The person Fu Zhen sent out came back shortly, eyes wide with surprise, saying: "We asked several sources, and they all said that He Zhao and his brother were invited into the palace by the guard!"
"What?"
Both Fu Zhen and Yang Yi were taken aback by this, but Yang Yi composed himself more quickly. He exhaled helplessly, said nothing further, and gestured with his hand: "You can go back. When it's time to depart, send someone to let me know."
Fu Zhen nodded, glanced at him, and then retreated.
Not long after Yang Yi returned to his room, He Zhao came back. The master and servant exchanged silent glances. In the end, just as He Zhao was about to explain what had happened, Yang Yi stopped him.
"Don't speak of it. Get ready; we'll leave at any moment."
He Zhao pursed his lips and bowed his head, acknowledged with a "yes," and withdrew.
Yang Yi sat quietly at a distance, staring ahead aimlessly for a while, and then lifted his hand to support his forehead.
...
