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From her voice, San Chun detected a faint sense of loneliness and a sorrowful understanding of the world. She never expected that the older sister who had been so aggressive and competitive just a year ago would become so indifferent and emotionally numb.
She had hoped that Zhong Ling could lend a helping hand, but it seemed that hope was also dashed.
After leaving the Crown Prince's Residence, she wandered in front of the prison where Ji Xun was held. The place was heavily guarded, and it was impossible for just one or two people to rescue him. It was not even feasible to get close enough for a better look.
At this moment, there was no other way; she had to seek help from Zhong Xue's people.
The gold medal that Zhong Xue had given her last time was still on her, so she went back to the inn where she had met the Shopkeeper before.
Most of the people in the inn were from Wei Kingdom and should be willing to assist with the rescue. Last time, it seemed that the Shopkeeper mentioned there were still thousands of Wei Army outside the city. With so many people helping, rescuing Ji Xun from the city should be a piece of cake.
She thought things would go smoothly, but others might not be as accommodating. When the Shopkeeper saw the gold medal, he did not show the same respect as he did during their first meeting. He smiled slightly and said, "What do you want us to do? However, I must inform you of something first: Lord Jun has issued an order. We can agree to other matters, but if it involves breaking into a prison to rescue a death row inmate, we absolutely cannot comply."
San Chun was taken aback. "When did this happen?"
"It wasn't long ago; we just received the news yesterday."
She had only stayed in Handan City for seven or eight days. Even if those soldiers hurried back to report, it seemed too quick for them to relay such information. Moreover, how did he know she would definitely be in Handan and would come seeking help from his people?
Regret filled her heart; if she had known earlier, she would have come sooner.
Zhong Xue truly understood him too well; Kazama often referred to Lord Jun as a worm in people's stomachs, and it seemed that saying was not far from the truth. He was indeed like a worm, one that specialized in guessing others' thoughts.
With this avenue blocked off as well, she returned to the inn feeling dejected, her face appearing as if something heavy had trampled over it.
Winter Bamboo Shoot noticed her poor complexion and asked, "Miss, what’s wrong?"
San Chun shook her head weakly and said, "It's nothing, just got bitten by a bug."
Winter Bamboo Shoot thought she was serious and hurriedly grabbed her hand, "Where did it bite you?"
She pointed to her chest, "It bit here."
Winter Bamboo Shoot was momentarily at a loss and didn't know how to treat her injury.
San Chun waved her hand to let her go out, lying on the bed alone in a daze. After a while, she suddenly called Winter Bamboo Shoot back in, "Come on, let's go meet your master."
Winter Bamboo Shoot was taken aback, "Do you know who my master is?"
"I know a little."
She didn't believe it, "How did you guess?"
"I originally thought you were from Chengyang Jun, but the fact that you informed me Ji Xun was in danger proves you are definitely not his person. Also, your familiarity with Ji Yan's residence is telling; how could someone completely unrelated be so familiar with his residence? The answer is obvious: you are Six Young Master Ji Yan's person."
"My familiarity with others' residences doesn't mean anything. As spies, we might have infiltrated many residences. It's not unusual for me to be assigned to Six Young Master's residence."
San Chun sighed, "But what's peculiar is that when you saw Ji Yan, you were too flustered; your expression was completely off."
That night when they infiltrated Ji Yan's residence, although they were in a dangerous place and needed to be cautious, even so, upon seeing Ji Yan, she shouldn't have been that panicked. Her eyes were filled with fear, clearly indicating she was familiar with him and afraid of being recognized. Her unusual behavior made it hard not to guess that she was indeed associated with Young Master Ji Yan.
In fact, she hadn't expected her master to be Ji Yan. However, she remembered the last time when Eighth Young Master Ji Yun randomly changed her name; Ji Yan had joked about names like Seven Summer, Eight Summer, and Udon—none of which were in this residence, but Winter Bamboo Shoot did have one. At that time, she didn't take it to heart, but now thinking back, he indeed called her Winter Bamboo Shoot.
At this point, Winter Bamboo Shoot could no longer hide it and bitterly smiled, "Since you've guessed it right, I have nothing more to say. If you want to see my master, I will comply; however, if my master punishes me later, I hope you can bear with it."
San Chun said, "Don't worry, as long as I'm here, I can protect you."
She tucked the gold medal into her bosom, planning to use this talisman to try her luck again. Even if it couldn't save Ji Xun's life, she wanted to extend his time a little longer, giving her more time to think of a solution.
After removing all the disguises from her face, she asked Winter Bamboo Shoot to buy a set of women's clothing. After dressing up, she hurried to Ji Yan's residence.
She remembered the last time she was at his residence; she had seen a horse that originally belonged to Zhong Xue, but it was in Ji Yan's place. This situation itself was strange. At that time, she didn't think much of it, but later when she was with Zhong Xue, she had indirectly asked him, "Are you familiar with Ji Yan?"
He sneered and replied, "It's just a matter of mutual interests; how can that be considered familiarity?"
