The Princess Cannot Escape: The Cunning Prince Is Not to Be Messed With

Chapter 296 Evading the Search

The old man's oxcart was loaded with straw. Yin Quan pointed to the straw and asked, "Uncle, can we hide in this haystack?" The old man cleared a space in the straw. "It's a bit dirty here, but there's a compartment inside. You can hide here." After the old man removed the straw, there was a wooden partition inside. Yin Quan was small and thin, so she could shrink into it.

Xiahou Ying and Jing Yu followed behind the oxcart. When they arrived at the city gate, soldiers with spears blocked their way. "What are you doing? Get off for inspection!" The old man hurriedly bowed and got off the cart. "Oh, sir, this old man is delivering firewood to the yamen." Another guard approached Xiahou Ying and Jing Yu, scrutinizing them suspiciously. "You two look unfamiliar. Where are you from? What are you doing in the city?"

Jing Yu hurriedly stepped forward and stuffed the silver into the official's hand. "Sir, the south has been flooded for years. My brother and I came to seek refuge with relatives. We are both scholars, but we were robbed on the way. Fortunately, this gentleman took us in. This is the last of our money. My brother also fell seriously ill on the way and became mute."

Jing Yu spoke with tears streaming down his face. Another soldier, gripping his sword tightly, entered. "Seeking refuge with relatives? Chonglou Town isn't big, and you know most of the wealthy families. Which family are you seeking refuge with?" Jing Yu and Xiahou Ying exchanged a glance. "Sir... it's really inconvenient to say. You know there are some things you'd better not know during these special times."

Jing Yu feigned mystery, and the official raised his eyebrows, intending to arrest them. However, a soldier beside him quickly stopped him, saying, "Have you forgotten that you offended the prefect's cousin last time? These two also seem to have extraordinary bearing. We should avoid causing trouble for ourselves. As long as they are not fugitives, it's fine. Besides, they are just two men, and there are no women with them, so there won't be any problems."

The soldiers guarding the city said nothing more after hearing this, and instead walked into the haystack. Yin Quan heard the approaching footsteps, her heart pounding, and she hugged her knees and shrank back. Suddenly, with a hiss, a cold light flashed, and an official's knife was placed in front of Yin Quan, just half an inch away from her, almost piercing her.

Xiahou Ying's murderous intent flashed, and he was about to rush to the oxcart when Jing Yu hurriedly grabbed him. The old man was startled and said, "Oh, sir! This straw can't withstand your rough handling. I've been delivering goods here for years. If you don't trust me, you can bring the steward of the government office to confront me."

“We dare not slack off during this special period. If you have really done nothing wrong, there is nothing to be afraid of!” After saying that, he stabbed the haystack a few times, then waved his hand, “No abnormalities, let us through.” After the group had gone some distance from the city gate, the old man stopped the oxcart in a secluded narrow alley. “Quickly check if that girl is injured. This is all I can do for you.”

Xiahou Ying hurriedly opened the haystack. Yin Quan was already suffocating and covered in cold sweat, looking extremely disheveled. After getting out of the carriage, she quickly thanked the old farmer.

"Thank you, Uncle. This little bit of silver is just a token of our appreciation. Please don't refuse." Jing Yu hurriedly handed over the silver, and the old farmer scratched his head, then sheepishly put it into his pocket. As soon as the old farmer left, Xiahou Ying said unhappily, "I will never trust your ideas again!" Yin Quan pouted, "You're such a ungrateful person. Would we have been able to get into the city smoothly without me?"

"Is this your brilliant idea? You almost turned yourself into a sieve? Yin Quan!" Yin Quan instinctively tried to stand at attention. "Xiahou Ying, do you dare not discipline me like you would a soldier?!" Jing Yu was amused. "Your Highness and Your Highness, this is not the time for arguing. Let's quickly think about what to do next."

Yin Quan hurriedly raised her finger, "You can't call him 'Prince' or 'Princess' in any situation now!" Jing Yu frowned, "Then what should we call him?" "Call him 'Master' and 'Madam'." Xiahou Ying pondered for a moment, "If you want to cause trouble in Gu Lounan's backyard, I know a good place: Gu Changxi's residence." Jing Yu clapped her hands, "Gu Lounan's half-brother? He's no pushover! But given our current status, would he take us in?"

Yin Quan was completely confused. "Who is Gu Changyi?" Xiahou Ying smiled mysteriously. "You'll find out when you get there." Yin Quan thought to herself the whole way, "Gu Lounan's half-brother is probably just like him, isn't he?"

The group arrived at a quiet courtyard. At the entrance hung an unadorned wooden sign with the two large characters "Gu Residence" written on it.

Yin Quanpo was somewhat surprised that Gu Lounan, such an flamboyant person, had such a detached and unassuming younger brother. "It is indeed a quiet and secluded residence." Jing Yu gently knocked on the door, and a boy who looked about seventeen or eighteen years old opened it. After seeing the group, he asked with some confusion, "Who are you...?"

"Little Chunxi? Don't you remember Brother Yu?" The boy's eyes lit up instantly, and he jumped onto Jing Yu with a whoosh, rubbing his head against Jing Yu's neck. "Brother Yu? Why are you back! I heard from Brother Changxi that you were captured by bad guys, and I was worried for a long time."

