My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 40: RUN AWAY. 

　　The morning light was hazy.

　　A chilling wind suddenly swept in, filling Xie Jue's ears.

　　The broken bowstring had cut his finger, a bead of blood rolling onto the ground. Xie Jue, shrouded in a thin mist, stood rigidly. Slowly, as if in disbelief, he turned to look at An Zhong, who lay prostrate on the ground. His dark phoenix eyes were like cold, sharp blades; a rigid coldness etched itself between his brows.

　　“Say it again,” he commanded.

　　Each word distinct and measured, he said, “Tell me, what happened to her?”

　　Grand Eunuch An remained prostrate, his tears flowing freely as he choked out a sob-filled reply, “Lady Yun... she perished in the flames!”

　　The words ‘perished in the flames’ washed over Xie Jue's ears again, and for a moment, strangely, he felt as if he couldn't quite hear them clearly.

　　“Perished in the flames… impossible,” he ground out the words between clenched teeth.

　　The Head Palace Maid (Shanggong), Yun Ling, was so intelligent, how could she possibly have died in the fire?

　　Xie Jue turned and quickly left the arrow pavilion, “Go to Guanyun Temple.”

　　An Zhong, seeing this, quickly wiped away his tears, got up and followed.

　　They had only gone halfway when they saw Ying Er, a member of the Shadow Guards, rushing towards them. She knelt down and presented a scroll of Buddhist scriptures with both hands. “Your Highness, this is the scripture that Lady Yun copied for you. It was supposed to be presented last night, but unfortunately, we were a step too late. It delayed the appointment between Lady Yun and Your Highness. Please forgive us.”

　　Xie Jue immediately stopped, his expression hardening as he looked at the Buddhist scriptures in her hand. “Two scrolls of scriptures?”

　　He had placed the scriptures that Lin Ying had delivered yesterday on his desk; preoccupied with matters, he hadn't yet had time to open and read them.

　　Ying Er quickly explained, “The scriptures that Lord Lin delivered yesterday were not copied by Lady Yun. She mistakenly gave you the Lotus Sutra, so I was immediately sent to deliver this one. We didn't want to miss the appointment with Your Highness.”

　　Xie Jue's face darkened. A sudden thought struck him, and he asked, “What appointment did I have with her?”

　　Ying Er hesitated for a moment, then looked at the Crown Prince with a puzzled expression. She then lowered his head and explained, “Lady Yun said that delivering the scriptures to Your Highness every half-month is an appointment that cannot be missed!”

　　An Zhong rushed over at this moment, “Your Highness, the fast horse is ready. Shall we depart now?”

　　Xie Jue raised his head, looking towards Guanyun Temple, his gaze cold and chilling. “Naturally.”

　　“Furthermore,” he continued, “order the Jinyiwei to send out a squad. Use the excuse of an assassin escaping from the palace to seal the city.” (T/N: I love clever ML & FL!!!)

　　Seal the city?!!!

　　An Zhong widened his eyes. “Closing the city is a major event. Why would Your Highness suddenly decide to do that?”

　　He added, “And there were no assassins in the Palace, right?”

　　But before An Zhong could get an answer, Xie Jue had already rushed off to Guanyun Temple.

　　He raced all the way, never stopping. By the time the sun reached its zenith, Xie Jue had led a contingent of Imperial Guards up the mountain.

　　His cold, handsome face held no expression, making it impossible to tell if he was numb, hardened, or something else.

　　The fire in the guest room had been extinguished, leaving behind only a charred ruin.

　　Though the flames were out, allowing them to easily approach, no one dared to move.

　　Lying beneath the rubble was the body of the future consort of the Crown Prince.

　　The people of Guanyun Temple were at a loss, not knowing what to do.

　　Several who had been close to Yun Ling were already red-eyed, sobbing, “How could this happen...?”

　　“She was perfectly fine yesterday.”

　　Jìngyún shītai shook her head and sighed softly.

　　Everyone was immersed in sorrow.

　　Suddenly, a contingent of iron-clad Imperial Guards burst in, completely surrounding Guanyun Temple.

　　Everyone quickly turned their heads, their expressions filled with fear.

