What did manservants or maids mean to him?

Yangfeng knew his kindness and was both touched and grateful.

Pingting watched the two and suddenly thought of Chu Beijie. The corners of her heart stung, but she refused to let it overwhelm her. She feared Yangfeng would see its traces, so she turned away from them, wiping the corners of her watery eyes on the pillow.

Ze Yin did as he said. That night, he summoned all of the maids and manservants into the hall, saying, "I have already promised Yangfeng to live in seclusion, this time never coming out again. Since we will be living in a very rural area, we will not need so many manservants. You are all young determined to serve this country hence you can all go back to the capital. I will write you a testimonial letter so the Main General Ruohan can organise you to go elsewhere. As for maids, all those who have homes can go home. Those who don't have one are free to leave as well and find another home. All of the furniture, furnishings in this room are mostly earned through rewards from my military achievements. All of them are treasures of the Royal Residence. Divide them all amongst yourselves, whether you use the money you gain to invest, or dowry or pension, anything is fine."

When his words came out, everyone cried out.

Ze Yin's expression did not change as he lowered his voice, "You all know my temper. Even three army troops must immediately listen to just a simple scolding, not to mention you all. Don't drag this on. No feast can forever continue under the skies. To scatter, happily and freely, is the true nature of my Bei Mo's sons and daughters. Also, there is an extra person here who you have all more or less guessed her identity. The world under the skies believes that she is dead. Not a word about the fact that she is still alive is to be spread outside. You all have accompanied me for many years, so I believe in you. However, I still would like you to swear here that you will never tell anyone."

When he finished, everyone understood that Ze Yin had already decided.

The servants accompanied Ze Yin's extensive travels and each were hot-blooded men. They had indeed hoped that Ze Yin would one day return to the capital to help with national affairs like last time. Hearing Ze Yin's words, they immediately swore they would never speak one word about Bai Pingting's survival.

The maids served the Main General Residence since young. Each were loyal to Ze Yin, and although they did not understand military or national affairs, they knew Bai Pingting was the Main General's wife's good friend and also left their promise.

Ze Yin worked orderly. He immediately called for brush and ink, swiftly writing the testimonial letters for the manservants. He then handed out the various treasures to each of the maids, so that they would not have to worry about the hunger and cold in the future. He was busy until late at night, until finally everything had been arranged, yet a difficult problem surfaced.

Guard Weiting was the only one who refused to leave. His eyes were bloodshot as he said, "I've been with Main General for so long, where else is there for me to go? Main General knows I have a foul temper, and if other generals order me around, I won't listen. Main General at least needs someone to help carry water or herd cattle, even in the mountains right? If you refuse to take me along, then I shall die here today." He pulled out his sword and placed it on his neck.

His main problem was that he couldn't read expressions, resulting in conflict between a great number of generals, including Ruohan. However, when he fought, he was not afraid of death, and his power was commendable. Because of this, Ze Yin valued him and had always kept him by his side.

Ze Yin knew his temper and perhaps if he did shake his head, perhaps he would really slice his neck. He suddenly remembered Weiting offended many important generals of Bei Mo. Even if he were recommended back, he would be bullied or worse. He could only nod, "Oh well, you can stay then."

Apart from Weiting, there was also Ze Yin's nurse and Uncle Xu who had watched him grow up. The two of them were both very old, so naturally Ze Yin had kept them by his side to repay his debts until their dying breath.

"All has been done. All that remains is to find a good place to live in seclusion."

Pingting considered this for a while, replying, "I know of a good place. There's a quiet little village on the foot of the other side of the Songsen Mountains. There's land that can be cultivated, as well as a grassland that can be grazed. Although it's a little poor, all of the people there are kind-hearted."

"If even you praise this place, it must be good." Yangfeng always trusted in Pingting's opinions. She asked Ze Yin, "Then there, okay?"

Ze Yin lovingly looked at her. "If you like it, then there is fine."

"There's something else," said Pingting, "I would like to move Zuiju's grave too. I don't want her to be left alone here."

Yangfeng replied, "That's easy. We'll take out her remains and take it on the road."

"Zuiju's Teacher is Dong Lin's genius doctor Huo Yunan." Pingting took out a letter from her sleeves, "I heard Zuiju is his only disciple and beloved, star pupil. I have written a letter. Please find someone to pass it on for me, Main General. If he asks who wrote it, just say it was from one of Zuiju's friends."

Ze Yin took it, "Rest assured, I will definitely get it sent."

When they returned to the room, however, Ze Yin asked Yangfeng, "Do you think this letter should really be sent?"

Yangfeng stiffened, "Why not?"

"Huo Yunan is Dong Lin's genius doctor and often enters the Royal Residence. He has a deep friendship with the Royal House of Dong Lin. If this letter is sent and Huo Yunan gets suspicious that it was Zuiju who died, what would happen to Pingting? I'm afraid he might make the connection."

Only then did Yangfeng understand. Her expression changed, "Pingting has Chu Beijie's flesh and blood in her belly. Royal House wars are terrifying as well, not to mention Chu Beijie has disappeared. If she were swept into the wars for the throne...will they send someone to kill Pingting?"

Ze Yin nodded, "I'm worried about that."

"Having said that, this letter must not be sent." Yangfeng only cared about Pingting's safety, nothing for a random Dong Lin genius doctor. She thought a little, set a plan, and reached out. "Give it to me." When she got the letter, she passed it straight into the flame of the candle. She watched the flame rise and whispered slowly, "Pingting, I know you're good-hearted and can't bear the thought of Zuiju's teacher looking for his discipe. However, your safety is very important, so let me decide for you this time."

Everyone in the secluded residence was used to Ze Yin's vigorous and resolute style of living. Although they were all reluctant to leave, no one cried.

In just a few days, everyone scattered in groups. The various antiques inside the room were also removed.

Only Ze Yin's family of three, Pingting, Uncle Xu, the nurse and Weiting were left behind, a total of seven. They took the remaining money Ze Yin had and set off on their journey, this time, really leaving the national affairs of Bei Mo behind.

When Gui Changqing learned of Bai Pingting's death, it felt like the huge stone in his heart had been put to rest. He was so happy he immediately raised the soldier in question, Fanlu, to a city govenor, after strictly telling him to keep it a secret.

He didn't quite exactly know whether the situation had really improved, but it seemed that the hanging clouds of unnecessary loss of life over Yun Chang had suddenly dispersed. Not only did the war not begin, Chu Beijie was still utterly distraught over the matter about Pingting and disappeared. Dong Lin was an entire mess now and was completely incapable of threatening Yun Chang. The command flag in the Prince Consort's hands had also returned to the Princess as there were no more wars to be fought.

"Haha," laughed Gui Changqing, overcome by his emotions, "It seemed this Bai Pingting step was done well."

He did hope that others wouldn't find out Bai Pingting's death had to do with Yun Chang. He had kept the secret for several days, waiting until Bei Mo had openly mourned and spread Bai Pingting's death to the rest of the world. Only then did he head to the Royal Residence to tell Princess Yaotian.

"Died?" Yaotian was taken aback. She lowered her voice, "Didn't I tell Senior Official the battle is over hence it's fine to leave Pingting to her own life and death. Why didn't you let her go?"

"Princess misunderstood. How could I not obey Princess' orders? Bai Pingting attempted to bypass the checkpoints of the Yun Chang border, thinking to enter Bei Mo by crossing the Songsen Mountains. Unfortunately, her wisdom brought her to her demise. She met wolves in the mountains."

Yaotian was dubious. She remained silent for a while, before frowning, "Does the Prince Consort know?"