Chapter 603: Those Who Are Heartbroken Only Part Ways

"Follow me!" Zu An immediately took her hand and led her down a nearby path.

Being led by his hand, Qiao Xueying's previously flustered heart gradually calmed. With him by her side, even the greatest danger seemed insignificant.

She had already made up her mind that if they couldn't escape, she would find a way to distance herself from him, so he wouldn't be implicated.

As she was thinking this, she realized she had been led through various complex routes for a long time. She couldn't help but be surprised: "Ah Zu, how are you so familiar with these paths?"

"Have you forgotten that I'm also an official in the palace?" Zu An chuckled, having already pulled her into a courtyard by then.

Seeing him casually open a door, Qiao Xueying's eyes sparkled. Her beloved was becoming more and more impressive.

Zu An closed the door, then quickly pulled out a set of clothes: "Put these on, and the mask too."

Looking at the unique patterns on the clothing, Qiao Xueying was surprised: "These are Embroidered Uniform Guard clothes!"

Zu An smiled, "I told you about this before, have you forgotten so soon?"

He clearly had more than one set of uniforms. Although the clothes were a bit large for Qiao Xueying, it wouldn't be a big problem with a little adjustment. The entire palace's defenses were now activated, making it incredibly difficult to leave. However, if she disguised herself as an Embroidered Uniform Guard, it would be much easier.

Qiao Xueying stuck out her tongue, "So much has been happening, I honestly forgot for a moment."

She picked up the clothes, her face suddenly flushing. "Turn your back."

Zu An chuckled, "We're practically an old married couple, what's there to be shy about?"

"Who's an old married couple with you?" Qiao Xueying huffed, but ultimately, being inexperienced, she took the clothes behind a screen and began rustling as she changed.

From behind the screen, Zu An asked, "Why did you come to the palace to assassinate the Empress? Don't you know how dangerous that is?"

In his opinion, it was a suicidal act. Perhaps they had initially caught the palace off guard, but once the palace's defenses reacted, these assassins were doomed.

"This was a major mission taken on by the Shadow Pavilion. The payment was very generous, and the Shadow Pavilion's motto is to kill even the Heavenly King if the price is right," Qiao Xueying explained. "What I mentioned to you before, about doing one last thing for the Shadow Pavilion, was this. In fact, I didn't even know what the mission was initially. It was only after someone led us into the palace that I realized. Unfortunately, by then it was too late to regret, so I had to brace myself and go through with it, hoping for a slim chance of survival. Who would have thought I'd see you and the Empress messing around in there, hmph!"

"It's not what you think," Zu An finally had a chance to explain. "I primarily had to do it to ensure my future safety..."

He then roughly explained the whole story.

Qiao Xueying froze, then peeked her head out from behind the screen, her fair, delicate collarbones faintly visible. "Are you saying you spanked the Empress and kissed her, and not only did nothing happen, but she now has to protect you?"

"It seems so," Zu An's expression was a bit strange. "Speaking of which, I have you to thank. If you hadn't suddenly appeared and startled her, she might not have come around."

Qiao Xueying stared at him silently, a myriad of thoughts swirling in her mind, unsure where to begin. After a long moment, she finally uttered, "Only you could manage that."

Zu An gave an awkward smile and quickly changed the subject. "Didn't I tell you last time to let me know before you undertook that 'last mission'? Luckily, I happened to be in the palace this time, otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable."

Qiao Xueying retreated behind the screen again. "I couldn't find you at your house, and time was short, so I had no choice but to leave with the Shadow Pavilion members. Hehe, you saved me in the palace; it just proves we truly have a fated connection."

"We might not be so lucky next time," Zu An said, sensing the amusement in her tone, thinking that women seemed to value such a sense of destiny. "By the way, do you know who the client was this time?"

Qiao Xueying shook her head. "I don't know. The Shadow Pavilion always protects its clients' privacy, especially for something this significant."

Zu An hadn't held out much hope. "After this incident, the imperial court will surely crack down hard on the Shadow Pavilion. You shouldn't go back there."

"Yes, I've fulfilled my agreement and completed their last task. After this, I'll be completely free," Qiao Xueying said, arranging her clothes as she emerged.

Zu An's eyes lit up. Qiao Xueying was already beautiful with her red lips and white teeth, charming and lovely. Now, in this outfit, she exuded an even more heroic and spirited aura. Four words suddenly popped into his mind: "Uniform appeal."

Seeing him stare fixedly at her, Qiao Xueying quickly looked down at herself. "What's wrong? Did I put something on incorrectly?"

His response was a strong embrace and a fervent, lingering kiss.

After a long time, Zu An reluctantly pulled away, gazing at the girl in his arms. "Xue'er, you are truly beautiful."

Hearing his praise, the girl felt delighted, her eyes glistening as she looked at him. "Ah Zu~"

Zu An's heart stirred greatly. He slid his hands under her armpits, lifted her onto the table, and swept everything off it.

Qiao Xueying's heart pounded furiously. "I just put my clothes on."

"That's perfect," Zu An said, and kissed her directly.

