Shangguan Wanning deliberately left her personal maid Lutong at home, and repeatedly told her to secretly watch Mu Jingrui and never let the servants in the mansion take the opportunity to bully him again.
Shangguan Wanning's maternal grandfather was Zheng Guoxun, Marquis of Yiyong, one of the surviving founding heroes in the court.
Her three uncles were stationed in different fortresses and were the pillars of the court. The Zheng family controlled almost a quarter of the court's troops and were the targets that any prince who wanted to compete for the throne would want to win over.
The eldest son of Marquis Yiyong returned victorious from the battle, and the emperor personally issued an edict to reward him. People came to congratulate him in an endless stream, and the palace was packed with people.
Even Crown Prince Xiao Yujue and Second Prince Xiao Zhenting came personally with gifts to show their goodwill.
After the banquet, Xiao Yujue returned to the palace in a carriage.
Although he was the crown prince, he was never valued or favored by the emperor due to his mother's low status.
If the ministers in the court had not insisted on following the ancestral system to make the eldest son the crown prince, he would definitely not have the title of crown prince.
Suddenly, the sound of weapons clashing came, calling back Xiao Yujue's thoughts. He was slightly startled, and a long sword stretched out from the carriage.
He pinched it with his fingertips, pulled hard, and kicked the man in the chest.
Xiao Yujue jumped out of the carriage and found that more than half of his guards were dead or injured.
He didn't even have time to be shocked as the assassins rushed towards him.
Seeing a long sword stabbing towards him, he was unable to dodge and was at that moment knocked away by someone's palm.
A young boy of about his age joined the battle.
Xiao Yujue looked at the boy warily.
Mu Jingrui received a message from Lu Tong that Shangguan Wan Ning asked him to pick her up and take her home.
Although he was skeptical, he still came when he thought of what happened last time. But when he arrived at the agreed location, he saw a melee.
"Who are you?"
Mu Jingrui fought off the assassin on his own. He looked around, searching for Shangguan Wanning.
It seems...something is wrong.
Mu Jingrui did not answer Xiao Yujue, but looked around with a frown.
Dozens of flaming arrows shot towards the two men like raindrops.
Mu Jingrui dodged with ease, he was concerned about Shangguan Wanning's safety.
He heard a muffled groan from behind him. He turned around and saw that Xiao Yujue was hit by an arrow in the left shoulder.
He picked up the long sword on the ground, shot down several sharp arrows, and pulled Xiao Yujue out of the battle circle and fled into the criss-crossing alleys.
"Who...are you?"
The two stopped in the corner, and Xiao Yujue still did not let down his guard against Mu Jingrui.
Mu Jingrui pressed several acupoints on his body to temporarily stop the bleeding.
"I'm a servant of the Shangguan family. I'm here to take the eldest lady home. I'm just passing by." Mu Jingrui pulled out the arrow skillfully and tore off a corner of his clothes to bandage Xiao Yujue.
Xiao Yujue's face turned pale due to the pain, but she still managed a smile. "The Shangguan family is really a place where hidden dragons and crouching tigers are hidden. Even a mere servant has such skills."
"There's blood here, chase!"
Light and messy footsteps were heard. Mu Jingrui listened carefully and found that at least eight assassins with high martial arts skills were chasing after him.
He looked at Xiao Yujue and a hint of hesitation flashed across his brows.
"If you can keep me safe this time, I will definitely reward you in the future."
Xiao Yujue grabbed Mu Jingrui's arm. Although he was not sure whether this man was an enemy or a friend, he was his only choice and support at the moment.
Mu Jingrui's thoughts were turning rapidly.
He bears the heavy responsibility of revitalizing the family and clearing the injustice for his father. This may be a great opportunity.
but……
He was not sure that he could defeat eight masters by himself, not to mention that there were other backups.
"Let's go." Mu Jingrui hesitated only briefly.
He helped Xiao Yujue up and walked towards the palace.
"Jingrui, Your Highness, hurry up and get in the car."
A carriage came slowly, the curtain was lifted, and a delicate and small face peeked out.
Xiao Yujue was a little hesitant.
Everyone in the court, whether civil or military, knew that the eldest daughter of the Shangguan family was in love with Xiao Zhenting.
But he had no choice, Mu Jingrui had already stuffed him into the carriage.
"Your Highness, the space is small. Please forgive me for not being able to perform the formal ceremony." Shangguan Wanning smiled sweetly.
Xiao Yujue shook his head slightly to show that he didn't care.
Mu Jingrui kept looking behind vigilantly until the assassin who was following him gradually retreated, then he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
"Don't worry, my uncle has sent his personal soldiers to take me home. Let's take His Highness back to the palace first. Those assassins will never dare to do anything wrong."
No one spoke until they reached the gate of the East Palace.
"It's late at night, and it's not convenient for me to enter His Highness's bedroom. Jing Rui, please take His Highness in, I'll wait for you outside."
Shangguan Wanning could see that Xiao Yujue still had some concerns, and she said casually, "When Uncle Mu was alive, he always praised Your Highness for his kindness and virtue. If he knew that you saved Your Highness today, he would definitely be very pleased."
A hint of doubt flashed across Xiao Yujue's eyes.
Mu Jingrui helped him walk into the East Palace. He couldn't help but ask, "Who is your father?"
"Mu Hongqing."
Xiao Yujue paused, and his mind suddenly became clear.
"I see. Regarding your father's matter... I am deeply sorry. I have long heard that the young master of the Mu family is both a scholar and a musician. Seeing him today, the rumors are true. It is a pity to let you stay in the Shangguan family as a servant."
Xiao Yujue secretly observed the calm and indifferent Mu Jingrui. He believed in his own judgment.
Xiao Zhenting framed Mu Hongqing in order to eliminate his enemies, which led to the destruction of the Mu family. The Shangguan family also did not want to fulfill the marriage contract.
Mu Jingrui is a talent who can be won over.
"If... you trust me, come to me anytime." Xiao Yujue patted Mu Jingrui on the shoulder, "In the near future, I will definitely give justice to the Mu family."
Mu Jingrui was full of thoughts, but he remained calm.
He walked out of the East Palace but did not get on the carriage. Instead, he followed the carriage slowly like an ordinary guard.
The next morning, Mu Jingrui was sweeping fallen leaves in the yard. Shangguan Wanning came over with a bundle and gently put it into his arms.
"Here are a few sets of clothes, three hundred taels of silver notes and some loose change. Keep them for emergencies."
"What do you mean?" Mu Jingrui's heart sank.
Shangguan Wanning smiled softly. "Go and follow the prince. With your martial arts and intelligence, you shouldn't stay in the Shangguan family as a servant. Go ahead and go ahead. I will talk to my father."
Mu Jingrui was somewhat moved.
He didn't say anything, but Shangguan Wanning seemed to have seen through his thoughts.
"Why help me?"
Why?
Many cruel memories flooded Shangguan Wanning's mind, and tears welled up in her eyes.
"I don't know what will happen to us in the future. I just hope... no matter when it is in the future, you will not hate me... don't hate my father..."
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