31 Prison Break

Shi Nian and Nie Cheng infiltrated the Leopard Quarter with surprising ease. Just as the Zhang brothers had promised, the guards at the South Gate merely glanced at their token before waving them through. As the carriage wheels rumbled forward, Shi Nian peered through the lifted curtain and finally took in the full scope of this famous imperial retreat.

The grounds were paved with azure bricks and lined with white marble balustrades. The grand, interconnected halls stretched as far as the eye could see. Historical records stated that by the seventh year of the Zhengde reign, the Leopard Quarter boasted over two hundred buildings. Unlike the Forbidden City, most of these structures were designed with hidden chambers and winding, interlocking passages, making the complex feel like a labyrinth. Beyond the architecture, there were three massive training grounds where the Emperor would stage military drills whenever the mood struck him. There were even Buddhist temples—though it was hard to imagine why they were built; Zhu Houzhao hardly seemed like the type to burn incense and kowtow.

Shi Nian was dazzled. "This is the Leopard Quarter? But where are the leopards? Where are they?" Back at Canglong Fortress, she had glimpsed a beautiful, ferocious leopard through fragmented visions. Was it still here?

Nie Cheng remarked, "If you're looking forward to the leopards this much, Lu Zhiyao might not be too pleased."

Shi Nian: "..."

She stuck out her tongue, reined in her excitement, and turned to the task at hand. According to information from Zhang Chu, Lu Zhiyao was being held in a dungeon on the north side of the grounds. It was a place for people held for various reasons—high-born or low, men or women—a place that had achieved a strange form of equality. Unable to take the carriage further, they proceeded on foot, moving with extreme caution. It took them a full hour to reach the dungeon entrance. Using the token once more, they cleared the guards and descended a long flight of stairs, finally spotting a familiar figure in one of the cells.

The young man was dressed in black, his back turned to them as he fiddled with something in his hands. Hearing the commotion behind him, he didn't even look up. "What now? Is the leopard ready? Are you here to serve your grandfather?"

Even in this state, he remained as arrogant as ever. Shi Nian chuckled, "Grandfather, there's no leopard, but will I do to serve you?"

Lu Zhiyao’s body stiffened. He whipped his head around, eyes widening in disbelief. "Captain? Shi Nian? How did you get here?"

Seeing his back, they had known he was thinner, but up close, it was stark. Lu Zhiyao had a naturally baby-faced appearance, but now his face seemed a size smaller, smudged with dirt and marked by bruises. He looked like a schoolboy who had been jumped by a gang.

Shi Nian frowned. "What happened? Didn't they say they hadn't tortured you?"

Lu Zhiyao paused, instinctively shielding his face with a touch of discomfort. "No torture. But you can't be in prison without getting roughed up. A couple of beatings are to be expected."

That was true enough; even Zhu Houzhao had taken a thrashing while in custody. Still, Shi Nian felt a pang of indignation. Lu Zhiyao was such a brat that she could beat him a hundred times herself, but seeing him bullied by their enemies made her want to settle the score. She didn't let it show, though; given his prickly personality, he would likely explode if he sensed her pity.

Shi Nian cleared her throat and said intentionally, "I suppose I should send Eunuch Liu a banner of merit, thanking him for 'upholding justice' by putting our young Master Lu through such an ordeal."

As expected, while Lu Zhiyao glared at her, he seemed less mortified. He turned to Nie Cheng, his eyes lighting up. "Captain, did you come to rescue me?"

Nie Cheng replied, "Not yet. First, I have a few questions."

"What kind?"

Nie Cheng looked at him, his dark eyes sharp. "That day you met Liu Jin, what exactly did you say to make him target you like this?"

Lu Zhiyao was stunned. "Wha... what do you mean?"

Nie Cheng’s expression was calm. This question had been weighing on him since he heard of Lu Zhiyao’s arrest. The Zhang brothers had said that Lu Zhiyao was merely pleading for them and hadn't said anything offensive to Liu Jin. Yet, Liu Jin had let the Zhang brothers go and focused his wrath entirely on Lu Zhiyao, moving him from the Celestial Prison to the Leopard Quarter with the clear intent of killing him.

It was too strange. So strange that one couldn't help but suspect that Liu Jin never intended to touch the Zhang brothers at all—that his true target had always been Lu Zhiyao.

Nie Cheng asked, "On this trip, was there anything unusual that made you feel uneasy or confused?"