　　It was none other than the Crown Prince himself.

　　The heir was dressed in a deep green, narrow-sleeved dragon-patterned riding outfit, with mud splattered on his black boots.

　　Ying San and Ying Si hurried over to pay their respects, saying, “Your Highness.”

　　The others quickly joined in, all shouting in unison, “Greetings, Your Highness, the Crown Prince!”

　　Xie Jue, however, didn't look at them. He turned and stared directly at the ruins—the charred pillars collapsed, the ground scorched, broken tiles and stones layered upon each other atop the debris.

　　The scene was utterly devastating.

　　His expression was so cold it seemed to be frozen.

　　Seeing this, Ying Si quickly stepped forward and meticulously recounted the events of the previous night, not daring to omit a single detail.

　　Xie Jue heard that none of them had been present when the incident occurred. He let out a derisive, sarcastic laugh. “You mean to tell me, that I assigned you to be her personal guards, and when she met with this misfortune, not a single one of you four was at her side?”

　　His tone was even, devoid of inflection, yet it sent a chill down the spines of everyone present.

　　Ying San and Ying Si immediately knelt, “It is our failure, Your Highness! We deserve to die!”

　　Xie Jue closed his eyes, then, without any emotion, ordered, “Dig.”

　　The moment Xie Jue gave the order, all the guards moved forward in unison, prying open the charred ruins.

　　During the excavation, Lin Ying, arriving hastily, dragged forward a trembling little nun, tears streaming down her face. “Reporting to Your Highness,” she said, “I have already interrogated her. Lady Yun secretly gave this nun money to burn paper money in the courtyard last night, creating the illusion of a fire to distract Ying Si.”

　　Xie Jue remained silent.

　　More than a dozen guards toiled tirelessly at the excavation. Within half an hour, the ruins had been completely overturned.

　　Then, a guard reported, “Reporting to Your Highness, we have not found Lady Yun's body.”

　　Another guard reported, “I haven't found it either.”

　　“Nor have we here.”

　　The dozen or so men meticulously searched, leaving not a single tile unturned, yet Yun Ling's body was nowhere to be found.

　　Ying San and Ying Si were utterly shocked.

　　How could this be? Where could Lady Yun have gone?

　　That little nun was actually bought off by Lady Yun. Her actions were clearly intended to remove the last remaining Shadow Guard, Ying Si, from her side.

　　A terrifying thought suddenly occurred to Ying Si: Could Lady Yun have escaped?!

　　While Ying San frantically searched for lamp oil, Yun Ling had secretly collected a large amount of lamp oil in advance and hidden it in the side room. She poured it around the room, which is why the fire spread so rapidly.

　　Everyone assumed she was trapped in the room, busy putting out the fire, while Yun Ling, under the cover of darkness, had already slipped away down the mountain.

　　Had it not been for the fire, with Ying San and Ying Si's skills, once they discovered she wasn't in the side room, Yun Ling wouldn't have gotten far. The fire blinded the two Shadow Guards.

　　What puzzled Ying Si was that Yun Ling had been quietly practicing her faith at Guanyun Temple for the past few months, always showing concern for His Highness. She didn't seem like someone who would run away. That's why they were so unguarded.

　　Xie Jue stood straight and tall before the charred ruins.

　　He had sensed something was amiss when he heard Ying Er's report earlier; he and Yun Ling had never made any plans together.

　　On his way here, he had already considered the possibility that she was no longer at Guanyun Temple. His arrival was merely to bring himself peace of mind.

　　Escaped.  

       It's better than dead.

　　The mountain wind howled.

　　The fact that the Crown Prince's consort had fled became undeniably clear, silencing everyone around. Their faces were pale with apprehension as they watched the expressionless Crown Prince.

　　Xie Jue's heart held only a cold, knowing laugh.

　　Scheme after scheme, carried out silently and seamlessly. How long had she been planning this, weaving such a perfect deception?

　　So, her stay at Guanyun Temple, from beginning to end, was nothing but a ruse to fool him.

　　The angrier he was, the calmer his expression became.

　　Suddenly, he let out a light laugh, yet it sent a chill down the spines of everyone present.

　　“Excellent.”

