With a deep sense of regret, Qin Yuanxi stepped down from the carriage and couldn’t help but exclaim how wonderful the nightlife here was.
The lantern market was bustling with activity. Not only were there various beautiful lanterns, but there were also many vendors doing business along the street, offering a variety of food and entertainment. Performers showcasing their talents were also plentiful, making it hard to believe it was already past midnight. The stark contrast to the desolation and solitude within the palace was striking.
Qin Yuanxi immediately fell in love with the liveliness of the outside world.
Silently determined, he vowed to find an opportunity to slip away. The world beyond the palace was so beautiful, whereas the palace was not only desolate and lonely, but there was also a constant threat to his life and throne. It wasn’t worth it at all. Running away and enjoying freedom outside seemed much more worthwhile.
Touching his money pouch, Qin Yuanxi glanced at Zhao Tuo, who had been guarding him closely by his side.
General Zhao Tuo, who was loyal to his duty, was truly remarkable. Despite the vibrant lantern market and the bustling crowd, no matter which crowd Qin Yuanxi wandered into, Zhao Tuo always managed to stay by his side, true to his role as a guardian. He didn’t let a single step go unaccompanied.
Qin Yuanxi had attempted several times to make a small move during the chaos, but without success, which was quite frustrating.
“Young master, let’s move over here. The other side is crowded, and the view isn’t as good. We can see clearly from here,” Zhao Tuo suggested.
Qin Yuanxi’s mouth twitched, but he ultimately stood where Zhao Tuo had suggested. The crowd was gathered around a group of performers showcasing magic tricks. Qin Yuanxi had no interest in such tricks; magic was just a series of gimmicks and tricks, relying solely on props to deceive people.
It was not until he saw the performers pull out a large box that Qin Yuanxi vaguely felt familiar with the prop. Could they be planning a grand illusion?
Instantly excited, he focused intently on pretending to watch the performance while secretly planning how to escape from there.
Ever since Qin Yuanxi and Zhao Tuo had got down from the carriage, Qin Yuanxi had been searching for an opportunity to slip away discreetly. Although the lantern market was beautiful and lively, it was not enough to captivate him. If, before coming out, Qin Yuanxi had wanted to assess the situation and treat it as a visit to the lantern market, his mind quickly changed as soon as he stepped outside.
Were the palace gates so easy to pass through? Did such opportunities come by frequently?
Despite the slight discomfort and strangeness surrounding this opportunity, what did it matter? Could he just sit idly by because of a general who had suddenly emerged, whom he had never heard of before?
No, that wouldn’t do. He had to run. The vast and prosperous world beckoned him, and the opportunity was right before his eyes.
“I want to go and see what’s ahead,” Qin Yuanxi tugged at Zhao Tuo, expressing his desire to experience the grand magic performance up close.
“But, young master, it’s crowded inside. You can see from here,” Zhao Tuo replied.
“It’s not the same!” Qin Yuanxi insisted firmly. “I couldn’t see clearly how that flower disappeared just now. Haven’t you heard? The next act is the highlight, it must be amazing. Let’s go to the front and have a closer look.”
Zhao Tuo hesitated a little.
Qin Yuanxi, seeing his hesitation, quickly added, “It doesn’t matter. You’re here, right? Is there a possibility of assassins? Let’s go and have a look.”
Having made up his mind, Qin Yuanxi pulled Zhao Tuo along and headed into the crowd.
Perhaps because of his charming appearance and sweet words, they soon squeezed into the front row. Zhao Tuo, who followed behind, frowned disapprovingly, but he didn’t say much and stood beside him, assuming the posture of a guardian.
Qin Yuanxi glanced at Zhao Tuo’s profile several times while stroking his money pouch, then sighed softly in his heart.
If circumstances allowed, he really wanted to bring this general along for the escape, but unfortunately, it could only remain a wish.
As expected, the grand finale of the performance was the transformation of a person. As soon as the box opened and a robust man who had just entered transformed into a delicate young lady, the onlookers cheered uproariously, creating a lively scene. After the final act, they began collecting money with bronze gongs. Qin Yuanxi held his money pouch, contemplating how he could make use of the large box.
Someone in the crowd voiced their dissatisfaction, wanting another transformation.
“Can they turn the previous person back?”
“How about making someone disappear?”
The live audience eagerly joined in, creating a lively atmosphere. Perhaps enticed by the generous rewards, the performer agreed to another round. This time, they announced something bigger: “Who among the spectators wants to experience it firsthand? For just ten silver taels, you can try our grand transformation magic.”
“Ah, ten silver taels? It’s quite expensive.”
“It looks fun, but a bit pricey.”
Qin Yuanxi had been observing the surroundings. Seeing that no one responded to the offer, he had an inkling of what was happening.
Ten silver taels was a considerable amount for an ordinary family, and no one would willingly spend it just for some amusement. Those who would pay were likely the wealthy young gentlemen and ladies who had plenty of money to spare and enjoyed such entertainment. The street performers must have had this in mind.
