Inside the room, Xun Wu and Xun Shi were discussing their route after setting off the next day, as well as sending someone to meet Xun Ba near Yancheng, when a knock on the door made them both stop talking and turn to look.

The door was opened, and a maid rushed in, announcing that Guard Lan requested an audience.

Xun Wu and Xun Shi exchanged a glance, and Xun Wu ordered her to come in.

Outside the door, Shi Lan stood with her back straight, her bright eyes watching the maid who hurried over. "How is it?"

The maid smiled at her and said, "My lord invites you in."

Shi Lan nodded her thanks and strode inside.

Upon entering, Shi Lan saw the two young masters of the Xun family sitting opposite each other. Shi Lan bowed respectfully to the two of them and, without waiting for Xun Wu to ask, said, "Yancheng is in danger, and the Eighth Young Master is still in the city, his life hanging in the balance. I volunteer to go and rescue him. Please grant me permission, Fifth Young Master."

Xun Wu raised an eyebrow. He had already heard of Shi Lan's superb swordsmanship, which was why he didn't hold onto her. In his opinion, such a master should be kept by one's side to protect one's life. Therefore, when Xun Shi suggested who to go to Yancheng to maneuver, he immediately ruled out Shi Lan. Unexpectedly, she came over herself and took the initiative to go.

Xun Wu turned to look at Xun Shi.

Xun Shi smiled slightly, his eyes darting around Shi Lan.

Xun Wu frowned almost imperceptibly. Xun Ba and Xun Shi belonged to the same branch of the family and shared the same grandfather, who held a high position in the Xun family. If he refused Shi Lan's request, Xun Shi would surely inform his grandfather if something happened to Xun Ba.

No elderly person wants to see their child outlive them.

Xun Wu achieved his current status through his own efforts. His ancestors were from a very distant branch of the family, and they provided absolutely no assistance.

If this incident causes Xun Shi's grandfather to hold a grudge, he'll probably be in deep trouble.

Xun Wu quickly pondered for a moment, then a smile appeared on his lips, his eyes revealing a hint of relief and gratitude.

“Now that Yancheng is besieged, not a single one of the Xun family’s hundreds of guards dares to speak up and offer assistance. Xun Wu admires A-Lan’s courage and determination greatly,” he said, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect.

Shi Lan dodged to the side, quickly revealing her unbearable panic, "When I was young, I was taken in and taught by the Xun family. Now I am only doing my best. I am not worthy of such a great gift from you, young master."

Xun Wu said solemnly, "Eighth Brother is my brother. I am willing to rescue him, but I am only full of knowledge. Now that A-Lan has done his brotherly duty for us, he deserves my respect."

Xun Shi nodded repeatedly after hearing this.

Shi Lan lowered his head shyly, but in his heart he was cursing him for being shameless. So, after risking his life to save people, all he got in return was a simple bow?

Who the hell cares?

Shi Lan considered herself a refined person who didn't swear, but she simply couldn't tolerate such a shameless person.

Fearing that he might not be able to hold back his curses, Shi Lan cupped his hands and said, "I wonder if my lord could bestow upon me a fine horse, so that we may arrive in Yancheng before dawn."

Xun Wu originally wanted to ask her how many people she wanted to bring, but upon hearing this request, Xun Wu naturally agreed. Xun Shi pondered for a moment, then suddenly unfastened the sword from his waist and handed it to her, saying, "This sword was forged by a master craftsman. Its blade is incredibly tough and its edge is extremely sharp. I hope it can lend you a helping hand."

Shi Lan weighed the sword in her hand; it was heavier than the one she was carrying. She drew it from its sheath, and a chilling aura emanated from its gleaming blade.

Shi Lan smiled with satisfaction, bowed in thanks, tucked the gift into her waistband, and strode away.

Xun Wu watched Shi Lan leave before smiling and saying, "Then the guards sent to Yancheng can be recalled. A-Lan is the most outstanding swordswoman among the guards. If she fails on this mission, then sending another hundred men will be of no use."

Xun Shi didn't know much about Shi Lan, and he only gave her the sword in the hope of increasing the chances of rescuing his cousin. Now, hearing Xun Wu's high praise for Shi Lan, he couldn't help but feel a little more confident.

The two exchanged a few more words when a sudden commotion broke out behind them, which was quickly suppressed.

Xun Wu frowned. As early as evening when he saw Xiang Shisan's deliberate solicitation, he disliked the Xiang family's method of using women to achieve their goals. Now, hearing the commotion, the first person he thought of was Xun Shiba.

The absurd things Xun Shiba had done in the past and his infatuated appearance at dusk really made Xun Wu worry.

At this moment, there was chaos outside, and everyone was outside the family compound. If nothing happened, all would be fine, but if something did, he would have to take responsibility. Hearing the sounds rising and falling outside, Xun Wu could no longer contain his worry and sent someone to check the backyard. He strictly ordered that if Xun Shiba was found, he should be brought back immediately and not allowed to stay there any longer.

The maidservant responded and left. A quarter of an hour later, the maidservant returned, carrying Xun Shiba, whose face was contorted with rage and whose limbs were flailing, looking like he was about to fight someone to the death.

Xun Wu rubbed his temples, his head throbbing. The events in Yancheng and the tasks ahead had left him exhausted. Seeing Xun Shiba acting so carelessly now only heightened Xun Wu's impatience. He resolved to return to his clan and discuss with his uncles about exiling Xun Shiba to a remote place. The clan head had already been criticized for protecting Xun Shiba before, and he figured he wouldn't be able to help him this time.

Seeing that he was exhausted, Xun Shi thought of returning the favor since he had agreed to let Shi Lan go to rescue Xun Ba. "Fifth Brother, you've been working hard all day. I'll go to Shibalang's place instead."

Xun Wu weakly cupped his hands in greeting, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Tenth Brother."

Xun Shi smiled and went out, calling to the maids waiting at the door who were tightly holding onto the struggling Xun Shiba, "Take him to his room."

The servants obeyed and hurriedly dragged him toward the houses in the distance.

As the clamor gradually faded away, Xun Wu rubbed his aching head, wondering whether sending A Lan, his life-saving charm, out was the right or wrong decision. He hoped she could help Xun Ba escape, so that Xun Ba's grandfather would remember his kindness, and his risk would be worthwhile.

At this moment, Shi Lan, whom he was thinking about, was lying on the back of her horse, whipping it hard to catch up with Wang Liu's carriage under the cover of night.

More than two hours had passed since Wang Liu left the post station. He was riding in a carriage, and although the two horses were running side by side, the speed was not slow, but it was still not as fast as a galloping horse.

Shi Lan repeatedly cracked her whip, trying her best to urge the horse forward.

The night was dark, and only this one horse was on the wide road. Dust rose and fell with the horse's hooves, then drifted away with the moonlight.

A faint tinge of light appeared on the horizon, and the outline of the previously dark horizon could finally be seen. The city in the distance gradually came into view as the light shone through. Shi Lan gently reined in her horse, looked at the vast plain and the winding road above it, now deserted, and let out a long breath.

In the end, she was still a step too late. Such a rare opportunity to show off her achievements slipped through her fingers. At this time, Wang Liu had already entered the city, and she could only act according to the circumstances. She hoped that this trip would give her a chance to escape from the Xun family, so that her trip would not have been in vain.

Shi Lan rallied his spirits, cracked his whip again, and galloped toward the city.