Today—yep, today at the hour of Xu (that’s 7 to 9 PM Beijing time)—is the day they agreed to break out of the palace. Ivy Shen woke up super early, and from the note hidden under Little White’s wing, she realized her husbands hadn’t left at all. They were just hiding somewhere secret and safe inside the palace.
When she saw that note, Ivy honestly didn’t know whether to be mad or to laugh. But she did know one thing: this news was a huge win for her. If she wanted to get Yvonne Song out, she’d need to split her forces—otherwise, she’d never escape herself.
As for Goslyn Goss, Ivy had already come up with a way better plan: Goslyn could leave openly and aboveboard, and thanks to this arrangement, Ivy herself wouldn’t draw any suspicion from Song Zhijue. The only catch? Goslyn would have to play the scapegoat!
"Sheng’er..." As usual, Goslyn showed up first thing in the morning. Song Zhijue had been busy negotiating with foreign envoys these days, so he let Noble Lady Lana drop by every day to keep Ivy company—just so she wouldn’t get lonely!
"You’re here?"
"Mm. Are you feeling any better today?" Ever since she’d put down her burdens, Ivy seemed way more relaxed. Now, she was itching to get out of the palace and finally make some real plans.
Seeing this, Ivy gave a little smile. "I want to visit the Crown Princess today—come with me!"
Goslyn froze. "You want to see the Crown Princess?" For her, everyone except Ivy was basically an enemy. The Crown Princess was not only Song Zhijue’s woman, but also a princess of Chu—like, totally unrelated to their group! Why would Ivy want to visit her?
"Let’s go!" Ivy knew exactly what Goslyn was wondering, but she couldn’t be bothered to explain—she just urged her along.
Snapping out of it, Goslyn quickly grabbed the wheelchair handles and started pushing Ivy outside.
On the way, a whole squad of palace guards trailed behind them. Though they kept some distance, Goslyn felt really uneasy seeing that mass of dark shadows moving along in the rear.
"Are you ready?" Ivy Shen asked suddenly from her wheelchair, her tone calm as ever.
"Huh? What?" Goslyn Goss blinked, confused by Ivy's sudden question.
"We’re making our move tonight," Ivy said coolly, still unfazed.
"Tonight?" Goslyn was shocked, her heart racing. She wanted to leave, sure, but wasn’t she supposed to wait until she healed up? Plus, she hadn’t even figured out the actual escape route yet—this was Jude Song’s turf!
"Yep, we start at Xu hour. Don’t overthink it—just do as I say. But you’ll need to play a role. This person will make you Jude Song’s main target, and maybe you’ll have nowhere to hide. Are you scared?" Ivy’s voice stayed cool. She’d always said she wasn’t a good person. She was saving Goslyn because she liked her attitude and personality, but Ivy never did anything for free. If she saved her, she expected payback!
"Just say the word—I’ll do anything!" Goslyn said earnestly. Truth is, she’d already made two vows in her heart: first, to avenge her brother; second, for Ivy, she’d go through fire and water, no matter what Ivy asked!
Ha, isn’t that what love is all about?
Hearing this, Ivy Shen smiled slightly. Perfect—she’d picked the right person. This plan could work!
A moment later—
"Miss Sheng!" Ruby greeted her at the door, clearly happy to see Ivy Shen drop by. She rushed up to say hello, but since Chu Yvonne had given strict orders, she didn’t dare call her 'Consort' here.
"Is Sister Yvonne inside?"
"Yep, she’s here—Miss is painting right now!" Ruby giggled. "I’ll go announce you." Ever since she learned Ivy’s true identity, Ruby had totally dropped her guard and was super friendly. Ivy wasn’t just their Chu Kingdom consort—she was Yvonne’s savior!
"Wait," Ivy grabbed Ruby before she could go inside, whispering, "I need to discuss something with her. The guards will be standing at the door—help me keep watch. If anyone comes by, give a loud cough, okay?" Ivy gave these instructions before entering, making sure everything was set for their talk.
"Okay, got it!" Ruby nodded seriously, her usual mask of caution replaced by earnest loyalty.
