Chapter 209: Devising a Strategy

Devising a Strategy

After quickly whispering a word to the little palace maid, Nie Jinxuan headed straight for Noble Consort Zhang's bedchamber. At this moment, Noble Consort Zhang had evidently heard the commotion outside, but she had not expected Nie Jinxuan to barge in to find her at such an hour.

"Uh... Jinxuan? Why have you come?"

Noble Consort Zhang was somewhat surprised. Yuzhu, who was attending to her, hurriedly helped Noble Consort Zhang up from the bed and draped a robe over her. But by now, Nie Jinxuan could no longer be concerned with such formalities; she raised her voice to dismiss the palace servants in the chamber, then walked quickly to Noble Consort Zhang's side and said,

"Noble Consort, something has happened."

"What is it?"

"It's Fengzhan!"

"Ah?"

Noble Consort Zhang had been startled awake in the middle of the night, and now, hearing Nie Jinxuan say that something had happened to Yin Fengzhan, even Noble Consort Zhang was somewhat bewildered by Nie Jinxuan. However, Noble Consort Zhang was still shrewd; after a brief moment, she recovered her composure. She cast a glance at Yuzhu, who immediately nodded and left the room to stand guard outside, preventing anyone from eavesdropping.

Once Yuzhu had left, Noble Consort Zhang pulled Nie Jinxuan to her side and asked in a deliberately lowered voice,

"Jinxuan, tell me slowly, what exactly is going on? Didn't Zhan'er return to his residence? How do you know something has happened to him?"

"Alas, Noble Consort, time is pressing, so I won't say much more. In short, Fengzhan never left the palace—or rather, he left, but he came back!"

Nie Jinxuan was burning with anxiety. She then briefly recounted the incident where she had stayed at Yongxin Palace and Yin Fengzhan had come to her in the middle of the night, injured.

"So, Noble Consort, when I came today, Fengzhan told me to stay here with you, saying he was coming to find me. I believe Fengzhan must be doing something again, just like last time. But Fengzhan never told me, and I don't know what is going on... But Noble Consort, just now, I heard that an assassin had appeared in the palace. The Emperor is furious; he has already ordered the palace gates sealed and is searching every palace one by one..."

"So you think the assassin the Emperor speaks of is Fengzhan?"

"Yes, Noble Consort. Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence? Furthermore, the little palace maid I asked just now said that even Empress Duan's bedchamber is not being spared. The Emperor is determined to get to the bottom of this!"

With her brows tightly furrowed, Nie Jinxuan looked anxious and grave. Upon hearing this, Noble Consort Zhang understood the full scope of the situation, and her expression grew increasingly solemn.

"Then, Jinxuan, you came to find me—how do you want me to help?"

"Yes, Noble Consort. I actually wanted to ask you: do you know why Fengzhan has been entering the palace repeatedly?"

Nie Jinxuan wanted to help, but first, she had to figure out what Yin Fengzhan was doing in the palace and where he had gone. Only then could she find him. Upon hearing this, Noble Consort Zhang pondered for a moment, and a flash of light crossed her eyes.

"Jinxuan, if I am not mistaken, Fengzhan must have gone to the Forbidden Grounds of the Imperial Palace!"

"Forbidden Grounds? What place is that?"

"It is a corner in the east of the inner palace, sealed for over twenty years. No one in the entire inner palace dares to step foot inside. Otherwise, regardless of the reason, they are executed on the spot by the Imperial Guards hidden in the shadows. Even Empress Duan is helpless against it! For all these years, only an old eunuch has been tending to that place; no one else knows anything about it!"

Mentioning the Forbidden Grounds, Noble Consort Zhang's expression grew even more grave. Watching her, Nie Jinxuan's brows twitched slightly.

"But surely you must know something, Noble Consort, about those Forbidden Grounds..."

Nie Jinxuan subtly sensed that Noble Consort Zhang was acting unusually. Hearing this, Noble Consort Zhang's gaze shifted, and she met Nie Jinxuan's eyes.

For a time, the vast bedchamber was deathly quiet. Noble Consort Zhang and Nie Jinxuan stared at each other. Finally, after a long while, Noble Consort Zhang's eyes flickered, and she sighed.

