Qiao Chu

Although the officials had stopped arresting Chu Lan's family, they were strictly confined under surveillance at Qiao Mountain Academy, so Chu Tang did not return home.

Initially wandering aimlessly, she later received news from Chu Zhao and settled down in Pingyang Prefecture with peace of mind.

"I originally intended to go up the mountain," Chu Tang said, "but since the court's earlier bandit suppression clearly indicated they knew everyone's identities, going up the mountain would be unsafe."

A Le stood guard by the door and retorted upon hearing this: "Nonsense! It's clearly because Miss A-Tang couldn't bear the hardship and refused to go, using those words to scare Xiao Tu."

Chu Tang didn't deny it, smiling as she replied: "Who said fleeing must involve suffering? After being imperial relatives for so many years, we shouldn't have endured it for nothing."

The small bundle Chu Tang kept ready at all times was filled with jewelry - carefully selected from imperial rewards and gifts received over the years. They were valuable, lightweight, easily portable pieces that couldn't be traced back to their identities when sold separately.

She had always prepared for danger in times of peace, putting considerable thought into her escape route.

Thus, although they were fugitives, they never lacked food or clothing. Upon entering Pingyang Prefecture, she even acquired a shop and became its proprietor.

By now, the commotion across the street had subsided, and with the sound of footsteps, the officials had moved to other areas.

Chu Zhao pushed open the window, looking across at the Ximo Pavilion.

"I thought you'd open a bustling restaurant," she said with a laugh.

Chu Tang leaned against the window gazing opposite: "Busy restaurants can gather information, but quiet establishments for calligraphy, painting, chess and music can also obtain intelligence."

Before the Proclamation appeared in the prefecture, Chu Tang had already learned about it from a young woman's account, even managing to transcribe the Proclamation's content on the spot.

"Look," she slightly lifted her chin toward a woman emerging from Ximo Pavilion. A maid was placing a footstool before an approaching ornate carriage while another held a parasol to shield her from the sun. The woman frowned slightly, looking down at a paper in her hand as if deep in thought. "That's the prefect's third daughter."

Chu Zhao smiled faintly: "I've always said, A-Tang, I can trust you to handle things properly."

A Le added from the side: "Actually, it's Young Master Xue doing all the work. Miss A-Tang just gives directions without lifting a finger."

Young Master Xue was the husband Chu Tang had brought along in her escape.

Chu Tang smiled: "That's because I have an eye for talent." Then she set aside casual conversation, asking: "What are you planning? To seize Pingyang Prefecture?"

As she spoke, she glanced outside.

The prefect's third daughter had already boarded her carriage and departed, surrounded by numerous servants front and back.

"Although I own this shop, I never make personal appearances and have no contact with this young lady."

"However, I could visit the prefect's residence under the pretext of delivering books. Xiao Tu could pose as a laborer, and when the time comes, we could subdue the prefect—"

Just like they had dealt with Xiao Xun before, Chu Tang's eyes sparkled as she made a throat-slitting gesture.

Chu Zhao laughed heartily and shook her head.

"No need, no need. Capturing the prefect and occupying Pingyang City would inevitably lead to a major battle, which wouldn't benefit our situation."

"I came here not to persuade officials to surrender, but to borrow a path."

Borrow a path? Chu Tang looked at her.

"I'm going to the capital," Chu Zhao said.

Chu Tang understood - everyone thought the Empress was still in Yunzhong Commandery, but appearing suddenly in the capital would catch them off guard. They might even manage to put a blade to Xie Yanfang's throat—

But—

"Alone?" Chu Tang asked calmly.She was well aware that the time she had held a blade to Xiao Xun’s neck, though it seemed straightforward, had actually been the result of a perfect alignment of timing, location, and circumstances.

Xie Yanfang was an even more formidable figure than Xiao Xun.

For Chu Zhao alone, or even with a few companions, it would be absolutely impossible to get close to Xie Yanfang.

Chu Zhao said, "I’ll bring thirty thousand troops."

Thirty thousand—that was more manageable. Chu Tang breathed a sigh of relief, but the next moment, her tension returned.

"Thirty thousand!" Her eyes widened. "How do you plan to secure passage?"

For one person, ten people, or even a few dozen, moving quietly and undetected would be no problem.

But thirty thousand! And with weapons in tow—there was no way to move without drawing attention!

Chu Zhao smiled. "That’s exactly why I’ve come to you for ideas."

Chu Tang covered her face with a fan. "If you ask me, we might as well surrender."

