Silence fell once again in the cell, with only the faint candlelight flickering.
Meng Zhelan and Grandpa Gu exchanged a glance, both seeing doubt in each other's eyes.
We don't know how these people will deal with them; we can only wait and see.
Now that things have come to this, all we can do is wait quietly, especially since what they said is true. We might be able to leave tomorrow; in that case, let's eat first.
Meng Zhelan quickly adapted, picked up the bowl of seemingly bland rice, and resignedly began to eat.
Seeing this, Old Master Gu also knelt down on the ground, even though the food was already cold. But as long as he could fill his stomach, that was enough.
He ate while surveying the cramped cell. The stone walls were cold and hard, and a few withered grasses grew in the corner, seemingly the only life in this cage.
The occasional low footsteps and whispers in the corridor outside the cell door added to the oppressive and uneasy atmosphere.
He whispered to Meng Zhelan, "Doctor Meng, are we stuck here?" Cheng'er must be worried because we haven't gotten back yet.
Meng Zhelan put down the bowl in her hand, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes, but she tried her best to keep her voice calm.
"Uncle Gu, don't worry. Didn't that person just say that once they've investigated everything, they'll let us out? If they really don't intend to let us go, they could just kill us. Why bother locking us up here and even bringing us food?"
She stood up and walked towards the cell door, a resolute glint in her eyes. She peered through the crack in the door, trying to glean information from the outside world through the narrow opening.
However, she was filled with uncertainty, wondering how Sweetie was doing.
"Dr. Meng, could something have happened to that girl? That cliff is so high..." He had seen those people cut the rope with his own eyes.
"Sweetie knows martial arts; she should be able to handle this." However, she couldn't hide her worry.
As dusk fell, the guards returned one after another. "Your Highness, an iron mine and a large-scale weapons forging workshop have been discovered inside. In addition, Doctor Meng may be imprisoned in the dungeon, which is guarded."
Upon hearing this, Prince An frowned deeply. The iron mine and the weapons foundry were far from ordinary; someone must be secretly plotting something here.
Upon hearing this, Prince An's brow furrowed involuntarily. Iron ore and weapon forging were inextricably linked, clearly indicating that someone was plotting something sinister in secret.
Could it be that someone's ambition has grown too large, and they intend to overthrow the court? Or perhaps someone can't resist stirring up trouble?
A cold smile curled at the corner of his lips; the storm lurking in the shadows was about to unleash its fury.
"Someone come here!"
...
"Boss, just kill those two. Whether what they said is true or not, if it gets out, it might ruin our master's important plans." A ruthless glint flashed in the man's eyes.
The man at the head of the table squinted slightly, his fingers tapping lightly on the table, producing a crisp sound.
The air seemed to freeze, with only the knocking echoing. He took a deep breath and slowly spoke, "Disrupted everything? Do you know what a grave disrespect this is?"
The man trembled and lowered his head, not daring to speak.
The man stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the moonlight outside, a cold glint in his eyes. "You don't need to worry about this. Just keep an eye on the blacksmiths. I'll handle the rest."
The man responded and withdrew.
The man turned around, and there seemed to be a hint of tenderness hidden in his eyes.
He walked to the table, unfolded a map, and gently traced his finger across it, as if searching for something.
...
"Fire! Fire!" The urgent shouts woke up the sleeping people.
The small wooden house in the distance was engulfed in flames, the firelight reddening the sky and thick smoke billowing into the air.
Everyone grabbed buckets and basins and rushed to the fire, trying to extinguish the sudden blaze.
The man had just drifted off to sleep when he was awakened by the sudden commotion. Upon hearing the news of the fire, he immediately jumped out of bed and shouted, "What happened?"
"Sir, the kitchen and warehouse have caught fire for some reason. Everyone is putting it out." After saying that, the man continued to fight the fire.
The man's heart tightened suddenly, and he rushed towards the dungeon.
But seeing that it was empty and deserted, he couldn't help but curse himself for his negligence.
Now that things have come to this, the most urgent task is to quickly transport the weapons that have already been forged out, since the mining of iron ore is nearing its end.
He then gathered his men and began preparations for the relocation, seeking a new casting location.
15 minutes ago
Just as Meng Zhelan was drifting off to sleep, she suddenly heard an urgent voice calling out, "Dr. Meng, wake up!"
She struggled to open her blurry eyes and saw Lu Yi standing in front of her. Overjoyed, she asked, "Why are you here?"
"Enough talk, we need to get out of here." Lu Yi quickly cut the chains and freed Meng Zhelan and Grandpa Gu.
At that moment, the people outside were busy putting out the fire and had no time to pay attention to this place, so they were able to take the opportunity to escape.
Lu Yi and his bodyguards looked after each other and escorted the two of them all the way until they arrived at Old Master Gu's house.
Upon seeing this, Gu Cheng happily went to greet them, "Grandfather, you've returned safely."
After returning here, Grandpa Gu finally regained some strength. He looked at Lu Yi and the others gratefully and said, "Thank you so much, everyone."
Lu Yi hurriedly helped him up and explained, "Grandpa, these were all instructions from my young master."
Only then did Meng Zhelan notice Prince An quietly sipping tea to the side. She paused slightly, then nodded, "Thank you, Young Master An."
Prince An nodded slightly in response.
His gaze lingered on Meng Zhelan for a moment before shifting to Old Master Gu, his voice gentle, "Old Master, you must be tired too, please rest."
He stood up and walked outside, saying to Meng Zhelan, "Dr. Meng, please come with us to another place to stay for the night."
Seeing this, Meng Zhelan had no choice but to follow him out, and the group arrived at the accommodations arranged for them by the village chief.
After everyone had settled down, Meng Zhelan couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, what brings you here today?"
Prince An replied calmly, "Young Master Li brought me here. I am feeling unwell and would like to ask you to treat me."
Meng Zhelan was quite surprised to hear this, and she couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, do you know where Xiaoxi is now?"
She was worried about Tian Tian's safety. Prince An looked at her and said calmly, "Young Master Li has already gone down the cliff to rescue your maid, and they haven't returned yet."
Upon hearing this, Meng Zhelan abruptly stood up, her face showing a look of horror. "What?"
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