Chapter 9 Escape at Dusk
Second Sister really did nothing.
Every day, Elder Sister and I continued to accompany her to practice dance.
As soon as Second Sister went inside, Elder Sister would go to the calligraphy shop to meet that young master. They talked like old friends.
They only parted when the young master was fully satisfied, so we always returned late.
Second Sister no longer raised her voice, but her mouth tightened whenever she looked our way.
The day before Plum Blossom Festival, Second Sister locked the small courtyard door with hatred.
"Yun Lan, and you little cheap slut, don't even think about going out again in this lifetime. When I return, I will make you regret it."
But Elder Sister said to me, "Pack everything you want to bring. We are leaving tomorrow."
The next afternoon, Father, Legal Mother, and Second Sister left the mansion for the plum garden.
Once the mansion grew quiet, I looked at Elder Sister who was still writing. "Elder Sister, when are we leaving?"
Elder Sister stroked my head. "Why? So eager to leave?"
I nodded firmly. "Very, very eager. Everyone here bullies you."
Elder Sister's eyes softened. "Don't worry. I have arranged everything."
It was only when the sky turned dark that I finally understood how Elder Sister had arranged it.
I saw Guard again. Although he was wearing night clothes, those black bean-like eyes could not be mistaken.
So when he jumped into our courtyard, I immediately waved at him. "Guard, are you here to save us?"
Guard stumbled. "You can recognize me?"
I nodded seriously.
Guard froze for a second, then threw down the large bundle in his hand and pulled off his face covering. "What a waste of effort."
Elder Sister came out carrying a bundle. "Thank you for saving us, Shen Xingzhi!"
Guard nodded slightly. "Miss Yun is too polite. I am acting on Fourth Young Master's orders."
I curiously walked toward the big black bundle on the ground. "What is this?"
Elder Sister pulled me back. "Don't look! Guard, please."
Guard nodded. He took out a water pouch from his waist and sprinkled the liquid in every corner of the courtyard. Then he moved to open the bundle on the ground.
Elder Sister immediately covered my eyes.
Guard said softly, "The young master had people search the mass graves for a whole day. They found two bodies that match your builds."
After finishing, Guard lit a candle and threw it into the courtyard. The flame licked at the liquid and slowly grew into a red glow.
"Forgive me!"
As soon as he spoke, Guard held Elder Sister's arm with one hand and tucked me under his other arm. With a push of his foot, he leaped over the wall.