Jing Zhan discovered hidden sentries near the separate courtyard shortly after leaving, indicating they were indeed being watched.
If he hadn't returned in time, he might have already met his end.
"Young Master, what should we do? We can't get out," Lu Bing said.
"Don't panic. Since we're out, let's hunt some prey and find an opportunity when it gets dark," Jing Zhan pretended ignorance and urged his horse forward.
Beyond the dense forest ahead lay Phoenix Mountain, with its verdant peaks, a good place for hunting, but who knew how many dangers lay hidden there now.
The dusk after the rain was cool, and the mountain was very quiet.
The hidden guards' arrows were aimed at Jing Zhan; had he gone any further, he would have discovered the Hanzhong army hidden in the mountains.
Of course, he wouldn't have survived leaving Phoenix Mountain.
However, Jing Zhan was lucky and managed to hunt two pheasants, not venturing further.
Jing Zhan picked up the pheasants and smiled, "Let's go back. At least we can report back to the lady."
After the two left, the hidden guards retracted their arrows, scoffing inwardly. These wealthy nobles, unaware of their impending doom.
"Young Master, the mountains are likely full of rebels," Lu Bing whispered, "I'm afraid the message can't be sent out."
"Then we wait until dark." Every family would surely send people to the city gate to pick them up. If they weren't met, they would quickly report back to their respective households.
These were all pampered young ladies from noble families; any accident would be an unbearable responsibility for anyone.
Jing Zhan's guess was correct; people were dispatched from every household to report back.
"The city gates are closed. Will something happen?" Madam Zhao, who was impatient, panicked as soon as the servant reported that no one had been met.
Didn't that young lady from the Yao family just... Madam Zhao dared not think further, nervously twisting her handkerchief. If it weren't for Madam Cui, she might have been so anxious she'd start scolding.
Madam Cui remained relatively calm, "The other families haven't returned either. Perhaps the young ones were playing and lost track of time. Go call Uncle Zhong."
"Yes!"
Although Madam Cui said this, she was also uneasy. Yue'er, while playful, was not reckless. If she didn't return today, she would definitely send a message back.
Uncle Zhong arrived quickly, "Madam, please rest assured. There have been no reports of bandits in the Phoenix Mountain area, and the guards accompanying each family are skilled enough to handle any bandits. The Seventh Prince is scheduled to pass through Phoenix Mountain on his return to the capital, and it should be within these two days. The young ladies might want to return to the capital with the army."
"Thank heavens. We've been waiting day and night, and they're finally coming back," Madam Zhao's thoughts were quickly diverted, and she became happy again.
Madam Cui dared not be as carefree as Madam Zhao, but she smiled and agreed, sending Madam Zhao and Madam Lin away.
Aunt Mei saw Madam Zhao emerge from Madam Cui's courtyard and quickly stepped forward to ask for news. Madam Zhao raised an eyebrow, maintaining a dignified posture, "A mere woman with no insight. The Seventh Prince will pass through Phoenix Mountain tomorrow on his return to the capital, and they will return to the capital with the Heir tomorrow."
Aunt Mei, now being rebuked by Madam Zhao, dared not retort. She could only smile and agree, and after a few pleasantries, returned to her courtyard.
After the two left, Madam Cui spoke with a worried expression, "Yue'er has always been prudent in her actions. If she doesn't return to the city, she wouldn't be without even a single letter. She must be in trouble and unable to get away. Uncle Zhong, go and dispatch the hidden guards to go out of the city and inquire."
"The young mistress is always intelligent; she will surely be fine. This old servant will send people to inquire immediately."
"Go!"
...
Xie Jia Yan knew that Yu Ming Yue was supposed to return to the city today, but she had not yet returned, which meant something must have happened.
Especially since the Duke's mansion had even sent out Uncle Zhong.
These young ladies were from official families. Prince Han wanted that position, not to make enemies with the powerful. Holding them hostage would be far more useful than killing them. For now, their lives should be out of danger.
However, this was not absolute. Once the two armies engaged in battle and bloodlust took over, they might not care about such things.
Therefore, it might be best to play along with their plan.