Chapter 370 Xiao Yan is chased
Tang Ning put the bracelet on her wrist and found that it was just the right size, neither too big nor too small. The gold and jade hollow bracelet looked very beautiful against her fair skin. The bell hung down lightly on her wrist, and when she shook her hand lightly, the bell rang.
Tang Ning's eyes were filled with smiles. She played with the bracelet on her wrist for a while before looking down at the letter sent back by Xiao Yan.
The letter was still mostly concise. Xiao Yan said that he had found the mother and her two children from the Di family, and rescued them when they were ambushed and got to know them. He said that he had been delayed in Anxi for a few days and had other ideas about the Zhen'an Army and the Di family. He wanted to take this opportunity to completely take down the Di family, so his return to Beijing might be delayed for some time.
Tang Ning stroked the letter paper.
Canglang: "Girl, can you tell me when the governor will return to the capital?"
"I'm afraid it will take some time." Tang Ning handed the letter to Cang Lang. "Brother, you originally went to the northwest just to investigate some things, but getting to know the mother and son of the Di family has given you many more opportunities. If you can seize this opportunity to take down the Di family and return to the capital, you won't have to worry about anything in the future."
When Xiao Yan left the capital, they both knew that the so-called twenty days for a round trip was not a regular schedule, but Xiao Yan told her at that time that he was going to the northwest just to confirm some things, so even if there was a delay, he would definitely be able to come back within a month.
But the last time Xiao Yan sent a letter back saying that he had met the mother and son of the Di family, and she accidentally learned of Xiao Yan's identity, she had a vague premonition that he might use the mother and son of the Di family to seize military power. But it would not be so easy to seize the military power of the Zhen'an Army and the Longting Guard and make those generals guarding the border obey him.
Tang Ning had long been prepared for Xiao Yan's delay in returning to Beijing. In order to give him enough time in the northwest, he took advantage of the Lingyun Temple incident and did not hesitate to drag the second prince, the fourth prince, and even Queen Lu into the water.
Xiao Yan "vomited blood" in public and his injury relapsed. With the cover-up by Imperial Physician Sun and Yue Fengcheng's "eye" passing on the message, Emperor An would not doubt it.
The queen and her son failed to assassinate her. One was confined to Fengxi Palace and the other was imprisoned. Although they will not be sentenced to death, they will be severely punished. They will not be able to come to Jiyun Lane in person in the short term.
The Second Prince wouldn't be guilty of much without any concrete evidence, but the fact that more than half of the courtiers came to his rescue during the morning court session would surely make Emperor An unhappy. Even if he wanted to come and explain his innocence, he would most likely find someone else to do it for him, lest anyone discover that he was "colluding" with Xiao Yan.
Even if he really came, she and Xiao Yan were angry and refused to see him because of his plot against Lingyun Temple, the Second Prince would not think too much about it out of guilt.
The capital was too quiet before, and Xiao Yan couldn't avoid the people who came to "visit" him even when he was hiding in the mansion. But as soon as the capital became chaotic, those who had been related to Xiao Yan before would have their own problems and would be unable to take care of themselves. Emperor An's eyes would also fall on Jiyun Lane, and those people would have no chance to avoid other people's eyes and come over, which would leave Xiao Yan with plenty of time.
Tang Ning said to Cang Lang, "Brother, give him at least a month's time. The capital needs to be in chaos."
"The evidence against the Fourth Prince's Consort and Princess Leyang is irrefutable, but the Fourth Prince and the Second Prince still have a chance to escape. Have someone incite the Fourth Prince's Consort's family to seduce the Fourth Prince. Regarding the Second Prince, Madam Bai and Madam Pei shouldn't rush into the investigation."
"Besides that, spread the news that the Second and Fourth Princes were plotted against in the Lingyun Temple incident. Find a way to lead this matter onto the other princes and the noble families. Don't let them off either. There's no need to go into too much detail; just make it plausible."
Canglang asked, "Young lady, do you want to completely muddy the waters in the capital?"
Tang Ning hummed softly: "Do it secretly, don't let anyone notice."
After Canglang received the order and left, Tang Ning burned the letter, then sat by Yuelitai, playing with the bracelet on his wrist and looking at the rippling lake.
She rested her head on her arms and sighed softly, not knowing when her brother would come back.
She missed him so much.
…
northwest.
After leaving Anxi and splitting up with Mrs. Di, Xiao Yan escorted the Di brothers and sisters all the way to the northwest.
After the three of them changed their appearances at the beginning, the pursuit became less frequent. Xiao Yan also found someone to check on Di Tao's injuries, so they didn't have to rush along the way.
But who knew that after just two days of peace, the endless pursuit would appear again. Their costumes became ineffective, and countless guards who originally escorted them were killed or injured.
After two days of fleeing, when they approached Fengcheng, not only were the Di brothers and sisters in a miserable state, but even Xiao Yan and the only three guards left by his side were covered in wounds.
Di Tao's injury, which had not yet healed, became more serious. He was also stabbed on the leg. Xiao Yan carried him on his back, and Di Fangyun followed behind under the protection of someone.
As soon as Di Tao lowered his head, he could smell the strong smell of blood on Xiao Yan.
"Brother He, you, you go..."
Even though Di Tao wanted to use the people in front of him to protect himself, he felt a strong sense of guilt at this time. He watched how Xiao Yan risked his life to protect them, and saw people around him being killed and injured.
At this time, Fengcheng was not far away, but the person chasing him was very close, and the footsteps were getting closer and closer.
They can't escape.
Di Tao struggled to get down, his eyes red: "Run quickly... Once you get into Fengcheng, you can save your life. Don't worry about me, take Fangyun away..."
Di Fangyun's tears were streaming down her face. She bit her lips tightly and dared not speak.
Di Tao whispered, "Brother He, take Fangyun away and leave me alone..."
"Shut up!"
Xiao Yan growled, his face pale as he rushed forward. "So many people died to protect you. If I abandon you now, their deaths would be in vain. I still have to wait for you to repay me."
If it was when they first met, Di Tao might have believed him, believing him for the sake of the Di family behind him. But after knowing each other for so many days, Xiao Yan protected them all the way during their escape. If it was just for profit, he could have abandoned them long ago. Di Tao already knew that he was a person who was cold on the outside but warm on the inside and very soft-hearted.
Di Tao shed tears as he watched the blood flowing from his arm: "It's Fang Yun and I who are holding you back."
Xiao Yan listened to the dying voice behind him, breathing heavily. Looking at the faintly visible city wall, he whispered, "Di Tao, we've reached Fengcheng. You can't fall into the hands of the Beiling people. General Di can't become weak because of you... The Zhen'an Army is protecting the Great Wei. I must keep you alive."
Xiao Yan staggered, having lost too much blood. His face turned pale, but his words remained calm.
"I promised to take you back, so I won't abandon you."
Di Tao's eyes were red.
“Don’t run!”
"There, don't let them get on the official road!"
"Chase after them!"
A sharp shout could be heard from behind, and a figure in the woods was getting closer and closer. Xiao Yan said to the side while running, "Zhang Bin, wait a minute, you take Di Tao and the others away, I'll stop the people behind you!"
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