Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Meng Huaiqing blew out the fire starter, and the tunnel instantly plunged into pitch-black silence.

I reached back, feeling along the earthen wall as I slowly sat down, wrapping the heavy cloak tightly around myself.

Perhaps darkness heightens the senses, or perhaps it was because the space was so cramped, but I could hear Meng Huaiqing’s breathing so clearly it felt as if he were right beside my ear.

I hugged myself tight. “Sir, it’s very dark. I’m a little scared.”

It felt just like the moment of my death-the entire world turning into nothing but darkness.

Boundless despair.

Meng Huaiqing explained, “This place is relatively airtight. We can’t keep a light burning for long, or the air will grow thin, and in severe cases, one might lose consciousness.”

I nodded in understanding, then suddenly realized he couldn’t see me.

Facing his direction, I replied, “I understand.”

How much of Meng Huaiqing’s words could be trusted? Was he truly helping me?

My voice trembled slightly from the cold. “Sir, when are we leaving?”

Meng Huaiqing said calmly, “They will discover your disappearance very quickly. Their first priority will be to search Ci’en Temple and its surroundings repeatedly. We must stay here for at least two days.”

“That long?” I asked nervously. “Didn’t you say earlier they would use dogs to search? Is it really safe here?”

Meng Huaiqing chuckled. “The Scripture Pavilion is filled with the musty scent of old books. I scattered medicinal powder inside and out beforehand; it will numb the dogs’ sense of smell, so they won’t be able to pick up anything.”

I was still anxious. “Even if they can’t find us for now, they have so many people. If they find nothing nearby, they’ll surely return to the temple. I’m afraid…”

Meng Huaiqing interrupted me. “Don’t be afraid. Do you remember the sachet I gave you before? I prepared it meticulously, guessing you would certainly open it to take a look. By then, the handkerchiefs you used and the clothes you wore would have picked up the scent. Yesterday, I left traces of that medicinal scent in the forest. No matter what dogs they bring, they will definitely search in that direction, ending at the cliff’s edge. If they believe you fell off the cliff, that would be for the best.”

I was amazed. He was actually this meticulous and thorough.

“But what about you?” I said hurriedly. “If we both disappear at the same time, Yuan Heng will definitely suspect you!”

Meng Huaiqing gave a soft laugh. “Is Madam concerned about me?”

I blurted out, “Of course, you helped me.”

Meng Huaiqing’s voice was gentle. “Don’t worry. I have a habit of going out regularly to gather herbs. The Marquis is aware of this.”

I asked again, “Then… then how did you know about this hidden tunnel?”

Meng Huaiqing said, “A few months ago, I encountered a Little Master from Ci’en Temple being beaten by some thugs. I happen to know a bit of martial arts, so I drove them off and helped treat his injuries.”

“The Little Master and I talked about everything and became good friends. In my spare time, I would come here to discuss scriptures and play chess with him.”

“The Little Master is the caretaker of the Scripture Pavilion. He mentioned a secret tunnel in one of the rooms, originally dug by monks of the previous dynasty to escape the ravages of war. It came in handy for saving you this time.”

I gave a soft hum of acknowledgment. Suddenly, my stomach let out a loud growl.

My ears burned with embarrassment, and I buried my head in the cloak.

A rustling sound came from in front of me as Meng Huaiqing moved closer. He pressed a moist, soft, and sweet pastry into my hand.

“Pregnancy does indeed make one hungry faster,” Meng Huaiqing said warmly. “I also prepared some medicinal wine. You can drink a little later to warm up; it won’t harm your body.”

My heart warmed. I broke off half and reached out in the dark to hand it over. “You should eat some too, Sir.”

My hand brushed against Meng Huaiqing’s, and he quickly pulled back. “No need, I’m not hungry.”

“Then I won’t be polite.” I ate in large gulps; I would need physical strength for the escape later.

Suddenly, Meng Huaiqing asked out of the blue, “Madam, you went to such great lengths to escape. Could it be that you’ve found something out?”

I choked slightly on the pastry and forced myself to swallow.

He was asking how I knew Yuan Heng wanted to kill me.

I countered with a question: “In the meditation room of Zhujing Hall, you said in a moment of urgency that someone wanted to kill me. Since we’ve come this far, I’ll ask plainly. Sir, what is Yuan Heng’s reason for killing me? It has something to do with this face, doesn’t it?”

The sound of wine being poured splashed in front of me.

Soon, a bowl was handed over.

I took it and drank. it was slightly spicy, but my body warmed up immediately after drinking it.

Meng Huaiqing seemed to be drinking as well. After a long silence, he said gloomily, “Yes. He wants to give your face to the person he truly loves.”