"You girl, you are always so sharp. I truly admire you... It is true, I do know something, but not much. However, I can be certain that those Forbidden Grounds must be related to Zhan'er's birth mother—who was also my sister, Noble Consort Ning!"

Noble Consort Zhang spoke helplessly. Upon hearing this, Nie Jinxuan merely twitched her brows; she did not show the slightest bit of surprise!

Yes! Why hadn't she thought of that?!

Every time Noble Consort Ning was mentioned, Yin Fengzhan's expression was always strange. And her father had previously said that Noble Consort Ning was the woman Emperor Shuncheng loved most! Noble Consort Ning had died over twenty years ago, yet Emperor Shuncheng forbade anyone from mentioning her. Clearly, there were secrets here that could not be told to outsiders!

But right now, Nie Jinxuan had no time to worry about the grievances of twenty years ago. The key issue now was how to help Yin Fengzhan escape the palace. So, after confirming that Yin Fengzhan had likely gone to the Forbidden Grounds linked to Noble Consort Ning, Nie Jinxuan stood up immediately and said to Noble Consort Zhang,

"Alright, Noble Consort, thank you. But I must go out and find Fengzhan now. I cannot let him be caught by the Emperor; otherwise, the Emperor will surely not spare him!"

As she spoke, Nie Jinxuan turned to leave. But at this moment, Noble Consort Zhang grabbed her.

"Wait, Jinxuan, you cannot go! It is too dangerous now!"

Noble Consort Zhang knew better than Nie Jinxuan just how much influence Noble Consort Ning had over Emperor Shuncheng. With the entire palace under martial law, let alone Nie Jinxuan, even if she went out herself, she might not be able to help Yin Fengzhan. Thus, the ever-cautious Noble Consort Zhang naturally would not let Nie Jinxuan put herself in danger.

Nie Jinxuan understood Noble Consort Zhang's concern. But even knowing it, she had no choice; she could not just watch as Yin Fengzhan was captured by Emperor Shuncheng. So, as soon as Noble Consort Zhang finished speaking, Nie Jinxuan replied without a second thought,

"Noble Consort, I must go!"

Without further ado, Nie Jinxuan turned to leave again, but this time, Noble Consort Zhang's expression darkened.

"You stand still!"

Noble Consort Zhang's expression became rarely serious. As she finished speaking, she pulled Nie Jinxuan back toward her, and at the same time, she scolded in a low voice:

"You child, when did you become so reckless? What kind of place do you think this is? They are searching every palace outside right now. If you run out like this, you will likely be the first one caught by those Imperial Guards before you even find Zhan'er! When that happens, how am I supposed to answer to Zhan'er?!"

"But Noble Consort..."

"Enough! How could I not understand your feelings? But Jinxuan, if you trust me, then listen to me... Go back to your room quickly and wait. Didn't you say earlier that Zhan'er had an appointment with you to wait for him? You must have faith in Zhan'er. Besides, they are still searching for someone, which means the Emperor has not found Zhan'er yet. So you just need to wait; Zhan'er will definitely come to find you!"

Noble Consort Zhang's expression was incredibly earnest. Hearing this, Nie Jinxuan calmed down and grew quiet. Seeing this, Noble Consort Zhang pursed her lips and continued,

"Of course, I will also secretly send people outside to inquire about the situation. At the same time, I will clear the palace gates. Once Zhan'er arrives, I will send him out directly!"

In such a helpless situation, Noble Consort Zhang's plan was undoubtedly the best. Nie Jinxuan understood this, so she returned to her room, while Noble Consort Zhang hurried to make her secret arrangements.

A plan was in place, but waiting was always the most agonizing part. To avoid attracting attention, Nie Jinxuan did not dare light any lamps, so she could only wait anxiously in the darkness, hoping Yin Fengzhan would appear immediately!

Time ticked by, second by second. The noise outside grew louder; clearly, the search was about to reach Yongxin Palace. Just then, at the moment Nie Jinxuan was most anxious, she felt a black shadow flash before her eyes. A powerful force pulled her into an embrace, and before she could recover her senses, her lips were forcefully kissed!

