The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star Chapter 234
Translated by Pure
Chapter 234 Escape by Feigning Death (2)
Wen Yantong's sudden demise cast a shadow over Songhai Academy for a few days, but soon enough, life resumed its normal course.
Except for those who took her death personally, her departure didn't seem to have any widespread impact.
Wen Yantong took some time to rest at home, reflecting on her past life at Songhai Academy—her leg being broken by a carriage, punishments from her Teacher, copying articles, and her attempts to skip martial arts class. She remembered her harmonious moments with the stern Li Boyuan.
Her originally thin and malnourished body had grown into a normal shape after special care for her health. She became taller, and her skin tone became fairer.
The places with obvious bone protrusions on her body were gradually becoming rounder.
These seemed to be the traces left behind after she arrived in this world. She had fully integrated into this reality, becoming a character in the book, and altering the course of the original plot to successfully save Cheng Yanchuan.
Wen Yantong didn't know her role in the book. She only knew that, armed with information others lacked, she would strive to alter what others couldn't.
After a brief respite at Wen Residence, she started packing her belongings and instructed her servants to go out and inquire about the route from Chaoge to Yibei.
Her goal was to reach Yibei and reunite with Chi Jingxi, but the journey from Chaoge to Yibei posed greater challenges compared to the route to Chang'an.
Wen Yantong faced a challenge due to her limited connections, making it difficult to accurately determine the fastest route through various cities and river crossings to reach Yibei. Additionally, the extensive journey required her to change carriages in the mid way; such tasks she found impossible to manage on her own.
Wen Yantong sought support from Cheng Xin's influence, but persuading him to aid her in reaching Yibei posed a challenging task.
She hadn't figured out how to approach him on this matter when, unexpectedly, Cheng Xin took the initiative to visit her at home.
Greeting him with a smile, she teased, "Your Highness has time to visit this humble residence?"
Cheng Xin solemnly responded, "Let’s go in and talk."
Wen Yantong, sensing the gravity in Cheng Xin's expression, quickly followed him.
Once inside the main hall, after dismissing the servants, Cheng Xin spoke with a serious tone, "I came to see you this time to discuss matters pertaining to Danli."
Upon hearing Chi Jingxi's name, Wen Yantong's heart skipped a beat, and she asked with concern, "Did something happen to Little Marquis?"
Cheng Xin clarified, "The news came yesterday that Danli did not return from a patrol, and a group of his soldiers inexplicably disappeared with him. After thorough investigations, they believe that Danli encountered the enemy during the patrol. His current whereabouts are unknown; he could be just hiding, or perhaps..."
Cheng Xin didn't speak any further. This left Wen Yantong, who was already aware of the situation, feeling anxious. She questioned, "What should we do now?"
"The turmoil this time is greater than the imperial court estimated. The reinforcements sent are not enough. The court is planning to form a third support team," Cheng Xin explained.
Wen Yantong, feeling a bit puzzled, wondered why Cheng Xin would share this information with her. Logically, he shouldn't be able to disclose such details.
Cheng Xin noticed her doubt and clarified, "I know you are planning to go to Yibei."
"Huh?" Wen Yantong was surprised. "It turns out that His Highness knows about it, and I was just about to tell His Highness."
Cheng Xin responded, "Yibei is currently in turmoil, and more than a dozen counties around Yibei are contemplating fleeing. If you go there now, you will be in danger, and you are very likely to encounter threats on the road."
Wen Yantong acknowledged, "I know."
"You should stay in Chaoge. Danli asked me to take good care of you before he left. I can't let him down," Cheng Xin insisted.
Wen Yantong asserted, "I am thankful of your good intentions, but now that the Little Marquis is in danger, I can't just idly wait in Chaoge."
"You won't be able to provide much assistance if you go," Cheng Xin asserted.
"No," Wen Yantong gently shook her head. "Please believe me, I am confident that I will be able to help Little Marquis."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Xin's eyes suddenly bore a profound expression, his gaze intently fixed on her as if scrutinizing.
In Cheng Xin's perception, Wen Yantong remained an enigma. He had yet to discern the origin of the note she discreetly slipped into Chi Jingxi's possession at the Hundred Flowers Banquet. Despite conducting a thorough investigation into Wen Yantong's life, he found no anomalies. Her father, a self-made businessman, and her mother, an ordinary girl from an ordinary family, raised her in Wen Residence without any indication of clandestine grooming.
