It was noon, but the sun had hidden itself, and a light drizzle began to fall from the overcast sky.

Qingping Manor is located halfway up the mountain, appearing and disappearing in the swirling rain and mist, like a fairyland.

Zhao Huan and Wen Tai drank, played chess, and chatted in the pavilion in the rain.

Zhao Huan's guess was correct. After a few rounds of drinks, Wen Tai did indeed tell him something very private.

Yuan Zhang has already marched south to Yunjing Commandery and made a vow: "I will die in Yunjing until the Southern Zhou is destroyed."

Yuan Xiu promoted a mid-level general to the rank of Grand General, completely preventing Zhao Huan from having any influence in the army.

Wen Tai's every word was a reminder to Zhao Huan that the emperor wanted him to relinquish power.

Zhao Huan's attitude was also very clear: he asked Wen Tai whether their meeting was as a student or as an envoy of the emperor.

If I am representing the Emperor, then I, Zhao Huan, am willing to obey any decree of His Majesty. I have already abolished the Dragon Spear Guard, and I would even give up the position of Prime Minister.

If you are a student, then I can frankly say that I have already reached the pinnacle of my life and am satisfied with wealth, fame and fortune. I only want to live a peaceful life and watch my children grow up one by one.

Wen Tai, go ahead and do it. The emperor's judgment is correct; you are indeed a capable minister in governing the country.

The master and apprentice chatted happily and returned to Changsui together before evening.

However, on their way down the mountain, a group of bandits suddenly appeared and launched a surprise attack on the two men's group.

This wasn't the first time Zhao Huan had encountered bandits, but it was the first time he had seen such a large-scale bandit group, which aroused his suspicion.

But seeing that the bandits were also attacking Wen Tai's group, his doubts lessened somewhat.

Wen Tai had more followers than Zhao Huan, with over a hundred guards. Together with the local soldiers, they prevented the bandits from gaining the upper hand for the time being.

However, the number of bandits only increased with each battle, and Wen Tai gradually lost contact with Zhao Huan, running off in another direction.

The bandits attacking Zhao Huan continued their assault without diminishing their numbers.

This made Zhao Huan suspicious again.

As darkness fell, the situation became increasingly unfavorable for Zhao Huan and his group, who were unfamiliar with the terrain. Yang Taozhi, determined to fight her way through, charged to the front without holding back.

At this point, Yang Taozhi had already become a grandmaster.

With Yang Taozhi leading the way, Zhao Si stood guard by the carriage, mainly responsible for the safety of Zhao Huan and his son.

The soldiers of the Prime Minister's mansion were all veterans who had retired from the Dragon Spear Guard. They were the elite of the Great Jing army. Although there were only fifty of them, even five hundred bandits might not be able to defeat them.

With the protection of Yang Taozhi, a master with profound cultivation, and Zhao Si, a top expert, these bandits, though seemingly powerful, only slowed down Zhao Huan's group's progress and did not cause any real harm.

But then it got dark.

Zhao Huan and his group immediately realized that what was terrifying was not the darkness of the night, but the people hiding in it.

Yang Taozhi, who was charging at the forefront, felt the increased pressure and immediately realized that a master among the bandits had made his move.

Before her, these mountain bandits would not last a single sword strike if they dared to get close, but these people who suddenly appeared were able to survive several moves under her sword!

They are top-notch experts!

There are also top-tier masters!!

But their cultivation level isn't the most important thing; their strength lies in their mastery of sophisticated killing techniques!

Zhao Si was skilled in killing, so he realized the sudden change in the situation and quickly said to the carriage, "Prime Minister, Young Master, don't all stay in the carriage, spread out!"

Zhao Huan came out carrying a gun and said, "Boss doesn't know martial arts, so he'll stay in the carriage. Zhao Si, you protect him. I'll fight my way ahead and meet up with Tao Zhi!"

"These are highly skilled assassins, Prime Minister, be careful!" Zhao Si warned.

He knew that if he hadn't met Zhao Huan years ago, and if he were still alive, he would be just like these assassins in the dark, still making a living by taking lives.

Zhao Huan hadn't taken more than a few steps forward when Yang Taozhi, worried about his safety, retreated and stood protectively by his side.

A dozen or so people followed Yang Taozhi and surrounded her and Zhao Huan in a fan shape.

Yang Taozhi looked at them and saw that they all looked young, like teenagers.

Yang Taozhi said softly, "Prime Minister, I have a bad feeling."

“I know what you’re trying to say,” Zhao Huan sighed. “They are the Dragon Guards.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Si, who was guarding the carriage, was stunned for a moment and realized that this trip was likely to end badly.

Zhao Huan said, "It's no longer important to judge whether Wen Tai harmed me. Since His Majesty has already taken action, I can only accept it."

Yang Taozhi raised her slender sword and said, "I refuse to accept my fate! Prime Minister, don't be discouraged either, let's fight our way out."

Zhao Huan looked up, squinting at the fine drizzle overhead, and said, "Why doesn't Your Majesty believe I am a loyal subject?"

"Very well..." Zhao Huan looked at the young men in front of him, a sharp glint in his eyes, and said, "If I die here, the historians might write that I was a pitiful prime minister who was killed by bandits. If I can fight my way out and give His Majesty a way out, at least I can save the lives of my family."

"That brat Wen Tai didn't make his point clear to me! Neither he nor His Majesty wants me to stay in Changsui any longer."

Zhao Huan raised his spear and shouted, "Old brothers! Since I became Prime Minister, the Dragon Spear Guards have had few opportunities to fight. After the Dragon Spear Guards were disbanded, you were all burning with rage! Now, follow me, stretch your muscles, and fight your way through!!"

"Ho! Ho! Ho!" the soldiers shouted in unison.

"Do you still remember how to kill the enemy?!"

"kill!!!"

Seeing Zhao Huan personally charge into battle, Zhao Si, who was guarding the carriage, was filled with excitement. However, he couldn't stay idle either, as bandits were surging up behind him in an endless stream, while more soldiers followed Zhao Huan out to fight. His situation was actually more difficult!

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