Early the next morning, Chinua was roused from her sleep and forced to the pier, dressed in the formal royal gown Yagaan had prepared. The unfamiliar silks chafed, and she felt a distinct discomfort as she stood in the bright morning sunshine, waiting for Emperor Xin, Empress Yan, their concubines, princes, and princesses to arrive. To distract herself from the unwelcome attire, Chinua's keen eyes meticulously observed the pier's structure and the imposing wall that protected Jianping's mansion from the sea.
While other princes and princesses stood with practiced patience, Chinua's mind raced through countless scenarios, each a desperate attempt to devise a way to breach that seemingly impenetrable, solid wall. After each mental exercise, she reached the same frustrating conclusion: even if the walls were somehow toppled, the sheer volume of soil packed inside would transform into towering dirt mounds, creating an almost impossible second layer of defense for any invading force.
"What are you thinking?" Hye's soft whisper broke through her intense focus, his voice close to her ear.
"I've run through every possible scenario for destroying the ant nest," Chinua confessed, her brow furrowed.
"What did you come up with?" Hye asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone.
"All scenarios ended with the same conclusion," Chinua sighed, frustration clear in her voice. "As you said, the ant nest is still indestructible."
Hye chuckled, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Unlikely. If a nest can be built, there is always a way to destroy it, and sometimes the naivest method is the best and most efficient way. Look around you, Chinua. Tell me what you see."
Chinua surveyed her surroundings again, her gaze sweeping over the continuous mountains that embraced Haishi City. She knew that if the city wall fell, the first layer of defense would indeed be those massive dirt mounds, but the second, even more formidable, would be the mountains connected directly behind the city.
"A large puddle of water and a mountain of trees," Chinua finally said, still a little perplexed.
Hye turned to Chinua, his smile widening. "What else?" he pressed softly, leaning in until his lips almost brushed her ear.
Chinua continued to scan the landscape until her eyes settled on four colossal walls, as high as the mountains themselves, standing not far away. "I see four metal walls," Chinua murmured, a spark of understanding beginning to flicker within her.
Hye's smile deepened. "They are not walls, they are dams," he whispered, his voice barely audibles above the gentle lapping of the water.
A gasp escaped Chinua's lips as understanding finally dawned. Her eyes widened, focusing on the vast expanse of the sea. "I understand now," she breathed, a fierce grin spreading across her face. "And I think I might be able to destroy the queen's impenetrable nest."
"Chinua..." Khunbish's urgent voice cut through her thoughts. He strode purposefully towards them, eyes scanning the crowd. He stood next to Chinua and Hye, his voice low. "The package has been found, and the route has been determined."
Chinua's grin tightened. "Very good. The package will be ready to be shipped to the final destination tonight."
Seeing Chinua casually conversing with an unknown "beggar," Geming's brow furrowed with concern. He quickly walked towards Chinua and Hye.
As Geming approached, Khunbish, with remarkable swiftness and a practiced ease, dropped to one knee and dramatically clutched Chinua's left ankle. "I need to eat tonight, but I don't have any money," he pleaded, his voice raspy, perfectly embodying the role. "Please, Your Highness, give me some change."
"What's going on?" Geming demanded, his voice sharp with irritation. "Who allowed you to approach Her Highness without authorization?"
Chinua turned, a flicker of amusement in her eyes as she took in Khunbish's convincing disguise. Her voice was firm but playful. "How much do you need?"
"Five coins," Khunbish whined, keeping up the act.
Chinua reached into her belt pouch, pulling out two coins. "Two coins," she stated, pressing them into his hand. "I only have two coins. Next time you want more money, you should ask those who stand in the front." Her eyes subtly flicked towards Geming.
"Understood. Thank you, Your Highness," Khunbish muttered, bowing his head in feigned gratitude.
Geming stared at the beggar with a mixture of annoyance and suspicion. "Go quickly," he commanded, his voice impatient, "lest you be put in jail."
"He is just a beggar," Hye interjected smoothly, his expression calm. "Your Highness does not need to make a fuss. Today is Emperor Xin's birthday; let us say we are doing a good deed for His Majesty." He turned to Khunbish, a subtle urgency in his eyes. "Leave quickly."