　　“Issue my order,” Xie Jue's voice, chilling and terrifying, seemed to emanate from the depths of an endless abyss, “Search the city. Don't let a single suspicious person escape. If she isn't found, the commanders of the five city garrisons and the Jinyiwei, will all die.” 

　　Everyone immediately knelt, their voices trembling, “Yes!”

　　……

　　As dawn approached, Yun Ling finally reached a quiet alley and knocked on the door of a house.

　　After a short while, a gentle middle-aged woman's voice came from inside, “Who is it?”

　　The door opened, revealing a somewhat plump middle-aged woman. She stared at Yun Ling for a moment, then asked, “Girl, who are you looking for?”

　　Yun Ling smiled, “Sister-in-law, I'm looking for Ming Yanlan.”

　　When Yun Ling had gone to advise Shen Chunxiang, her words had resonated deeply with the young woman. Shen Chunxiang was a generous and forthright girl, and later, several times while at the Imperial Palace, she had sought Yun Ling out to play.

　　Shen Chunxiang warmly invited Yun Ling to visit her at the Shen residence once she was released from the palace. Yun Ling replied that even if she left the palace, she might not be able to find the Shen residence. Knowing that Shen Chunxiang had traveled extensively since childhood and was very familiar with the capital, she asked Shen Chunxiang to draw a sketch of the city layout, marking interesting places and indicating the shortest routes through the alleys. Combined with the maps of official roads Yun Ling had seen in the palace, and the countless times she had mentally sketched them during her time at Guanyun Temple, she successfully found Ming Yanlan's address despite leaving the Palace for the first time.

　　She had personally handled Ming Yanlan's early release from the Palace, and she had double-checked the address at the Shanggong Bureau before leaving, so she was absolutely certain she wouldn't have made a mistake.

　　The Crown Prince would certainly seal the city once he realized she had escaped. His initial investigation would undoubtedly focus on inns and post stations – places where she might have sought shelter.

　　Coming down from the mountains, she didn't have enough time to leave the city, so she had to take advantage of this window of opportunity to hide at Ming Yanlan's house first.

　　Having heard from Ming Gugu earlier, Yun Ling knew that her brother, sister-in-law, and their family were all kind and compassionate people who cherished Ming Jin, their younger sister. Their home was also located in a secluded area.

　　This was why Yun Ling had chosen to hide here.

　　Hearing her mother's call, Yanlan coughed as she emerged from the house. Catching sight of Yun Ling standing at the doorway, she was momentarily stunned. “Gugu... Yun Gugu?”

　　After a moment's pause, she continued, “Yun Gugu, how did you get here?” (T/N: She did not know that Yun Ling had already resigned as Shanggong, so I will continue to use that title here.)

　　Yun Ling turned to Yanlan's mother, saying, “Sister-in-law Ming, please close the door. I have something I'd like to discuss with you both.”

　　Hearing from Yanlan that this was someone from the Shanggong Bureau—a noblewoman from the palace—Yanlan's mother quickly and obediently closed the door securely.

　　She then invited Yun Ling inside to have tea.

　　However, upon hearing Yun Ling's purpose for her visit, both women were nearly speechless with shock.

　　Yanlan was already terrified and at a loss. Escaping from the Palace was a capital offense, punishable by beheading. How could Yun Gugu dare…?

　　But if it weren't for Yun Gugu's help, her life would have ended in the palace. She couldn't repay Yun Gugu's life-saving grace.

　　Yanlan's mother was even more distraught and at a loss.

　　Yun Ling naturally understood their worry and fear. They were an honest family; the worst thing that had ever happened to them was their daughter being summoned to the palace as a servant.

　　“Sister-in-law Ming, don't worry. I will never implicate you,” Yun Ling said, taking a jade pendant from her pouch.

　　Sister-in-law Ming immediately said, “That's Jin'er's jade pendant.”

　　Yanlan, still dazed, asked, “How is my aunt doing in the palace?”

　　Yun Ling spoke slowly, “Ming Gugu is now in the Laundry Bureau. You know what kind of place that is, Yanlan. The scorching heat of summer and the bitter cold of winter never cease. The stronger ones bully the weaker, and life there is barely better than death.”

