Jade of Another World

Lin Ning closely observed the political climate at court, watching as his meticulously crafted plan unfolded smoothly and steadily, progressing step by step towards his desired outcome. In court, ministers offered their advice incessantly, each elaborating on the benefits of a marriage alliance with Nanzhao. Under this immense pressure, Nangong Jin ultimately yielded and agreed to the marriage alliance with the Nanzhao princess.

"The wedding is set for the eighth day of next month." When this news reached Lin Ning's ears, a barely perceptible joy flashed in her eyes; everything was as she had expected. From that moment on, Lin Ning devoted herself entirely to preparations for leaving the palace and heading to Nanzhao. She knew that this was a journey full of unknowns and risks, where every detail would determine success or failure.

Lin Ning first found Xiao Cui, took her hand, and looked solemn and reluctant. "Xiao Cui, I have to go on a long journey to Nanzhao. I don't know when I will return. I entrust you to my elder brother. When you get home, you must keep a close eye on the situation in the palace. If there is any news related to Nangong Jin, Tianji Pavilion, or the current situation, send me a message by carrier pigeon immediately. Do not be negligent."

With tears in her eyes, Xiao Cui nodded vigorously. "Miss, don't worry, Xiao Cui will definitely handle it well. Just please be careful on your journey and be sure to return safely."

After comforting Xiao Cui, Lin Ning sat down at the table, spread out some letter paper, and wrote to Yi Zhu. In the letter, she sincerely expressed her request for Yi Zhu to accompany her to Nanzhao, explaining in detail the importance of the jade pendant and the difficulties and dangers they might face on the journey. "Yi Zhu, I have not yet avenged Xuan Yuan Che, and I also long to return to my hometown as soon as possible. This journey is fraught with danger, and I know I am alone and powerless. Only with you by my side can I feel at ease. I hope you can embark on this journey with me and lend me a helping hand." After finishing writing, Lin Ning carefully put the letter into an envelope, sealed it with sealing wax, and sent it to Yi Zhu as soon as possible.

In the days that followed, Lin Ning began packing her bags, selecting lightweight and practical clothing, essential medicines, and some self-defense items. She also secretly contacted Uncle Zhong and Manager Wang, instructing them to remain at their posts during her absence, continue assisting Xiao Cui in gathering intelligence, and maintain the smooth operation of Tianji Pavilion's businesses in the capital.

As the wedding date drew closer, Lin Ning's heart pounded with increasing nervousness, but even more so with anticipation for her escape. She knew that if she could find the jade pendant, perhaps she could change everything and find her way home…

On the day of Nangong Jin's grand wedding to the Nanzhao princess, the entire palace was brightly decorated and bustling with activity. Red silk was everywhere, and music filled the air, with everyone's attention focused on this magnificent wedding. Meanwhile, Lin Ning was seizing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carefully carry out her escape plan.

Dressed in black with her face veiled, she skillfully avoided the sight of the palace guards. She was already intimately familiar with the palace routes and the guards' patrol patterns, and now she navigated with practiced ease. She moved close to the wall, her steps light and swift, each one revealing both caution and decisiveness.

Finally, Lin Ning successfully passed through the palace gates and arrived outside the palace. The moment she stepped out of the palace, she felt a great weight lifted from her shoulders, and an overwhelming joy welled up inside her. "I did it!" she cheered inwardly, a long-lost smile appearing on her face.

Lin Ning dared not delay for a moment. She knew that once Nangong Jin discovered her disappearance, he would definitely send people to hunt her down with all his might. Therefore, she immediately rushed towards the outskirts of the capital to meet up with Yizhu. Along the way, she avoided the bustling streets and chose some secluded side roads, leaving the capital of Dayu as quickly as possible.

Once outside the capital, Lin Ning found the fast horse she had prepared beforehand. She leaped onto the horse, flicked the reins, and the steed galloped off like an arrow towards Nanzhao. The wind whistled past her ears, ruffling her hair and clothes, but she paid no heed, her mind focused on only one thought: to reach Nanzhao as quickly as possible and find the jade pendant.

Lin Ning knew that the journey would be fraught with hardship and danger, but she had no way back. She gripped the reins tightly, her eyes fixed firmly ahead, not daring to let her guard down for a moment. Despite the weariness on her face as she continued her journey without stopping, the light in her eyes grew ever stronger.

"Nanzhao, I'm coming. No matter how many difficulties lie ahead, I will find the jade pendant, avenge Xuanyuan Che, and return to my world." Lin Ning silently vowed in his heart, then quickened his horse's pace, galloping towards the unknown future...

After a long and arduous journey, Lin Ning finally arrived at the border of Nanzhao. Although she looked slightly tired, her eyes shone with determination. She waited anxiously at the place she had agreed upon with Yizhu beforehand.

A moment later, Yi Zhu's familiar figure appeared in her sight. Yi Zhu was also travel-worn, and upon seeing Lin Ning, he nodded slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of concern.

"Miss Lin, you must be tired from your journey," Yi Zhu said softly.

Lin Ning smiled slightly and said, "It's worth the hardship to get here safely."

The two quickly disguised themselves. Lin Ning changed into the clothes of a local woman from Nanzhao, wearing an exquisite headscarf that covered most of her face; Yi Zhu disguised himself as an ordinary merchant, carrying a load on a pole, looking inconspicuous.

They cautiously entered Nanzhao territory, and thanks to the intelligence Lin Ning had previously planted there, they successfully located the spy. The spy led them to a secluded dwelling, where everything had already been prepared for them.

"Miss Lin, Mr. Yi, you've finally arrived." The spy's face lit up with joy upon seeing them. "Was your journey smooth?"

Lin Ning nodded and said, "It went fairly smoothly. Our most important task now is to gather information about the jade pendant. Do you have any leads?"

The spy frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I heard that this jade pendant seems to be related to the royal family of Nanzhao. It is said that the royal family has an ancient treasure that is very likely the jade pendant we are looking for. But we need to investigate further to find out the specifics."

Lin Ning and Yi Zhu exchanged a glance, a glimmer of hope flashing in their eyes. "Now that we have a lead, let's start with this member of the royal family," Yi Zhu said. "However, we must proceed cautiously and avoid alerting him."

Lin Ning nodded in agreement. They then settled into their lodgings and began formulating a detailed investigation plan. Lin Ning and Yi Zhu divided the work: Lin Ning would use her intelligence and connections to gather information about the nobleman indirectly; Yi Zhu, on the other hand, would rely on her martial arts skills and keen observation to conduct covert surveillance and investigation. They cautiously traversed the streets and alleys of Nanzhao, leaving no possible clue unchecked. Each inquiry, each observation, brought them one step closer to the truth about the jade pendant…