In the previous Red Heart 4 escape room, " Express Train, " there was also a costume change. Xiao Lou and Yu Hanjiang dressed up as train conductors and spent three days on the train. Therefore, Xiao Lou wasn't surprised to see the "role assignment in progress" message. He thought that the Peach Eight secret chamber might also be a special environment where the Challengers needed to play certain roles to facilitate solving the case.
Everything was dark, and this time the wait was noticeably longer. About half a minute later, Xiao Lou regained his vision.
Xiao Lou sat up, rubbed his eyes, and quickly looked around—he wasn't in the familiar modern environment; he was in an antique-style bedroom with a carved wooden bed, light-colored curtains, wooden tables and chairs, and a faint fragrance filling the room.
His teammates weren't around, which wasn't a big deal; it wasn't the first time Heart Room had separated them. The real issue was, what was with that floor-length dress? And the complicated ribbons and patterns on it were just daunting.
Xiao Lou rolled out of bed, but almost tripped over her clothes after only a couple of steps.
He quickly realized that he had traveled to ancient times.
It seems that the plot of Peach Eight Secret Chamber is a story that takes place in another era.
Xiao Lou had never worn ancient costume before and was a little uncomfortable. He tugged at the hem of his skirt, which was almost dragging on the ground, and steadied himself. Several lines of prompts quickly scrolled through the transparent floating box in the upper right corner—
[Welcome Xiao Lou to the peach eight secret chamber: Turmoil of War ]
[This world has four countries. Your country is the Great Qi State Dynasty, and you are currently in Kyoto, the capital of the Qi State.]
[You have been assigned a special role in this secret room. Please play your part well. If the people of Secret Room World realize you are an outsider, you will fail the challenge.]
[Killing the natives is prohibited in this secret room. All attack, control, and modern high-tech cards are disabled. For a list of usable cards, please check your card holder.]
Xiao Lou flipped open the card holder and looked at it. High-tech products such as hair dryers and rice cookers had turned into gray cards that were "unusable". Cards with control and attack skills had some of their skills disabled.
Clearly, this escape room requires Challenger to use their brain to solve the puzzles, rather than cheating with various cards.
Xiao Lou swiped the floating frame with her finger, and two more lines of text popped up immediately afterward.
[Identity Introduction: Xiao Lou, father a renowned Coroner, mother a renowned physician. She learned from her parents from a young age and has considerable expertise in traditional Chinese medicine and autopsies. Her younger brother joined the military and went missing three years ago with General Who Conquers the West. She has no other relatives.]
[When you were 16, you saved a talented scholar on his way to the capital for the imperial examination in Jiangzhou. He later became the top scholar and a favorite of the emperor. Grateful for your saving his life, he married you. The two of you treated each other with utmost respect and affection.]
Ten days ago, the Prefect of Jiangzhou passed away. Your husband, entrusted with a great responsibility by His Majesty, is about to go to Jiangzhou to take up his post.
[The story will take place in your hometown of Jiangzhou, so be prepared.]
Xiao Lou felt increasingly uneasy—husband? Marry you? Has Red Heart A gone mad and made him dress up as a woman?!
No wonder I felt something was off as soon as I opened my eyes. There was a dressing table and a bronze mirror in the room. The clothes she was wearing looked like a woman's long dress, and her hair was very long, with what appeared to be many hairpins on it.
Xiao Lou hurriedly picked up the bronze mirror.
Sure enough, he changed into women's clothing. The "woman" in the mirror had her long, black hair tied up in a simple bun at the back of her head, with a plain wooden hairpin inserted. Her face was fair and delicate, with soft eyebrows and eyes, and she looked very "well-educated and reasonable".
Xiao Lou wished she could bang her head against a mirror.
This escape room is really bizarre. The role-playing even involves changing genders. He couldn't help but wonder if Captain Yu would also be reversing and become a woman? And what roles would the other teammates be assigned?
Since the secret room opened at 23:55, after entering the secret room, all of Card's skills were refreshed, and his " Telepathic Connection " with Captain Yu was also broken, so he had no idea where Yu Hanjiang was at that time.
***
At the same time, in the imperial palace.
Yu Hanjiang, dressed in official robes, finished reading the secret room clues with a serious expression.