Jing Yu patted his head. "Not only did Brother Yu come this time, but he also brought you the person you most wanted to see." Chunxi looked around, his eyes locking onto Xiahou Ying, and exclaimed in surprise, "You're Brother Ying, right? Brother Ying, I thought you'd forgotten about Chunxi!" Xiahou Ying gave him a big hug. "Is your Brother Changxi home? How have you been lately?"

Changxi's eyes dimmed. "Brother Changxi's health has been poor lately. He was worried for a long time after hearing about your accident." Xiahou Ying smiled and affectionately patted his head. Yin Quan rarely saw Xiahou Ying so gentle, let alone towards a boy. If the age didn't match, Yin Quan would really think that this child was Xiahou Ying's illegitimate son.

Chunxi also noticed Yin Quan. "Who is she? Doesn't Brother Ying never bring maids?" Xiahou Ying took Yin Quan's hand. "This is my wife." Yin Quan tried her best to show a charming smile, but before the smile could open, Chunxi made a face at her.

"This stinky woman could never be Brother Ying's wife!" Yin Quan's smile froze on her face. She raised her voice twice, "At such a young age, you've already learned to judge people by their appearance. Who taught you that! Hmm? Who taught you that?" Chunxi ignored her. Xiahou Ying said to Jing Yu, "Our identities are inconvenient. Take us to find your Brother Changxi."

Chunxi led the group inside. As soon as they entered the courtyard, Yin Quan was immediately captivated by the scenery before her. Although the courtyard was not large, it was exquisitely decorated in every way. The rockery and bamboo forest filled the garden with a serene and beautiful scene, revealing the owner's refined and discerning heart.

Chunxi stopped in front of a corridor. "Brother Changxi, Brother Ying, and Brother Jingyu are here." A clear voice rang out from inside the corridor. "Come in." Xiahou Ying led Yin Quan inside. Turning around the corridor, they saw a man staring blankly at a chessboard, wrapped in a thick mink coat. A pot of wine was warming on the stove next to him, and the aroma of the wine was refreshing.

The man looked up, his handsome face showing a sickly pallor, his slender fingers slightly outstretched. "A rare guest indeed. Please sit down. You've come at just the right time; I've been stuck in this chess game for quite some time." Xiahou Ying lifted his robe and sat down. "If you're not feeling well, why have you been sitting here for so long?"

“Cold weather makes people think better.” As soon as Xiahou Ying sat down, Chunxi immediately served them wine. Xiahou Ying took a sip and praised him highly. “Your winemaking skills have really improved.” He watched the two of them intently playing chess.

Yin Quan shivered from the cold. "Achoo!" Yin Quan rubbed her nose. The sound broke the picturesque scene. The two of them turned to look at her. She said a little embarrassedly, "Hehe... I didn't mean to interrupt you two, but it's freezing cold and I'm not as resistant to the cold as you two."

Gu Changxi paused for a moment, then laughed heartily. Her laughter was like the melting of snow in early spring, warming people's hearts. "I forgot there was another guest here. Is it the Princess Consort?" Xiahou Ying nodded slightly. "Chunxi, please take the Princess Consort to rest." Chunxi nodded reluctantly. "Understood."

Chunxi led Yin Quan to the warm pavilion, where hot spring water was bubbling. Yin Quan finally understood why Gu Changxi had placed the house in such a remote location; it was indeed a feng shui treasure to have such good resources.

"Could you find me a clean set of clothes?" Chunxi pouted. "Women are such a hassle!" Yin Quan was speechless. "How can you be so sexist at such a young age? I think you're seventeen or eighteen. Haven't you ever been in a relationship yet? You really live up to your name, so innocent!"

Chunxi blushed. "How could you, a woman, say such a thing? Shameless!" Yin Quan grinned and leaned closer to Chunxi, pinching his cheek. Chunxi's eyes widened in disbelief, his face turning as red as a boiled crab. "You! You! You! Brother Changxi, help me! There's a female pervert!"

Chunxi practically stormed out of the room. Yin Quan laughed so hard she couldn't stand up straight. She locked the door and went to the mirror, finally seeing her disheveled appearance. Yin Quan had two straws stuck in her hair, her face was covered in black mud, and her clothes were filthy. No wonder Chunxi was so frightened when she saw her.

After testing the water temperature, Yin Quan carefully stepped into the hot spring and enjoyed a comfortable bath. Jing Yu knocked on the door and said helplessly, "Your Highness, what did you do to Chunxi? He ran away as soon as he heard your name." Yin Quan replied casually, "I just touched his face out of curiosity." Jing Yu suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for his prince.

After taking a bath, Yin Quan returned to the two men feeling refreshed. Xiahou Ying had already gone to wash up, leaving Gu Changxi alone, sipping wine and gazing at the light, drizzling snow. Hearing Yin Quan's footsteps, Gu Changxi turned around. "Yin Quan? Xiahou Ying seems to have few women around him." He poured Yin Quan a cup of wine and said, "Have some wine to warm yourself up."

Yin Quan picked it up and smelled it, her eyes already gleaming with envy. "Indeed, this is fine wine. Brother Gu's life is truly enviable." Gu Changxi glanced at her. "Everyone's life is enviable except for mine. Never mind, let's not talk about it. What brings you two here today?"