　　“Ming Gugu was once a Shanggong, and she offended many palace people, so she’s undoubtedly suffered greatly.”

　　Hearing Yun Ling say this, Yanlan and her mother embraced each other and wept uncontrollably.

　　“My poor Jin'er…”

　　“Aunt…”

　　Yun Ling: “I have a way to get her released from the palace in a few years.”

　　Yanlan's mother immediately said, “Really?”

　　“Of course,” Yun Ling said firmly, “I arranged for Yanlan's early release from the palace. Sister-in-law, surely you can trust me?”

　　Yanlan immediately nodded eagerly, “It was arranged by Yun Gugu.”

　　Yun Ling: “Although I've left the Palace, many people in the Shanggong Bureau are loyal to me. Before I left, I already made arrangements. If you help me, Ming Gugu can return home in less than two years.”

　　Sister-in-law Ming wiped away her tears. “My husband and I only wish to bring Jin'er home from the palace as soon as possible. If you can get Jin'er out and free her from suffering, Yun Gugu, just tell us what we need to do. Even if it costs us our lives, we will help you.”

　　Yun Ling squeezed Sister-in-law Ming's hand at this point, comforting her. “Sister-in-law, if you trust me, rest assured. I will never let anyone in your family be harmed. Ming Gugu once told me about some things in your family. I was quite moved by it. The Ming family has been separated for over ten years, and I am willing to help your family reunite.”

　　Sister-in-law Ming wept profusely, filled with gratitude. “Thank you, thank you, Yun Gugu.”

　　Yun Ling changed the subject. “I won't hide this from you, sister-in-law. My escape is because the Crown Prince loves me deeply and wants to make me his consort. I already have someone I love, and I don't want to be a consort. If the Ming family betrays me, and I'm captured and returned to the Palace as the Crown Prince's favored consort, then the Ming family will never be reunited.”

　　With her appearance and the way she spoke, what she said was already nine-tenths believable. Moreover, since Yanlan had been in the palace, she would know that Yun Ling was the Crown Prince's most favored person. It was only natural that he would want to make her a consort.

　　This was also a warning to the Ming family: if they betrayed her, they should consider whether they could afford the consequences.

　　Sister-in-law Ming quickly said, “Yun Gugu, please rest assured. You saved Yanlan's life and have always considered Jin'er. My family is not ungrateful.”

　　“But I don't know how we can help you. What if the officials come looking for you...?”

　　“Sister-in-law, just tell everyone that I'm Yanlan's cousin who came to seek refuge. I've already prepared the household registration and travel permits…”

　　……

　　It's said that an assassin attempted to kill the Crown Prince in the East Palace but escaped, and the city was sealed off early this morning.

　　Many officials and soldiers are searching the streets, particularly women. They're holding portraits and comparing them before releasing anyone.

　　Such a large-scale search has everyone in an uproar. With the skilled Jinyiwei (锦衣卫) also mobilized, it's practically a dragnet.

　　If the assassin is still in the capital, there's no chance of escape.

　　It's unheard of that a single assassin could trigger a city-wide manhunt.

　　……

　　The atmosphere in the East Palace was practically frozen.

　　Grand Eunuch An trembled as he waited on the side, still unable to believe that Lady Yun had actually… escaped!

　　That fire was to confuse the Shadow Guards.

　　What he found even more unbelievable was that she had dared to escape right under the Crown Prince's nose, and at a time when he was about to make her his consort.

　　Why…? Could it be that she never wanted to be the Crown Prince's consort? And all those scrolls of Buddhist scriptures she read…

　　At the thought of a certain possibility, An Zhong's heart trembled, and he dared not think further.

　　¹Dài Shàng Gōng, Yao Qingling nervously presented the list of palace maids who had left the palace in the past year.

　　Xie Jue took it, opened it and glanced at it. “No omissions?”

　　Yao Qingling quickly replied, “The female officials checked it together under the supervision of the Jinyiwei. There are absolutely no omissions.”

　　Under the watchful eyes of those ferocious Jinyiwei, even if she wanted to falsify it, she couldn't.

　　Besides, even if she wanted to help Yun Ling, she didn't know her plans, so there was nothing she could do.