[Identity Introduction: The Yu family has been officials for generations. His grandfather once held the high position of prime minister before resigning and retiring to Jiangzhou.]
[You were well-versed in literature from a young age. At the age of 18, while traveling to the capital for the imperial examinations, you were bitten by a venomous snake in the wilderness and were on the verge of death. Fortunately, a gentle and kind woman happened to pass by and personally treated your wound, saving your life. You fell in love with her at first sight.]
[In the third year of the new calendar, you achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination. The Former Emperor intended to betroth Princess Ninth to you, but you foresaw this and politely declined, citing a pre-existing engagement, thus offending Princess Ninth. To solidify your pre-existing engagement, you immediately returned to Jiangzhou to propose to your savior. You two have been happily married ever since.]
[In the autumn of the seventh year of the New Calendar, the Prefect of Jiangzhou passed away. His Majesty, overcoming all opposition, appointed you as the new Prefect of Jiangzhou.]
[You are about to go to the palace to bid farewell to His Majesty. Tomorrow, you will travel with your wife to Jiangzhou to assume your new post.]
After reading the description, Yu Hanjiang frowned slightly.
What kind of nonsense is this?
Not only did he become the governor of Qi State, but the Guardian also inexplicably arranged a wife for him?!
I'm leaving for Jiangzhou to take up my new post tomorrow, so it's clear that the events depicted in this secret room will take place in [Jiangzhou].
Yu Hanjiang thought with a headache that he should find an excuse to leave the woman he had picked up in the capital and go to take up his post alone, so as not to have a "woman" get in the way and affect his work.
The magnificent palace is right in front of you, and the environment is so realistic that it feels like you've traveled back to ancient times.
A high-pitched eunuch voice rang in my ears: "Attend court!"
Yu Hanjiang took a deep breath, looked up at the high steps. It was just getting light, and many officials were waiting around. He patted the hem of his official robes and followed the other officials up the steps quickly. Although he was not a professional actor, since the Guardian required them to abide by the rules of this world and play their roles well, he could not act recklessly and could only follow the plot.
Inside the palace, His Majesty, sitting on the throne, was very young, with clear features and a gentle smile.
Judging from the word " Former Emperor " in the introduction, the one currently sitting on the throne should be the new emperor who has been on the throne for less than four years. After seeing His Majesty, Yu Hanjiang's mind automatically filled with memories of this emperor's identity - he had known this emperor for a long time, and had even served as the crown prince's companion for a period of time when he was a child. Later, his grandfather resigned from his official post and returned to his hometown, and that's when he returned to Jiangzhou.
The Great Qi State Dynasty was rife with factional strife. After the new emperor ascended the throne, he was bound to cultivate his own power base. The emperor trusted Yu Hanjiang very much. Jiangzhou was one of the largest and most prosperous areas outside the capital. However, it was located on the border between Qi State and Zhao State. The emperor's intention to promote and cultivate such a young official as Yu Hanjiang to serve as the prefect of Jiangzhou was very obvious, which was therefore opposed by many of the older faction.
Of course, this emperor, though seemingly gentle, was an excellent orator, and no one could out-argue him when it came to profound principles.
After numerous verbal battles with his ministers, the emperor overruled the objections and preserved Yu Hanjiang's position as " Perfect of Jiangzhou ".
The implantation of memories made Yu Hanjiang know where he should stand. He stood to one side, and many people around him looked at him with all sorts of complicated eyes—it was inevitable that he would arouse jealousy at such a young age to be able to serve as the Prefect of Jiangzhou.
All the officials knelt down in unison: "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
The emperor smiled and raised his hand: "My beloved ministers, rise!"
After everyone had lined up, the emperor specifically called out Yu Hanjiang's name: "Minister Yu, you are about to take up your post in Jiangzhou. Are you ready?"
Yu Hanjiang stepped forward: "Your Majesty, preparations are complete, and we will depart tomorrow."
The emperor smiled and praised, "Minister Yu is young and promising. After you go to Jiangzhou, you must do your job well and live up to the court's expectations."
Yu Hanjiang reluctantly agreed a few times.
