(1st update)

In the darkness, Duan Yi explained in a low voice, "The fact that the princess was at the top of the mountain was not leaked by Bizhi. Bizhi didn't want to leak the whereabouts of the princess, so she left."

Hearing his explanation, the chill in Han Youning's heart dissipated instantly. She was still willing to believe Duan Yi, even though there were secrets behind Duan Yi that she didn't know about, and even the people behind him wanted to hurt her.

Because Duan Yi never lied to her.

Han Youning regained the intimacy when he spoke, "So you left because of this. You could just say no to me privately? Why bother going around in such a big circle? Now that you have betrayed them, what punishment will you receive?"

"

Duan Yidao said, "I don't know about this humble position."

His face was always expressionless, and he rarely showed emotion when he spoke. Although his voice was smooth at this time, it revealed a little bit of suppression that could not be concealed.

Han Youning suddenly realized that people who have experienced the pain of destroying their country must act in extreme ways. Duan Yi betrayed them and suffered consequences that she could not imagine.

She was originally sad because of Duan Yi's betrayal, but now she began to hope that he would choose to betray her to avoid being in a dilemma.

Han Youning asked, "Will it be serious?"

Duan Yi replied after a long time, "No."

But how can there be betrayal without any price? If there is no price, how can the other party safely put the thirteen-year-old Duan Yi next to their enemy in Dingguo Duke's Mansion.

Han Youning said, "How about you hand me over? I see that they have no intention of harming me. If I negotiate with them, maybe we can work it out? If it doesn't work, there is still the prince, and the prince will save me.

."

He had already died once to save her, and she didn't want to hurt him again.

On the other hand, if the other party is a descendant of the nobles of Southern Chu, they will definitely fight to the death with her father. They laid a chess piece like Duan Yi many years ago, so they must have a big plan. If she doesn't enter the tiger's den, how can she know their plans?

Woolen cloth?

Duan Yi said, "Princess, don't think about this. When they are gone, I will take you back to Xiangping Mansion."

He was silent and then said, "The person beside you is not the prince."

Han Youning's expression tightened. Did he finally see it?

Duan Yi continued, "The prince will not let you go out without accompanying him, especially to dangerous places like the top of the mountain. It is easiest to ambush opponents in the mountains, and the prince is very thoughtful and will not be unclear. Also, he does not have that kind of

The majesty that comes from within, Ye Chang lacks awe for him, and you also lack some love for him."

As Han Youning listened, a layer of sweat broke out on his forehead.

Sure enough, Su Bai was right, Duan Yi was as careful as a hair, and he could easily find the clues.

"Then...all the people behind you know?"

Duan Yi said, "I didn't tell you. If I had told you, they would have taken action against you, Princess."

Han Youning let out a long breath.

But I heard Duan Yi say, "The prince has gone to the northwest."

His tone was affirmative, not questioning or testing.

Han Youning was frightened again, and his heart was raised again.

"Duan Yi, what else do you know? Why don't you just talk..."

Duan Yi nervously covered her mouth and lowered his voice, "Princess, please keep your voice down, they may never find her again."

Han Youning blocked his hand and leaned against the mountain wall weakly, feeling frightened for a while. She could not imagine how much danger Zhao Chengyuan would have been in if Duan Yi had not betrayed his people.

His people didn't even have to do it themselves, just telling Emperor Qingming this secret was enough to make Zhao Chengyuan doomed.

The two of them waited until midnight and saw that there was no movement outside before leaving the cave.

They did not choose the way they came, but spent a whole day climbing over another mountain on the opposite side and walking eastward along the valley, which was the direction of Xiangping Prefecture.

Duan Yi has always adhered to the responsibilities and propriety of a guard, only protecting Han Youning, but keeping a respectful distance from her. He rarely spoke and always used honorifics when speaking. Han Youning reminded him several times that he didn't have to do this anymore, and he just agreed.

, but nothing changed.

In fact, he was born into a noble family in Southern Chu. In terms of background, he was definitely no lower than her. Now that he is not a real master and servant, why should he be like this?

But Han Youning couldn't persuade him.

They kept walking until it got dark, and then they found a dry place to rest in the back of the wind.

Duan Yi hunted a pheasant and roasted it on the fire. He also picked some mushrooms and put them in the belly of the pheasant. When they were cooked, the aroma was overflowing.

He took off the best chicken legs and gave them to Han Youning, "Princess, please make do with it. If you feel tired, eat mushrooms and wild fruits. We don't have cooking utensils to cook, so we can't cook vegetables. I will try to make a clay pot and clay bowl tonight."

"

Han Youning took the chicken leg and said, "This is already excellent. There is nothing to compromise with. You don't have to bother making cooking utensils. There is not so much fuss about escaping."

Duan Yi said nothing and tore some meat from the belly of the pheasant and ate it.

Han Youning tore off another chicken leg and handed it to him, "You have to eat more. We have to rely on you to escape. If they come after us, you must have the strength to carry me."

Duan Yi hesitated for a moment, then took the chicken leg and lowered his head to eat. The red bonfire danced, and a thin blush was baked on his drooping cheeks.

After driving all day on the mountain road, Han Youning was exhausted. After eating, she curled up by the fire and fell asleep.

The night in the mountains was quite wet and cold, and there was a chill in the night wind. But she felt the warmth of the fire in her sleep, which was warm and dry.

When I woke up, it was already dark.

The fire beside him was burning vigorously. Inside the fire were a clay pot, two bowls, and two spoons.

Han Youning sat up and found that he was covered with Duan Yi's clothes, a navy blue short coat. Duan Yi, on the other hand, was sitting on the other side of the fire in his middle coat, leaning against the mountain wall and sleeping with his arms folded.

.

He must have stayed up all night last night, right?

Han Youning stood up, tiptoed to his side, unfolded his clothes to cover him.

Duan Yi suddenly opened his eyes, jumped up, and at the same time grabbed Han Youning's wrist with lightning-like hands, and there was a murderous look in his eyes.

When he saw that it was Han Youning, he quickly let go, took a step back, bowed his hands and saluted, "Princess, you are being disrespectful in your humble position."

Han Youning rubbed his almost broken wrist and handed his clothes back to him, "I originally wanted you to sleep a little longer, but instead it disturbed your dreams."

Duan Yi put on his outer clothes and said, "I woke up from my sleep. It's getting dark, it's time to get ready and go on the road."

He took the pots and bowls out of the fire and cleaned them, and they were all very successful, simple and natural.

There were already some wild vegetables and fruits nearby, which Duan Yi must have prepared last night. They cooked them and ate them before continuing on their way.

Han Youning wanted to do what she could, but Duan Yi didn't give her any chance to intervene and took care of everything neatly.

The traces of the fire had been buried with soil, and they avoided leaving any traces along the way.

Duan Yi seems to be naturally sensitive to these matters and is extremely alert and meticulous.
Chapter completed!