Everyone was immersed in their own thoughts. In the quiet night, even though Qin Yining’s voice wasn’t loud, it reached the ears of those both inside and outside the gate.

Lu Heng’s heart stirred, and he unconsciously stepped forward, almost pressing against the government office’s main gate.

She had agreed—she had truly agreed!

He knew Qin Yining was someone who understood how to assess the situation. Her kind heart would never allow her to watch others die protecting her. He knew his threats would work.

Lu Heng took several deep breaths, doing his utmost to keep his voice calm so as not to lose face.

“Princess Consort Zhongshun is indeed a wise person. Since that’s the case, please come out.”

“Princess Consort!”

Ji Yun was extremely worried and grabbed Qin Yining’s arm. Jingzhe and the others also surrounded Qin Yining, their intention to stop her obvious.

Lu Weigui and the others felt their faces burning with shame. Watching a woman step forward because of their momentary cowardice made them feel as if they had been severely slapped.

If a woman could face such a situation with composure, why couldn’t they? Were they inferior to a woman?

“Princess Consort, you cannot go.” Lu Weigui strode forward and said passionately, “At this critical moment, pushing you out and using you to exchange for everyone’s safety—how could we do such a thing? Even if we survive today, what face would we have to walk outside in the future? Would we want people to remember us as those who pushed you out as a scapegoat while we cowered in the back?”

Some of the constables and bailiffs nodded, showing that in their internal struggle, some men had chosen dignity and were prepared to risk everything. But others remained silent, clearly disagreeing with Lu Weigui’s approach.

Qin Yining observed everything and formed her own thoughts.

If she didn’t go out, internal strife among the people in the government office was inevitable. When their own people were restless internally, they couldn’t possibly defend this place. If Lu Heng then forced his way in, many would likely lose their lives. It was better to arrange everything properly and simply go with Lu Heng.

Qin Yining knew of Lu Heng’s feelings for her, so she was certain he wouldn’t immediately kill her. As long as she remained alive, there would still be hope for everything thereafter. She believed Pang Xiao now knew of her predicament and would certainly come to rescue her immediately.

Qin Yining waved her hand to signal everyone to be quiet, then looked at Lu Weigui and said, “Governor Lu need say no more. My mind is made up.” She then looked at Jingzhe, Liao Zhibing, and the others: “You need only follow my instructions.”

The men clenched their fists tightly, gritting their teeth and looking at Qin Yining with worry.

Ji Yun said, “Since master insists on this, then this servant will accompany you.”

Qin Yining shook her head and frowned, “What would you go for? Stay here obediently.”

“No. This servant has grown accustomed to serving the Princess Consort personally. If I were to leave you, I truly couldn’t adapt. Since the Princess Consort has decided, then this servant will accompany you and can continue to serve you personally. Presumably, Family Head Lu wouldn’t object either.”

Lu Heng, listening to the vague conversation inside, heard Ji Yun’s words clearly and couldn’t help but laugh, “No need. I’ll arrange for servants. Just come out yourself. As for those who follow you, I won’t keep them easily, so I advise you not to bring anyone, lest something happen and I go on a killing spree, causing you additional grief.”

Ji Yun’s face turned ashen as she gritted her teeth and cursed under her breath.

Qin Yining walked to the government office’s main gate with a face dark as water. The gatekeeper immediately stepped aside, looking at Qin Yining with some admiration but more guilt.

Jingzhe and the others caught up, staying close by Qin Yining’s side.

Lu Weigui, the local deputy magistrate, and Lu Weigui’s secretary all had serious expressions but didn’t immediately try to stop her.

Qin Yining knew this was human nature—seeking benefit and avoiding harm was normal. She wasn’t surprised by such a scene, especially since the others hadn’t demanded she be handed over; she had volunteered herself.

Qin Yining opened the gate.

As the wooden door creaked open with a squeak, the gap gradually widened, and Qin Yining appeared in Lu Heng’s sight wearing a slate azure plain narrow-sleeved fitted jacket, her dark hair loosely arranged, beautiful and serene.

Lu Heng immediately stepped forward. If not for all the people around, he would certainly have embraced Qin Yining fiercely, confining her so she had no thought of resistance.

But now wasn’t the time.

Qin Yining stood before Lu Heng and, by the bright lamplight, clearly observed the situation in front of the government office.

Many common people had taken straw mats and made beds in street corners.

Others were trying to strike up conversations with the rebel soldiers patrolling the city.

Qin Yining looked at Lu Heng with a half-smile, his face showing joy, and said, “We haven’t seen each other for many days. Family Head Lu has become even more thoughtful.”

“You flatter me.” Lu Heng heard that Qin Yining was mocking him, and anger immediately surged within him. What he hated most was losing face in front of Qin Yining. But looking at her beautiful face and graceful figure that exuded charm with every gesture, all of Lu Heng’s anger vanished.

Such a beauty, and one he had forced to come out—it would be strange if she faced him calmly upon seeing him. A few sarcastic remarks didn’t matter.

Lu Heng turned and instructed his followers, “Someone, prepare a carriage.”

Lu Wenru quickly responded loudly and began making arrangements.

The soldiers under Lu Heng’s command who had surrounded the government office were all silent as death, craning their necks to see clearly what Princess Consort Zhongshun, whom their master had obtained through threats and inducements, actually looked like.

Qin Yining remained unmoved and said, “Since Family Head Lu has promised, you should be able to keep your word, correct?”

Lu Heng smiled at Qin Yining, his voice incredibly gentle, “Rest assured, since I’ve promised you, how could I fail to deliver? Would I want you to harbor resentment toward me afterward? Since you’re willing to come with me, I absolutely won’t touch a hair on these people around you. You can be completely at ease about this.”

“That’s good then.” Qin Yining walked toward Lu Heng.

“Princess Consort!” Ji Yun quickly caught up but was blocked by Lu Heng’s soldiers with drawn blades at the government office entrance.

Lu Heng didn’t even glance at Ji Yun and the others blocked at the entrance, only watching Qin Yining’s graceful figure as she walked toward him, seeming to bloom like lotus flowers with each step.

Lu Weigui and the others’ faces had already turned purple with shame, wishing they could find a hole to crawl into.

Just then, a loud boom suddenly echoed through the night sky. It wasn’t thunder or anything else, but a sound from the direction of the city gate—a muffled sound as if some heavy object was striking the city gate.

Lu Heng’s expression became stern, but he didn’t move immediately.

Lu Wenru ran up quickly, “Family Head, it seems someone outside the city is attacking. This subordinate will send people to see whose forces have arrived.”

So quickly? Qin Yining felt both shocked and delighted. Although she hadn’t investigated, she already guessed in her heart that it must be court forces attacking. If Lu Heng had to lead people to resist the court’s suppression, he would have no time to deal with her situation!

Thinking of this, Qin Yining turned to walk back.

Lu Heng was quick-eyed and fast-handed, immediately grabbing Qin Yining’s slender wrist and pulling her into his embrace, his arms tightly encircling her delicate waist, “Where do you think you’re going? Hmm?”