Lu Zhiyao grasped his meaning and drew a sharp breath. He gripped the wooden bars and lowered his voice. "Yes, Captain. Actually, several times on the way here, I felt like someone was watching me in the dark. But whenever I turned around, there was no one. I thought I was just overthinking it... Could it be Liu Jin’s men? Did he know we were going to move against him? That’s impossible!"

Shi Nian was taken aback and furrowed her brows in shock.

Nie Cheng murmured, "As I thought."

Shi Nian asked, "You knew? And you know who was following him?"

"I don't know for certain. I only had a suspicion, and now it seems at least one-third likely to be true. This trip was worth it."

Shi Nian and Lu Zhiyao exchanged a glance. Shi Nian probed, "Can you not tell us?"

Nie Cheng looked at her. "Not yet. I must return and consult with the elder to determine if it is possible—and necessary—to tell you."

She knew it.

Shi Nian felt frustrated. Nie Cheng’s habit of withholding information made her want to hit him. They had been through life-and-death situations together, yet he remained secretive and insincere!

Lu Zhiyao, seemingly used to this, urged, "Forget that for now! Hurry, what’s the plan? How are you getting me out?"

Shi Nian, still annoyed, retorted coldly, "We didn't plan on breaking you out."

Lu Zhiyao froze, and Nie Cheng nodded. "Yes, that is correct."

Lu Zhiyao wailed, "Are you kidding me? You broke in just to ask me that? And now you're going to leave me behind and run?!"

Seeing his reaction, Shi Nian offered a bit of comfort. "Don't be too upset. When Zhu Houzhao locked me up, he just came to visit and then left, too. We’re all in the same boat."

Lu Zhiyao paused at the mention of "Zhu Houzhao," but before he could ask, a group of people entered the dungeon. They were dressed as eunuchs. Seeing them, they demanded, "Who are you? Why are you here?"

The guard nearby chimed in, "This is the female physician sent to treat the leopards, and the Jinyiwei officer who brought her."

"If you're here to treat the leopards, what are you doing here?"

They were aggressive, but Shi Nian was prepared. She spoke with steady composure, "Reporting to the Eunuch, I am acting under orders to check the physical condition of this warrior who is to duel the leopard. You know how it is—if he has some hidden ailment and gets bitten to death immediately during the duel, His Majesty won't be entertained, and we would surely be blamed."

The reason was logical. The eunuch asked, "So, are you finished?"

"...Yes, finished."

"Then leave quickly. If he's sick, he's sick; there's no time to treat him anyway," the eunuch sneered. "Who knows if this warrior will even survive until tomorrow."

Shi Nian was startled. "Eunuch, what do you mean?"

The eunuch replied, "His Majesty has returned to the Leopard Quarter. Eunuch Liu has ordered us to prepare; the duel might take place tonight."

Zhu Houzhao was back?!

Shi Nian was shocked. Not only was he back, but Liu Jin might force Lu Zhiyao to fight the leopard tonight? Damn it, this wasn't the plan!

The eunuchs confirmed Lu Zhiyao was still in his cell and turned to leave, warning Nie Cheng and Shi Nian not to linger. As their figures vanished up the stairs, Shi Nian whispered, "What now?"

Nie Cheng made a swift decision. "The plan has changed. We must take Lu Zhiyao now."

"But there are so many guards! There are only three of us, and I can barely fight. How are we supposed to leave?"

That was indeed the problem. Even without Shi Nian as a burden, Nie Cheng and Lu Zhiyao could at most fight their way out of the dungeon. But as soon as the chaos broke out, the nearby Imperial Guard would descend. At that point, no matter how skilled they were, they wouldn't be able to escape.

Shi Nian was falling apart. If only they had prepared more for a prison break!

Lu Zhiyao looked at their expressions and suddenly laughed. "Forget it. You guys go."

"Lu Zhiyao..."

Lu Zhiyao put his hands behind his head and said lightly, "Even if Liu Jin said that, he might not actually throw me to the leopards tonight. You go out and plan something else. I’ll try to hold on. Honestly, I'm not blowing smoke—even if I really have to fight a leopard, who knows who will win..."

The boy’s expression remained arrogant, still boasting even in this situation. But as Shi Nian looked at his smiling face, her heart twisted. Could they really just leave him here to wait for death?

Nie Cheng remained silent, his mind racing through plans. Breaking down the door, taking Lu Zhiyao, and escaping—there were dozens of ways to attempt it, but how many had a chance of survival?

In the end, he had to admit that every single one carried immense risk.

Suddenly, Shi Nian said, "Wait, I might have a way... Captain, I have an idea!"

