Undergoing Inspection

Three knocks sounded from beneath the carriage floor. Princess May sat calmly, her expression unchanged, leaning against the side of the carriage.

The roads of the capital were indeed under strict surveillance. Princess May's carriage was stopped for inspection three times. Each time, she cooperated fully, opening the curtain so the inspectors could see that she was alone inside, with no fugitives hiding.

Thus, Princess May's carriage managed to break through numerous obstacles and arrived at the city gate.

Here, the queue to leave the city stretched long. Inspections for those exiting were especially thorough. Inside the city, soldiers might just glance into carriages and let them pass if nothing seemed suspicious. But at the gate, they demanded boxes and goods be opened, searching for hidden people, and carefully examined every carriage.

Princess May watched as carriages ahead underwent meticulous checks, with soldiers knocking on carriage panels to see if they were hollow or if anyone was hidden inside.

Princess May's heart tightened. She tapped the carriage floor and whispered, "The inspection to leave the city is extremely strict. If soldiers thoroughly check the carriage, they will surely find you hiding beneath it. What should we do?"

A very soft male voice came from beneath the carriage, lowered: "Don't worry, Princess. You are the diplomatic bride from Chu and the Princess Ling Consort. You have special permission from Prince of Qin's Manor to return home. If you show your authority, these soldiers won't dare search your carriage."

Princess May bit her lip and said, "Alright, I'll listen to you and give it a try. If we fail and are exposed, neither of us will escape death."

The man beneath the carriage said, "Princess, are you really willing to die with your unborn child? Prince Ling was the late emperor's chosen heir. Though he is gone, your child should inherit the throne and become Emperor of Jin. If you survive and return to Chu, I will help your child reclaim his rightful place. Then you will be the honored Empress Dowager of Jin, with all the power and respect you desire!"

Determination shone in Princess May's eyes. Such temptation was hard for any woman to refuse.

Princess May said, "Alright, I must pass safely."

Soon, it was Princess May's carriage's turn for inspection. The soldiers at the city gate belonged to the Hayes Regiment under General Xiao Zetian.

Seeing the Princess Ling Consort's carriage approach, the soldiers did not make any exceptions and followed protocol by sending someone to inspect.

Princess May instructed her attendants to cooperate fully, opening boxes and unpacking items as requested.

Princess May herself lifted the curtain and sat by the carriage wall, tears in her eyes, playing the part of a pitiful beauty as she spoke to the sweating officer: "I have received special permission from Prince of Qin to return to my homeland in Chu."

The officer saluted Princess Ling Consort, saying, "General Xiao has already informed me of your situation. However, these are extraordinary times, and we must be vigilant against rebels in the capital. The inspection is for your own safety, Your Highness."

Princess May, still playing the pitiful beauty, wiped her tears and said, "I understand your intentions and that you are following orders. These are my personal belongings—many are my intimate clothes and should not be seen by other men, but I will cooperate with your inspection. As you can see, there is nothing else inside. May I pass through the city gate now?"