Magic tricks all had their mechanisms. As long as they remained well-hidden, they could profit without being exposed. Besides, these young gentlemen and ladies knew very little about the tricks performed by these street performers, so it would be highly unlikely for them to expose the act easily.
“I’ll go and take a look.”
Seizing the opportunity, Qin Yuanxi took a big step forward. Before Zhao Tuo could react, he had already entered the venue. Zhao Tuo immediately tried to follow, but was intercepted by the young lady who had transformed earlier, blocking his way. She then turned to Qin Yuanxi, extending her hand and said, “First, please pay for the silver taels, then we can proceed with the grand transformation. Is that alright?”
“No problem, no problem,” Qin Yuanxi replied with a smile.
He took out the silver from his money pouch and handed it directly to the manager, while stealing a few more glances at Zhao Tuo.
The general seemed genuinely anxious. He was indeed planning to come over, but it was inconvenient to act amidst the crowd, especially with a delicate young lady blocking his path. He could only watch Qin Yuanxi’s every move anxiously.
Qin Yuanxi waved his hand to him without saying anything. Under the arrangement of the manager, he entered the large box.
Having seen numerous grand transformation magic tricks on television, Qin Yuanxi had no interest in such mechanisms. Indeed, not long after he entered the box, a mechanism inside opened, and a voice came from within, “Young man, come out from here.”
Knowing that this was where the mechanism was located, Qin Yuanxi didn’t hesitate and immediately crawled out. As expected, he saw the person who had been transformed earlier. The person gave him some instructions, speaking a jumble of confusing words, then promptly went in the direction Qin Yuanxi had come from.
Qin Yuanxi looked back, a flash of the puzzled expression on Zhao Tuo’s face crossed his mind, and he sighed softly. From that hiding corner, he quietly slipped away.
He emerged on the other side of the lantern market, passed through a narrow corridor, and arrived at a bustling street.
He hadn’t expected the escape to go so smoothly. After taking a moment to calm himself, he decided to head outside the city. With the lantern market open today and the city gate left unguarded, it was the perfect opportunity for him to leave. By the time Zhao Tuo realized Qin Yuanxi was missing, he would surely be searching for him in the lantern market, while Qin Yuanxi would have long left the city.
His plan seemed flawless, but he hadn’t anticipated being found by Zhao Tuo so quickly.
The grand transformation performance wasn’t particularly long. As soon as Zhao Tuo noticed Qin Yuanxi enter the large box, before it could open for the second time, he immediately sensed that something was amiss. He swiftly approached, using his sword to split open the box, only to find it empty. He then held the sword against the manager’s neck.
Like a terrifying demon from hell.
Trembling with fear, the manager stuttered, no longer concerned about the mechanisms and secret passages. He spilled all the information, explaining everything clearly. Qin Yuanxi had just stepped out of the alleyway when he was caught by Zhao Tuo.
“You… you…”
He didn’t know what to say.
Zhao Tuo’s expression was equally stern as he held Qin Yuanxi’s arm tightly. “The lantern market is crowded, Your Majesty, please do not wander off.”
Qin Yuanxi: … What the f***?
“Does Your Majesty still want to see something?” Zhao Tuo silently walked beside Qin Yuanxi, who no longer had any desire for the lantern market. They wandered through the market in silence, but Qin Yuanxi had no intention of returning. They continued walking, and Zhao Tuo, gripping his sword, scanned the small stalls ahead before taking the initiative, “Would Your Majesty like to have a midnight snack?”
“Okay.”
Having failed in his escape attempt, Qin Yuanxi didn’t think he had any chances left, especially since Zhao Tuo was incredibly vigilant. His level of vigilance far exceeded Qin Yuanxi’s expectations. If he had to praise him, it would be that he truly deserved the title of a great general, someone with real skills.
The roadside stalls sold various snacks, and Qin Yuanxi ordered a bowl of small wontons, eating them slowly. Zhao Tuo also ordered a bowl, but he didn’t eat. When Qin Yuanxi had nearly finished his meal, Zhao Tuo spoke up, his voice lowered, using the respectful title for the emperor, “Your Majesty escaped on your own, didn’t you?”
Repeating the fact plainly.
Sitting in a secluded corner of the shop, where no one else was present, Zhao Tuo addressed Qin Yuanxi with the proper title once again.
Qin Yuanxi continued stirring his bowl of wontons, remaining silent.
Seemingly not expecting a response, Zhao Tuo continued speaking to himself, “Your Majesty got off the carriage and started looking around, not because of an interest in the lantern market, but solely to find an opportune moment to get rid of me, right?”
“And regarding the magic trick just now, Your Majesty was well aware of the trickery involved and purposely planned to escape through the performance, right?”
“Your Majesty’s desire to see the lantern market was just an excuse. The real purpose was to leave the palace, correct?”
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