Nie Cheng and Lu Zhiyao both looked at her. The girl fought down her excitement and pulled something from her robes. It was a square object, crafted from high-quality white jade, warm to the touch. It was a seal, inscribed with four characters: "The Seal of Zhu Shou."

Shi Nian said, "Zhu Houzhao gave me this the night of the fire at Canglong Mountain. He told me to use it to seek help from the local authorities, so I thought it must be a very important seal. With this, can we fake an imperial decree and take Lu Zhiyao away?"

Zhu Houzhao strolled down the stairs.

The last time he had visited this dungeon was three years ago. On a whim, he had wanted to see its structure and had nearly ordered a cell to be prepared for him to stay in for a few days. Though he never did, his interest in the place had waned. If not for Liu Jin mentioning it today, he probably would never have returned.

"Liu Jin, is the warrior you mentioned—the one who can fight Ah Hua—kept here?"

"Ah Hua" was Zhu Houzhao’s pet name for the leopard. Liu Jin smiled. "Yes, Your Majesty. I’ve had him scouted for a long time, just waiting for your return. You didn't need to come see him yourself; if you're eager, you could have just watched the show in the arena tonight."

"Ah, that won't do. Since he’s putting on a grand show for me, I should ask him beforehand if he has any lingering wishes, how many family members he has, or how much land he owns. That way, after he becomes a meal for Ah Hua, I can take responsibility for the aftermath."

Seeing Zhu Houzhao in such high spirits, Liu Jin finally breathed a sigh of relief. He knew this would work. By bringing up the leopard duel, His Majesty would stop thinking about that "fortress wife" from Canglong Mountain, and he wouldn't have to worry about Qian Ning stealing the spotlight.

With that in mind, he eagerly guided Zhu Houzhao forward. "Your Majesty, it’s right here, the warrior is being held in..."

His voice cut off. He stared in shock at the empty cell and roared, "Where is he!"

The dungeon guard’s legs went weak. He knelt, trembling like a leaf. "He... he was taken away... The person had Your Majesty’s decree, claiming it was orders from you and Eunuch Liu..."

"Bastards! When did I ever give such an order! You useless fools! I even sent people to warn you, and you still let him go!"

Liu Jin was furious. Zhu Houzhao looked at the empty cell, but instead of anger, he looked amused. "Not bad, not bad. To actually escape from the Leopard Quarter’s dungeon. Eunuch Liu, it seems you weren't lying to me. The warrior you chose really is quite capable."

Liu Jin looked awkward. Zhu Houzhao kicked the trembling guard. "Enough. Tell me, how did they get him out? If the story is good, I might consider sparing your lives."

The guard was even more terrified. After a few seconds, he broke down. "Spare me, Your Majesty! I was a fool! I saw the seal on the decree and truly believed it was your command. I committed such a grave error..."

Oh? They were well-prepared. Zhu Houzhao asked lazily, "Which seal was it?"

"It was the personal seal you carved yourself, the one everyone in the palace recognizes... the one that reads 'The Seal of Zhu Shou'..."

Zhu Houzhao’s smile froze.

He turned to the guard, enunciating each word. "You said... the Seal of Zhu Shou?"

The guard, not knowing what was wrong, tremblingly handed over a piece of paper. "Yes..."

Zhu Houzhao went stiff as he took it. His gaze swept past the black ink and landed directly on the bright red seal at the end. It was indeed the personal seal he had hand-carved from jade he had selected himself, spending an entire month on it, complete with a deliberate missing stroke. It was his most prized possession, and everyone in the palace took pride in receiving a decree stamped with it. But not long ago, on a dark night, he had given it to someone. And then, he had never seen it again.

He had assumed the seal, like the person, had perished in the fire on Canglong Mountain.

But now, the seal was back. Then... what about that person?

Liu Jin watched Zhu Houzhao uneasily, wanting to speak but afraid of saying the wrong thing and inviting his rage. Just as he was caught in a dilemma, he saw the monarch suddenly look up, as if waking from a dream. "Pass the order! Seal all the gates! From this moment on, without my command, not even a fly is allowed to leave the Leopard Quarter!"

Shi Nian, Nie Cheng, and Lu Zhiyao hurried across the square in front of the palace. Recalling how smoothly things had gone in the dungeon, Shi Nian couldn't help but feel smug. "I told you that bringing me along was useful! My competence isn't just for show. Student Lu Zhiyao, you owe me one."

Lu Zhiyao was unconvinced. "I saved you so many times before; you're just paying off your debt!" He stumbled slightly; having been locked up for days without proper food or rest, he realized his stamina was failing.

