Jade of Another World

Inside the room, Lin Ning carefully tended to Yi Zhu's wounds. She opened the box containing the finely prepared wound medicine, gently dabbed the ointment with a clean cloth, and applied it to Yi Zhu's bloody and mangled wounds. Yi Zhu winced slightly in pain, but he endured it, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

"Miss Lin, thank you for your trouble." Yi Zhu's voice was slightly hoarse, and her eyes were full of gratitude.

Lin Ning looked up at him and said gently, "Yizhu, don't say that. If it weren't for you, I would probably be dead long ago. It was your help when I encountered all kinds of dangers along the way that allowed me to get to where I am today." As she spoke, she continued to carefully bandage Yizhu's wounds, her movements gentle and focused.

Looking at Lin Ning's earnest expression, Yi Zhu felt a surge of warmth in her heart. From the time they met until now, they had gone through some hardships together, and their trust and friendship had grown stronger with each life-or-death test.

Two days later, Yizhu's injuries had greatly improved under Lin Ning's meticulous care. He moved his injured shoulder, and although it still ached slightly, it was no longer a serious problem. Lin Ning was very pleased to see that he was recovering well.

“Yizhu, now that your injuries are better, we should start planning how to escape this predicament,” Lin Ning said with a serious expression.

Yi Zhu nodded and said, “Miss Lin, that’s exactly what I was thinking too. I’ve been thinking about this for the past few days. Nangong Jin’s people will definitely not let this go, and although the Second Prince has temporarily taken us in, he is eyeing Yu Jue covetously, so we can’t completely trust him. We must find a foolproof plan as soon as possible.”

Lin Ning pondered for a moment and said, "I think we can try to make contact with the outside world first. We can ask our informants here for some help. However, how to get the message out without the Second Prince's notice is a problem."

Yi Zhu thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps we can take advantage of the Second Prince's guards changing shifts to send out a signal. I have another signal flare here. Although this courtyard is heavily guarded, it is not without flaws. As long as someone comes to meet us, we still have a chance to get out. Once our people come to meet us, we will sneak out."

Lin Ning's eyes lit up, and he said, "That's a good idea. After we get out, we still need to find a way to evade Nangong Jin's pursuers and leave Nanzhao smoothly. By the way, we can go to the valleys on the border of Nanzhao. The terrain there is complicated and easy to hide in. After we get rid of the pursuers, we can find a way to reach the border."

Yi Zhu agreed, saying, "Miss Lin is absolutely right. However, the journey will undoubtedly be fraught with difficulties and dangers, so we must make thorough preparations. We need to find a way to prepare food, water, and some essential medicines."

The two discussed every detail carefully, coming up with a preliminary escape plan. Although the road ahead was fraught with unknowns and dangers, they trusted and supported each other, firmly believing they could escape their predicament…

Lin Ning solemnly explained her plan to Yi Zhu: "Yi Zhu, we're trapped here, and the Second Prince is watching us closely. The slightest mistake could expose our plan. To buy us enough time to escape, I've come up with a scheme." She paused slightly, a sly glint in her eyes, and continued, "I plan to have my spies in Nanzhao write a letter to the First Prince. The letter will say that we've been captured by the Second Prince, and if he can find a way to rescue us, I will willingly offer him the jade pendant."

Upon hearing this, Yi Zhu's eyes first flashed with surprise, then quickly turned to admiration. He nodded slightly and said, "Miss Lin, this plan is brilliant. The First Prince has always coveted the Jade Pendant and has a long-standing feud with the Second Prince. He will certainly not sit idly by upon receiving such a letter. Once he sends someone over, the two factions will inevitably clash. At that time, we can take advantage of the chaos to escape."

Lin Ning smiled with relief and said, "That's right. The First Prince and the Second Prince have always been openly and covertly fighting each other, refusing to yield to each other for their own interests. This jade pendant is the fuse that can ignite their conflict. And we can take advantage of their contradictions to find a glimmer of hope."

Without hesitation, Lin Ning immediately contacted his people in Nanzhao and gave them detailed instructions. After receiving the order, the scout quickly began preparations, imitating Lin Ning's handwriting to write a sincere letter, which he then sent by fast horse to the Crown Prince's residence.

In the days that followed, Lin Ning and Yi Zhu appeared calm and composed, living their lives in the courtyard as usual, while secretly keeping a close eye on the outside world, waiting for the next development of their plan. They packed their bags in advance, preparing all the necessary items, waiting only for the chaotic moment to arrive so they could immediately rush out the door.

One afternoon, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the courtyard, with shouts from guards and the faint clash of weapons. Lin Ning and Yi Zhu exchanged a glance, their eyes flashing with a mixture of excitement and tension. They knew that the First Prince's men had arrived, and the first step of their plan had succeeded.

"Yizhu, be ready at any time, the opportunity has come." Lin Ning said in a low voice, his hand unconsciously tightening around the bundle at his waist.