Khunbish slowly backed away from Chinua, Hye, and Geming, melting into the group of citizens patiently waiting for Emperor Xin's arrival. When he reached the back of the line, he continued, his pace quickening, towards two other "beggars" – Och and Chaghatai.
"How is it?" Och whispered, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Tonight, at two in the morning," Khunbish confirmed, a flicker of excitement in his gaze.
"I will prepare the horse," Chaghatai affirmed, a resolute nod.
"Tell Muunokhoi and Erden that they need to be ready when the package arrives," Khunbish instructed, his voice low and precise. "We have about an hour before the guards come looking for the package."
"Understood," Chaghatai replied, his face grim with determination.
That night, the throne room was a whirlwind of activity, alive with the clinking of goblets and hushed conversations. Palace maids and servants glided through the hall, tirelessly serving wine and food to the distinguished guests. By one o'clock in the morning, most of the guests were either too tired or too drunk to notice much beyond their own revelry.
At around two in the morning, Khunbish, Och, Chaghatai, and Od moved with practiced stealth, rushing into Zhiyuan's yard. They had meticulously surveyed the area the night before, every shadow and corner memorized, knowing precisely where the "package" was stored.
"What's so special about those Magoli?" the first guard grumbled, stifling a yawn. "Why did Lord Zhiyuan drag all the guards to their courtyard?"
"I don't know, do you think Lord Zhiyuan fears them?" the second guard mused, a hint of unease in his voice.
"If you want to keep your head, don't speak of Lord Zhiyuan in that way again," the first guard warned, his tone sharp.
Suddenly, a blur of motion from the side of the prison. Khunbish and Od burst forth, charging towards the two startled guards. With a sickening thud, Khunbish plunged his sword into the chest of the first guard. Simultaneously, Od grabbed the second guard by the neck, and with a horrifying snap, broke it. The guards crumpled to the ground, dead.
Once the two guards were dispatched, Chaghatai and Terbish emerged from their hiding spots. Without a word, they swiftly dragged the lifeless bodies inside, donned the dead guards' armor, and returned to stand guard at the prison gate, their faces stoic.
Inside, Khunbish and Od found the cell where the two elders and two children were kept. Khunbish quickly unlocked the heavy door. The elders, their faces etched with terror, immediately clutched the children, shielding them from the two imposing strangers.
"Don't hurt the children!" Bo cried out, his voice trembling with fear. "If you want to hit someone to ease your anger, then hit me!"
"I'm here to take you to your son," Khunbish announced, his voice surprisingly gentle.
Bo looked up, his eyes widening. The man's accent was not Tanggolian. "Who are you?" he whispered, hope flickering in his eyes.
"We don't have time," Od interjected, his voice urgent. "Your son Suo Zhi is waiting for you in Hmagol."
A look of profound grief crossed Bo's face. "My son can't be waiting for us in Hmagol," he stated, his voice hollow. "He was sent to be executed in front of the southern Hmagol army because he refused to carry out the order to kill the captured Hmagol children."
"He was saved by my master," Khunbish explained, his eyes fixed on Bo. "He sold his life to my master in exchange for your freedom. If you don't think about yourself, think about these two young children. Will you let them be executed with you in a few months? This is your chance to leave here and reunite with your son. If you miss this opportunity, there will be no other opportunity."
Bo's eyes, wide with disbelief, searched their faces. "He's not dead yet?" he whispered, a fragile hope blossoming in his chest.
"We know you have questions, but we don't have time to explain to you now," Od said, his voice firm. "We have to leave."
Bo looked at his wife, and the two exchanged a quick, desperate nod. Outside, there was still hope. They each grabbed a child's hand and began to follow Khunbish and Od towards the door, their steps hesitant but resolute.
"What took you two so long?" Terbish's hushed voice greeted them from the prison gate. "The next shift is in half an hour."
Bo, emboldened by the prospect of escape, chased after the four strangers. "What about my daughter-in-law?" he pleaded.
"Others are rescuing her," Khunbish replied, pushing him forward.
In the easternmost part of Jianping's Mansion, disguised in women's clothes, Och and Erden approached the door, their hearts sinking as they saw the guards were already on duty, earlier than anticipated. Six guards, rather than the expected fewer, stood sentinel outside Madam Suo's room.
