The few bank notes inside were the savings that Yan Xiaoying and her father had accumulated over many years.

To put her brother at ease, she entrusted everything to Feng Qiyuan.

Feng Qiyuan accepted them somewhat uncertainly, his eyes welling up at Xiaoying’s words.

Xiaoying understood how daunting it would be for a bird accustomed to its cage to attempt flying out.

She wiped her brother’s tears and said softly, “A human life, shorn of its beginning and end, is just a few short decades. Are you willing to remain trapped in a palace without a single relative, your life and death at others’ mercy? Beyond the palace walls lie mountains and waters aplenty. I can’t promise every path will be smooth, but I know each one holds its unexpected delights. Life is like performing on stage—whether as a martial hero or a female lead, each role has its splendid techniques. But once you choose, it’s difficult to change. You’re luckier than those actors—you still have a choice. Since that’s the case, why not try?”

Hearing this, Feng Qiyuan felt extreme bitterness in his heart.

His sister described it lightly, but for a six-year-old child to kneel in the street, to be examined like a cat or dog—what kind of desolate, helpless childhood was contained in those few sentences? And all of this was caused by Mother Empress…

The young lady, the same age as himself, had risked everything to enter the palace to save him—a bravery that Feng Qiyuan couldn’t imagine but deeply admired.

He had his birth father waiting for him in the distance…

Holding the wooden box that felt as heavy as a thousand gold pieces, Feng Qiyuan looked at the face so similar to his own. After hesitating for a long while, he finally nodded tearfully, accepting Xiaoying’s arrangements.

Having convinced her brother, Xiaoying waved over her subordinate, who had been lying low in the capital.

His name was Feng Yi, an old subordinate of her adoptive father, Meng Zhun. Upon seeing Xiaoying, he urgently said: “Little General, there’s an important matter I’ve been waiting to tell you. The General issued orders long ago that once the Young Master is rescued, the Little General must immediately return with me!”

Xiaoying frowned, immediately guessing: “Has something happened to my adoptive father?”

Feng Yi’s expression was grave as he whispered, “General Meng intercepted grain and fodder that corrupt officials had embezzled and were planning to transfer. He distributed it to the people, but this attracted government troops, who surrounded and captured him. Fortunately, Little General, you rescued him. However, after returning from Yi City, while planning to relocate with his men, they were discovered and are now trapped at Mount Ding. The terrain there is complex, so the government troops couldn’t find them immediately and withdrew to surround the mountain. The General and his men have enough provisions to last for some time, but if the blockade continues for two more months into winter, our brothers will eventually starve to death!”

Xiaoying frowned, knowing she could no longer delay in the palace for her vendetta. After a moment’s thought, she asked, “You’ve lived in the capital for a long time. Do you know if there’s a suitable place nearby…”

She then whispered a few sentences in Feng Yi’s ear.

Feng Yi nodded and whispered back in Xiaoying’s ear…

Thus, after the convoy had successfully left the city, taking advantage of a turn around the foot of the mountain, Feng Yi and two subordinates took Feng Qiyuan and departed from the convoy. Following the mountain foothills, they disappeared into the dense forest.

Xiaoying lifted the carriage curtain, watching their retreating figures disappear. She felt a slight relief in her heart.

Her brother was finally completely rescued, and she could now sever some of her ties to the capital.

Originally, she had planned to return and settle scores after poisoning the Empress.

But with her adoptive father and his righteous army in danger, there was no time to delay. She had stayed in the capital too long, and today’s opportunity to leave the palace was rare. She had to make good use of it and quickly return to resolve the Mount Ding crisis.

At that moment, the carriage gradually came to a stop. They had arrived at General Ye’s camp outside the city.

Xiaoying was helped down from the carriage by Jian Hu. She turned to look at the young gentlemen who had come along.

The Second Prince was the most flamboyant, dressed in a thin hunting armor patterned with xiezhi designs, paired with a red-lined black cape and carrying a long sword, appearing exceptionally gallant.

He had brought many companions, who all surrounded the Second Prince, flattering him.

Around the Third Prince, apart from Mu Yanyan, several youths appeared to be from military families.

Only Feng Qiyuan, the Crown Prince, seemed solitary, with no one surrounding him.

The news of the Empress being confined to Phoenix Cry Palace by His Majesty had already spread throughout the palace.

It was said that the Tang family members, following Duke Jing Tang Hongsheng’s orders, had not appeared to plead for the Empress.

This signaled that the Tang family intended to distance themselves from the Empress. After all, everyone knew the Empress was Duke Jing’s illegitimate daughter and had never been favored by her father since childhood.

People were widely spreading rumors that after deposing the Empress, His Majesty’s next step would be to depose the Crown Prince.

And the only candidates to replace the Tang mother and son were the mother and son from the Western Palace.