Seeing this, Ivy Shen nodded. "Yvonne’s lucky to have a maid like you."
"Miss Sheng, it’s nothing. As long as Miss can leave this place, I’ll do anything. I’ve already put my life on the line for her. If you need anything, just say the word." Ruby looked totally serious, ready to face any danger.
Ivy Shen chuckled softly. "No need to talk about dying! If you died, who’d take care of Yvonne? Don’t worry, I’ll take you out too. Yvonne still needs you!"
Hearing this, Ruby’s nose stung with emotion. Could she really keep caring for Miss? Could she really stay with her forever?
Seeing Ruby like this, Ivy didn’t say anything more. She signaled Goslyn to quietly push the wheelchair inside. Once they entered, curtains blocked the view, and Ivy immediately stood up on her own.
"Miss Sheng..." Goslyn was shocked to see Ivy stand up and walk. Weren’t her injuries supposed to be serious?
Ivy didn’t bother with Goslyn’s fuss and quietly walked inside.
At the window, Yvonne was completely absorbed in her painting. A breeze drifted in, making the loose strands of hair by her cheek float gently. Ivy could just see the faint smile at the corner of her lips.
Seeing this, Ivy quickly walked over and glanced down. One look and she couldn’t help but exclaim, "Wow, that’s amazing!"
"Ah..." Yvonne jumped at the sudden voice, hurriedly trying to hide the painting behind her and destroy it. But Ivy was too quick—she snatched the artwork and opened it for a look.
"Miss Sheng..." Yvonne cried out, alarmed.
"Who’s this?" Ivy grinned, staring at the spirited man in the painting.
Yvonne quickly lowered her head. "I just drew him randomly."
Ivy smiled and handed the painting back. "You do realize what happens if you get caught drawing a man’s portrait in the palace, right?"
"I know," Yvonne murmured, lowering her head. "I always burn them after I finish." As she spoke, she placed the picture by the candle and set it alight. Seeing the candle burning in daylight, Ivy realized this definitely wasn’t her first time drawing.
"The Crown Prince never comes here during the day, except on the fifteenth..." Yvonne lowered her head, letting Ivy know why she dared to paint during daylight.
"It’s fine. From now on, you can paint boldly—no more burning your art. Because tonight, we’re leaving the palace," Ivy said with a gentle smile.
"Huh? Tonight?" Yvonne stared, stunned. Was it true? Could she really escape?
"Don’t be surprised—I’ve arranged everything. Tonight, two people will come to take you away, and after that, I’ll have someone set fire to this place," Ivy said, still breezy and calm.
"I... can I really leave?" Yvonne trembled, clearly hoping but also afraid it wasn’t true. "If I go, will he attack Chu Kingdom?"
Seeing this, Ivy took her hand and shrugged. "Sorry, Yvonne, I have to be honest—even if you don’t leave, war between the two countries is unavoidable."
"Huh?" Yvonne looked at her, puzzled.
"All you need to do now is leave. Leave the rest to me." With that, Ivy showed her bracelet—a symbol of trust and promise.
At last, Yvonne nodded with certainty. If Meng trusted Ivy, and all of Chu trusted her, what reason did she have not to believe?
"Miss Sheng, but..." Suddenly, Yvonne’s brow furrowed as she glanced nervously outside. "Miss Sheng, Ruby..."
"I’ll take Ruby with us, don’t worry. She’s loyal and will keep caring for you—I’d never leave such a faithful maid in this hell," Ivy reassured her, knowing exactly what Yvonne was worried about.
Hearing this, Yvonne finally couldn’t help but collapse into Ivy’s arms, sobbing. Years of humiliation, years of endurance, years of living worse than a dog—was it finally ending?
Ivy gently hugged her, letting her cry it all out. She knew Yvonne had suffered more than anyone should, living only for Chu Kingdom. This fragile woman had carried too much—she deserved freedom and a chance to breathe. Ivy glanced at the ashes of the burned painting, a smile curling at her lips. She’d known from the first glance who was in that picture. But... was there a story between them?
Maybe she should ask the man himself—General Nee!