Imperial princes are not permitted to leave the Capital City without a decree. Yet, the situation was so urgent that Zhao Yi had no time to seek the Emperor's permission. Consequently, he chose to leave the Capital City in disguise. To avoid raising suspicion, Zhao Yi had his men depart in batches, planning to rendezvous ten miles outside the city. Lu Yong and his men were all seasoned veterans with impeccable backgrounds, so Zhao Yi easily slipped out of the city among them. Once the group had gathered, they set off on horseback toward the south.
By midday, Old Hu led Zhao Yi and his group to the spot where he had parted ways with Lu Song the previous day.
"Lu Song and the others chased in that direction," Old Hu said, standing at the edge of the woods and pointing toward a path.
Chapter 171