Chu Zhao replied, "If we truly run out of options, that might not be a bad idea. If I surrender and am escorted to the capital, the officials’ attention will be drawn to me, giving the others a chance to slip through unnoticed."

This time, A Le didn’t nod in agreement but sighed bitterly. "Miss, please don’t joke about this."

"No, let her joke," Chu Tang said, lowering her fan. "If she can still joke, it means she really has a plan."

Chu Zhao grinned. "Earlier, Deng Yi and I discussed at length and found the fastest route." She dipped her finger in water and traced a winding path on the table.

Chu Tang made a sound of acknowledgment, watching her movements while feeling something was off.

Deng Yi? That name sounded familiar.

Was he another mountain bandit?

The thought flashed through her mind, but Chu Zhao had already continued speaking.

"By water, through the boat guild."

Chu Tang’s expression cleared. "I see. You plan to seek passage from the Tan family in Pingyang Prefecture."

……

……

Inside the prefectural city, inspections were underway everywhere. On the main roads, troops galloped back and forth, and the city gates were heavily guarded, with strict checks on everyone entering and exiting. As a result, all four gates were crowded with people.

A carriage, escorted by over a dozen servants, sped toward the gate.

"The city is indeed under tight surveillance," the lead servant remarked.

They were clearly aware of the current situation, but they didn’t slow their pace. Surprisingly, the crowded crowd parted to make way for them.

"It’s the Tan family."

"Members of the Tan family."

Amid the murmurs and whispers, the group quickly reached the city gate. The guards, who had been meticulously inspecting carts, horses, and even baskets, paused when they saw them.

"Seventh Master Tan is back," the city guard officer, who had been standing lazily to the side, hurried forward to greet them. "You’ve been away for about seven or eight days, haven’t you?"

The carriage curtain lifted, revealing a slightly plump middle-aged man inside. He nodded briefly in response to the officer’s question and asked, "Has the unrest reached us here as well?"

The city guard officer replied respectfully, "Things are relatively calm here. No abnormalities have been detected."

Seventh Master Tan let the curtain fall and proceeded through the gate into the city.

"Seventh Master," a servant outside the carriage asked, "Shall we stop by the shop or head straight home?"

A voice came from inside the carriage, "First, go see my elder brother. Have the banner leaders come to the residence to meet me."

The servant acknowledged the order, and the group whipped their horses, speeding through the streets.

Chu Tang stood by the window, gently fanning herself as she looked down. "When we entered Pingyang Prefecture, we encountered Tan family boats transporting goods—eighteen of them, dominating the entire river. Later, at the ferry, we inquired and learned that this was just the fleet of one banner under the Tan family. Xiao Tu was so astonished he gasped. What did he say?"

A Le added from the side, "He said, 'They’re practically river pirates.'""The Tan family's ancestors were boatmen who passed down secret shipbuilding techniques. Over a century of proliferation, they became a local powerhouse, navigating between merchants, government officials, and even bandits along the routes," said Chu Zhao, clearly having researched the Tan family as well.

Chu Tang added, "The current head is the eldest Tan master, who holds the shipbuilding secrets. Unfortunately, he only has one daughter. Local rumors say the Tan family disrupted the river's feng shui, and with inevitable drownings during voyages, they incurred the wrath of river gods and water ghosts, suffering a curse. Despite having multiple wives and concubines, they lost five children in succession. Only after the Tan wife renounced the world to become a nun did they finally gain a daughter."

"Such a precious daughter—" Chu Zhao said, "Are you confident in drawing her out?"

Chu Tang waved an invitation card with a smile. "How prescient of me! I've been building connections here early on. The reputation of the Ximo Pavilion literary gathering has just begun to rise. Not long ago, Miss Tan's maid came to buy a collection of essays. Though she didn't visit in person, I believe she'll be interested in the upcoming gathering."

Chu Zhao laughed. "That's why I've said it before—I trust you to handle things, A-Tang."

Chu Tang accepted the praise without modesty, then noticed Chu Zhao reaching to touch her own face.

"What a pity," she sighed softly.

"What's pitiful?" Chu Tang asked, puzzled.

Gazing at the bustling street, Chu Zhao said, "It's a pity I'm not as good-looking as Xie Yanfang."

Chu Tang was startled. Why think of Xie Yanfang now? And compare appearances? She studied Chu Zhao and hummed, "You are indeed less beautiful than him." Then she couldn't hold back a laugh. "But what if you were more beautiful?"

Chu Zhao also laughed. Yes, even if she were more beautiful, she still couldn't seduce another man's daughter.