Since it was a matter of mutual interests, he should give her some face because of that relationship, right?
Winter Bamboo Shoot proved to be quite capable; under her guidance, they easily entered the residence and met Ji Yan.
She remembered the first time she met Ji Yan, he left a deep impression on her. He was tall and robust, with bronze skin and distinct, deep facial features. His dark and profound icy eyes gave off a wild and unrestrained aura, exuding a kingly presence.
Perhaps it was this kingly aura that made one crave the throne even more. Zhong Xue had said that only ruthless people could secure the throne; those who were too kind would only be seen as easy targets. Clearly, this person was cut from the same cloth as Zhong Xue, both presenting one face while hiding another behind it—smiling like a kind cat while secretly wielding a knife.
Ji Yan clearly remembered her well. Upon seeing her, he smiled and said, "The Spring Princess has personally come to visit; is there something you need?"
San Chun smiled back, "That depends on what the Six Young Master means by sending such a lovely maid to me."
Ji Yan glanced at Winter Bamboo Shoot, and his expression darkened slightly.
San Chun chuckled lightly, "You don't need to glare at her; she didn't tell me anything. I figured it out myself. Your Girl is so loyal to you that her concern led to her slip-up."
Ji Yan smiled and said, "Why does the Spring Princess need to be so concerned about this Girl?"
San Chun thought, encountering someone as deep-minded and malicious as you, it would be strange not to feel nervous.
She smiled, "I wonder if the young master could provide an explanation? Why would you want a Girl to come to my side?"
Ji Yan replied, "It's nothing much, I just believe in being prepared for anything."
This was absolutely true; he had secretly cultivated many people, both men and women, and would keep one or two spies around whenever he deemed it necessary. As for San Chun, he always felt she had many secrets. A woman of no particular renown could have the protection of several young masters from different nations; such capability was not something everyone possessed.
San Chun forced a smile, "Since we've laid everything bare, there's no need to hide anything. Let me show you something; I wonder if the young master recognizes it?"
She held up a gold medal. Ji Yan glanced at it, and his expression changed slightly. "I didn't expect your relationship with him to be this close."
The gold medal from Zhong Xue was quite special; unless one was familiar with it, they wouldn't recognize the design. She had intended to test him, but he recognized it at a glance. It seemed her earlier suspicions were correct; Zhong Xue indeed had a significant connection with him. She just didn't know what role Zhong Xue played in all of this.
San Chun said, "You should know who my benefactor is. Since that person is acquainted with you, if I have a request, you shouldn't refuse to help."
"What is it?"
She replied, "Do not harm the Crown Prince."
Ji Yan sneered, "You should go ask the king about such matters; what use is it to ask me?"
"We're being straightforward here; everyone knows what you've done."
"I'm still saying the same thing; I can't get involved in this matter." He originally wanted to eliminate Ji Xun, but that old man in the palace seemed completely unconcerned. Despite having solid evidence, he didn't arrange for a trial and just kept him locked up while even sending a doctor to treat him in prison.
These matters were conducted in secrecy and could not be publicly declared. If he hadn't placed capable individuals beside the king, he probably wouldn't have been able to gather this information. Receiving this news only made him feel more heartbroken. Clearly, both were sons of the king, yet Ji Xun received more affection than he ever did. The things he struggled so hard to obtain were effortlessly acquired by Ji Xun. What was even more displeasing was that he didn't even know how to cherish it.
He originally didn't want to take action, thinking that if he waited for him to die from illness, the throne would be his. However, an unexpected event forced him to act sooner than planned. Whether the outcome would be success or failure depended on this one chance. He needed to gain the trust of the king more quickly if he hoped to inherit the throne.
San Chun could sense a hint of bitterness in Ji Yan's words and vaguely guessed Zhao Wang's intentions. If Zhao Wang did not plan to deal with this son, then there was still hope; it just depended on how to save him.
Handan City was fraught with danger, and even Zhao Wang sensed something unusual, which made him hesitant to make a decision regarding Ji Xun. Years ago, he had sent Ji Xun away as an envoy to various states to avoid trouble, so he should have anticipated that such a situation would eventually arise.
Although a father did not want his son to die, as long as Ji Xun remained in prison, it would be impossible for anyone to feel at ease. She had to rescue him as soon as possible.
After leaving Ji Yan, she returned directly to the inn to pack her things. Winter Bamboo Shoot asked her where she was going, and she replied that she was leaving Handan for the State of Chu.
Winter Bamboo Shoot hesitated, "Is it appropriate for you to leave at this time?"
San Chun sighed, "Staying in Handan won't accomplish anything; I might as well go seek someone."
At this point, perhaps only Zhong Xue could save him. She firmly believed in his ability; even if she had to kneel and plead, she would ask him to save Ji Xun's life.
Ji Xun had already sacrificed enough for her; she couldn't let him languish in prison. She still needed to find that so-called master to cure his illness. She couldn't let him die—she absolutely couldn't let him die—otherwise, she would feel guilty for the rest of her life.
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