Han Jingyu personally scouted around on horseback, then returned to the camp after some time. "Reporting to all masters, this subordinate did not find any active civilians in the town. However, one inn is still open for business."
Prince Xie Jingxi, the second prince, who had been camping, immediately grew impatient upon hearing about the inn. "Then let the army stay here, and we will spend the night at the inn tonight."
Ji Zizhao took a bite of the grilled flatbread and narrowed her eyes slightly.
The absence of civilians on the street, yet an open inn, was inherently suspicious.
As expected, before she could speak, she heard Han Jingyu say, "This subordinate believes it is not advisable. It would be safest for all masters to remain in the camp for the night."
Xie Jingxi, who had already been ostracized by the army all day, was not about to heed Han Jingyu's advice at this moment. "If General Han is truly afraid, there is no harm in staying at the camp."
Han Jingyu clenched the reins in his hand with frustration.
If the second prince were not the second prince, he would not have wasted his breath trying to dissuade him.
But now, not only the second prince, but also the seventh prince, the tenth prince, and Princess Ronghe...
If anything were to happen to these masters, no one would be able to bear the responsibility.
However, before Han Jingyu could speak again to stop them, he heard Ji Zizhao say, "This humble woman agrees with His Highness the Second Prince's suggestion."
The tenth prince, seeing that his fairy elder sister had also agreed, quickly declared that he would follow.
The seventh prince, unable to cover the tenth prince's mouth in time, as if afraid Ji Zizhao would secretly swallow his imperial brother, also agreed to go together.
Seeing this, Han Jingyu had no choice but to quickly arrange for carriages to go to the town.
However, he could not understand why the usually calm Princess Ronghe had also agreed to the second prince's request.
Since only a few people were going to the town, it did not take much effort for Han Jingyu to make all the arrangements.
Han Jingyu first helped the second prince and the tenth prince into their respective carriages, and then came before Ji Zizhao.
Ji Zizhao looked at the silent Han Jingyu and spoke first, "General Han seems to have some doubts?"
Han Jingyu said helplessly, "This subordinate just did not expect Princess Ronghe to agree to this matter as well."
Ji Zizhao retorted, "Even if I did not agree, does General Han have a way to stop the second prince?"
Han Jingyu froze.
If the second prince truly cared about the soldiers and considered their well-being, he would not have proposed going to the inn.
But upon closer thought, it was understandable. The second prince was capable of faking illness on the road; what else was he incapable of doing?
"Since the situation cannot be changed, it is better to go with the flow and take precautions. As long as we ensure that the princes are safe, it does not matter where they stay."
Ji Zizhao's words were like a bolt from the blue.
Han Jingyu remained rooted to the spot, unable to recover for a long time.
He had been foolish, not realizing the crux of the problem.
Princess Ronghe was right. As long as they took precautions, it did not matter if the second prince stayed in heaven or on earth.
After personally escorting the masters into the inn, Han Jingyu quickly rode out of the town.
If he remembered correctly, among the new recruits this time was Princess Ronghe's sister.
Just as Han Jingyu dispatched someone to summon Ji Zixiu, Ji Zizhao had already checked into the inn.
The inn had only two floors. The first floor was the dining hall, and the second floor had rooms for lodging.
The second prince, the seventh prince, and the tenth prince stayed on the east side of the second floor.
Ji Zizhao, along with Qingzhu and Lianju, stayed on the west side of the second floor.
The innkeeper was very hospitable, not only ordering the waiter to bring food to the guests but also bringing hot water.
Qingzhu's eyes narrowed as she watched the waiter put the hot water into the room.
After the waiter left, she immediately shut the door tightly. "Miss, this inn has a problem."
The waiter had thick knuckles and calluses on his palms, indicating he was a skilled fighter.
Lianju, who was examining the food, also frowned. "Miss, the food also seems a bit off."
Ji Zizhao, who was wiping her cheeks, walked to the table and used her chopsticks to pick up some of the food. After carefully examining it for a moment, she slowly placed the chopsticks back on the table.
"Dispose of the food secretly. There is no need to make a fuss."
Since they had already checked in, making a scene now would only cause those with ill intentions to act faster.
Ji Zizhao called Qingzhu to her. "Go and inquire about the innkeeper's accent and observe the layout of this inn again."
Qingzhu nodded and went downstairs with the empty plates of the discarded food.
Ji Zizhao then looked at Lianju. "Quietly go and pass a message to the tenth prince."
Lianju silently acknowledged the order.
However, before she could open the door, there was a knock on the closed door.
"Knock, knock, knock... Knock, knock, knock..."
In the quiet room, the crisp knocking sound was exceptionally clear.
Lianju and Ji Zizhao exchanged glances.
Both of them knew very well that Qingzhu would not have returned so quickly.
"Knock, knock, knock... Knock, knock, knock..."
The knocking continued.
Lianju reached for the dagger at her waist, gently walked to the door, and asked in a low voice, "Who is it?"
"It's me."
This voice...
Ji Zizhao stepped past Lianju and opened the door, only to see Ji Zixiu standing outside, smiling at her.
"Eldest Sister." Ji Zixiu's throat still felt tight upon seeing her elder sister.
Ji Zizhao quickly took Ji Zixiu's hand. "Come in and talk."
Qingzhu, remembering her lady's instructions, walked out and gently closed the door after the second young lady entered.
The quiet room finally provided the sisters with a brief moment to spend together.
Ji Zixiu gazed at her elder sister.
This was the first time she had seen her elder sister wear men's clothing.
Although her inherent beauty could not be hidden, she exuded a tenacious spirit that was difficult to look at directly.
Ji Zixiu, thinking of her elder sister's silent protection along the way, finally bent her knees and knelt on the ground. "Ji Zixiu pays respects to Eldest Sister."
Ji Zizhao smiled faintly and reached out to help her up. "Our little second one has finally grown up."
Ji Zixiu shook her head shamefully. "Without Eldest Sister, I would not be who I am today."
Ji Zizhao slowly raised her hand and caressed Ji Zixiu's still tender cheek. "I am a first-time elder sister, and you are a first-time younger sister. Perhaps neither of us is perfect, but we value mutual tolerance and understanding. Since you call me sister, I have a responsibility to help you spread your wings and fly. Zixiu... walk forward well, run forward boldly. With Eldest Sister here, I will always protect you."
Ji Zixiu's throat felt choked, and tears streamed down her face.
Ji Zizhao reached into her robes and quickly pulled out a snakeskin bag.
Ji Zixiu looked at the item in her elder sister's hand with disbelief. "This, this is..."
The Dragon-Phoenix Whip.
It was the whip with which their grandfather had gained fame in his battles.
Emperor Xiaochang was overjoyed and personally bestowed the names Left Dragon and Right Phoenix, symbolizing their accompaniment to their grandfather in battle.
Later, as their grandfather grew older, he gifted the whip, imbued with honor, to his eldest granddaughter.
Now, however, Ji Zizhao handed it to Ji Zixiu. "Take good care of it."
Ji Zixiu looked somewhat incredulous. "Eldest Sister is really willing to give it to me?"
Ji Zizhao nodded. "Of course."