Initially hesitant, Wu Caiwei made up her mind at that moment. Based on his insightful and wise demeanor when handling matters, she decided to help him.
"I have a way to help you, as long as you do as I say."
When Wu Ye was left alone in the room, he angrily smacked his head, wondering how he had been so foolish as to trust her so easily. Perhaps it was her unusual composure for a lady of a prominent family from the start, or her self-assured demeanor when speaking with him, or perhaps it was her all-seeing eyes. After a moment's hesitation, he resigned himself to changing into the clothes she had prepared for him.
When he reappeared, everyone in unison covered their mouths and snickered. Wu Ye quickly lowered his head. If it weren't for the need to escape, he would never have endured such humiliation.
Ignoring his awkward fidgeting, Wu Caiwei dragged him to the dressing table. She picked out several pieces of jewelry that had never been worn before from her bundle, styled his hair into a simple bun, and then applied rouge and powder to him.
When she turned around, a shy, ailing beauty appeared before everyone. Li Yu looked at her with admiration and exclaimed, "Miss, your skills are truly remarkable! If I hadn't known him well and seen you transform a person with my own eyes, I wouldn't have recognized him."
As she spoke, she appraised him with astonished eyes, making Wu Ye's face grow darker. He himself was amazed by his reflection in the mirror, feeling that the young lady was truly extraordinary and that following her might indeed be a good path forward.
The reason for Wu Ye to disguise himself as a woman was that the searchers would surely be familiar with him, as he was a man who frequented the outside world and was seen by many. Li Yu was not sure, but she and her two maids and the nanny lived in seclusion, and few people, even within the inner court, could recognize them. Of course, to be safe, she had also altered their appearances.
The result was the same as when they first entered the inn: two men and four women, except now the two men were Li Yu and Wu Caiwei.
Liu Gui, in a hurry, arrived at Jin County at noon. Without even taking time to eat, he immediately went to the county yamen with the symbol of his master's identity to find the county magistrate.
Jin County was not far from the capital, and news traveled fast. The county magistrate had heard that the young master of the Zhou family might be the future Grand Consort. Even if not, the Zhou family's influence was something he wanted to curry favor with. He, born a farmer, had worked hard in the bureaucracy for many years to become a county magistrate near the capital, and his ambitions had yet to be realized.
He personally led the yamen runners and followed Liu Gui to search house by house. How far could a man with a group of women escape? Moreover, they had left in a hurry. If they had come here, they would surely be hiding in some corner.
"Hurry, hurry, everyone, go back to your rooms. The officials will be here to search for fugitives. For everyone's safety, please cooperate actively." Those who had just finished lunch heard the innkeeper's loud shouts, and a look of panic immediately appeared on their faces. Without thinking, they knew that the search for fugitives was an excuse. They probably thought they were looking for them.
"Stay calm. If anyone says we are fugitives, I won't admit it. You must believe in my skills, or you can look in the mirror now. The way you look now, anyone would have a problem. Remember, we are from Jinshan Town, east of Jin County. We came to the city to see a doctor for our young lady. Don't let it slip." Wu Caiwei said, patting their backs and encouraging them to stand tall and be confident.
The women nodded, adjusted their minds, and as they heard footsteps on the stairs, Wu Caiwei quickly opened the door and went out, feigning confusion, "Innkeeper, what's going on? Why are there so many yamen runners?"
The innkeeper ignored her and looked at the county magistrate, explaining, "These four rooms are where they were staying. A total of six people. Two men and four women."
Liu Gui frowned upon hearing this. Seeing the county magistrate look at him, he said softly, "The number matches, but we are looking for one man and five women. I've never seen this man before."
The county magistrate hesitated for a moment and said, "To be safe, let's go in and take a look."
Liu Gui nodded. Wu Caiwei saw them attempting to enter and quickly stepped forward to block them, saying apologetically, "My young lady is ill and has come to the county town to see a doctor. She is not yet married, and having so many of you enter will harm her reputation."
"Look carefully. We are investigating a case and apprehending fugitives. If you delay us, you will not be able to bear the consequences. Your entire family might suffer." Liu Gui said sharply, staring at her.
Wu Caiwei quickly pretended to be frightened and said indignantly, "I didn't say you couldn't look, so why are you so aggressive?"
Wu Caiwei knocked three times on the door before it was opened. Upon entering, a strong medicinal smell wafted out. Looking closer, a woman with a pale face lay on the bed with her eyes closed.
Her servants rushed over upon hearing the commotion. When they all appeared in the room, Liu Gui dispelled his doubts. He had come in a hurry and did not believe they had time to bring so many medicinal herbs. Moreover, he had not heard yesterday that his cousin was ill, so it was impossible for her to be so sick overnight.
He was certain he had never seen the two men who appeared before him. Although there was a familiar look in the eyes of the other man, as if he had seen him somewhere before, he searched his memory thoroughly and could not match him with anyone. He guessed that he had seen too many people, which might have caused such an illusion.
Li Yu could feel his gaze lingering on her for a long time. Fearing exposure, she quickly lowered her head, making her expression unreadable. However, Liu Gui was unconcerned. After all, anyone would be nervous if a superior stared at them for a long time. Her reaction seemed perfectly normal to him.
When they left the room and continued their search next door, the group dared not be careless, fearing they might double back. Wu Caiwei closed the door. Li Yu then slumped onto a stool. To increase her height, she had stuffed countless layers of insoles and discarded fabric into her shoes. To conceal her slender figure, she had worn so many layers of clothes underneath that she managed to get through.
Only when they peered through the crack in the door and saw them leave in a hurry did the group finally relax.
To avoid suspicion, Wu Caiwei took out a silver needle from her怀 and casually pricked Wu Ye a few times. Then, under everyone's watchful eyes, Wu Caiwei and a maid took him to the largest medical clinic in the county town.