Before the house was raided, the maidservant of the Prime Minister's residence absconded with t

After hearing Xiao Yi's words, Tao'er fell into deep thought.

What he said wasn't entirely unreasonable.

King Cheng is a madman, eccentric and ruthless; he might be capable of anything.

But there was one thing she just couldn't understand: why was Prince Cheng always able to find her and Ayan so accurately?

In ancient times, there were no GPS devices, so it couldn't be that they had superhuman eyes and ears, could it?

Thinking of this, Tao'er raised her head and looked at Xiao Yi, her brows furrowing slightly: "Seventh Brother Shi, how exactly does Prince Cheng manage to find me and Ayan every time?"

Although he came with that bastard Awang this time, the fact that they were able to reach Ping'an County clearly means they found out where we were.

This shows that he knows exactly where Ayan and I are, as if he can smell us and follow us wherever we go.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yi calmly explained, "Tao'er, the reason why Prince Cheng was able to guess that you had come to Ping'an County is probably because he had put in the effort to investigate all of the Xiao family's connections, including my mother's relatives."

The Chen family of Jiangnan, aren't they my mother's cousins?

If he follows this line of investigation all the way, it won't be difficult for him to find Ping'an County.

Moreover, Ping'an County is a necessary stop on the way to Jiangnan, so it's not surprising that they were able to find you.

He paused, then said, "The King of Cheng has far more connections and informants than you can imagine."

If he were determined to investigate, these things wouldn't be too difficult for him.

After listening, Tao'er nodded in sudden understanding.

That's it!

No wonder he always chases after me like a persistent shadow, it's really annoying and infuriating.

Of course, the reason why Prince Cheng kept pursuing her was ultimately because of the parchment scroll that the Prime Minister had given her.

She became increasingly curious about what that parchment scroll was, and why the old emperor was so determined to get his hands on it.

Could it be a treasure map?

Tao'er was startled by the thought that popped into her head!

A treasure map? That's a death warrant! No wonder the dead emperor insisted on sending Prince Cheng to capture her.

It seems I have to avoid Cheng Wang like this, so that his people can't find me.

"Thank you for your explanation, Brother Shi Qi. I understand now."

Then the conversation shifted.

"I don't plan to go to the Chen family in Jiangnan."

Going there doesn't guarantee safety; that bastard Xie Jingxing can still find us.

In this way, my safety and Ayan's safety are still not guaranteed, and we might even implicate the Chen family of Jiangnan.

Xiao Yi frowned slightly: "Tao'er, if you don't plan to go to the Chen family in Jiangnan, where do you want to go?"

He had a sudden thought: where else could Tao'er go besides the Chen family?

That place is, after all, my maternal uncle's house. If they knew that Ayan was from the Xiao family, they would definitely take good care of them.

However, Tao'er's concerns were not unfounded. If the Prince of Cheng's men investigated the Chen family, there would definitely be trouble.

They might even lose their lives because of it!

This is also something Xiao Yi doesn't want to see.

Tao'er is kind-hearted and doesn't want anyone to lose their life because of her.

Moreover, the Chen family has several hundred members...

After a moment's thought, he spoke again: "Tao'er, how about this, you take Ayan, Dongkui and Huanhuan and come with us to the North."

With each other by my side, I feel more at ease knowing you're here and I can look out for each other.

Tao'er paused for a moment, then decisively shook her head: "That won't do!"

If we go with you, we'll be too conspicuous.

It's bound to arouse suspicion when so many people are traveling in such a large group.

"At that time, it will likely be even more dangerous, and it might even implicate the Northern King."

She knew perfectly well that with so many people heading north together, it would be strange if the old emperor didn't suspect something.

Therefore, there is absolutely no way she could go with them.

However, she already had a better place in mind.

Seeing her resolute tone, Xiao Yi knew there was truth to her words.

With so many people traveling together, it's almost impossible not to attract attention.

"Then, Tao'er, where do you plan to take Ayan?"

But you already have a better plan?

Xiao Yi looked at her, his tone carrying a hint of concern.

Tao'er raised her head, her eyes clear and firm: "Seventh Brother Shi, I will take them back to my hometown."

That place was so remote that even if King Cheng had all the connections in the world, he wouldn't be able to find that poor, remote village.

I was sold when I was a child and moved between several families and places, so the Prime Minister's residence has no specific record of my origins.

She paused, as if recalling something: "When I first entered the Prime Minister's residence, the slave trader casually gave me the identity of an orphan."

The people in the Prime Minister's residence also assumed that I was an orphan without parents, so they did not investigate further.

The Prime Minister and the Old Madam have been extremely kind to me...

But precisely because of this, it gave me a safe way out.

Once I return to my hometown, I'll never have to live in such fear again.

As she spoke, Tao'er felt increasingly relieved, and even a hint of joy welled up inside her.

She's been having a lot of dreams lately.

In my dreams, there is always a blind woman crying miserably, and a middle-aged man sighing incessantly.

She couldn't see their faces clearly, but she could clearly feel their deep sorrow.

She even suspected that the two people were the original owner's biological parents.

Sometimes when she wakes up from a dream, she feels a dull ache in her heart, an indescribable sadness.

She thought that was probably the feeling the original owner left in her body.

So, she really wanted to go back and visit.

Xiao Yi pondered for a moment, then nodded: "That's fine too."

Peach, do you still remember exactly where your hometown is?

I will send men to escort you back.

He thought this was good, at least no one could find that place.

Even if King Cheng had extraordinary connections and influence, he would have difficulty finding out.

Moreover, King Cheng is now in such a state that his abilities are far less than before, making it even less likely that he would chase after him to such a remote place.

Tao'er recalled for a moment, then said with certainty, "I vaguely remember it being Xinghua Village in Taoyuan County."

Yes, that's the place.

However, Brother Shi Qi, you don't need to send someone to escort us; that would only draw too much attention.

Seeing her resolute attitude, Xiao Yi stopped pressuring her: "Alright, we'll do as you say."

But please be extremely careful on your journey.

Tao'er smiled, her eyes crinkling: "Seventh Brother Shi, don't worry, I will take good care of your nephew and will never let anything happen to him."

You forgot?

I'm now learning medicine from Uncle Li. Although I've only learned the basics, it's enough for me.

I can make poisons and detoxify them; I can also cure minor illnesses and pains.

If anyone dares to harm us, I'll poison them all.

Her tone was light, as if she were talking about something trivial, not something dangerous.

Seeing her confident demeanor, Xiao Yi couldn't help but smile: "Okay, I'm not worried anymore."

He paused for a moment, then added, "By the way, Tao'er, there's something I want to discuss with you now."

Seeing that Tao'er was so resourceful, he stopped trying to persuade her.

He believed in her abilities.