Lu Si wore her mask the moment she stepped foot out of her room. She was planning on a quiet walk around the market but Hua Hua and Su Su tagged along. Not only them but there were a set of five guards secretly following behind and above. Lu Si thought that it was quite excessive. She suspected that her anonymous benefactor might have been another General of Jin and that she was kept alive and well for the trading of peace with Baimu.

My armor, though broken had the Baimu's crest. And I the female General on the battlefield. If not a rookie, then anyone in Jin's military surely know about Baimu's military consisted of not just men but also women. But how much do they know of my identity? I can't let them get ahead of me. The longer I stay here the more complicated the relationship of the two countries will become.

Lu Si snuck around the whole estate in search for clues about the benefactor that saved and nursed her, but she found nothing sufficient. It was as if that person erased all their tracks before they left. Either the servants were well trained, or they were newly appointed. They either hid under a poker face, or they were clueless whenever she asked questions related to the mysterious person. Despite having little information, Lu Si came to her own conclusion that such a prestigious abode could only be given or attained by someone with high rank in politic. Not to mention, the quality of medicine and delicacies that she received daily were grade one luxury items allocated to royals and nobles.

"I would like some cakes." Lu Si murmured and Hua Hua immediately bought some cakes. "The fruits looks good," she said passing by a stall that sold summer fruits. Su Su happily bought some for her.

I am a prisoner. Now, how do I mess this up?

Lu Si quickened her steps to get away from the two girls. The five guards sent as trackers glanced at each other when they noticed her intention. The two girls chased after when Lu Si tested her qinggong's level by sprinting away. The guards chased after but lost track when Lu Si disappeared into the alley. Right after, she decided to seek refuge in a brothel instead of a normal lodging.

The manager sent in some new clothes for her as requested. She changed into them immediately and hid her old clothes under the bed.

This is...As if I've been running away before. What did I do one year ago? I've heard there was a lake surrounded by mountain somewhere around the area. Now I wonder if I could go there and hide? Apparently there is a crazy poison master living up in those mountain range, but also a doctor as beautiful as the flower. If the poisonous lady poison you, then the doctor will revive you. How strange. She chuckled to herself.

—

He rushed Heima through the forests and streets hoping to get to the Southern Estate in time but upon arrival he was met with the servants running and searching for a Miss Zhao.

Wu Lei leaned back on the chair while the servants lined up in front of him. He watched all their faces in complete silence for two minutes. His face did not show any expression, but the servants knew that they were in trouble.

Wu Lei's anger could not be subsided, but he didn't want to cast any punishment, yet. In a deep and calm voice, he asked aloud, "You lost an injured captive?"

"Your Highness, the five of us split up to cover all the routes in order to keep track of the Miss, but she disappeared when she entered an alley."

"This is your turf!" Wu Lei bellowed.

"Your Highness, the Miss was clever." Hua Hua took over with the explanation, "She memorized everyone in the estate that came into contact with her and she asked to frequent the markets and town–"

"Then, are you all dumb?" He asked.

Hua Hua pressed her lips together and gnawed on the inside with head hung.

Wu Lei let out another disappointed sigh before telling them to inspect all the gates of the city. They were to check thoroughly on the markets. He even sent people to check with Ai Siyi just in case if he withhold anyone suspicious out of habit. Wu Lei held no interest in this particular captive other than her being a General from Baimu. He did not want to start any war with them, neither did he want to lose an already amicable relationship that could benefit him in the future. The trade routes the two countries worked up since ten years ago did wonder for both. The General would be vital to them, for he suspected her of being a Princess. Even if they don't reply to him, he wished to have their Princess safe and sound before sending her back.