Yi Zhu nodded, drawing his sword from his waist, its blade gleaming coldly in the sunlight. The two waited silently, their hearts pounding as if they would burst from their chests. They knew that their next move would determine whether they could successfully escape their predicament and flee Nanzhao with the jade pendant…

Lin Ning and Yi Zhu hid in the shadows, watching the fierce battle unfolding in the courtyard. The First Prince's men and the Second Prince's guards were locked in a fierce and evenly matched fight, with shouts of battle, the clash of weapons, and blood splattering everywhere. Taking advantage of the chaos, the two moved swiftly like arrows released from a bow.

They crouched low, avoiding the fighting crowd, and moved quickly along the corner of the wall. Yi Zhu led the way, a sharp blade in hand, vigilantly observing their surroundings, ready to deal with any potential danger; Lin Ning followed closely behind, her eyes resolute, her steps light. Finally, they successfully crossed the courtyard and arrived at the pre-arranged rendezvous point.

Their own people were already waiting there. Upon their arrival, they immediately handed over the prepared clothes and luggage. The two quickly disguised themselves. Lin Ning changed into ordinary peasant clothes, with a coarse cloth headscarf wrapped around her head and some ash smeared on her face, completely unlike her usual appearance. Yi Zhu dressed up as a coachman, holding a whip, looking simple and unpretentious.

"Quick, let's go!" Yi Zhu whispered, and everyone quickly boarded the carriage. The carriage slowly started moving, heading towards the city gate. Along the way, Lin Ning and Yi Zhu nervously stared out the window, afraid of being discovered.

Soon, the carriage arrived at the city gate. The soldiers guarding the city were checking passersby. Lin Ning's heart was in her throat, and her hands unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes. Yi Zhu, on the other hand, remained calm and composed, calmly talking to the soldiers according to the pre-arranged strategy.

"Gentlemen, we're just small business owners. We came into town to buy some goods and are about to head back," Yi Zhu said with a smile, handing over a few copper coins.

The soldiers glanced at them and inspected the carriage. Finding nothing suspicious, they waved them through. Lin Ning and Yi Zhu breathed a sigh of relief, secretly glad that their disguises had worked.

Once outside the city gates, the carriage sped off, racing towards Dayu. The two dared not linger, urging their horses onward, fearing the Nanzhao people would catch up. Along the way, they endured wind and rain, traveling day and night, with only one thought in their minds: to return to Dayu as quickly as possible.

Finally, after several days and nights of travel, they saw the border of Dayu. Lin Ning and Yi Zhu exchanged a smile, their eyes filled with joy and excitement. "We're finally back," Lin Ning said, his voice trembling slightly.

Yizhu nodded and said, "Yes."

……

Lin Ning and Yi Zhu were overjoyed, thinking they were about to escape danger, but at that moment, Yi Zhu keenly sensed something unusual behind them. He turned around alertly, his expression instantly changing: "Miss Lin, there are pursuers!"

Lin Ning's heart tightened, and he quickly turned around to look. In the distance, dust billowed as a group of men dressed in black rode swiftly in pursuit. After recognizing the pursuers' attire, Lin Ning immediately guessed their identities: "They're Nangong Jin's men! I didn't expect him to be chasing us so closely."

The situation was urgent, leaving no time for further thought. Lin Ning made a decisive decision: "Yizhu, we'll split into two groups. You take Yujue and find a safe place to hide. Nangong Jin is after me; I'll draw them away."

Upon hearing this, Yi Zhu firmly shook her head in opposition: "Miss Lin, no! It's too dangerous. I can't let you face Nangong Jin alone."

Lin Ning looked at Yi Zhu, her eyes firm and unwavering: "Yi Zhu, this is the best solution now. Nangong Jin wants me. As long as I return to the palace with him, he won't do anything to me for the time being. I have my own ways to deal with him. As for you, you must protect the jade pendant. We risked our lives to get it back. Once things have calmed down, give the jade pendant to Ouyang Qingchuan and tell him to prepare for what's to come. I'm entrusting everything to you!"

Seeing the determination in Lin Ning's eyes, Yi Zhu knew her mind was made up. Although he was filled with worry, he also understood that this was the only feasible solution at the moment. He gritted his teeth and said, "Miss Lin, you must be careful. I will find a place to hide it as soon as possible, and when the time is right, I will hand the jade pendant over to Ouyang Qingchuan. You must stay safe."

Lin Ning nodded slightly, a reassuring smile on her face: "Don't worry, I'll be fine. We'll definitely meet again."

After saying that, the two quickly separated. Yi Zhu, carrying Yu Jue, galloped off in another direction, trying to shake off the pursuers; while Lin Ning deliberately slowed down and headed towards Dayu.

Soon, Nangong Jin's pursuers arrived. Upon seeing Lin Ning, the lead guard's eyes flashed with delight: "Capture her! His Majesty will reward you handsomely!"

Lin Ning did not resist, letting them seize her. She knew this was a necessary sacrifice to protect Yi Zhu and Yu Jue. On the way back, being escorted, Lin Ning silently plotted how to deal with Nangong Jin…