On the Difficulties of Escape in Ancient Times

Chapter 485 Extra Palace Change 4
Li Yan was a little flustered when he heard what his wife said. He felt that she was speaking too casually, so he quickly stopped her: "Xiao, don't talk nonsense."

However, the emperor found it pleasing to the ears and felt that what she said was exactly what the people were thinking.

Everyone would think that it was the prince's fault, and would not think that it was because they were useless as the emperor and were chased out of the palace by the prince.

"It doesn't matter," the emperor sighed, "It's also my fault that I trusted the prince too much."

When these words were spoken, no one believed them.

But they all pretended that Your Majesty was right.

The queen didn't want to stay outside with the emperor, so she said, "Xiao, take us to rest."

"Yes." Xiao Xiao took the opportunity to step forward and support Da Zhou: "I also have people clean up the room where the queen stayed before, so you can rest when you go in."

In recent years, the Queen has taken the Seventh Prince and the Ninth Princess out of the palace to stay for a few days almost every year, allowing her children to enjoy the scenery and have a few days of leisure.

Therefore, Xiao Xiao specially built a large courtyard for the queen in a flat place less than halfway up the mountain.

On weekdays, I do specifically assign a few people to be responsible for cleaning the house.

Especially since the weather was hot these days, Xiao Xiao also felt that the Queen might take the Seventh Prince and the Ninth Princess out of the palace, so she specially asked Yiqing to come in person and bring people to clean up the house carefully inside and out.

As for the other royal guards and secret guards, when the queen left the palace, more than ten houses were specially built under the courtyard. Originally there were two people in one room, but now there are only five or six people in one room, so they can fit everyone.

Anyway, it's summer now, so I can just spread some hay on the ground and sleep.

There are also many empty rooms in the courtyard, which can accommodate Eunuch Wu and the secret guards.

During special periods, the people who patrolled everywhere and kept secret vigilance were also arranged by Eunuch Wu and Li Yan.

When escaping from the palace previously, there were only two carriages, which only the masters and their personal servants could sit in.

The others all came running, so even if the rebels would catch up soon, those who were not on duty had to rest first.

Xiao Xiao waited until the Emperor, Empress, and Li Yan discussed things before she withdrew.

When we came down the mountainside in the carriage, it was already dawn.

There were already more than a dozen women in green arrow-sleeved tights standing in her yard. They were all around fifteen or sixteen years old. They could hardly hide the panic on their faces, but they still stood there without saying a word.

Xiao Xiao said, "Yanzhi, ask the kitchen to start cooking a big pot of rice. Cook the rice in fifteen stoves at the same time. Just put some bacon slices in the rice."

Even if I die, I want everyone to die with a full stomach.

Besides, there is no need to cook. After all, these royal guards and secret guards usually eat and drink well.

"Two large pots were kept boiling with mung bean soup, which was then poured into wooden barrels for everyone to drink as water."

"And tea with patchouli must be added as well."

It's so hot today. It would be terrible if you get heatstroke while working hard.

"Xiaohua, take the people and get everyone up and prepare their weapons."

“The younger children all go to help in the kitchen…”

After Xiao Xiao gave the instructions, she went to the hall.

Madam Li, Xiao Zhou and the children also got up and were waiting for her in the hall.

Seeing how anxious everyone was, Xiao Xiao didn't hide anything and told them everything she knew.

Madam Li's face turned pale: "Is there any news about your father-in-law?" Little Zhou was about to cry: "Didn't my husband come with you?"

"Will something happen to my mother's family? Sister-in-law, can you send someone to give them a message?"

Xiao Xiao didn't expect that there were two love-brained people in the family, so she could only comfort them: "Don't worry, mother, father-in-law is still outside. I hope that father-in-law can come back soon, and I can fight for the credit of protecting the emperor."

Then he said to Xiao Zhou: "Don't worry, sister-in-law. The prince can only gather his troops to rebel when the generals are leading the troops to the war."

"Instead of worrying about my second brother and my mother's family, you might as well worry about whether we can hold on."

This is Xiao Xiao's true feelings. Li Yuan is not important in the eyes of the prince, so nothing should happen to him.

It was they who met with an unexpected disaster. If the prince still had tens of thousands of people under his command, their lives would be in danger.

Xiao Xiao glanced at the four anxious children and said, "Sister-in-law, you and mother will take the children to accompany the Seventh Prince and the Ninth Princess later."

Xiao Zhou was still worried about her husband's safety, and nodded absentmindedly to indicate that she had heard it.

Xiao Xiao stepped forward and held her shoulders, saying solemnly: "If something goes wrong, take the children and run to the mountain."

For the time being, staying with the Seventh Prince is the safest place.

But once the rebels launch a crushing attack, the mountain will be the safest place.

Xiao Zhou finally came to her senses and understood what Xiao Xiao meant. She trembled all over: "I, I understand, but what can you do?"

At the critical moment, Mrs. Li still had a clear mind: "Just take care of the children, don't worry about me."

She is old, and even if her legs and feet are still nimble, it is impossible for her to run into the mountains.

Not only is it impossible to run, there are also dangers such as snakes and insects. It is better to give up the opportunity.

Madam Li looked at Xiao Xiao and said, "You should be smart. If the situation is not right, run to the mountain. Your sister-in-law is not as strong as you, so you have to go with them so that you can take care of them."

Of course, if the eldest daughter-in-law could take her with her when she fled, she would be willing to go along.

I’m afraid that by then it will be chaos and she won’t be able to find me at all, and then I’ll have no way to survive.

After saying that, he waved his hand again and said, "Hurry back and pack some valuables that you can take with you."

Xiao Xiao responded, and after returning to the room, she saw her two daughters holding her hands like guardians, so she whispered, "Yi Yi, do you remember the cave that mother took you to last time?"

Yi Yi nodded vigorously, and refused to be outdone: "Mom, I'm a good archer, can I stay with you?"

"Mom knows you are capable, but in my heart, the safety of you and your sister is the most important."

"Besides, you have to believe that I will find a way to escape and find you."

She will not be "faithful to one man". She only remembers that even ants try to survive, let alone herself, a living person.
Er'er actually believed what her own mother said. After all, in her heart, her mother was very powerful and everyone in the mansion listened to her, including her father.

Yi Yi asked in a low voice again: "Can I bring my brothers with me?"

Although they are cousins, the two younger brothers are very obedient and will not complain even if they are beaten by her.

Xiao Xiao touched her eldest daughter's head and whispered, "You can take them with you. We are family members. No matter who follows you, you can bring them in."

After saying that, he found some strong clothes for them to change into, and asked them to carry bows and arrows and daggers one by one, and also asked them to take some gold leaves.

Finally, he told them: "No matter who asks, say you are going to protect the Ninth Princess."