"You are insolent! I think you are seeking death. Guards, set fire to them!" He Jing gritted his teeth.
Since the Prince had already ordered that none be spared, burning them to death would be simpler.
If the Zheng family were to inquire later, they could claim ignorance of the Zheng family's young lady being in the secret passage.
"Are you certain you do not wish to send someone to inform my maternal grand-uncle and await his decision?" Yu Mingyue's tone suddenly turned cold.
"Nonsense!" He Jing, though furious, was clear about what could and could not be said.
He was confident that he had not mentioned the Prince at all, nor had he revealed anything when she brought up Princess Pingyang.
"Heh," Yu Mingyue sneered, "whether I'm talking nonsense or not, you know in your heart. You'll know why I know you'll ask my maternal grand-uncle. But if you dare lay a hand on me and ruin the grand plan, don't blame anyone for not warning you."
Prince Ning Qing's feigned death and the entry of the Hanzhong army into the capital were no coincidence. Such a seamless operation would undoubtedly have had the Wang family's assistance.
And the Zheng family, always following the Wang family's lead, would have cooperated.
Even if Prince Han County did not care about the Zheng family, he would still have to consider the Zheng family's warhorses.
He Jing indeed hesitated. Could this young lady truly know the Prince's plan?
Knowing such a secret meant she was likely highly favored by the Zheng family, and harming her was out of the question.
However, he was not foolish and would not admit to certain things.
"You, young lady, have some courage. In that case, why not persuade those with you to come out on their own? This general might consider giving you a proper burial. Otherwise, do not blame me for being ruthless."
Yu Mingyue paused for a moment. They were currently hesitant to enter because the secret passage entrance was easily defended and might contain other mechanisms, and her words had temporarily confused them.
If they were to go out and reinforcements had not arrived, it would be difficult to delay them further with mere words.
He Jing, guessing Yu Mingyue's intentions, deliberately shouted from outside, "Guards, bring torches and oil! This general will light the fire himself."
The others, though reluctant to part with the delicate young ladies inside, dared not rush forward rashly.
The light from the secret passage entrance brightened again. Once the fire started, it would be uncontrollable.
"Wait a moment," Gu Tingyun called out urgently.
He could not let Mingyue risk herself alone for them any longer.
Gu Tingyun nodded at Yu Mingyue. He knew she was stalling for time, and if that was the case, it was his turn now.
"And who are you? Wasn't that young lady just very arrogant? Why aren't you coming out now?" He Jing asked with displeasure.
"This is our family's別院 (biéyuàn - separate residence), bestowed upon the Gu family by the late Emperor." Gu Tingyun replied.
"Who is Gu Xichao to you?"
"He is my paternal grandfather. General, you must be here looking for the person who released the sky lanterns. One person's actions, one person's responsibility. You can arrest me alone." Gu Tingyun admitted without hesitation.
"Very well. Since you admit it was you, this general promises to pursue only your responsibility. Have these people come out of the secret passage, and this general will spare their lives." He Jing urged.
He Jing now had reservations about setting fire rashly, but he could not let them all go. He could only have them come out first and then decide.
Moreover, there was no more time to delay, or they would miss the chance to catch up with the main group and withdraw.
"Alright, I can come out, but you must promise not to harm them in any way."
"Boy, you are not in a position to negotiate with me. Come out quickly, or I will not be polite!" He Jing roared, then kicked over a barrel of oil. The oil flowed into the secret passage entrance. With just a spark, the fire would ignite.