General Lan didn't answer and turned to look at Long Qian Xing and Emperor Yang Zhou. "Would you like to proceed with the plan?"
"Yes."
"Alright. General Nan, there are several routes into the palace but these hidden passages are guarded. I would like you to guide His Majesty though the right side's path to the main hall."
"Why the main hall?" Old Master Nan looked at the map carefully.
"That's because by morning, the second prince will surely call the other ministers to the main hall. We would like to prevent him from holding the morning court that's supposed to stop for the time being." General Lan gritted his teeth.
It was vexing, but as the weather grew colder, it become harder and harder to even move around. This plan of pushing the Emperor out of the palace was in order to make sure that the second prince could get his influence back.
After all, he was of a more 'nobler' birth compared to Emperor Yang Zhou.
"I see."
Old Master Nan looked at Emperor Yang Zhou and cupped his fist. "If you would like to trust me, I'll bring you to the right side path. However, I would not be able to help you with any battle."
It was not like Old Master Nan didn't want to help, but he was not allowed to use any martial arts for the time being. The last battle against a great general at the frontline had caused his arms to be injured. While he still could walk like normal, he was not allowed to use martial arts until he was fully healed.
Recklessly using martial arts at his age would only cause his wounds to worsen and eventually led him to be unable to use martial arts again.
"Can you protect yourself?" Long Qian Xing asked.
"Yes."
"Then, that's enough." Long Qian Xing smiled. "Your presence alone would create deterrence against the enemies."
"Grandpa didn't have to fight, I can fight on your behalf." Nan Luo snorted.
"Young Master… you can just leave it to me." Hou Liang's lips twitched at Nan Luo's reckless remark. He felt that the little brat would surely create trouble when they were inside. The problem was whether his presence would be able to be of help or not. After all, no matter how good Nan Luo was, he was still nothing more than a 9 years old brat.
"I can fight!"
"As long as you don't hinder our movement, it doesn't matter." Emperor Yang Zhou stood up. "Let's move."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Nan Luo still wanted to protest. He felt that there was no one who trusted him to be able to fight properly. Even his grandfather didn't seem to care in the slightest bit.
Time was tight, so the group swiftly moved. General Lan departed to a different direction while Old Master Nan guided Emperor Yang Zhou and the others through another path towards the palace.
Nan Hua, who was still hiding in her place, slowly moved to follow them. She could sense the presence of several hidden guards but not a single one of them detected her presence. Thus, she managed to slowly follow the group to the palace.
'The right path is guarded by another commander. It'll be the first official battle for Long Qian Xing and Nan Luo.'
The battle might be hard, but Nan Hua believed that the current Long Qian Xing and Nan Luo would be able to handle him. In that case, she would rather take care of another person on a different path.
The novel mentioned that her grandfather would be facing another commander. Due to his wounds, Old Master Nan wouldn't be able to move properly. Thus, Nan Hua planned to stop that person.
The question would be: would she be able to do that?
'I brought my needles along with me, so I should be able to handle him even if my strength is not up to par.'
The group went through the back street, which was dark and empty. Nan Hua followed through different path while carefully making sure that she would not lose sight of her grandfather and her twin brother.
Her eyes landed on the massive palace before her. It was night but it didn't mean that it would be hard to recognize it. After all, there was no other massive residence in the Capital City aside from the palace.
Bang!
Faint sound of fight emerged from the other side. Nan Hua could guess that General Lan had started to make his move on different place. With that signal, Old Master Nan and the others also moved forward.
Nan Hua slipped to the side when she sensed sudden danger.
Clang! Swish!
"And here I thought there's a powerful assassin.. To think that I would encounter a little girl instead."