yining’s side and stayed in a room next to hers. Moreover, people were arranged to take turns standing guard outside Qin Yining’s door to prevent any thoughtless person in the government office from offending her.

While Qin Yining and her people were taking turns resting, outside the government office, Lu Heng had already arrived with his men.

“Family Head, Princess Consort Zhongshun has been confirmed to be inside. This subordinate saw clearly just now.”

Lu Heng pressed his thin lips together, his handsome and scholarly face no longer bearing its usual gentle smile.

“How difficult it must be for her, getting caught up in trouble again.” Lu Heng’s lips curved upward slightly in a cold smile. “Go, tell the people inside to take good care of the Princess Consort. When I lead the attack, make sure to leave the Princess Consort with an intact corpse.”

Lu Wenru and the other accompanying guards all knew of Lu Heng’s feelings for Qin Yining, and they were all shocked.

Lu Wenru hesitated and said, “Master, please don’t speak in anger. If Princess Consort Zhongshun really perishes, you… sigh!”

Lu Wenru ultimately didn’t finish his words.

Did everyone know that he admired the Qin woman but couldn’t have her? Did everyone know that he couldn’t bear to kill the Qin woman, and that even if he did kill her, he would regret it?

Lu Heng laughed self-mockingly. It showed just how much of a failure he was.

Everyone knew that he was deeply infatuated with Qin Yining, yet she refused to appreciate his feelings.

“Forget it. You all take your men to the wealthy households in the city first.” Lu Heng took out a list from his sleeve and handed it to Lu Wenru.

Having served as magistrate in this place, Lu Heng knew like the back of his hand which local families were wealthy.

“Break into their homes and distribute their wealth and grain stores to the common people in the city.”

Lu Wenru nodded. “Yes, but if we encounter resistance…”

“Then ask them whether they want their money or their lives. If they don’t want their lives, then grant their wish.”

“Yes, this subordinate will arrange it immediately.”

Lu Wenru quickly departed with his men.

Lu Heng then slowly stepped up the stone steps and stood beside the complaint drum, casually picking up the drumstick and striking it several times.

As soon as the drum sounded, everyone in the government office immediately tensed up, all tiptoeing to the courtyard to peer outside. Some constables and bailiffs carefully observed the high walls, afraid that someone might climb over.

Lu Heng said, “Princess Consort Zhongshun, I know you’re in there. Who would have thought that you would now collude with the court’s lackeys? Have you forgotten all the past events? Such behavior truly disgusts me.”

Qin Yining had just washed her face and changed into clean clothes. Her hair wasn’t yet properly arranged and was only tied with a hair ribbon. At this moment, she slowly walked to the door, her delicate brows slightly furrowed.

She didn’t respond, but Lu Weigui spoke first: “Rebellious traitor! You claim to act for the people, but you’re really doing it for yourself! Aren’t you afraid of being mocked by everyone under heaven? Or do you take everyone for fools!”

Lu Heng snorted with laughter. “Governor Lu is quite stubborn, still talking tough when death is at your door. Fine, I’ll give you time to consider. Think carefully about your wife, children, and elderly parents. As long as you hand over Princess Consort Zhongshun, I guarantee I won’t harm your family, or even anyone in the government office. As long as they don’t resist stubbornly, I’ll spare their lives and let them live as ordinary citizens.”

“You’re dreaming!” Lu Weigui roared in anger.

Lu Heng laughed heartily. “Governor Lu, think carefully. Is it worth sacrificing your family for a stranger, for a dim-witted ruler who only cares about himself and not the people? I’m not asking you to do anything else. Just open the main gate, hand over Princess Consort Zhongshun, hand over the official seal, and I’ll immediately lift the siege of the government office. I haven’t laid a finger on the common people in the city, and I won’t necessarily go on a killing spree here either.”