Thus, the Second Prince’s popularity once again surged, and he was surrounded by admirers, essentially the next Crown Prince.

As for the other princes, each had their companions.

Rivaling Feng Qiyuan’s isolation was the Grand Prince who had just returned from the Desolate Palace. No one dared approach him, and even his guards kept their distance.

However, several noble young ladies who had come with their brothers were casting glances, intentionally or not, toward the Grand Prince.

This Grand Prince, rumored to have an affliction, had finally appeared in public. This madman, according to rumors, was… incredibly handsome!

Those sword-like eyebrows and handsome features, combined with the natural nobility that came with the Feng family, and his tall stature as he dismounted—his movements were sharp and agile.

Feng Yuan’s hair wasn’t bound in a topknot; it was tied only in a high ponytail that swayed casually in the air, giving him a carefree elegance. He wore an ordinary black hunting outfit with a simple style and matching waistband, emphasizing his broad shoulders and narrow waist.

The gloomy but handsome gentleman filled out his hunting clothes with his solid chest, looking more martial than the fully armed Second Prince.

Unfortunately, such a handsome appearance belonged to a madman! He would have episodes from time to time, and had nearly strangled someone to death before!

Although the Grand Prince now seemed much better, there was no guarantee he wouldn’t have another episode.

If one were to marry him, who knows when they might be strangled to death in bed? Thinking of this, the eligible young ladies changed their expressions, fearing they might be noticed by this madman and sent to fill his Xuanqing Palace.

So this dangerous, poisonous flower, though beautiful, was best admired from afar with a furtive glance or two.

When the Grand Prince passed through the crowd, some timid young ladies hurriedly moved aside. The area around him was like a ship cutting through waves, automatically clearing a path…

Xiaoying, preoccupied with her plans, discreetly followed the others in small groups toward the military camp after dismounting from the carriage.

Suddenly, a deep sigh came from beside her. Looking down, she saw the sixth prince, the little shadow.

Since Empress Tang had been confined, Little Six Feng Qiruo had been like a drifting weed without roots, with no one to care for him.

On such an occasion, he could only follow behind the Crown Prince like a shadow, carrying his small bow.

Xiaoying patted his head and suggested, “Go, play with the Third Prince and Miss Mu.”

Little Six found this reasonable. Now that he couldn’t stick to the Second Prince’s popular side, and the Crown Prince’s unpopular side was too cold, the Third Prince was probably easier to approach.

So, following the Crown Prince’s instructions, he took his small bow and went to display his childish obedience to Miss Mu.

Though the position of Crown Prince had not yet been revoked, everyone observed proper etiquette. At the entrance to the military camp, they naturally waited for Crown Prince Feng Qiyuan to enter first, all stopping to wait for the heir to enter the camp first.

General Yezhong had been waiting at the camp entrance early on. Seeing the Crown Prince, he performed a distant salute with clasped hands.

Unexpectedly, the Second Prince suddenly rushed forward several steps, greeting General Ye ahead of the Crown Prince.

Although General Yezhong came from humble origins, he was sworn brothers with His Majesty and was also the former National Uncle. He held a unique position in court circles. With his illustrious military achievements, yet without a prince to support in the palace, gaining General Yezhong’s support would bring numerous benefits.

The Second Prince was adept at social maneuvering and accustomed to such attention-seeking behavior.

On ordinary days, Xiaoying would have let the Second Prince have his way.

But today, she seemed unable to tolerate it. Seeing the Second Prince’s impropriety, she also rushed forward a couple of steps, forcefully bumping the Second Prince aside, and casually exchanged pleasantries with General Ye, telling him to forgo formalities.

The Second Prince had never imagined that his usually timid fourth brother would publicly humiliate him!

But with everyone watching, he couldn’t be too aggressive. He could only swallow his anger, waiting for the Crown Prince to exchange a few words before stepping in at an opportune moment. He lavished praise on General Ye’s glorious achievements, unobtrusively stealing the Crown Prince’s spotlight.

Xiaoying, pushed aside by the Second Prince, turned to look at Feng Yuan. He didn’t seem inclined to greet his maternal uncle, instead standing to one side, coldly fidgeting with his riding crop, appearing utterly bored.

After General Ye led these noble youths to a specially prepared training ground, he left them in the care of his deputy while addressing Feng Yuan: “Grand Prince, please follow me into the camp for a talk.”

Xiaoying noticed that Feng Yuan seemed impatient with his maternal uncle. He slightly clenched his fist, as if reminding himself to endure, and finally managed not to have an episode in public. Silently, he followed General Ye.

This training ground was much larger than the one in the palace, and the targets were diverse, including moving targets pulled by ropes, which greatly impressed these young lords and ladies.

From this point, everyone went their way, and the training ground was filled with laughter and chatter.

