Do not tell anyone that you are a prince.

Nightfall outside the palace gates.

Zhao Chengxian had already arranged for a young eunuch to leave the palace, so that after Hui Yue’er exited, the eunuch could re-enter with Hui Yue’er’s waist token. In this way, Hui Yue’er could slip out of the palace without anyone noticing. After all, it was not convenient for Zhao Chengxian to enter the palace at night, unless something urgent arose—he would wait for Xuan Yuanren and the others at a corner near the palace gates for Hui Yue’er’s arrival. Zhao Chengxian, Chen Gui, and Xiao Xizi waited anxiously outside the carriage, their eyes fixed on the palace gates, relying on the faint glow of the night sky. Both Chen Gui and Xiao Xizi disapproved of Zhao Chengxian’s risky scheme, feeling as if their lord had changed; the once carefree and outwardly frivolous yet inwardly mature and steady Prince Jun had now become impulsive. Although they disagreed, since Zhao Chengxian had made his decision, they were still willing to assist him—true loyalty.

Dressed in the young eunuch’s attire, Hui Yue’er approached the palace guards. She kept her head high, thinking, “There are so many eunuchs in the palace, these guards couldn’t possibly recognize them all. The shift is about to change, so when Xiao Xizi returns, it won’t even be the same guards. Besides, those stationed at the gates only recognize the waist token, not the person!” She flashed a smile at the commander checking her token. “Brother Guard, you’re really working hard, still at your post so late!” The commander took the token and had his subordinate record it. She truly meant what she said—serving in the palace was exhausting and lacked dignity, a thankless task.

The tall commander smiled in return. “There’s no helping it. We’re all servants, aren’t we? You can’t rest either, little brother. We’re all people of hard fate.” Without suspicion, he handed the token back. Hui Yue’er took it and walked out, her token belonging to Xiao Xizi. It was common for eunuchs to leave the palace, nothing unusual.

Once outside, Hui Yue’er searched for Zhao Chengxian and the others. Spotting her, Zhao Chengxian approached, took her hand from behind, and deliberately pretended not to know her. “What brings this young lord here?” He gazed at her sweet smile, thinking: Little Moon always looks like a girl—do those guards have bad eyesight? Of course, his own preconceptions made her easy to recognize; to most, she would be indistinguishable.

Hui Yue’er looked up and smiled. “And what brings His Highness Prince Jun here?” Zhao Chengxian tapped her nose with his finger, feeling that seeing her smile was the greatest happiness. To have someone who finds joy in your joy is happiness, but to share that feeling with each other is true fortune.

Zhao Chengxian smiled calmly. “Enough playing around. Hand the token back to Xiao Xizi. The gates will close soon!” They walked toward the carriage. Hui Yue’er gave the token to Xiao Xizi, and Zhao Chengxian instructed, “When you have time, check on Qiqi. If she has any trouble, do your best to help her.” Xiao Xizi nodded humbly and left. Zhao Chengxian and Hui Yue’er boarded the carriage. He looked at her and said, “Let’s return to Prince Jun’s residence first and ride fast horses!” Riding at the palace gates would be too conspicuous, risking exposure; besides, Xiao Xizi couldn’t ride.

Hui Yue’er asked anxiously, “Did you tell your mother you’re going to look for your sister? What if she’s not there?” She knew that greater hope could bring greater disappointment, so she felt it best not to tell the old princess.

Zhao Chengxian shook his head. “No. I only said I was running an errand for His Majesty, didn’t even say where. I know what you’re thinking—do you really think I’m that foolish?” If he couldn’t anticipate this, he’d hardly be qualified as Xuan Yuanren’s advisor.

Hui Yue’er leaned against his shoulder, laughing. “Our bookworm isn’t foolish. I just worried you might let it slip!” To have someone to be playful with was a wonderful feeling. Soon, they arrived at Prince Jun’s residence. Yue’er went to the Quiet Study to change, while Zhao Chengxian waited outside, keeping watch so that no one in the residence would discover Hui Yue’er’s presence. With his back to the Quiet Study, Hui Yue’er changed and called out, “When we reach my relatives’ home, don’t say you’re a prince. They’ve never met any important figures. Can you just say you’re my sister-in-law’s brother? I’ll tell them I quarreled with my brother, and in anger he left home with his new wife. Because her brother was worried, you let me take you to find them. Is that all right?” As long as Zhao Chengxian agreed, Hui Qinghui wouldn’t have to go to prison; otherwise, Zhao Chengxian could easily find a reason to make Hui Qinghui serve decades in jail. Of course, Hui Yue’er hadn’t thought that far—she simply didn’t want to frighten her relatives.

Zhao Chengxian knew that making this public would hurt his sister’s reputation, so he agreed. “All right, this time it’ll just be you and me. No one else comes. Is that fine?” He wondered how they were getting by, worried about Princess Si Rou and Hui Qinghui, both so inexperienced in life. Hui Yue’er emerged in her short traveling clothes; Zhao Chengxian nodded approvingly. “This outfit suits you best!” Hui Yue’er smiled, feeling her own comfort in such attire. Zhao Chengxian instructed Chen Gui to stay at the residence, and together with Hui Yue’er, they set off through the night toward Peach Blossom Town.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and those neither young nor old, shower me with your gold medals, red packets, and gifts—don’t hold back! Let the storm rage even fiercer!