"Mmmph..."

Not long after, noisy footsteps were heard outside, and a guard's voice called out: "It seems the assassins ran into this area. Everyone, search carefully."

"Oh!" Qiao Xueying gasped, quickly pushing her lover away with a blush, and hastily straightening her disheveled clothes.

Zu An felt a surge of annoyance; these guys had truly come at the worst possible time. However, he knew the serious situation demanded attention and dared not fool around anymore.

He went to the wardrobe himself, took out another set of Embroidered Uniform Guard clothes, and put them on. Then he helped Qiao Xueying put on her mask. Soon, two Embroidered Uniform Guards stood in the room.

Zu An surveyed her, nodding in satisfaction. Aside from her slightly petite stature, she was indistinguishable from other Embroidered Uniform Guards.

Besides, there were short men in the world, so it wasn't a big problem.

So he took Qiao Xueying's hand and walked out openly.

"Who's there!" Guards quickly surrounded them.

Zu An directly pulled out his waist token and flashed it before them.

"A Gold-Rank Embroidered Uniform Guard!" The guards were all startled and quickly saluted. The Embroidered Uniform Guards were already mysterious and held high status, and the Gold-Rank Guards were the highest rank below Commander Zhu Xie Chixin himself.

There were only ten Gold-Rank Guards in the entire Embroidered Uniform Guard corps. Each Gold-Rank Guard commanded a large number of Silver- and Bronze-Rank Guards, making them highly powerful and influential figures whom these ordinary guards could not afford to offend.

"May I ask, sir, if you've seen any assassins pass by this way?" one of the guard captains asked, gathering his courage.

Zu An said in a deep voice, "I didn't notice any, but there shouldn't have been any assassins passing within dozens of yards of this area."

The guard relaxed. "If sir says so, then it must be true. Let's go!"

He waved his hand, gathering his men to search in another direction.

Zu An and Qiao Xueying then walked towards the palace gate. Qiao Xueying's face was alight with excitement: "I can't believe this identity is so useful!"

Zu An laughed heartily, "It's clearly your husband here who's useful."

Qiao Xueying spat lightly, "Pfft, you pervert." But there was no real annoyance in her tone.

At this moment, the group of guards from earlier were also murmuring amongst themselves: "Captain, those two people just now seemed a bit off. I've never heard of two Embroidered Uniform Guards coming out of the same room."

The guard captain snorted, "I know what you're getting at. If it were any other Embroidered Uniform Guard, I might be suspicious, but this is a Gold-Rank Guard. Gold-Rank Guards are incredibly skilled; there's no way an assassin could impersonate one."

The others chuckled. "That's true."

"But they say Embroidered Uniform Guards always work alone. Two people staying in the same room just feels strange."

"Didn't you notice the petite figure next to the Gold-Rank Lord?"

"Could it be a woman? Are there women in the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

"Even if not a woman, then it's one of those small, delicate pretty boys. Many high-ranking officials prefer that type. He's a Gold-Rank Guard; isn't it normal for him to take liberties with a subordinate?"

"Captain, why are you talking so excitedly? Don't get any ideas about me."

"Pfft, go look at yourself in a puddle!"

...

By this time, Zu An had already led Qiao Xueying near the palace gate. Despite the strict palace guard, the identity of a Gold-Rank Embroidered Uniform Guard was incredibly effective. The gate guards, seeing his attire and waist token, didn't dare to question him and let them pass directly.

"Ah Zu, with this matter resolved, I must take my kin back to our homeland," Qiao Xueying said reluctantly.

The reason she had stayed in the capital, even working for the Shi family, was to rescue her elven kin who had been captured and brought to the capital over the years due to wars or the slave trade.

She later learned that while the Shi family outwardly promised to help her rescue her people, they actually used this as leverage against her, never genuinely acting on it. Instead, they were involved in numerous elf slave trading activities.

After rebelling against the Shi family, she used the strength she had accumulated over the years, along with the Shadow Pavilion's influence, to successfully rescue many of her people.

She had already sent several groups out of the city in batches. Now, with only the last group remaining, she too had to leave. The human world was not truly her home, and her special status meant her clan had repeatedly urged her to return for an important ceremony.

Zu An felt a pang of reluctance. "Xue'er, I truly don't want you to leave, but unfortunately, I can't split myself now, so I can't leave with you."

Qiao Xueying scoffed, "As if you'd be willing to leave Miss Chu and the others if you could split yourself... I'm not asking you to abandon everything and come home with me, just promise to visit me in the Elf Clan if you get the chance later."

Zu An said gravely, "I will definitely come for you!"

Qiao Xueying's face immediately bloomed into a smile. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "Ah Zu is the best!"

Zu An couldn't help but sigh, realizing why people often said that only separation could truly stir the soul.

A mix of emotions swirled within him, with a multitude of words he wanted to say. Suddenly, the Gold-Rank Embroidered Uniform Guard token in his hand began to glow, and a divine message transmitted to him: "All Embroidered Uniform Guards near the palace, drop everything you are doing and immediately report to the East Palace for rescue! Now!"