Wen Yantong, however, possessed knowledge surpassing that of everyone else.
Cheng Xin expressed concern, "The journey to Yibei is arduous, and you may struggle to endure it."
"Little Marquis and Fu Zixian's lives are on the line; how could I care about such small matters," Wen Yantong declared. "Your Fifth Highness, you must help me go to Yibei. I can promise their safe return if I am there."
Wen Yantong recognized the audacity of her statement. In reality, she harbored uncertainties, but in order to sway Cheng Xin, she opted for resolute assurances.
Cheng Xin was a keen intellect. He swiftly assessed the potential challenges that might lead Wen Yantong to regret her decision to go to Yibei. While sending her there meant bringing her closer to Chi Jingxi, the primary concern lay in her being a girl.
Wen Yantong patiently awaited Cheng Xin's thoughts. Even if he didn't agree this time, she was determined to find a way to embark on the journey alone, despite its difficulties.
It didn't take long for Cheng Xin to concur. He stated, "The third reinforcement army will set off in two days. I will arrange for people to protect you during the journey. Just follow the reinforcement team when they depart, but there is one matter..."
Upon hearing this, Wen Yantong nervously gazed at Cheng Xin.
"You have to learn to ride a horse," Cheng Xin declared. "The army is headed to Yibei, and any delay must be avoided. Riding on a carriage would undoubtedly slow you down, risking being left behind. Therefore, you must learn to ride a horse to keep pace with them."
Wen Yantong nodded with determination, "Okay."
Cheng Xin's eyes flashed with a hint of reluctance, and he finally stated, "I will arrange for someone to send you a horse. Learn to ride it within the next two days. I'll take care of the other arrangements and let you know when the time comes."
Wen Yantong stood up energetically, expressing her sincere gratitude. Without saying more, Cheng Xin left the Wen Residence.
Cheng Xin worked efficiently, and soon, a robust and beautiful red horse arrived, accompanied by two tall and skilled girls. The two girls, named A’Guan and Zhuang Mian, were both proficient in martial arts.
A’Guan took on the responsibility of teaching Wen Yantong how to ride horses, while Zhuang Mian, with a gentler temperament, prepared protective gear in advance. She secured thick padding around Wen Yantong's legs to prevent bruises from the friction that comes with extended horse riding practice.
Learning to ride a horse proved challenging for Wen Yantong initially, as she struggled to stable herself on the horse. Fortunately, A’Guan, though not very talkative, demonstrated patience and respect as she gradually guided Wen Yantong to adopt the correct riding posture.
Wen Yantong displayed an unusual level of seriousness as she dedicated herself to learning how to ride. Despite sweating profusely and tirelessly seeking the sensation of riding on horseback, after six hours of continuous practice, she could barely maintain her balance while the horse moved at a slow pace.
Recognizing the slow progress, Wen Yantong continued to push herself, practicing intensely for two consecutive days. However, riding a horse and galloping confidently seemed an elusive goal.
…
Two days later, in the morning, Zhuang Mian roused Wen Yantong from her slumber. Exhausted from the previous day's extended horseback training, Wen Yantong felt a sense of disorientation upon waking.
As Wen Yantong peered out of the window, the darkness of the early morning greeted her. Zhuang Mian reminded her, "Miss, it's time to set off."
Alert and ready, Wen Yantong sprang into action. To avoid any delays, she swiftly performed her morning ablutions, tidied herself, and inspected the package she had prepared two days prior. Ensuring she had all her essentials and sufficient funds, she left her residence.
Mo Li, her personal servant, remained at Wen Residence. Uncertain of when she would return, someone needed to oversee the household affairs. Despite having servants provided by Chi Jingxi, Wen Yantong chose to retain some of her own staff in the house.
Moreover, the journey to Yibei was lengthy, and Mo Li, being a mere ordinary maid, had no need to endure the hardships of the trip.
Before departure, Mo Li wiped away her tears multiple times, repeatedly advising Wen Yantong to be cautious and take care of herself along the way, before reluctantly bidding her farewell.
Given Wen Yantong's limited proficiency in horse riding, A’Guan took the reins temporarily, allowing her to sit behind. Fortunately, the total weight of the two girls were not burdensome, and the horse effortlessly carried them away from Chaoge.