Chapter 85 The Empress Destroyed Your Country (11)

“The Empress is here, shoot the arrows!”

Nie Suzhi shouted as he drew his bow, aimed and released the arrow in one swift motion.

Wen Yueqing looked down at the crowded people below, the torches cast a flickering light that made her uneasy.

Nie Suzhi’s lips curled into a cruel smile as he let go of the arrow, the sound of it piercing through the air.

Bai Tang embraced Wen Yueqing and, with a quick spin of her arm, threw her red-tasseled spear at the arrow. The sharp spear easily shattered the arrow, and it continued towards Nie Suzhi with unstoppable speed.

Wen Yueqing watched in amazement as Bai Tang wielded the long silk like a water snake, deftly wrapping it around the arrows flying towards them. 

Bai Tang then exclaimed loudly, “Your Majesty has a kind heart, and the way you have treated me with such a grand reception is very satisfactory. I will repay you in kind.”

Bai Tang lifted her foot off the rooftop, and with a flick of her arm, she returned the arrows to Nie Suzhi. She then lifted Wen Yueqing and swiftly fled into the night, the sound of her laughter echoing in the distance, along with the words, “As long as Your Majesty does not get rid of me, I will continue to disturb your peace.”

After such a provocation, it was only natural for Bai Tang to make her escape with Wen Yueqing.

It was a thrilling escape, and Wen Yueqing couldn’t help but agree with Bai Tang’s assessment.

Despite the large number of people trying to intercept them, they had managed to flee successfully. Nie Suzhi slammed his fist against the palace wall in frustration.

“Send down the order to block all the checkpoints and city gates, and thoroughly inspect all comings and goings. Increase the intensity of the search at night. Anyone entering or leaving must be checked and registered. The portrait of Empress Bai Tang should be sent out throughout the country for a nationwide manhunt. A reward of one thousand taels of gold for those who report her whereabouts, and ten thousand taels of gold for those who capture or kill her. And any intentional sheltering will be punished with the execution of the entire nine generations.” 

Nie Suzhi commanded gloomily.

Escape?

He wanted to see where she could hide? And how long could she hide for?

***

With such a huge bounty on her head, there were bound to be brave souls hunting for her. Moreover, to them, Bai Tang was just a stranger. Her wanted posters were plastered everywhere, making it nearly impossible to move undetected.

Bai Tang had to keep a low profile now, sneaking around like a night owl with Wen Yueqing. They entered and left places stealthily, and she managed to slip out of the palace without being caught. 

News of the escape quickly spread throughout the palace, becoming the topic of discussion amongst everyone. Li Xing’er, a person from the same village as Bai Tang, was taken away for interrogation.

Li Xing’er couldn’t believe that Bai Tang had attempted to assassinate the Emperor. Where did she get the courage to do such a thing? 

She knelt on the cold ground, trembling with fear. She heard that Bai Tang had taken the stranger, Wen Yueqing, with her. Li Xing’er couldn’t help but feel some resentment towards Bai Tang for not taking her, someone who had shown her kindness by sharing half a bun when she was sick.

Nie Suzhi, with just a glance at the kneeling woman, said coldly, “You are Li Xing’er, from the same village as the Empress.”

Li Xing’er broke out in a cold sweat, shaking as she replied, “Yes, Your Majesty. I am from the same village as the Empress, but I do not know her well. I had no idea she would dare to attempt to assassinate you.”

As for revenge and such things, Li Xing’er dared not even think about them now. The most powerful person she had ever encountered in the village was the village chief, and she didn’t even dare to look directly at Nie Suzhi.

Nie Suzhi gave a faint smile, his voice chilly, “Not familiar huh… drag her out and beat her to death.”

Li Xing’er almost fainted, and the guards on either side came to take her away. She struggled and pleaded, “Your Majesty— Your Majesty, I grew up with Bai Tang in the same village, and we are very close!”

Nie Suzhi gestured, and the guards released their grip on Li Xing’er’s arms. She collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.

——