A sudden kiss in the darkness. Nie Jinxuan was startled and reflexively tried to struggle, but the inexplicably familiar sensation and the faint scent wafting into her nostrils made her freeze. Then, she hugged the other person back!

It was him! He really had come!

Thinking this, Nie Jinxuan's restless heart finally calmed down slightly. But then, remembering the current situation, she hurriedly reached out to push him away!

"Fengzhan, wait a moment!"

As she spoke, Nie Jinxuan took advantage of the faint, dim light in the room to examine Yin Fengzhan with a worried look, and only felt at ease once she was certain he was not injured.

At this moment, seeing Nie Jinxuan's reactions one by one, Yin Fengzhan could not help but press his lips together, then said in a low voice:

"I will not let you marry that man surnamed Mo!"

Yin Fengzhan spoke with absolute certainty. But upon hearing this, Nie Jinxuan was stunned for a moment, and after she came to her senses, she reached out and punched him.

"You bastard, what time do you think it is, and you're still thinking about this?!"

As she spoke, Nie Jinxuan's pretty face tightened, and then she said in a low voice:

"I ask you, are those people outside looking for you right now?"

"……Yes."

Although he did not want to say it, Yin Fengzhan still nodded. At this time, the clamor outside grew louder and louder. Nie Jinxuan quickly ran to the door, took a look through the crack, and then returned to Yin Fengzhan's side to say:

"Then I ask you, how do you plan to get out? I already had someone inquire just now; the Emperor is determined to catch you this time, and even Empress Duan's side cannot escape the search!"

"……"

This time, Yin Fengzhan did not speak. Seeing him like this, Nie Jinxuan could not help but glare at him, then walked directly to the door again and gave a few instructions to the little palace maid guarding outside.

Upon hearing this, the little palace maid nodded immediately and then ran off. At this moment, Nie Jinxuan turned her head and said to Yin Fengzhan:

"I have already spoken to the Noble Consort, and she said she would help send you out. But for now, change your clothes first."

As she spoke, Nie Jinxuan did not wait for Yin Fengzhan to speak; she walked quickly to the table nearby, handed Yin Fengzhan a set of guard clothes she had prepared in advance, and then proceeded to help him change with nimble movements.

At this moment, Nie Jinxuan's heart was free of distractions. Yin Fengzhan, however, only looked at her as if he wanted to see her into his very heart, and finally, he could not help but reach out and pull her into his embrace.

Yin Fengzhan did not speak, and being held by him like this, Nie Jinxuan was startled at first, but then she could not help but lean her head against his chest.

For a time, an indescribable warmth filled the surroundings. After a long while, Nie Jinxuan slowly said in a low voice:

"Why do you always do such dangerous things? Do you know what I would do if something were to happen to you?"

Nie Jinxuan murmured in a low voice. Upon hearing this, Yin Fengzhan's gaze flickered, but just as he was about to say something, a voice suddenly came from outside the room:

"Commandery Princess, everything is ready."

The person speaking outside was Yuzhu. Hearing this, Nie Jinxuan's expression instantly turned stern; she pulled away from Yin Fengzhan's embrace, quickly straightened his clothes, and then grabbed a hooded cloak from the side and draped it over herself.

"Let's go!"

As she spoke, Nie Jinxuan grabbed Yin Fengzhan and walked straight out.

Noble Consort Zhang had been able to remain in the palace for over twenty years under the suppression of Empress Duan while still firmly holding the position of Imperial Noble Consort. Clearly, she had some capability.

So, once Nie Jinxuan and Yin Fengzhan left the Yongxin Palace, they followed Yuzhu along the small paths in the palace, passing through several checkpoints, until she finally delivered the two of them to the Xuanyang Gate.

"Commandery Princess, Prince, this is the Xuanyang Gate. Once you pass through this gate and walk a bit further, you will be out of the palace. I have already taken care of the guards in between, so I can only send you this far."

The Xuanyang Gate was the barrier sealing off the inner palace. Once outside the Xuanyang Gate, one was no longer in the inner palace. Therefore, as a palace maid, Yuzhu naturally could not go any further.

At this moment, hearing Yuzhu say this, Nie Jinxuan naturally understood. She nodded immediately:

"Good, Yuzhu, please thank the Noble Consort for me. Jinxuan will certainly not forget this kindness!"

