Chapter 77: First Encounter, Yun Feiyang

“If you can get us out of here, we’ll agree to anything you ask.”

“Yes, as long as you can get us out.”

...

Inside the small hut, the resolute voices of twenty or thirty people echoed, deafening in their determination.

Chu Junhan raised a hand for silence, leaning on the narrow doorframe with a worried look. “Let’s make it clear first—if I let you out, don’t run away. If you run, I really won’t know what to do.”

“Don’t worry, young master, we’ll do as you say.”

“Yes, we’ll all listen to young master.”

... Another wave of assent followed.

Chu Junhan nodded in satisfaction, his confidence growing. He straightened his back and said, “From now on, follow my instructions. You, you, and you... the sturdy ones, come with me. The rest of you, stay inside. When the night is deep and quiet, I will lead everyone out.”

The men he pointed to followed him outside, while the others waited in silence.

The strong men changed into new clothes and stood guard with a fierce air, truly looking the part of bodyguards.

The child waited quietly for nightfall, sighing to the youth beside him, “There are still many good people in the world.”

The silent night crept in from the horizon, and small flames began to flicker in the village. The light in one courtyard was the first to go out, like a beast lying in wait in the darkness.

Yet the people in the courtyard had not gone to rest; all of them lay pressed against the corners of the walls, holding their breath, their bright eyes fixed on distant lights—one by one, lanterns were snuffed out.

When the last lantern was extinguished, heavy breathing could be clearly heard in the courtyard—a blend of excitement, fear, and hope.

The leading child tiptoed to the gate and carefully peeked outside. After checking both ways, he gestured for the others to follow.

As if rehearsed, the group slipped out one by one on silent feet.

The last to leave was a young man with a prominent scar on his face, though in the darkness it was barely visible, revealing only his handsome features.

On the main road toward Brocade City, a group of people gathered, all anxiously watching the path they’d come from. Only when a youth appeared leading two horses did they breathe a sigh of relief.

“No one’s following us. Everyone can relax now,” Tang Chen said as he walked over, leading the horses.

After repeatedly thanking the child, the group dispersed, leaving the open ground empty save for a single child, about five years old, round-cheeked and adorable.

Chu Junhan frowned, wondering which careless aunt had forgotten her child.

“Little one, what’s your name?” the child squatted down and gently pinched the toddler’s cheek.

The little one hesitated, tilted his head and pouted, “My name is Yun Yi, styled Feiyang. My father is the Prince of Southern Jin.”

Prince of Southern Jin? One of the vassal lords of the Great Kang Dynasty! These princes either set up their own domains or were hunted down, and as for the Prince of Southern Jin—rumor had it his state was destroyed by the Renda Kingdom.

Chu Junhan straightened the toddler’s clothing and wiped the dirt from his face. “Why are you here?”

“I was captured by bandits.”

Tang Chen laughed from the side. “You little one, you even know you’ve been captured by bandits?”

“My nursemaid told me. She said we were caught by bandits and might die,” the little one replied, still muddled and innocent.

Chu Junhan gently ruffled his hair, his voice tinged with pity. “And your nursemaid?”

The little one glanced back at the road, pointing with his chubby hand. “She just left.”