Shen Mingjiang snorted coldly and cursed, "You don't need to use provocation."

After thinking for a long time, he said, "Let's invite Master Huodong first, and I'll discuss things with him carefully before making any plans."

*

Out of concern for Shen Youying's health, Xue Shen did not travel quickly when returning to Xizhou from Qinzhou.

The group finally arrived in Xizhou City the following evening.

As soon as Shen Youying dismounted, Pang Lai rushed over. He bowed to the two of them first, and then lowered his voice and said, "Your Highness and Your Highness have finally returned. If they hadn't come back soon, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to hold on any longer."

Xue Shen's expression darkened slightly: "What happened?"

Pang Lai said with a grim expression, "Someone has arrived from the capital. It's Qi Zhong, who serves the Emperor. He says he's here on behalf of the Emperor to inspect and check on the border troops, and also to see how the Prince is progressing in eliminating the remnants of the Northern Rong."

Xue Shen sneered: "Concerned about the soldiers on the border? Perhaps it's because your spies are gone that Emperor Cheng'an is worried and sent his trusted confidant to find out what's going on?"

When he and Shen Youying secretly left Xizhou, Emperor Cheng'an's spies secretly followed them to Wuming Village, intending to disguise themselves as bandits and assassinate them.

Later, Xue Shen saw through the scheme, and Emperor Cheng'an's spies were naturally all caught in the act.

Communication in the Northwest was difficult, and it was also difficult for Emperor Cheng'an to remain calm and wait until now to send someone to investigate.

Xue Shen asked, "How many days has the person been here?"

Pang Lai said, "They arrived the day before yesterday. They wanted to see the prince as soon as they arrived, but I told them that the prince had gone to lead troops to suppress bandits, which is why it has been delayed until now. However, that eunuch is very troublesome. If the prince has delayed his return for a few more days, I'm afraid that dead eunuch will cause trouble."

“Go tell him I’m back. I’ll go see him first.” Xue Shen instructed Pang Lai, then turned to Shen Youying and said, “Why don’t you go back and rest first? I’ll go to the garrison first, just to make an appearance.”

Shen Youying nodded, then asked hesitantly, "Should I avoid this place for a while?"

When she came to the capital without permission, rumors circulated that she encountered bandits while offering incense at a temple.

Xue Shen shook his head: "The bandits that were brought up in the first place were just a cover-up that everyone knew was true. If this cover-up is used for too long, it will not do good for your reputation. Now that Emperor Cheng'an has sent people here, it is a good time to make this matter public."

Shen Youying nodded and watched him ride off to the garrison before returning to her courtyard.