Song Yaoyao went to open the door herself. The instant it opened, she slipped into her role, her expression shifting from astonishment to panic before she stammered:
"S-sir, what happened?"
"Two dangerous prisoners have escaped. We're pursuing them under orders.
Have you seen anyone suspicious?"
"N-no."
The man leading them glanced into the courtyard and told the government troops behind him:
"Search the place."
"Yes, sir."
The troops shoved Song Yaoyao aside and went straight into the courtyard to begin their search.
They searched every corner and only left after finding nothing unusual.
Before leaving, they made sure to warn Song Yaoyao:
"If you spot anyone suspicious, report it to the authorities immediately. You know the consequences of withholding information, don't you?"
"Yes, yes!
Rest assured, sir. If I discover anything, I'll report it to the authorities right away."
The troops paid Song Yaoyao no further attention and headed straight to the next house.
Song Yaoyao shut the door. Rather than hurrying to the hidden chamber, she returned to the courtyard and lay down on the rocking chair again.
Before long, another knock sounded at the courtyard gate, and Song Yaoyao went to open it again.
There were government troops outside this time too, but they were a different squad from the last. They were also searching for Lu Xuangu Gui and his master.
Song Yaoyao had anticipated this, which was why she had stayed in the courtyard to wait for them.
They searched the entire courtyard and left only after finding nothing.
Wave after wave of troops came, and it was not until evening that they finally stopped.
Only then did Song Yaoyao enter the hidden chamber.
By the time she arrived, Lu Xuangu Gui had treated both his own injuries and Sima Yifeng's. But Sima Yifeng had