Although Xiong Jinshui thought this way, he dared not say much. The Emperor ruled absolutely, and as a small eunuch, being able to perform his duties well and preserve his life was already difficult enough – where would he find the leisure to care about other matters? No matter what Prince Zhongshun thought or what arrangements he had made, as long as things appeared proper on the surface, Xiong Jinshui wouldn’t pay much attention. He only needed Prince Zhongshun to return to Huichuan County with him so he could complete his mission.

As for Prince Zhongshun’s side, if he revealed nothing at all, should something happen in the future, he might inevitably be resented.

Perhaps he should reveal something slightly, under the premise of not affecting his mission?

Thinking of this, Xiong Jinshui smiled even more sincerely: “Your Highness, the Emperor presumably wants to ask you about some matter. The Emperor has always valued Your Highness highly – perhaps he does have assignments to arrange for you.”

Having mingled in court and society for many years, Pang Xiao naturally understood the meaning in Xiong Jinshui’s words.

It seemed his judgment was correct – the Emperor indeed wanted to question him about the treasure matter. As for arranging assignments for him, that was completely the eunuch’s own speculation, because he knew Earl Zhongyi had already been placed under house arrest.

Giving him this hope was just to prevent him from refusing to return to Huichuan County.

Pang Xiao found it quite amusing – truly worthy of being the Emperor’s chief companion, acting so cautiously.

“I see. Since the Emperor has instructed this, let’s depart quickly to avoid keeping the Emperor waiting.”

Upon hearing this, Xiong Jinshui’s face lit up with joy as he bowed with a smile: “Your Highness’s loyalty to the Emperor is truly admirable!”

“Not at all. Eunuch Xiong’s daily dedication at the Emperor’s side is what’s truly admirable.”

After the two politely complimented each other, Pang Xiao instructed Tang Xiu to tell the ceremonial guard to prepare for departure.

Xiong Jinshui naturally hoped to reach Huichuan County as quickly as possible, so he didn’t consider the problem of the late hour – even if it was late, they could just sleep under the open sky for a night.

However, when the group was fully equipped and ready to depart, Xiong Jinshui noticed that Pang Xiao hadn’t brought his family members.

“Your Highness? Why don’t I see the Princess Consort accompanying us?” Xiong Jinshui asked cautiously.

Pang Xiao said: “It’s quite unfortunate. A few days ago when this Prince’s health improved and I had nothing to do, my wife took the servants out to enjoy themselves. Her temperament is something Eunuch Xiong has probably heard about – she’s always restless. Right now I don’t even know where she’s taken people to wander.”

“This…” Xiong Jinshui hesitated somewhat.

He naturally knew that Prince Zhongshun’s consort was different from ordinary noble ladies. But if he didn’t bring the Princess Consort back this time, he wondered whether the Emperor would blame him.

After all, Xiong Jinshui knew very well why the Emperor had urgently summoned the Prince.

He couldn’t help but harbor some uneasy doubts: Could it be that the Prince knew this return wouldn’t go well and deliberately didn’t bring the Princess Consort?

After all, Prince Zhongshun’s regard for the Princess Consort was known throughout court and society. The couple now had no other relatives and depended on each other for survival. If Prince Zhongshun truly knew something, having the Princess Consort quickly escape was possible.

But although Xiong Jinshui’s mind churned with hundreds of speculations, in the end he only dared think about them in his heart and didn’t dare voice them aloud.

What kind of person was Prince Zhongshun? He was a ruthless character who killed without blinking and devoured people without spitting out bones. No matter what, Xiong Jinshui was just a eunuch, a servant – how dare he question a Prince?

Moreover, with Prince Zhongshun’s status, condescending to explain to him was already giving him tremendous face – he didn’t dare to be ungrateful.

Although his mind went through countless turns, it was only a matter of moments.

Seeing Xiong Jinshui’s behavior, Pang Xiao asked in a deep voice: “Actually, this Prince is also worried about the Princess Consort. Is the Emperor urgent about summoning this Prince for an audience? If not urgent, this Prince will send people out to search. Then my wife and I can have an audience together.”

Xiong Jinshui was so frightened his whole body shivered. If the search took too long and delayed serious business, wouldn’t the Emperor devour him alive!

“Your Highness, the Emperor indeed summoned Your Highness for an audience. This servant was only worried that when the Princess Consort returns from her outing and can’t find Your Highness, she might become anxious.”

“I see – this Prince misunderstood.” Pang Xiao smiled. “No matter. This Prince left maids and nannies to watch the house. The Princess Consort will naturally know when she returns.”

“Your Highness thinks thoroughly – this servant was overthinking. Your Highness, shall we depart now?” Xiong Jinshui didn’t want to offend this dangerous man and hurried to complete his mission.

Pang Xiao immediately nodded with a smile: “Naturally good. Let’s depart then.”

Xiong Jinshui immediately nodded and greeted the dozens of Five Army Camp soldiers who had come with him. Then he led Pang Xiao toward the carriage outside the gate.

The Prince’s ceremonial procession, like when entering the city, had now formed an imposingly long queue.

The people of Danfu County, having heard the news, all gathered around for the excitement. The roadsides and street corners were packed with people everywhere.

Seeing the Prince being escorted out by a court official, the people couldn’t help but whisper among themselves. Some bold ones even shouted: “Your Highness, are you returning to the capital?”

When one person asked, others immediately echoed: “Is Your Highness going back to handle business for the Emperor?”

“Your Highness is leaving just like this? Will you return to Danfu County?”

…

The people’s questions were sincere and heartfelt – they truly couldn’t bear to part with Pang Xiao. Compared to when Qin Yining had quietly investigated this place initially, the people’s attitude toward Pang Xiao now was like regarding him as their parent official.

This people’s admiration for Pang Xiao made Xiong Jinshui’s heart skip a beat.

Who would have thought that in such a short time, Prince Zhongshun could make the people of Danfu County respect him so much – this was truly a remarkable ability.

Xiong Jinshui became even more careful not to slight Pang Xiao. Prince Zhongshun possessed that kind of convincing charisma that sometimes even the Emperor couldn’t match.

Having just thought such dangerous thoughts, Xiong Jinshui quickly suppressed them.

After Pang Xiao waved farewell to the people, Xiong Jinshui helped him into the carriage.

Then the long ceremonial procession slowly left the county town under escort by dozens of Five Army Camp cavalry.

The people lined the roads to see them off. Because of Pang Xiao’s initial magnanimity and protection, their entire county had been spared punishment. Pang Xiao was their benefactor, and with their benefactor departing, many people spontaneously came to see him off. Some people even brought shoes, socks, dried food, pickled vegetables and other items from their homes, forcibly stuffing them into the hands of the generals in the procession.

Such an enthusiastic scene deeply shocked Xiong Jinshui and drew many people’s attention.

Just as Pang Xiao’s procession left the city gates, Qin Yining, Ji Yun, Xie Yue, Xu Weizhi and others also brought several members of the Azure Sky Alliance, along with the guards Pang Xiao had left for Qin Yining. After disguising themselves and changing their appearances, they quietly left the Prince’s mansion through back alleys, heading in the opposite direction and exiting Danfu County through another city gate.

“Madam, where are we going now?” Ji Yun wore a dark green fine cotton half-worn vest, her skin darkened somewhat, with two patches of red rubbed on her cheeks, dressed like a country girl.

Qin Yining wore a dark blue fine cotton jacket and a matching eight-panel skirt. Her hair was combed into a simple round bun, and she had used the ointment Xie Yue gave her on her face, neck and hands, making her complexion sallow and sickly, completely different from before.

“We’re now heading southwest, first to Jingang.”