The Second Prince, somewhat triumphant, deliberately invited the Crown Prince to join him in an archery competition.

Earlier, when greeting General Ye, the two brothers had engaged in an undercurrent of rivalry, already developing some contention.

But the Crown Prince had never been good at archery. As usual, he declined with an excuse, only to be mocked by the Second Prince’s followers.

These people always acted according to the Second Prince’s mood. Now, sensing an opportunity, they immediately began jeering and stirring up trouble.

When Yan Xiaoying raised her slender arm and shot three consecutive arrows, all missing the target, the entire field erupted in laughter again.

Some even whispered mockingly, saying if it weren’t for Empress Tang, how could such an incompetent be the Crown Prince?

With such an effeminate manner, he wasn’t even fit to polish the Second Prince’s shoes!

The voice was too loud, causing the Crown Prince’s eyes to redden. The usually gentle Crown Prince rushed forward to push the noisy gentleman, shouting for the disrespectful youth to repeat himself.

But despite his fierce demeanor, he was easily dodged by the person. Unable to check his momentum, the Crown Prince fell heavily to the ground.

The Third Prince, who couldn’t bear to watch any longer—after all, Fourth Brother was still a son of the Feng family!

Although he often called Fourth Brother effeminate, it wasn’t for outsiders to discipline his brother.

So the bull-like prince left Mu Yanyan’s side and angrily rushed over to teach that dissolute gentleman a lesson.

Jin Zhong hurriedly ran to help the Crown Prince up, rolling up his sleeves, eager to join the Third Prince in confronting that person.

But both were stopped by the Second Prince. This Second Prince, Feng Qiting, had been smiling as a bystander all along. Seeing the Crown Prince fall flat on his face and the bull-headed Third Prince about to enter the fray, fearing his people might suffer, he finally stepped in with fake sincerity to mediate, handling it perfunctorily.

The Crown Prince, having suffered humiliation, found it hard to contain his frustration and was escorted to a pavilion by Jin Zhong.

Feng Qiyuan had always been poor at horseback riding and archery. Now, having been ridiculed and humiliated, it was quite normal for him not to return to the field. Thus, the young lords and ladies enjoying themselves didn’t particularly notice the Crown Prince’s absence.

After sitting in a soft chair and quietly sobbing for a while, the Crown Prince asked Jin Zhong to prepare some fruits and food.

Once they were alone, Xiaoying wiped away her tears and waved Jian Hu over, gesturing for her to come closer: “Sister, I have good news for you…”

Jian Hu, who had been as wilted as a scallion, brightened up completely upon hearing Xiaoying’s plans.

“You’re leaving and never coming back…” She hadn’t finished speaking before hurriedly covering her mouth, asking anxiously in a low voice, “Is this true?”

When Xiaoying nodded, Jian Hu let out a long breath of relief.

Praise be to the Jade Emperor and Guanyin Bodhisattva! At last, the day had come to respectfully send this plague god to heaven!

If it happened as this young lady said, then from now on, there would be no more Crown Prince in the palace, and she could finally put her heart back in her stomach and earn her monthly allowance in peace.

So when Xiaoying gave her instructions, she was exceptionally eager, quickly running back to the carriage to fetch paper, brush, ink, and inkstone for Xiaoying, as well as a cloak which she handed to her.

Xiaoying first wrote hurriedly, quickly composing a letter expressing her deep grievances. She also pleaded in the letter for her palace attendants to be spared by the Emperor. She then placed the letter on a nearby table, covered the soft chair with the cloak, and stuffed a cushion underneath.

From a distance, it looked as if someone was slumped in the chair, covered with a cloak and napping.

After arranging everything, she gave Jian Hu detailed instructions before silently leaving the training ground.

She had heard from Feng Yi that near this military camp there was a cliff, and below the cliff was a rushing stream—that would be the perfect place for the Crown Prince’s “ascension to heaven.”

With the Empress disfavored by His Majesty, and the youthful Crown Prince having just been bullied and mocked at the training ground, it would make perfect sense if he became despondent and jumped off a cliff.

Xiaoying was eager to return home. Taking advantage of her small frame, she slipped through a gap in the camp fence. After determining the direction, she rushed toward the cliff.

Upon reaching the cliff, she removed her outer garment and hung it on a nearby tree branch, then took off her shoes and placed them at the edge of the cliff.

Just as she finished these arrangements and was about to descend the cliff to follow Feng Yi and the others along the mountain path, she heard a surprised voice from behind: “Crown Prince, what are you doing?”

Xiaoying turned to look—the head of the shadow guards, Mu Hanjiang, had appeared out of nowhere with several guards, standing behind her in surprise.

This man was truly like a ghost, appearing from nowhere!

Hadn’t Yanyan said her brother had gone on official business in a neighboring county? How did he end up following her here?

