Mu Ange swayed slightly as long-buried memories surged up like the sea. Even after more than a decade, they remained an indelible pain in his heart.

"yes."

He tried very hard to control his emotions, but even a single word still made his voice tremble.

Xie Lin was always perceptive and quickly realized that his relationship with King Helian was unusual.

"Coming before nightfall? Is it because you need my help?"

Mu Ange didn't expect him to be so direct, and more importantly, to be so loyal.

"As expected of a descendant of Helian Guojun, his courage and intellect are extraordinary."

Xie Lin pointed to the chair behind him: "Sit down and let's talk."

Have you heard about the recent rumors about the smuggled salt case?

Xie Lin nodded: "I have heard about it. The Dali Temple has acted swiftly and decisively and has already arrested the person."

Mu Ange said calmly, “That person is not the mastermind. The mastermind will appear tomorrow morning in a small grove on the outskirts of Beijing.”

Xie Lin understood: "You want me to catch the mastermind?"

Mu Ange shook his head: "No, Brother Xie only needs to protect Lord Cui of the Dali Temple."

Xie Lin was somewhat puzzled: "Is Lord Cui in danger?"

Mu Ange said, "We must be on guard. The first half of this scheme has already been set up. The rest is just waiting for him to walk right into the trap."

Xie Lin stood up and bowed: "Leave this matter to me with confidence. I will certainly not let Lord Cui be harmed in the slightest."

Mu Ange also stood up and bowed, but before leaving, he looked at the side room where Jin Yinhua was and kindly reminded her, "She might be there tomorrow too. If necessary, protect her."

Xie Lin frowned: "Miss Jin? What does Miss Jin have to do with this?"

Before he could finish speaking, Mu Ange had already left.

Xie Lin stood there, completely bewildered.

~~

The Second Prince's Residence.

"Your Highness, the sect leader of Wushang Sect has replied. He will send three stewards and ten top experts tomorrow."

Mu Anyu kept rubbing his temples: "Whether we succeed or fail, we'll see tomorrow. Ten people are too few. Tell the Wushang Sect Master that money is not a problem, Cui Zhiping must die."

The servant nodded: "Okay, I'll go reply right away."

A moment later, the servant ran back: "Your Highness, the sect leader said that ten more people can be added."

Mu Anyu nodded: "That's more like it."

The servant was somewhat puzzled: "Your Highness, Lord Cui is just a scholar, and he doesn't have any skilled fighters by his side. Is it really necessary to make such a fuss?"

Mu Anyu glared at him: "Get lost? What do you know?"

The servant sighed helplessly, "It's His Highness."

~~

The next morning.

Lord Cui had been waiting in the woods since early morning.

The servant gripped his sword, cautiously surveying his surroundings: "Master, we know nothing about the other side. Isn't it too dangerous to come here so rashly?"

Cui Zhiping said in a low voice, "So far, this is the only useful clue. If I hadn't come, who knows when this case would have been solved?"

The servant said helplessly, "Master, the case is one thing, but your own safety is equally important. If you lose your life, the case will never be solved."

Cui Zhiping smiled and said, "I know, I know. It was Madam who told you to say that, wasn't it?"

The servant scratched his head awkwardly: "Yes, Master is indeed wise."

"Alright, cheer up, keep an eye on the time, we're almost there."

As they were talking, a rustling sound came from the woods.

Cui Zhiping's servants all perked up and looked around warily.

"Is that Lord Cui ahead?"

A man's voice came from the dense forest; if you listened carefully, you could tell that it was a deliberately altered voice.

Cui Zhiping responded, "Yes, may we exchange names?"