Yi Liang had my shoulder in his grasp. There were two guards on duty at the West entrance, and they bowed their heads towards Yi Liang in respect.
He shoved me towards the exit.
"You heard what Sire had said. Don't ever return, if you know what's good for you." Yi Liang didn't look at me when he said it.
"Guard Yi Liang, what is the meaning of..."
"The 18th Prince found her unsuitable for Shen Li Gong. She has received her punishment. Let her go. I will take responsibility."
Yi Liang flashed Zheng's royal pass at them. The guards let me go without another question.
I stepped out of the west entrance. Knowing that Yi Liang was still watching me, I suppressed the urge to turn around.
The long corridors echoed with my footsteps. My bag was tied on my back. I only had the commoner clothes Secretary Han had provided me on my back.
The two layers of underclothes did nothing to fend off the cold, even though sweat beaded down my face.
I was free. Free, to a certain extent.
