So what if she's my sister-in-law? You seduced me first.

Ning Yu immediately tried to break free from his grasp and take the document, but the moment she tried, he held her even tighter. She was startled and couldn't help but look at him.

Xie Yan's palms were slightly burning hot. When he saw her looking over, he hesitated for a moment before slowly releasing his grip.

Ning Yu felt slightly embarrassed and took a step back after accepting the document.

Xie Yan realized he had just been rude and made her wary; a dark glint flashed in his lowered eyes.

The night was pitch black. Behind the artificial hill was a cave, and the two of them stood at the entrance of the dark cave, only able to make out the words on the booklet by the dim light of the night.

Ning Yu could see that his place of origin was Jiangning County in Liangzhou, and his name had been changed to Liu Qinghuan.

"No one can find out this identity. It was a merchant who traveled all over the country and was recruited by the Jiangning County Prefectural Governor to register the household registration."

Thank you.

Undeniably, even if the identity he arranged for her were placed right in front of Xie Xun, he might not have guessed it was her. Fortunately, he didn't give her the identity of a daughter of an official, which would have made it easier to find out.

This identity also made it easier for her to travel to and from various prefectures and counties, so that she wouldn't be trapped near Liangzhou.

Seeing the undisguised relief in her eyes, Xie Yan added, "I didn't get you a travel permit, but I stamped a pass that allows you to freely enter and exit every checkpoint of the Great Xia, and you can also leave the border."

The purpose of getting a travel permit is to let Xie Xun know that he was the one who sent her away, and that she went with him.

Ning Yu was delighted, took the travel document, and opened it to read.

A travel permit has time and location restrictions, while a pass allows for unimpeded passage.

"You've thought of everything so thoroughly, thank you, Your Highness."

Xie Yan didn't like hearing her say "thank you." "It was my fault for not protecting you properly. There's no need for thanks."

Ning Yu's cheeks immediately felt hot and burning. She awkwardly put her things away and glanced outside.

There weren't many people around, and she could only faintly hear the cawing of crows overhead. After thinking for a moment, she handed the things to him first.

"I heard Xie Xun will be in the palace for the next couple of days. You can give me the things then. If I take them back now, it will be discovered."

Xie Yan originally planned to give her the money, household registration, and travel documents when he saw her off. He was just looking for an excuse to come and see her now.

Hearing her say that, he put everything away and nodded.

"Have you decided where you want to go?"

Ning Yu had already made up her mind. After leaving the capital, she planned to go to Xianyang City, which was not far from Fuzhou. There was no war breaking out in the southwest region for the time being, and the identity he had arranged for her would make things convenient for her.

But recalling his actions just now, she hesitated for a moment and said, "I haven't decided yet."

"Things are not peaceful outside right now, there are rebels everywhere. Ayu, you are a woman. If someone helps you to bribe the local officials, you will be much safer."

Ning Yu understood his unspoken meaning: wherever she went, he would secretly arrange things for her with the officials, saving her from some complicated matters.

"I know, I'll tell you when I've thought it through."

Xie Yan breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that she was obedient. He would be busy with many things in a couple of days and would not be able to go with her. He planned to arrange for a group of bodyguards to escort her away.

Ning Yu didn't know what he was thinking. Seeing that it was getting late and fearing that the maid would come looking for her, she said, "Then I'll be going now."

Her wrist was suddenly grabbed, and her body, which had only taken two steps, suddenly froze. She moved her wrist, but he gripped it even tighter.

She pursed her lips, turned around, and asked, "What's wrong? Is there something else?"

Xie Yan simply didn't want to see her go to the East Garden, nor did he want to think about what they were all doing. When she asked him so bluntly, he had no choice but to answer.

"We still have a chance after we leave---"

Before he could finish speaking, Ning Yu seemed to have seen something, quickly shushed him, and pushed him a little further inside.

Strange, wasn't it just here a moment ago?

The maid, clutching the small hand warmer, looked around suspiciously. Seeing no one, her heart skipped a beat. If the mistress had run away, she was doomed.

With that thought in mind, she hurriedly looked around anxiously. If she still couldn't find it, she would have to go back and ask someone to look for it.

Behind the artificial hill, Xie Yan looked at her aloof eyes and brows, his suppressed emotions rising uncontrollably. He took a deep breath, trying to control himself, but he wouldn't let go of her wrist.

Ning Yu glanced at the exit at the other end, ignoring his gaze, and reminded him, "I have to go."

"Ayu, we---"

"Your Highness." Suddenly, she interrupted him, looking up at him. "Let bygones be bygones."

A fleeting emotion crossed Xie Yan's eyes, and an uncontrollable surge of anger rose within him.

"You are the heir of the Xie family, bearing the heavy responsibility of the family's interests. Do not go against the family because of me. The princess will find you another suitable marriage. The noble ladies in the capital are all beautiful as peach blossoms and plum blossoms."

Ning Yu didn't know what she had said wrong, but she could feel the veins bulging on the hand that was gripping hers, and it hurt her hand from the tightness.

Why didn't you say these things to Xie Xun?

Even with his stubborn temper, he has to listen to what she says.

"Ayu, I'm not reconciled!"

Ning Yu's heart pounded as if it had been hit by something, and she froze.

Sensing the approaching danger, her expression changed drastically, and she bent her leg, ready to deliver a fatal blow.

But he didn't flinch; his dark eyes were fixed on her, as if he were watching to see if she would make a move against him.

Ning Yu felt a pang of helplessness; she just couldn't bring herself to do it. Just as she was about to say something, she heard him say, "Let's hug for a while. I missed you too."

Her eyes widened suddenly, and as soon as she loosened her grip on her wrist, she turned to leave.

Xie Yan's face darkened, and he swiftly reached back and pulled her into his arms.

The overwhelming masculine scent made Ning Yu quickly place her hand on his chest, but he was too strong and she couldn't break free no matter what she did.

Her mind went blank for a moment, then she gritted her teeth, "Xie Yan!"

The furious voice brought Xie Yan back to his senses. The bloodshot in his eyes slowly faded. He felt the body trembling in his arms, paused for a moment, and then released his grip.

Seeing his lowered eyelids and pale face, Ning Yu took a deep breath and turned to leave.

"Ah Yu, I acted impulsively just now."

She paused, rubbed her tired forehead, and turned around. "I'm sorry, Xie Yan, but... let's just let it go. Just pretend I'm really dead."

Why should I? Xie Yan watched her departing figure. The half of her body hidden in the shadows couldn't be seen, but the murderous aura emanating from her was as terrifying as a howling beast on the battlefield.