　　“Very good.”

　　Xie Jue handed the list to An Zhong. “Distribute this list and don't let a single one slip through.”

　　As a palace maid, she wasn't familiar with the capital. Even if she knew a few noble ladies, they might not be willing to take her in, and even if they did, the Jinyiwei would find her easily. It wouldn't be a good place to hide.

　　She wouldn't go to an inn, a place so easily searched.

　　Under this city-wide dragnet, where could she possibly hide? And who would shelter her?

　　In the palace, she oversaw the noble ladies and managed the palace maids. When she first became a senior palace maid, she released many palace maids ahead of schedule, citing violations of palace rules. Looking back, it was quite unusual. It wasn't her usual cautious style to meddle in the affairs of the inner court and offend the consorts before even solidifying her position in the Shanggong Bureau. This means there must have been someone she wanted to release privately. Given their relationship, she would have gone to them for help.

　　Compared to hiding in a grand mansion, hiding in one of the countless ordinary, inconspicuous, and remote houses seems more suitable.

　　It doesn't matter which house she's in; we'll just bring them all back.

　　“Yes.”

　　……

　　Late at night, a group of fierce-looking soldiers, torches in hand, kicked open the gates of the Ming family's house.

　　Yanlan and Mrs. Ming rushed out, their souls nearly leaving their bodies at the sight of the large group of soldiers.

　　Mrs. Ming: “Officials, what's happened at this late hour? We're all good citizens!”

　　A soldier held up a list, looking at Ming Yanlan, who was trembling beside him. “You are Ming Yanlan? The palace maid who was released?”

　　“Yes…”

　　The soldier waved his hand. “Arrest her.”

　　Mrs. Ming immediately cried out, “What's going on? Yanlan hasn't broken any laws! Why are you suddenly arresting her? Is there no justice in this world?”

　　Ming Yanlan, tears streaming down her face, cried, “Mother... save me…”

　　The soldier snorted coldly. “Justice? What justice does the government need when arresting someone? Are there any other young and beautiful women in your house?”

　　Mrs. Ming's face was filled with terror. “This…”

　　“Aren't you arresting palace maids? Why…”

　　“Don't waste my time. The government's orders are not to be questioned. Anyone in your house is suspicious; we'll take them all away!”　　

        Mrs. Ming hesitated even more. “I…”

　　Seeing this, the leading soldier gave a signal, and several soldiers quickly rushed into the rooms, searching frantically.

　　After a while, several soldiers came out. “Report! No one inside!”

　　The leading soldier frowned. “No one?”

　　Mrs. Ming quickly said, “My husband went back to his hometown in the countryside to visit relatives, and only my daughter is at home.”

　　After pondering for a moment and surveying the surroundings, the leading soldier gave the order, “Let's go to the next house.”

　　The sound of the soldiers' footsteps faded into the distance. Mrs. Ming collapsed onto the ground, exhausted.

　　The words Yun Ling had spoken before she left echoed in her mind: “Those soldiers are arresting the Crown Prince's consort. They'll only arrest people; they won't hurt anyone.”

　　“Sister-in-law, rest assured. Yanlan will be released in a few days.”

　　Officially, the government said they were arresting assassins from the East Palace, but they were actually arresting beautiful women.

　　It must be as Yun Gugu said – a consort has escaped.

　　Mrs. Ming sighed, hoping that after this, her Ming family would be reunited.

　　——

　　Inside the bustling brothel, filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter.

　　The soldiers who had just finished their search departed.

　　In the boudoir, heavy with the scent of cosmetics, Yun Ling, dressed as a man, rose and bowed to Linlang. “Thank you, Sister Linlang.”

　　Yun Ling had originally planned to hide at the Ming family's house, using her cousin Yanlan's identity. She thought that with Mrs. Ming and Yanlan's help in concealing her, avoiding the soldiers' search shouldn't be a problem.

　　But for some reason, her heart remained uneasy.

　　She thought and thought. A man as deep and calculating as the Crown Prince – whatever she could think of, he surely could too.

