"What are you doing, Tuizhi?" Gu Junze feigned composure, but his voice trembled slightly. "I am merely assisting in the case as ordered by my father. How could this be considered intentional?"

Gu Zhixing released his grip, turned to Ye Qingzhou, and ordered, "Immediately assemble all troops and return!"

“But your poison…” Ye Qingzhou looked at Gu Zhixing with concern. His face was pale, and the wound on his abdomen was bleeding again due to the violent movement, the blood staining his robes red.

"I won't die." Gu Zhixing mounted his horse, his voice carrying a hint of determination.

He had only one thought in his mind: Shen Jintang must not die.

The image of Shen Jintang's eyes, filled with complex emotions, flashed through his mind—she may have known all along that she would be set up, but she still chose to face it alone, and even Chongyang was sent over by her.

What exactly is she trying to do?

Does she really want to gamble her life on something?

Gu Junze stood still, a hint of provocation in his eyes. He was about to step back when he met Gu Zhixing's gaze.

His gaze was as sharp as a knife, making Gu Junze dare not move.

"Ye Qingzhou, please have the Crown Prince accompany you," Gu Zhixing said coldly.

With that, the horse kicked up dust, and Gu Zhixing charged off first.

Behind them, Chongyang and Xinghui exchanged a glance and quickly followed.

"yes."

Ye Qingzhou answered, then turned and walked to the Crown Prince's side, her tone carrying a hint of coldness: "Your Highness, please."

As he sped along, Gu Zhixing's thoughts were in turmoil.

Shen Jintang knew the Crown Prince was setting a trap, yet she still went into danger alone; she must have had other plans.

What alarmed him most was that the relationship between the Crown Prince and the bandits was probably far more complex than it appeared on the surface.

What exactly are they plotting?

What is Shen Jintang thinking about again?

"Faster!" Gu Zhixing urged his horse on with a whip.

He secretly vowed in his heart: Shen Jintang, you better stay alive, we haven't settled our score yet!

The mountain wind howled, whipping up his blood-stained robes and filling his nostrils with the stench of blood.

The distant mountains resembled a lurking beast, and Shen Jintang was in the beast's mouth.