Chapter 8, outside Beishandao, an arrow comes from the south

The further south one travels, the warmer the climate becomes. Logically, the scenery outside the car window should also grow increasingly vibrant and lush. However, as the convoy ascends into the vast Min Mountains, the surrounding grass gradually fades, giving way to towering trees that line the path. The leaves have not yet fully turned a bright green, still retaining the somber essence accumulated from last autumn and winter.

A wind weaves through the forest that has just awakened in spring, howling softly, as if a ghost were weeping. Ning Que furrows his brow, gazing into the depths of the dense woods, carefully listening to the nuances within those mournful sounds. Suddenly, he shouts loudly: "Enemy attack!"

You were dug out from a pile of corpses, and the hardships I endured to survive in my childhood are beyond what most people can imagine

The faint noise in the forest finally revealed the truth, as a feathered arrow shot through the trees like lightning, whistling mournfully, aimed at the luxurious carriage in the convoy

"An idiot leading a group of idiots." Thinking about the ambush that might be encountered on the North Mountain Road, and considering the supporting troops that may or may not be present, his mood grew increasingly heavy and despondent. He lowered his voice and said fiercely, "Having stayed on the grassland for nearly a year, I still haven't become any smarter. I really don't understand how her virtuous reputation came to be.

Sang Sang did not ask any further questions, but began to quietly pack her belongings, using her small hands to test the straightness of each feathered arrow. She knew that the moment night fell would be the time to flee to the vast Min Mountains with Ning Que. She was not afraid, for in her childhood, she had traversed such dark mountain forests countless times on Ning Que's back.

Sang Sang raised her head, looking at his newly sprouted light blue stubble, and asked, "We have escaped, what will happen to them?"

At that moment, Ning Que's hand holding the scabbard slightly stiffened

Ten days ago, upon receiving the urgent receipt transmitted from Gushan County, she decisively chose to head straight into Beishandao, as she believed that the young commander Huashan Yue from Gushan County should have already led his personal troops to the southern foothills exit of Beishandao.

The delicate maid had been spending much less time chatting with Sang Sang these days, mostly remaining in the second carriage. However, when she got off the carriage that evening, a faint smile appeared on her face

She originally intended to come and chat with Sang Sang, but unexpectedly, she saw the scene of the two of them packing their luggage, and easily guessed that they wanted to leave

When she and the *Illustrated Book* decided to leave the grasslands, she had already sent envoys into the territory of the empire in advance. Although it was impossible to reach Chang'an in a short time to mobilize a large number of troops from the court for support, that envoy had enough time to contact her loyal subordinates.

After saying this, he fell silent for a moment, tucked the hand-drawn map into his clothing, shook his head in self-mockery, and said: "It seems that the so-called guide, apart from leading them into the Northern Mountain Path, is more about confusing the enemy. That foolish princess never believed General Ma, and naturally, she would not believe me either"

"Living is the most important thing." Ning Que lowered his head, sharpening his knife, his movements slow yet powerful and resolute. "As long as we can survive and reach Chang'an, there will always be opportunities to learn those things. If we entrust our lives to this group of fools, there will be no possibility left."

Even if one is looking for someone to provide assistance, the choice of location is very important. If I were to decide, I would rather place the meeting point on a certain avenue than in Pinecone Ridge

... ...

The curtain of the shabby tent was lifted by a hand, and the maid entered. The smile on her delicate face instantly turned into a cold chill

"If we enter the North Mountain Road, we will part ways with them. What will you do about the matter you wish to consult that old gentleman about?" Sang Sang asked, somewhat bewildered.

With a sharp sound, Ning Que drew out three blades, still bearing rust marks from their sheaths. He twisted open the water pouch to moisten the whetstone and began to silently sharpen the edges of the knives. Once he entered the North Mountain Path, there might be a series of bloody battles ahead. It may be a bit late to sharpen the knives at the last moment, but at least it can calm his mind

In the twilight, a humble tent stood solitary on the outskirts of a circular formation of wagons. The captain of the princess's guards had raised a question, but the owner of the tent insisted on this arrangement, refusing to move into the enclosure formed by five wagons and boxes.

In the midst of tense vigilance and searching, the convoy traveled for several days and finally arrived at the outskirts of the North Mountain Pass. Looking at the dense forest that obscured the sky and sun, most of the people in the team did not show the same worried expression as Ning Que; instead, they appeared much more relaxed.

Sangsang, you must always remember this: we have worked very hard, so hard that we have even risked our lives to continue living in this world. Since we have struggled so much to survive, we cannot easily choose to die

It has been less than a year since leaving the Tang Dynasty, and she firmly believes that those loyal subordinates remain loyal to her. Even if some have been bribed by that woman in the palace, Huashan Yue will definitely not be swayed, because... His gaze towards her is always so gentle

Ning Que was checking whether the bowstring had become damp. After hearing this question, he turned his head and quietly looked at the little maid's dark face. After a long silence, he said seriously: "You may have forgotten things from your childhood, but I have not forgotten."

Ning Que smiled after a moment of silence, preparing to explain a few words. Suddenly, his ear trembled slightly, the dimples on his cheeks vanished, replaced by an expression of seriousness that had not been seen for a long time. He swiftly sheathed his three knives behind him and rudely pushed aside the maid as he exited the tent

After saying this, Ning Que did not provide further explanation. He sheathed the polished wooden sword and bound it with some straw rope. After testing the distance between the sheath and his back, he found it to be just right and carried it behind him.

As the temperature between heaven and earth slightly decreased, a tense and oppressive atmosphere enveloped the entire convoy. Everyone was aware that the significant figure within Chang'an City, who dared to plot against Her Highness the Princess, saw Mount Min, situated between the border and the prefectures, as his last opportunity to prevent Her Highness from safely returning to the capital.

Ning Que looked at the prominent ink dot just marked on the hand-drawn map and said, "They chose to take the North Mountain Road, but they do not consider that although it is a single road, the entire seven-mile stretch on both sides is dense forest, making it very easy to set an ambush"

The camp is located outside the northern mountain pass, without the cover of dense forest, bathed in the last twilight, warm and exceedingly comfortable, yet at this moment it seems to be stained with a layer of blood red

When the convoy was still over thirty miles away from the designated rendezvous point, they began to set up camp and rest in the twilight. Traveling through the dense forest in the dead of night was a perilous endeavor from any perspective. Some guards even suggested that they simply wait outside the northern mountain pass for the troops from Mount Hua to arrive.

She was still contemplating this proposal; however, no matter how one looks at it, she and Xiaoman are now very safe. Thus, a smile resurfaced on her delicate cheeks, and the laughter that had been suppressed for several days returned to the camp.

... ...

Do not stray too far from their convoy; in case of an emergency, how will we have time to escape

Ning Que explained with a slight mockery. He tied the large black umbrella with a straw rope, secured it on Sang Sang's back, and then fashioned the knot of the straw rope into a beautifully delicate little flower

What do you want to do?" She coldly stared at Ning Que's face and said, "At such a moment, your actions are hard not to arouse suspicion.