He first looked around warily, and after confirming that the officers and soldiers had really retreated, a smug wrinkle gradually appeared on his flat face.

"Everyone says General Gu is a genius strategist..." The young master rubbed his fingers together as he stepped out from behind the human wall, a sinister glint in his beady eyes. "So he'd actually bend over backwards for a woman?"

He suddenly raised his voice, his shrill tone echoing through the valley: "The miraculous reputation the imperial court speaks of is nothing more than this!"

Gu Zhixing stood still, the mountain wind whipping up the hem of his black cloak.

The moonlight outlined his sharply defined profile, and his hawk-like eyes remained fixed on Shen Jintang, as if she were the only focus of his life.

He slowly raised his hand, his slender fingers removing the weapons from his body one by one.

First, the sword at his waist fell to the ground with a clang, followed by a hidden dagger and a dagger, and finally even a short blade hidden in his boot.

Each weapon landed with a crisp sound, which only deepened the young master's puzzled expression.

“Chen Jingshan.” Gu Zhixing’s voice was deep and powerful, each word like a heavy hammer striking the young master’s heart. “Using me to exchange for her is a very worthwhile deal.”

His eyes were firm and resolute, as if he were ready to face anything.

He took a step forward, the moonlight shining on his tall, pine-like figure, cool and resolute: "I am the Left Steward of the Court of Judicial Review, appointed by the imperial court, and have full authority over the criminal cases of the Court of Judicial Review."

He continued, his voice steady and firm: "The Crown Prince is my cousin, and His Majesty is my maternal uncle."

By the third step, he had reached the heart of the fire, his gaze piercing as he stared directly at the young master: "Killing her would only vent your anger; taking me hostage—"

The young master's small eyes darted around, and he unconsciously licked his chapped lips.

He certainly understood the implications: at most, Shen Jintang would make Gu Zhixing hesitate to act rashly, but if he could control this most favored prince...

“Your Highness certainly knows how to do business.” The young master rubbed his hands together and took two steps forward, his face glistening with oil in the firelight. “However…” he suddenly changed his expression, his voice carrying a hint of cunning and probing, “How do I know you won’t try anything funny?”