His Majesty discussed the matter of "marriage alliance" with the civil and military officials for a long time. Only when the order to "dismiss the court" was given did Yu Hanjiang breathe a slight sigh of relief and turn to leave with the other officials.
As soon as he stepped out of the main hall, a eunuch came over and whispered, "Lord Yu, His Majesty requests your presence in the Imperial Study."
Yu Hanjiang had no idea what was about to happen. Since the key figure, "His Majesty," had invited him over, perhaps to issue a mission or provide clues, he immediately followed the eunuch to the Imperial Study.
His Majesty dismissed his attendants and said in a low voice, "My dear minister, the Eighth Imperial Uncle's Zhenjiang Prince's Mansion is in Jiangzhou. Remember to go and pay him a visit. I have a secret letter here. Please deliver it to the Imperial Uncle personally."
Yu Hanjiang nodded: "Yes, Your Majesty."
His Majesty said, "The situation in Jiangzhou is complex. You must be extra careful on your trip. If you encounter any difficulties, you can send me a secret report as soon as possible, and I will personally approve it. In addition, there are enemy forces there. I have secretly arranged a group of loyal soldiers to protect you. This is the token. You can mobilize them if necessary."
Yu Hanjiang respectfully accepted the token and secret letter from the emperor.
It's as if they've gone so far as to send assassins to protect him; it seems Jiangzhou is a very dangerous place.
Yu Hanjiang kept His Majesty's instructions in mind and carefully put the token into his pocket.
As soon as he came out of the palace, a tall guard immediately came up to him and said, "My lord."
Secret Room World has a feature that automatically inputs memories about a person upon seeing them. Therefore, Yu Hanjiang quickly remembered that this was an orphan adopted by his grandfather, who had protected him since childhood. This person was named Yun Cang and possessed unparalleled martial arts skills. Although the two were master and servant, their relationship was more like that of brothers.
Yu Hanjiang nodded to him, and as he walked towards the direction of his home, which he remembered, he whispered, " Yun Cang, go find two fast horses. We'll set off for Jiangzhou tonight. As for Madam, find another place to settle her."
Yun Cang looked on in surprise: "Does Your Excellency mean that you're not taking Madam with you this time?"
Yu Hanjiang frowned and said, "I won't take her with me for now... Let's talk about it after I've settled things over there."
Yun Cang suddenly realized: "I understand. The master loves his wife so much because he is afraid that she will be tired from the long journey."
Yu Hanjiang outwardly agreed, but inwardly he was thinking—he was afraid of being exposed in front of this lady. After all, he wasn't a movie star, and he really couldn't play the role of a husband and wife with a stranger. Moreover, after meeting his teammates in Jiangzhou, what would Professor Xiao think if he saw that he had a wife by his side? He didn't want to bring a woman to see Xiao Lou.
***
At the same time, Xiao Lou was sitting in front of the mirror, racking his brains over the clothes. He had never worn women's clothing before, let alone complicated ancient costumes.
Suddenly someone knocked on the door and said, "Madam, it's time to wash up."
Xiao Lou said "Oh," opened the door, and saw a young girl dressed as a maid carrying a washbasin, ready to help him wash his face. Xiao Lou felt very uncomfortable and immediately said, "You can go out, I can do it myself."
After the maid left, Xiao Lou picked up a towel, quickly washed her face, and opened the window to look out—
The sun was shining brightly outside the window; it must have been around eight o'clock in the morning. In ancient times, court sessions started very early, so the "husband" that had been forcibly given to him should be returning from court soon.
Xiao Lou rubbed his temples, pondering a solution.
Her husband was going to take up his post in Jiangzhou, and if he went with him, the incident would definitely happen there. He was unfamiliar with the area and couldn't just wander off on his own; going with her husband was his only option. However, he really couldn't keep up the act of playing husband and wife with a stranger. Besides, he was dressed as a woman! What if her husband tried to be intimate with her? Should she punch him, or submit?
Thinking about this, Xiao Lou felt a chill run down his spine.
Just then, footsteps sounded outside, and the maid announced loudly, "My lord is back!"
Yu Hanjiang's mind was quickly flooded with memories of the maid—a 16-year-old girl named Pinger, the lady's personal maid, an orphan rescued from a famine a few years ago.
