Lu Weigui clenched both fists tightly, trembling uncontrollably all over. His jaw was tense from gritting his teeth, clearly engaged in an intense internal struggle.
Qin Yining stood quietly to one side. Seeing Lu Weigui in such a state, she felt no dissatisfaction in her heart. After all, when family lives were involved, struggle and hesitation were inevitable. From Lu Weigui’s perspective, Lu Heng’s words weren’t unreasonable at all. She was indeed a stranger, and if handing her over could truly spare everyone’s lives, it would be an excellent deal.
Qin Yining knew that those around her were utterly loyal and would rather sacrifice themselves than hand her over in times of danger. But Lu Weigui and his subordinates might not think the same way.
“What a clever psychological attack.” Qin Yining sighed softly, her long brows slightly furrowed, understanding and worry evident in her clear eyes.
If all the others in the government office harbored such thoughts, they wouldn’t need to wait for Lu Heng to act—they would turn on each other first.
Qin Yining’s voice wasn’t loud, but Lu Weigui heard her clearly. He suddenly came to his senses, his tightly clenched fists abruptly relaxing as he shouted loudly: “You rebellious traitor! Just when the court faces danger, instead of serving loyally, you engage in such opportunistic pillaging! How utterly despicable! We can’t be bothered to listen to the words of a villain like you! Even if we die, I won’t let you have your way!”
“How unnecessary.” Lu Heng smiled, the curve of his lips full of mockery. “I thought Governor Lu was a clever man, but it turns out you’re also a fool. Tell me, are you trying to serve the court, the incompetent ruler, or the people? Hmm?”
His voice carried clearly into the courtyard through the gate. Lu Weigui was stumped by the question, his neck stiff, and only after a long while did he roar with a flushed face: “Stop spouting nonsense! I won’t believe your words!”
“Believe it or not, as you wish.” Lu Heng said loudly. “I’m giving you time to consider. If you can’t hand over Princess Consort Zhongshun within two hours, I’ll order my men to storm the government office. Think carefully—can you few people hold it? When that time comes, I won’t show mercy!”
After speaking, Lu Heng casually tossed the drumstick aside, turned around, and walked down the stone steps with his hands behind his back.
The government office courtyard remained silent for a long time. Everyone, including Qin Yining, strained their ears to listen for sounds outside the gate. They could only hear the wind blowing and leaves rustling, making the surroundings seem even quieter and their hearts more anxious.
For a long time, no sounds came from outside the gate. Lu Heng seemed to truly be giving them time to think. Only then did Qin Yining slowly walk to Lu Weigui’s side and say with a smile, “Governor Lu needn’t be so troubled. We’ll do our best to defend this place, but if we fail, handing me over would be acceptable.”
Qin Yining had already washed and removed the disguise ointment Xie Yue had given her. Her skin had regained its usual fair luster, and her plain clothing made her brows appear like distant mountains and her lips like cinnabar. This smile was truly as radiant as peach blossoms.
Lu Weigui stared in stunned silence, his face reddening as he quickly lowered his head and bowed, saying righteously: “Princess Consort, please don’t say such things. We who receive the court’s salary should serve His Majesty with all our heart and effort. That man surnamed Lu’s actions are absolutely intolerable! Our inability to capture the rebel shows our incompetence, but if we were to hand the Princess Consort over to the rebel, we would lose not only our competence but also the most basic human virtue. Please don’t mention this matter again, Princess Consort.”
Lu Weigui’s voice was resonant, causing the constables to feel their blood boil with excitement. A true man has principles about what he will and won’t do, and many felt ashamed of their momentary wavering earlier.
But Qin Yining knew that since they had experienced that moment of doubt, turning coat when danger struck was only a matter of time. This was only human nature—she couldn’t blame them.
It was time to think of another escape route.
Qin Yining exchanged a few more pleasantries with Lu Weigui before returning to her room.
Jingzhe left only two people to guard the door while the rest followed her inside.
Ji Yun’s pretty face was deathly pale as she anxiously whispered: “Princess Consort, this servant sees that the situation looks bad. If Lu Heng really leads an assault on the government office after two hours, those people might truly hand you over.”
“Yes, Princess Consort. I just carefully observed the surroundings and found that all those people seem to be wavering. Why don’t we try to escape while there’s still chaos?”
Liao Zhibing said anxiously: “But trying to escape now would be like reaching for the sky. The city is in chaos. Listen to the commotion outside the walls—there must be at least eight hundred if not a thousand people out there waiting for us to emerge.”
Everyone was at their wit’s end.
Qin Yining thought for a moment and said: “This indeed isn’t the right time to break out. Lu Heng wants to capture me, so he’s certainly positioned people at all possible exit points in every direction, just waiting for me to walk into his trap. For now, staying in the government office is still safest.”
Looking up at the group, Qin Yining consoled them: “However, I also know that even if Lu Heng captures me, he won’t take my life. Right now, if we can defend the government office, we’ll give our all to defend it. But if we truly fail and Lu Heng’s people break in, you needn’t fight them to the death. I’ll pretend to be captured, and you should find a way to follow and know my whereabouts so the Prince’s large forces can come rescue me.”
Xiao Xue pressed her lips together and said: “Princess Consort, we absolutely won’t hand you over to that man surnamed Lu.”
“Yes, Alliance Leader.” Meng Qin was also anxious. “What kind of talk is this? In times of danger, how could we just watch you be taken away? Even if we risk our lives, we must…”
“This small matter isn’t worth risking lives over.” Qin Yining interrupted Meng Qin’s words and said sternly: “It’s not a matter of life and death. If I’m captured, there’s still a chance of rescue, but if you risk your lives, there’s no chance of survival. Don’t forget your positions—you should follow my orders. This matter requires no further discussion. Do as I say.”
After giving her firm instructions, Qin Yining picked up her tea.
Everyone looked at each other, wanting to say a few more words of persuasion, but they all understood Qin Yining’s temperament—once she made a decision, she wouldn’t turn back. Moreover, they had no better solution at the moment.
In the blink of an eye, two hours had passed, and the sky had turned completely dark.
Unlike usual nights when lights were extinguished at curfew, the city was unusually lively tonight. From atop the government office’s high walls, one could still see lights shining from outside.
The city seemed exceptionally bustling, and no longer could they hear the crying and shouting of common people. Qin Yining even heard someone laughing.
Lu Heng came before the government office gate and asked with a smile in his voice: “Well, have you thought it through? Hand over Princess Consort Zhongshun, and everything will be resolved. Otherwise, you’ll become wronged souls under the blade. You should still think about your elderly and children at home, and calculate whether losing your lives for an unrelated person is worth it.”
The government office was deathly silent—no one spoke.
Qin Yining led her people to the courtyard and saw Lu Weigui with his face wrinkled in worry, gripping his fists with deep resentment.
The constables were even worse off—several who held knives had their arms hanging naturally at their sides, having completely lost their fighting spirit.
Qin Yining sighed softly, knowing that today she would inevitably fall into Lu Heng’s hands. She could either walk out herself or be captured after so many lives were lost. Since the outcome was the same capture, the former carried a smaller cost.
“I’ll go with you.” Qin Yining’s gentle voice carried through the night wind beyond the government office’s main gate.