Chapter 2 THE ESCAPE

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Chapter Two – The Escape

"Royal Lady, I've cleared the Eastern Palace path."

Blending with the night moon, a figure cloaked in black slipped past the side gates of the palace. The moonlight caught briefly on her silk robe as she moved like a shadow through the still courtyards. The guards at the gates lay unconscious, their heads slumped against their spears.

"Young Miss, the carriage is ready at the Eastern Gate," Lin Wei whispered, appearing from behind the stable walls.

"You will leave with Bai Xi first. I will stay to stall them," she added quickly, eyes darting around.

"I refuse," Feng Jin said firmly, her steps unwavering. She walked past her maid, chin lifted in defiance, but her heart ached with every breath.

"Miss, we must leave first. It is our fate to die for you," Bai Xi said, her voice trembling with sincerity as she knelt before her mistress.

Feng Jin paused. The words cut deep, more painful than the hairpin she'd once driven into her own hand.

"I will not sacrifice any more lives for me," she whispered, but the pain in her eyes said she already had.

Suddenly, Lin Wei threw her arms around Feng Jin in a tight embrace. "Miss, you must live well," she choked out. A single tear slid down her cheek as she forcefully pushed Feng Jin away and turned back toward the approaching shouts.

"They went in this direction!"

The voice of a guard echoed through the stone walls, sharp and panicked. Feng Jin looked back mid-leap-just in time to see Lin Wei block an arrow meant for her.

The sound of the arrow piercing flesh cut through the silence like a blade through silk.

"My lady, you must run!" Bai Xi urged again, her voice quivering.

Feng Jin nodded, this time not out of pride, but from overwhelming grief. She forced herself to move, heart breaking with every step. Her bare feet thudded against the ground, leaving a faint trail of blood behind-whether from her or Lin Wei, she no longer knew.

Soon, the wide arch of the Eastern Gate came into view, glowing dimly in the moonlight. A small carriage stood waiting by the wall, wheels half-sunken in dirt. An old man dressed as a healer stepped forward, bowing swiftly.

"Miss Feng, we must hurry," he said without meeting her eyes.

Feng Jin climbed in, her fingers shaking as she clutched the side of the carriage. As it lurched forward and the horses broke into a gallop, she dared one last glance back at the palace, now distant and cold under the silver moon.

"Father... Mother...Ah jie" she whispered, voice barely audible above the wind.

The road ahead twisted along the mountainside, bordered by ancient stone lanterns and forgotten shrines. The horses sped forward, hooves hammering like thunder across the earth. The wind howled around them, carrying the scent of pine, blood, and freedom.

They passed the Southern Qingzho Bridge, said to be cursed by the ghost of a fallen empress. The carriage shook violently as it crossed, but Feng Jin didn't flinch. Her eyes remained fixed on the mountains ahead, heart burning with pain and purpose.

Bamboo groves blurred past, their leaves hissing like whispers of the dead. The city walls were far behind now. For a moment, it felt like she had escaped. Like maybe the heavens would grant her mercy.

But mercy was not for women like her.

At the border of the city, guards in dark armor suddenly surrounded the road. The horses reared back in fear, and the carriage jerked to a halt.

"By order of His Majesty, no one leaves the capital tonight," the General barked, drawing his blade.

The old healer stepped forward. "This is my daughter-she is sick, we are headed to the mountains for treatment."

The General's eyes narrowed. "Search the carriage"

Before the healer could respond, two guards yanked the carriage door open.

Feng Jin sat motionless, hands folded in her lap. Her eyes met the General's without fear. "I am Feng Jin. You may kill me now or take me back."

The soldiers hesitated. Even under the moonlight, her presence was unmistakable-elegant, fierce, unbroken.

"She surrendered herself," one muttered.

The captain exhaled slowly. "Restrain her-but gently. His Majesty's orders were clear."

As the shackles closed around her wrists, Feng Jin did not cry out. She was suddenly surprised as the old healer drew out a blade and lunged for the General's throat,an arrow from behind brought the old healer to his knees with blood pouring out from his mouth.

" How dare you"Feng Jin screamed running to the old man sides

" Young miss...for..g..ive me" he said with difficulty before dropping dead.

" Take her highness immediately" The General voices sprang as two guards took Feng Jin.

She only whispered, "Lin Wei... Bai Xi... forgive me."

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