At this point, Xiaoying found herself in a difficult position. Jian Hu should have already shown the Crown Prince’s suicide note to others.

Such a perfect way to die without leaving a corpse didn’t come easily—it was good that Mu Hanjiang had witnessed it. He could serve as a witness!

With this thought, Yan Xiaoying, who had originally planned to leave her clothes behind and quietly depart, decided to fully commit to the act. Taking a deep breath, she shouted at Mu Hanjiang: “Tell Father Emperor for me, in my next life, I will never be a prince!”

After shouting, she turned and leaped toward the cliff.

Feng Yi had said that as long as it wasn’t the rainy season, the water flow below wouldn’t be too rapid, and the downstream would be gentle.

After going down, she could swim to the shore and seize the opportunity to escape.

From now on, the name Feng Qiyuan could rest peacefully in the register of early-deceased imperial princes, and she and her brother would have no more worries.

The cliff was very high. As she leaped down, the wind whistled past her ears, like the cry of freedom.

But that cry of freedom was cut short halfway.

One of Xiaoying’s ankles was seized, and her entire body halted mid-air, then was violently slammed against the cliff face.

When her body hit the solid cliff, it was truly painful!

Xiaoying hung upside down awkwardly, struggling to look up, only to see a tall man in black hunting clothes hanging from the cliff with one hand, firmly gripping her ankle.

Feng Yuan? When had he come to interfere?

However, the cliff face was thin and clearly couldn’t support the weight of both of them. Seeing that they were about to slip together, Xiaoying could only shout: “Let go! Otherwise, we’ll both fall!”

But she forgot that Feng Yuan was a madman who dared to gamble with his life. Hearing her shout, the grip on her ankle only tightened, causing Xiaoying to cry out in pain.

At the crucial moment, Mu Hanjiang had stepped forward and firmly grasped Feng Yuan’s hand, working together with Gao Qi and other guards to pull them up.

Xiaoying despairingly felt her body being pulled up bit by bit, silently rolling her eyes.

Heaven above! She gave thanks to eighteen generations of Feng Yuan and Mu Hanjiang’s ancestors!

She didn’t give up, trying to break free by forcefully kicking. However, the hand gripping her ankle was like an iron clamp—even her kicks couldn’t make it let go.

With Gao Qi and the other guards’ assistance, before long, the willow-like youth was pulled up by the two men.

By now, more and more people were gathering at the cliff.

The scene was truly lively.

When news spread that the Crown Prince had attempted to jump off a cliff in despair, General Ye was alarmed and arrived with a large contingent of soldiers.

Jin Zhong ran up breathlessly. Seeing the Crown Prince unharmed, he had just begun to feel relieved, but hadn’t had time to speak when he heard Jian Hu beside him let out a desperate, shrill cry: “No—”

Then Jian Hu collapsed to the ground like a drained fish, pounding the earth and wailing loudly!

Jin Zhong was stunned—since when had such a strong competitor emerged in the race for the Crown Prince’s loyal servants?

Feeling outmatched, he quickly pinched his inner thigh hard and joined Jian Hu in prostrating himself on the ground, wailing loudly.

He cried out that his master must never leave him behind to go alone—even on the path to the Yellow Springs, Jin Zhong would remain by the Crown Prince’s side.

Amidst the cries of the two loyal servants calling to heaven and earth, Mu Hanjiang briefly examined the Crown Prince’s injuries.

The youth had likely struggled during the pull-up, scraping his arms and cheeks against the cliff face, resulting in some minor scratches.

Now lying on the ground, the youth’s hair was disheveled, his soft cheeks slightly puffed with emotion, his expression indignant—how to describe it? Like a delicate porcelain doll filled with molten lava, about to crack and overflow…

He wanted to extend his hand to carry the youth down the mountain. But the Grand Prince had already stepped forward to pick up the youth.

Feng Yuan said in a deep voice: “Let me handle this. This matter should not be publicized. You disperse those people.”

The Crown Prince’s despondent attempt to jump off a cliff was not something to be glorified, and there was no need for everyone to gather around.

Mu Hanjiang stood up and joined General Ye in instructing the guards to guide the young gentlemen who had rushed over to disperse quickly. He also admonished them that this concerned the imperial family’s face, and they must not speak loosely about today’s events to others.

When he turned around, he saw the youth in the Grand Prince’s arms, seemingly suffering a great injustice, eyes brimming with tears, expression hateful, hugging the Grand Prince’s neck and whispering, appearing to be complaining about his grievances to his elder brother…

Xiaoying was indeed complaining, but the content coming from her mouth was far too crude for the refined and elegant Young Master Mu to imagine!

After cursing half the Feng family genealogy, she finally managed to suppress her anger and asked: “How did you follow me here?”