Yu Hanjiang lowered his voice and asked, "Is Madam awake?"
Pinger smiled and said, "I'm already up and washing up."
Yu Hanjiang strode forward and pushed open the door to enter.
No matter what kind of lousy wife the Guardian arranged for him, he had to find a good excuse to make his wife stay obediently in the capital while he went to Jiangzhou alone to meet up with his teammates.
However, the moment Yu Hanjiang pushed open the door, he suddenly met a pair of familiar eyes.
Those eyes were clear as water, and as they moved, there seemed to be a mysterious power drawing him in, making it impossible for him to look away.
The other person's features appeared even more gentle with the help of long hair and jewelry, but compared to a delicate woman, he had a more refined and handsome appearance—tall and elegant, Xiao Lou in ancient costume left Yu Hanjiang speechless.
Upon seeing the "Madam," memories would automatically flood his mind, including the major events from their first meeting to their marriage. But none of that plot was important; all Yu Hanjiang knew was that this was Xiao Lou.
The wife that Guardian arranged for him was none other than Xiao Lou!
Yu Hanjiang's heart began to pound violently.
Xiao Lou's eyes widened when he saw Yu Hanjiang, who was dressed in official robes and was handsome and upright.
The "husband" that Guardian arranged for him was actually Captain Yu?
His heart started racing, but at the same time, he felt a sense of relief.
Since the other party is Captain Yu, it would be perfect for the two of them to go to Jiangzhou together, and the thing he was worried about earlier would not happen.
The two were positioned, one at the doorway and the other inside the house.
After a long silence, Yu Hanjiang tentatively called out, " Xiao Lou? Madam?"
Xiao Lou's face flushed slightly. He was all too familiar with that voice; it was indeed Yu Hanjiang. However, he couldn't get used to being addressed as "Madam." He coughed lightly and said in a low voice, "My lord, I have something I'd like to discuss with you privately."
Yu Hanjiang looked at the maids and guards beside him and said, "You may all leave now."
The people around him gave him a knowing look and quickly backed away.
Yu Hanjiang entered the house and closed the doors and windows.
He looked Xiao Lou up and down, and asked in confusion, "Why are you dressed as a woman?"
Speaking of this topic, Xiao Lou became depressed: "I woke up dressed in women's clothes and they even arranged a husband for me. I was really annoyed at the time, but thankfully..."
Yu Hanjiang's heart skipped a beat, and he asked in a low voice, "Are you alright in what way?"
Xiao Lou almost said: "Thank goodness it was you."
But saying that would be too ambiguous, so he immediately changed the subject: "It's good that I'm going to Jiangzhou with you, so we can discuss our strategy on the way. My special identity in this world, besides being your wife, is also that of a descendant of a famous doctor. My father was a Coroner... which is the same as the Forensic Doctor in ancient times who was in charge of autopsies."
Yu Hanjiang paused, then said thoughtfully, " The successor of the Forensic Doctor? Could it be that the Guardian assigned roles based on our identities?"
Xiao Lou nodded: "No wonder Director Tang said that there is no way to plan the A-grade secret room. It seems that the roles of the A-grade secret room are assigned according to the number and profession of our Challengers. Each team enters a different secret room."
Yu Hanjiang also thought it made sense, and looked at Xiao Lou and said, "We are to play the role of a couple in this secret room. This arrangement is probably to make it easier for us to act together."
Yu Hanjiang's initial displeasure at "having inexplicably gained a wife" vanished the moment he saw Xiao Lou.
He actually thought the arrangement was pretty good.
Xiao Lou tugged at his long sleeves, looking quite troubled: "We're not leaving until tomorrow, right? I want to change my clothes. These clothes are so awkward to wear, it's hard to even walk in them."
Yu Hanjiang's gaze softened: "Okay, I'll go with you to buy two sets of clothes that are easy to move around in."
After the two left, the guard Yun Cang ran over and said, "My lord, the fast horse you mentioned is ready, tonight..."
Yu Hanjiang interrupted him calmly: "Prepare another carriage for the lady to ride in, and we'll set off together tomorrow morning."
Guard: "???"
What happened to not bringing your wife? You changed your mind so quickly?