"What are you two doing here? Where are the other maids?" one of the guards demanded, his eyes narrowed suspiciously.
Erden offered a soft, demure smile, his voice sweetened to a maid's gentle tone. "Ah-yo, the other two maids were called to help organize the banquet. We are newcomers, so we were asked to bring some food to the lady inside."
One guard, a flicker of impatience in his eyes, opened the door just enough for them to slip through. "Go in quickly and don't talk to Madame Suo," he grunted.
Erden's smile was seductive. "We understand," he purred, and they slipped inside.
The door clicked shut behind them. They found Madam Suo sitting at a table, her face streaked with tears, a picture of profound despair.
"Madame Suo..." Och began softly.
Madame Suo's head snapped up, her eyes wide with fright. "Who are you?" she gasped, quickly rising and backing away from the table and the two strangers. "You're not Tanggolian."
"We are not Tanggolian," Och confirmed gently. "Your husband asked us to take you to see him."
A fragile smile bloomed on Madame Suo's face, and she took two hesitant steps towards Och and Erden. "He... he's still alive?" she whispered, tears welling anew, but this time with a glimmer of hope.
Och and Erden nodded. "Right now, the others are at the prison, rescuing your children and your in-laws," Erden explained, his voice urgent. "We're here to take you with us."
Madame Suo wiped her tears, a newfound resolve in her eyes. "That's good, that's great." She then slipped off her left shoe and, from within, retrieved a folded letter. "Please," she pleaded, pressing it into Och's hand, "take this back to my husband."
"We will take you to see him," Och insisted, confused.
Madame Suo shook her head, a deep sorrow clouding her eyes. "I am a woman who has been defiled by others. I dare not face my husband. After reading this, he will understand the reason why I am not coming with you."
"But..." Och started, dismayed.
Madame Suo grabbed both Och and Erden's hands, her grip surprisingly strong. "If you two really want to help me," she implored, her voice breaking, "please take my children to a safe place and let them grow up well."
"Hey!" a guard's shout echoed from outside the room. "You two, come out quickly!"
"Go..." Madame Suo urged, her voice now filled with a fierce determination. "If I go with you, it will jeopardize your mission. Go..."
"We can defeat them," Erden argued, his hand already on the hilt of his concealed weapon.
"Fight them and prevent my children from successfully escaping?" Madame Suo's voice was laced with desperation. "I would rather you not."
Erden snatched the letter, his face grim. "You take care," he said, then looked at Och. "Let's go."
Erden and Och grabbed the old, empty dishes from the table and walked towards the door. Just as they were about to exit, Madame Suo's voice, barely a whisper, stopped them. "I want to know the name of the person who sent you."
Och turned, his face solemn. "Chinua."
Madame Suo lowered her head, a soft, heartbreaking smile gracing her lips. "Please thank her for me."
Madame Suo watched the door close behind them. She walked to the dressing table, a faint, melancholic smile on her face, and sat before the mirror, beginning to meticulously apply makeup. As she did, a sorrowful song flowed from her lips:
"The front door sighs, a lonely, hollow voice.
As footsteps fade, and silence fills the night.
Dust motes dance in the single shaft of light,
Where laughter echoed, warm and bright.
The wooden stool turns cold, where he would often sit,
A breeze of warmth, a memory bittersweet.
The teacup waits, for hands that used to roam,
Now bare and cold, within our empty home."
Madame Suo finished her song, then rose and walked to the bed. She sat on the edge, lifted the pillow, and pulled out a pair of gleaming scissors. With a practiced, resolute hand, she slid the sharp edge across her left wrist.
Madame Suo's eyes glazed over, a faint, peaceful smile playing on her lips. "Zhi," she whispered, her voice fading. "I will wait for you at home. Under the peach tree we planted in front of our house on our wedding day. When you are tired from fighting, you can come home, and I will cook your favorite meals for you."
Back in their dusty room, Hye was engrossed in a book, calmly waiting for Zhiyuan and his guards to make their inevitable appearance. As he finished the first book and reached for the second, the door to the room he shared with Chinua was violently kicked open. Hye looked up, his expression unperturbed, to see Zhiyuan standing in the doorway, bristling with fury, his guards fanned out behind him.
"Search!" Zhiyuan roared, his voice thick with rage.
