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

Uncle Chen thought for a while and then continued, "I also learned today that the guards protecting the Prime Minister's residence withdrew last night, Old Madam Xiao has been laid to rest, and Prime Minister Xiao has been brought back to prison."

Strangely enough, so many soldiers were guarding the area before, but now they've all suddenly withdrawn.

However, in my opinion, there might be some kind of conspiracy...

I think it would be best if you didn't go to see Lord Xiao and the others off on the day they were exiled.

Even watching from afar is not enough.

Although the young master was somewhat disappointed that he couldn't attend the farewell ceremony, he had at least seen Lord Xiao last night.

Old Man Chen also felt sorry for Ayan. After all, he was still young, and it was normal for him not to want to leave his parents.

However, he knew that if Ayan were captured and exiled along with Lord Xiao and the others, he might not necessarily survive.

Therefore, he did not plead for the young master just now.

"What Old Man Chen said is exactly what I was worried about. Suddenly they stopped looking for people and stopped sending people to guard the Prime Minister. There can't be such a simple reason for this."

If I'm not mistaken, King Cheng made these arrangements on imperial orders.

Tao'er said in a low voice.

"Does Miss Peach mean that they did this on purpose to lure you two into a trap?"

Old Chen stroked his gray beard, his tone cautious.

Tao'er nodded. "Maybe!"

This is just my guess.

But given our current situation, it's really not suitable to take such a big risk.

Mr. Chen, could you tell me the specific details?

Tao'er wanted to know more about the specific situation outside so she could make a better judgment.

"The specific details, Miss Peach, are you referring to...?"

Mr. Chen didn't quite understand.

"that is………

It means some places that you find suspicious.

Tao'er explained carefully.

Seeing Tao'er's solemn expression, Old Man Chen realized that things were not as simple as they seemed.

I was too careless and my thinking was too simplistic!

Old Man Chen's smile faded, and he lowered his voice, saying, "Miss Tao'er, do you feel something is amiss?"

He stroked his gray beard and asked with a hint of caution.

"Now that you mention it..."

I do recall some things.

While wandering around the city gate, I did feel that something was off about some places.

The soldiers guarding the city were checking people very carefully, but the way they looked at people was strange...

It didn't seem like a routine matter; it was more like they were looking for someone specific. By the way, each of them was holding a portrait. I dared not get too close, for fear of arousing their suspicion.

Moreover, only the government troops and imperial guards who were on the surface were withdrawn. In the street corners, alleys, teahouses and taverns, there seemed to be some unfamiliar faces moving around, who did not seem to be ordinary people.

Although they dressed like ordinary people, their words and actions were definitely not those of ordinary people.

The expressions and demeanor of poor people are not like this!

Tao'er's heart sank.

really!

How could the royal family's methods be relaxed so easily?

This is more like luring them into a trap, intending to capture them alive.

They anticipated that once the surface blockade was lifted, those who were hiding, especially those who were anxious and confused, would inevitably be unable to resist showing themselves or trying to leave the city.

Then, we'll precisely close the net.

It seems that lifting the city gates and withdrawing the garrison troops were all a ruse; the real purpose was to wait for the enemy to come to them, or you could say to lure them out.

But she still thought the rabbit was cuter.

She doesn't like snakes; snakes are cold-blooded animals.

Tao'er looked serious. "Uncle Chen, this is probably not a relaxation, but a change to a more covert method."

Ayan is young and might feel that an opportunity has come, but we cannot take the risk.

Especially since the Prime Minister and his entourage will be setting off in a couple of days, I wonder how many eyes will be watching to capture me and Ayan.

Let's fight fire with fire and see who can endure longer.

Tao'er thought to herself that these bastards just wouldn't let them go.

They wouldn't even let a five-year-old child go.

Old Chen gasped: "Then..."

So what should we do?

Are you going to keep hiding?

But this isn't a long-term solution.

He had originally planned to send the two of them out of the city tonight ahead of schedule.

Tao'er's eyes were unusually firm as she said slowly, "Wait, wait for a real opportunity, or rather, let's create an opportunity ourselves."

As the exiles set off, some of their attention will be drawn to them, especially in the early stages.

We need to take advantage of this time difference, not tomorrow, but after they depart. There might be a brief, genuine lull in the checks, or a period of distraction.

Old Man Chen nodded: "What Miss Tao said makes sense."

"Then we'll wait a couple more days, until they lower their guard."

Old Man Chen thought Tao'er's words made sense.

Tao'er thought for a moment, then asked, "Uncle, do you know of any lively temple fairs or anything like that recently?"

She remembered that there was a mountain god temple on the outskirts of the city, where people would go to make offerings every year. It seemed that there was a temple fair every year where they could listen to high monks chanting scriptures and preaching.

All the common people in the city would participate, and even high-ranking officials and noble ladies would attend the temple fair.

Old Man Chen's eyes lit up, and he said excitedly, "Miss Tao'er, it's all thanks to you for reminding me."

Five days later, there really was a temple fair, the only one in Shengjing where officials and commoners alike enjoyed themselves.

It was a very lively day; almost every household had someone there.

"Peach Girl, do you mean you want to take advantage of this temple fair to escape?"

Old Mr. Chen immediately thought of this.

"Uncle, that's what I was thinking. That day, there were huge crowds of people, many of them went to worship the mountain god."

This is the best opportunity for me and Ayan.

Tao'er smiled happily; she had finally come up with this idea.

On that day, many people would bring offerings to worship the mountain god.

Because it is said that the mountain god is very efficacious and can grant almost any request, many people go there every year.

"Thank you for your help today, Uncle Chen. Please don't ask any questions these next two days, lest you arouse suspicion by asking too many."

Tao'er expressed her gratitude and then told him not to inquire further.

To avoid getting into trouble.

Old Chen waved his hand, "Alright, I'll remember that."

Tao'er then asked about finding a shop. Old Chen happily told her that they had found a suitable shop, which, although not large, was more than enough to open a wonton shop.

Tao'er nodded and said with a smile, "That's good, that's good!"

"Sir, you should go and rest!"

I'll go inside and check on Ayan.

The child is probably still upset!

Old Man Chen nodded repeatedly, "Peach Girl, go quickly!"

I also went to do some work.

After saying that, the old man turned and left.

Tao knocked on the door, "Ayan..."

Ah Yan…”

There was no sound inside.

Tao'er's heart tightened, and she quickly pushed open the door, only to find the room empty.

"Ayan...where are you?"

She was sitting in the yard and didn't see Ayan run out!

Where has this child gone?