Jiayu recalled what happened before she passed out. Her third uncle’s girlfriend had approached her, claiming she had lost touch with him. Since she had never been to the girl’s home, she asked Jiayu to show her the way, having heard it was nearby. Because the matter of the spies was kept highly confidential, the children were never told anything, so Jiayu had no idea the woman was suspicious. She simply pointed the way, and then she and Dahu went off to play. Who could have guessed that as soon as they stepped aside, they would lose consciousness?
It seemed clear now that the woman had drugged them. Jiayu signaled to Dahu not to make a scene, then secretly retrieved a pencil sharpener blade from the inside of her sleeve. Slowly, she began to saw away at the ropes binding her. Dahu, surprised that Jiayu had hidden a small knife, watched with wide-eyed curiosity. Fortunately, the men in front did not notice their movements. Once Jiayu cut her own ropes, she cut Dahu’s as well. Dahu glanced at the other sleeping children, but Jiayu shook her head. They looked even younger than them, and if she tried to help them, they would likely fail to escape and only jeopardize her own plan.
The two crept forward, finally getting a clear look at the two men in the carriage ahead. They were dressed like local villagers, and the wagon was piled high with straw. Dahu looked around; they didn’t recognize this place, only knowing they were still on a main road. They were extremely cautious, bu…
Chapter 184