If he really tried to break into the Imperial Palace at night, all he would do to keep him safe was knock him unconscious beforehand.
That would avoid the danger without breaking his promise.
After thinking it over, however, Zhou Cheng decided to give Fan Xian a hand.
It was only a matter of taking a stroll. He could treat it as a walk along the streets beside the Imperial Palace.
"I can help you get the key," he said leisurely, "but not tonight. Spend the next couple of days planning. When you're ready to act, hang a lantern at the back gate of the Fan Residence. Once I see it, I'll come find you."
"Great!" Fan Xian was overjoyed, his eyes lighting up.
With two Grandmasters, Zhou Cheng and Wu Zhu, working together, wouldn't slipping into the Empress Dowager's bedchamber to fetch a key be a breeze?
At that moment, Chen Pingping spoke as well:
"Let me know when you act. I'll arrange for a locksmith outside. Once Fan Xian brings out the key, I'll have the locksmith make a duplicate to put back, so we don't beat the grass and startle the snake."
Fan Xian nodded repeatedly, unable to suppress the smile on his face.
With even Chen Pingping deciding to help, he already felt success was all but assured before they had even acted.
"I'll ask Wan'er to draw a map of the Imperial Palace as soon as I get back!"
Fan Xian was brimming with excitement.
He prized the Barrett, but not to the point of such urgency.
More than the Barrett, he wanted the letter Ye Qingmei had left him.
At that moment, Fan Xian hardly thought any further. He did not even think to ask Chen Pingping directly for a map of the Imperial