Nie Cheng said, "The carriage is just ahead. You'll be fine once we're in."

Lu Zhiyao nodded. Winter nights in the north fell quickly; even though it was only the hour of the Rooster, it was as dark as late night. But that was fine; the darkness helped conceal them. Thinking of the days of confinement coming to an end, Lu Zhiyao felt so relieved he could have toasted with a bottle of wine.

Shi Nian said, "Quick, we have to get out before the third quarter of the hour of the Rooster..."

Before she could finish, a rumbling sound echoed. A column of Imperial Guards galloped across the square. The leader waved a banner and shouted, "By imperial decree, the palace gates are closed! No one is permitted to leave—by imperial decree, the gates are closed!"

Shi Nian froze, watching in horror as the vermilion gates ahead slowly swung shut.

She gasped, "We’ve been found? So soon?!"

Nie Cheng’s brow furrowed. Lu Zhiyao said, "It’s over, they’re coming this way!"

Shi Nian was startled again. Sure enough, the cavalry had spotted them and was heading in their direction. Shi Nian turned to the two men, her mind racing. "Hide yourselves! Leave the outside to me!"

Lu Zhiyao: "But..."

"No 'buts'! I can't run fast, you’re weak, and Nie Cheng can't carry both of us! You can't be caught, and Nie Cheng can't be taken. As long as you’re both still free, you can come save me. Go!"

Lu Zhiyao still hesitated, but Nie Cheng grabbed him, gave Shi Nian a deep, lingering look, and whispered, "Be careful." Then, they vanished into the night.

Shi Nian watched them disappear, then took a deep breath. She turned back just as the Imperial Guard reached her. The leader looked at her suspiciously. "Where is the one who was with you?"

Shi Nian acted as if nothing were wrong. "I have always been alone here. I don't know who you are talking about."

The leader was even more suspicious, but the night was dim, and he hadn't seen clearly to begin with. He asked, "Then who are you, and why are you here?"

Shi Nian replied, "I am here by imperial order, and now I am leaving by imperial order. Naturally, I am here."

"Imperial order? Whose order?"

Shi Nian produced the white jade seal, cradling it in her palm. She said slowly, "In this Leopard Quarter, who else do you think could issue an order to me?"

Her tone was casual, but she was nervous inside. The seal had worked perfectly in the dungeon, which was why she dared to stay behind. She just hoped it would still work on this commander...

With a crisp sound, every soldier dismounted and knelt in unison. Shi Nian was shocked. The leader knelt on one knee and clasped his hands. "I did not know who you were..."

Shi Nian swallowed hard, forcing herself to be calm. "Who I am is none of your concern. Now, can you let me pass?"

The leader frowned. He had only received the imperial order to search for suspicious persons in the palace; he didn't know the specifics. Since this woman held the Emperor’s private seal, she shouldn't be a suspect... Although her identity was unknown, the Leopard Quarter was like that—Zhu Houzhao often brought back women from the common folk and sent them away when he lost interest. Everyone was used to it. Was this his new favorite?

He finally decided, "I apologize, you may go."

The guards stood up, and with another synchronized movement, they parted to clear a path. Shi Nian was stunned by their order and discipline. Watching these tall, formidable soldiers bow in obedience, a wave of pride surged through her.

Wow, she was really shining today! Who knew this seal Zhu Houzhao gave her was so powerful? It was truly a lifesaver!

She held her head high like a proud little fox, marching haughtily through the human wall created by the guards.

A complete plan was already forming in her mind: shake off these people, find a way to meet up with Nie Cheng, and even though the gates were closed, with this seal, they would surely find a way out.

Then, she could slip away and never have to worry about being caught by Zhu Houzhao again...

Holding that thought, she turned with a smile, but in the next second, her smile froze completely.

A vast crowd of people appeared ahead. In the center, a man in brilliant yellow, his hair tied with a golden crown, stood quietly. Behind him were eunuchs and Jinyiwei, surrounding him like a god, distant and unreachable.

The man’s face was pale—no, paler than she had ever seen it. Under the low-hanging night sky, his brows were slightly furrowed, his eyes wide, staring at her in a daze.

In those dark eyes, there was shock, disbelief, and a flash of undeniable, overwhelming joy.

***

Author's Note:
Shi Nian: Surprise!!! Are you surprised?! Are you shocked!!!
The "resurrected" Che-che: Why does this line sound so familiar...
Today's chapter is quite meaty—the resurrection you've all been waiting for! Finally! Am I doing a great job or what!!!