　　So, taking advantage of the night, she donned a shortened outfit made from Yanlan's father's clothes, drew on thick eyebrows and a mustache, and blackened her face to disguise herself as a short man. Entering the brothel, with its colorful lights making it hard to discern details, she pretended to be one of Linlang's patrons, successfully evading the soldiers' search with her help.

　　She was the one who orchestrated Yanlan's escape from the palace. Originally, to prevent anyone from discovering her dealings and relationship with the former Palace Attendant, Ming Jin, she secretly switched Yanlan's name with another palace maid's name on the list.

　　She had thought the Crown Prince might investigate, perhaps by scrutinizing the list of palace maids released due to downsizing. She hadn't expected him to directly check the records of nearly a year's worth of palace maids—specifically those she had been in contact with.

　　In those families, not only her cousin, but any young woman was to be apprehended.

　　It was fortunate she had left the Ming family's house in advance.

　　Linlang looked at Yun Ling. “You don't need to thank me. I should be thanking you for your care of Dongdong in the palace.”

　　Linlang is Ru Dong's older sister.

　　It was Linlang herself who collected Ru Dong's pension.

　　Yun Ling came to this brothel because it was a chaotic place filled with people from all walks of life, a smoky and secretive environment difficult to investigate. Moreover, this was a place the Crown Prince would least expect someone like her, someone who usually follows the rules, to be. She had originally planned to bribe a courtesan with a large sum of money to conceal her, but lacking leverage over the courtesan, the plan wasn't safe. Yun Ling came here as a last resort, only to unexpectedly meet Linlang.

　　She had assumed Linlang would have used the money to buy her freedom long ago, but she was still here in the brothel.

　　Linlang said with a wry smile, “Halfway there, my parents snatched the money. Because I'm of lowly birth, no one would speak up for me.”

　　“But it doesn't matter. I'll save up the money myself. Where are you going, Ah Ling, now that you've left the capital?”

　　Yun Ling looked up at the distant night sky. “To a very far place.”

　　Then, she took out the only silver note from her pouch and handed it to Linlang. “You too, Sister Linlang. Use this money to buy your freedom, stay away from your parents, and never return to the capital.”

　　Linlang looked down, a single tear falling as she slowly accepted the money.

　　Three days later, all the captured palace maids were released, and Yun Ling left the brothel.

　　The city was sealed off for seven days, with both the Five City Soldiers and the Jinyiwei deployed, yet they still failed to find the assassin who attacked the Crown Prince's palace.

　　……

　　Eastern Palace.

　　The elegant vases and inkstones lay shattered on the ground in a mess. Several commanders from the Five City Soldiers, the Commander of the Jinyiwei, and the Deputy Commander Pei Yuan, all knelt on the ground, not daring to raise their heads.

　　Xie Jue stood with his back turned, his expression hidden. His voice, however, was like the icy depths of a hellish pool, chilling to the bone. His jaw was clenched, his suppressed tension almost unbearable.

　　“With the Five City Soldiers and the Jinyiwei, you've sealed the city for seven days and still can't find even a palace maid who has lived in the inner palace for years, can you?”

　　Everyone felt a chill run through them, cold sweat trickling down their backs. “This subject deserves to die.”

　　Xie Jue's temples throbbed with veins standing out, his pain was almost unbearable, as if he were on the verge of breaking apart at any moment.

　　He pressed his palm firmly against his forehead.

　　Pei Yuan knelt and said, “None of the palace maids we captured are Lady Yun. Moreover, Lady Yun... she might be familiar with our methods. That’s why the Jinyiwei searched the entire capital thoroughly—twice without leaving any stone unturned—”

　　He paused, then continued, “We haven't seen Lady Yun anywhere.”

　　Finally unable to contain the ferocious rage he’d been suppressing, Xie Jue swept everything from his desk to the floor with a furious gesture, veins bulging on his forehead.

　　“Useless! You are all useless!”

________________

Glossary:

¹Dài Shàng Gōng (代尚宫) - Acting Head Palace Maid

- 代 (Dài) means ‘acting’ or ‘temporary’.

- 尚宫 (Shàng Gōng) means ‘Head Palace Maid’.

.....

T/N: Happy Holidays and Christmas, everyone! I hope you love my holiday present! 🎁

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