Hye calmly placed the second book atop the first, stood up, and arched a brow. "What's going on?" he asked, his voice mild, as five guards rushed past him, beginning to violently tear through the room, tossing things to the floor. "Did you lose something?"
"Where is the ugly princess?" Zhiyuan snarled, his teeth gritted, his face contorted in a mask of anger.
Hye's voice remained perfectly calm. "I have never heard of any person by the name of ugly princess."
Zhiyuan, fueled by his fury, lunged forward, grabbing Hye's collar. "Peasant!" he hissed, his face inches from Hye's. "Where is the ugly Magoli princess? She stole my prisoners and killed my guards!"
Hye's gaze met Zhiyuan's unflinchingly. With slow, deliberate precision, he removed Zhiyuan's hand from his collar. His voice was a casual murmur. "Oh, you mean Chinua. I think Chinua is enjoying the moon somewhere in Haishi City with Prince Geming."
Just then, a calm, clear voice echoed from the front door. "If you're going to accuse me of a crime, you have to have solid evidence," Chinua stated, standing beside Geming, her arms crossed.
"Magoli!" Zhiyuan roared, slowly drawing his sword, his eyes blazing. "Where are my prisoners?"
"Xin Zhiyuan!" Geming's voice thundered, his face flushing with anger. "What do you think you're doing? Put down your sword right now!"
"As the Crown Prince of Tanggolia," Zhiyuan retorted, his voice dripping with venom, "why do you prefer your enemies over your relatives?"
"By hurting an ambassador, or an honorable guest, this is an act of war!" Geming shot back, his voice rising in frustration. "Do you really want to bring war to Tanggolia?"
"I don't care who you are, if you dare to touch Chinua, I won't let you live," Khenbish growled, striding forward, his hand resting menacingly on his sword hilt as he positioned himself near Chinua.
Seeing Khenbish's presence, a subtle sense of relief washed over Chinua. The package was safe, on its way to its final destination. "What crime have I committed?" Chinua asked, her voice calm, a hint of defiance in her eyes.
Zhiyuan advanced, his voice hoarse with rage. "You released the prisoners on death row and killed two of my guards!"
"Did you see Chinua do this with your own eyes?" Geming challenged, his gaze sweeping over the guards in the room. "Or did any of you see with your own eyes that it was Chinua?"
"She doesn't have to do it herself," Zhiyuan spat, his voice laced with contempt. "She can order her dogs to do it!"
"Second Lord Xin," Hye interjected smoothly, his expression unruffled. "We just arrived in Haishi City. The prisoners are all on death row and have nothing to do with us. Even if we were brave enough, we dare not step on your toes. From the day we arrived in Haishi City, we have been closely guarded by your guards. Every move we make is reported to you. We don't have enough sense to put ourselves in danger and make ourselves the cause of war. No disrespect to you, but I dare ask you, where do we have the chance to complete such a dangerous mission?" His logic was irrefutable.
"No need to pretend anymore," Chinua declared, her voice firm, a newfound resolve in her eyes. "I know that your family has always wanted the southern region of Hmagol, but failed to take it. Therefore, from the day we entered Tanggolia, you have treated us differently from other kingdoms. This is something I can ignore because of our differences, but tonight, you are accusing me of a crime for which I have not committed, which I cannot ignore." She turned to Geming, her expression resolute. "Prince Geming, it seems that we are not welcome in Tanggolia. The gift has been given to Emperor Xin. Please allow us to leave the city tonight."
"Chinua," Geming pleaded, reaching out and gently grasping her hand. "You don't need to leave. We can resolve this misunderstanding tonight."
Chinua looked at Geming, her grip firm. "There is no misunderstanding here, and the intention is clear. If you really know me, you should know that I will not allow others to trample on my dignity."
Geming sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly in resignation. "I'll send you out of the city," he conceded, his voice heavy.
"Thank you," Chinua replied, a faint smile of victory gracing her lips. She looked at Hye and Khenbish. "Let's go."
Geming watched Chinua leave with Hye and Khenbish, heading towards Ankhtsetseg's room. He turned, his gaze hardening, and stopped directly in front of Zhiyuan. He stared at Zhiyuan coldly, his voice low and menacing. "You should be nicer to your future empress. Maybe one day, she can save your head from falling to the ground."