After an unknown length of time, Bai Wanning and Dai Luoli slowly awoke in a cottage in a quiet, secluded mountain village far from Star Luo City. They were completely unharmed, merely shaken.
Ling Ya stood beside the bed. Seeing them awaken, he bowed respectfully. "Madam, young master, you're awake. You've had quite a fright."
"Sir, where are we?" Bai Wanning looked uneasily around the unfamiliar surroundings, gripping Dai Luoli's hand tightly.
"Please don't be alarmed, madam. This place is safe. I am Ling Ya, a subordinate of Young Master Youheng. This is a secret refuge the young master arranged long ago," Ling Ya explained calmly. "Everything that happened today was part of his plan. He discovered that Zhu Man intended to harm you, so he turned her scheme against her, letting you shed your shells like cicadas and escape that troubled Duke's Mansion. From today onward, in the eyes of the world, you are both dead."
"The young master instructed me to ask you and the young master to stay here in peace for the time being. He has already prepared all the supplies and Gold Soul Coins you will need. Once he has dealt with everything outside, he will come personally to bring you back. By then, there will be nothing left to worry about."
After hearing him out, Bai Wanning remained stunned for a long while before finally letting out a long breath of relief. Her eyes held both lingering fear and astonishment and gratitude at her son's far-reaching calculations. She nodded. "All right, we understand. Tell Youheng to be careful in everything he does. We'll wait for him."
Dai Luoli understood as well. The fear in his eyes faded, replaced by unwavering trust. "Mr. Ling Ya, tell my brother that I'll protect Mother and work hard