"Oh, Commandery Princess, what are you saying?! The Noble Consort is the Prince's aunt; she is not doing this for your sake!"

Yuzhu spoke with a smile, her words casual and blunt, but at the same time, it was as if she were reminding Yin Fengzhan. She then raised her eyes to look at Yin Fengzhan before saying to Nie Jinxuan:

"In any case, Commandery Princess and Prince, take care on your journey."

"Good, we are leaving."

In the current situation, there was naturally no time for more talk. Yuzhu gave Nie Jinxuan a few more reminders and then quickly turned and left. Once Yuzhu was gone, Nie Jinxuan turned to look at Yin Fengzhan, and without a word, they walked out of the Xuanyang Gate with tacit understanding!

……

Yuzhu was right. After exiting the Xuanyang Gate, there were still several checkpoints outside. But the guards, whether they were palace guards or eunuchs, saw it was Nie Jinxuan and let her pass without saying a word.

Just like that, Nie Jinxuan led Yin Fengzhan, who was dressed as a guard, along the way smoothly, and before long, they arrived at the Xuanjing Gate!

The Xuanjing Gate was the final barrier leading out of the palace. Once outside the Xuanjing Gate, one was outside the palace. It was precisely because of this that the Xuanjing Gate was usually heavily guarded. Now that this incident had occurred in the palace, it was even stricter than before!

Therefore, when Nie Jinxuan arrived at the Xuanjing Gate, she saw from a distance that the area was bustling with activity. Teams of guards stood ready with weapons, rows of archers could be vaguely seen on the gate tower, and a man who looked like a commander of the Imperial Guard stood to the side, guarding the Xuanjing Gate tightly!

Seeing this, Nie Jinxuan, who had already hidden at the corner of the palace wall to observe, could not help but frown. Yin Fengzhan, standing behind her, had a cold expression as he said to Nie Jinxuan:

"You go back."

Yin Fengzhan spoke suddenly in a low voice, his words carrying an obvious command. Hearing this, Nie Jinxuan, who had been observing the movement at the gate, was stunned; she turned her head abruptly and could not help but frown:

"Go back? Go back where?"

"Back to Yongxin Palace!"

"Back to Yongxin Palace? …… What do you mean?"

Nie Jinxuan was a bit bewildered by Yin Fengzhan. But then she suddenly realized, and her expression immediately sank!

"Yin Fengzhan, what do you mean? I go back? Then what will you do after I go back? Don't tell me you intend to break out on your own! You saw the archers up there; even if your martial arts are high, you can't guarantee you won't get hurt, right? Are you crazy?"

Nie Jinxuan was a bit angry, but at the same time, she understood that he did not want her to be in danger. So, Nie Jinxuan could not help but press her lips together, reached out to straighten his collar, and said in a low voice:

"Fengzhan, I know you mean well and are afraid of implicating me. But you must also know that even if I am safe and sound, will I be at ease if you are trapped? So don't always think about what will happen to me; I am not that weak. Besides, do you think I only accompanied you this far just to walk a stretch of the road?"

As she spoke, Nie Jinxuan raised her eyes to look at Yin Fengzhan, then suddenly reached into her bosom and took out an object, spreading it out before him.

"Look, what is this?"

Nie Jinxuan's eyes held a smile. Hearing Nie Jinxuan's words, Yin Fengzhan's brow twitched, and he lowered his gaze. But the moment he saw the object, he could not help but be stunned:

"The Imperial Token?!"

Yes, what Nie Jinxuan had taken out was the Imperial Token that Emperor Shuncheng had secretly had Gao Caiyong give to her. Of course, when Emperor Shuncheng gave her the token, it was a favor to cover up the royal family's dignity by announcing that Yin Fengzhan had divorced her. Even Nie Jinxuan had not taken this priceless token too seriously... But Nie Jinxuan was a cautious person after all, so although she hadn't thought much of it, she had kept the token in her personal sachet. She just hadn't expected it to come in handy today!

Now with the token in hand, they could naturally pass through without obstruction. Seeing the token in Nie Jinxuan's hand, Yin Fengzhan's gaze flickered, but then he frowned:

"No, you cannot use it!"

See you tomorrow!