Several people nodded firmly. This was their first time doing something like this. Although they were a little nervous, they knew that success or failure hinged on this moment, and moreover, everyone's lives were at stake.
With unspoken understanding, they poured the rice and soup into their own bowls, pretending to eat. Once the guards outside the door left, they tipped the food from their bowls into a large flower vase in the inner room, then covered it with soil to conceal the smell.
After finishing this, they lay silently on the table. About half an hour later, the old woman who delivered the meals pretended to come to clear the dishes. She called out a few perfunctory shouts, and seeing no response, she opened the door with satisfaction and waved to the outside.
Soon, a man and a woman entered. The group nodded slightly and began to act as planned. The old woman tidied up the remaining scraps on the table as usual and quietly left.
The woman looked at the unconscious figures in the room and felt a shiver. She slowly walked to the man's side and whispered, "When do we start?"
"Wait a moment longer. After everyone has finished eating, more people will see us leave."
"I feel uneasy in my heart. It's probably because it's the first time doing something like this. My heart is pounding uncontrollably, almost jumping out of my chest." The woman looked at him with a hint of panic, on the verge of tears. If they hadn't been blackmailed, they wouldn't have wanted to do such a wicked deed.
"Don't have any psychological burden. It's all my fault. I'm not capable enough to be threatened by them. We'll escape from the north gate according to the plan. Don't look back." The man stepped forward, took her hand, and said with a heavy tone.
"If we leave now, we'll be fugitives. There will be no place for us in this vast world. Madam said that if we complete the task, she will return our deeds of sale and give us some silver to live our own small lives peacefully." The woman looked at him in disbelief, not understanding how he could have such thoughts.
"You're too naive. You don't know how wicked people can be. Do you think that now that we know the Zhou family's secret, Madam will let us live? Don't worry, I heard there's a drought in the north and many refugees. We'll blend in with them. After reaching the south, the government will re-issue household registrations. We'll find a beautiful and serene small mountain village to live in seclusion, living a life of toiling at sunrise and resting at sunset. Although it will be difficult, we can be together forever."
In fact, the woman had considered these possibilities. She was just holding onto a slim hope. After all, the man's words sounded simple, but putting them into action was a matter of life and death. Escaping often meant nine deaths and one life. If it weren't for a matter of life and death, no one would choose this path.
Although she tried her best to hold back, tears still fell from her eyes. She nestled tightly in the man's arms, her face full of worry for their future. The man stroked her head, offering silent comfort.
As they were gazing at each other affectionately, they suddenly felt daggers pressed against their throats.
Wu Caiwei ignored their surprised eyes and calmly said, "Tell me your plan for tonight in detail."
As she spoke, her knife edged closer to their necks. The woman's neck was accidentally cut, and blood seeped out.
"I advise you not to play tricks. You can make a loud commotion and attract attention, but I believe my knife is faster." She glared at the young couple with fierce eyes.
"I can tell you the plan and even help you leave, but you must take us with you." Seeing Wu Caiwei remain silent, he thought she was unwilling and quickly added, "Although we were going to do something against you, we were forced. We are not the real masterminds. If it weren't us, it would be someone else. I hope you won't hold a grudge." Sudannovel.com
Under the anxious gaze of the two, Wu Caiwei finally nodded expressionlessly. The two were overjoyed. This was the best outcome for them. They never wanted to do such an unconscionable thing. Even if they succeeded today, they would inevitably feel guilty whenever they thought about it in the future. Now, it was good that they could contribute a little to this matter, which would make up for their inner remorse.
Without further hesitation, the two immediately revealed their plan for the night. Upon hearing it, Wu Caiwei couldn't help but sigh, thinking Lord Zhou was truly a talent to come up with such an idea. No wonder the Zhou family had the princess so tightly in their grasp that she chose to forgive even after discovering Zhou Jia Yang's secret.
Indeed, the high and mighty princess would not care about the original owner's life. If she fell out with the Zhou family, she would absolutely not care about the original owner's fate. A bowl of medicine ended her life, all to conceal those matters. In her past life, the Zhou family had won the gamble.
Wu Caiwei quickly changed into the men's clothing she had prepared, altered her eyebrows, pasted on a beard, added a few freckles, put on a cloak, and a hat. Under the cover of night, if one didn't look closely, they wouldn't be able to recognize her.
The other three individuals covered their faces and followed behind them with their heads bowed, hurrying towards the north gate.
The old women guarding the gate, having received instructions beforehand, feigned an attempt to block them a few times. Then, she loudly asked, "Where is this cousin going dressed like this? It's so dark, it's not good for Miss Yu's reputation. Please return quickly and do not alarm the First Madam."
Seeing them ignore her obstruction and insist on leaving, she shrieked as if afraid no one would hear, "How can this cousin hit me? This servant was only trying to be kind."
A moment later, she cried out in alarm, "Miss, you can't go there, you can't go there..."
Such commotion occurred at all the small gates leading to the north gate. Many maids and servants heard it. Those who enjoyed gossip slowly approached the source of the sounds. The slower ones saw nothing and then hurried towards the courtyard where the First Madam resided.
Those with quick eyes only saw the backs of the cousin and a man leaving hand in hand. They quickly covered their mouths, afraid they would scream, feeling like they had seen something extraordinary.
The group successfully exited the Zhou family. The man pulled the woman's hand and they quickly ran towards the waiting carriage. As they got into the carriage, they found Wu Caiwei and her three servants forcefully entering without a word.
The man hesitated for only a moment before ordering the coachman to leave.
The male servants trimming the plants in the estate heard the commotion nearby and knew the plan had begun. They quickly put down their shears, took a shortcut, and ran towards Wu Caiwei's courtyard.
Looking around and finding no one paying attention to him, he quickly opened the courtyard gate and slipped in quietly. He went to the main house and found it empty, breaking out in a cold sweat.