The bustling marketplace of the day had long since fallen silent, broken only by the occasional hoarse clapper of the night watchman and the barking of dogs. Yet, around the Sixth Prince's residence, this silence carried a chilling tension.
Within the high walls of the mansion, the lights shone brightly, as if it were daytime. In the corridors, at the corners, and in the shadows of the rooftops, guards clad in black, swift and precise armor, stood like statues, their gazes like those of hawks, scanning every inch of darkness beyond the walls. The air was thick with the scent of rust and sweat—the smell of drawn weapons and taut nerves. The patrolling footsteps were rhythmic and heavy, the subtle metallic clanging of armor against armor ringing out, exceptionally clear in the still night.
The West Garden's warm pavilion had become the most heavily guarded core of the entire mansion. Doors and windows were tightly shut, heavy brocade curtains hung low, blocking out outside prying eyes and most sounds. Inside, candlelight blazed and the brazier burned brightly, yet this could not dispel the heavy atmosphere that permeated the air.
Xin Jiuwei sat upright in the center of the warm couch, a thick fox fur draped over her shoulders, which accentuated the slightly protruding outline of her belly. Her face appeared somewhat pale in the candlelight, but her eyes shone with an astonishing brightness, calm as a deep pool, showing no sign of panic. Lin Jingshu sat close beside her, her face pale, her hands unconsciously twisting her handkerchief, her gaze frequently glancing nervously at the tightly closed doors and windows.
Dressed in a sleek, short-sleeved outfit with a sword at his waist, You Ye stood like a javelin at the entrance of the warm pavilion, his sharp eyes vigilantly watching for any movement outside. Several heavily armed guards, their auras deep and their eyes as sharp as knives, silently stood watch at key positions around the pavilion, like ghosts blending into the shadows. This was the core force left behind by Xiao Xun, now all mobilized to protect their mistress and the unborn child in her womb, whom they swore to defend to the death.
“Wei’er…I…I’m still scared…” Lin Jingshu’s voice trembled almost imperceptibly, breaking the silence in the room. She looked at Xin Jiuwei’s calm profile, feeling both admiration and worry, “Those desperate criminals…what if…”
“Sister, fear is useless.” Xin Jiuwei reached out and placed her hand on Lin Jingshu’s cold hand. Her palm was warm and dry, carrying a strange sense of calm. “The mansion is the foundation His Highness has built over many years. It has high walls and deep courtyards, and the guards are all battle-hardened elites, with even more secret guards protecting it. Cousin Qi’s secret guards are on their way. As long as we don’t panic and hold our ground for reinforcements, those villains won’t be able to break in so easily.” Her voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable calmness and decisiveness, as if stating an established fact.
She turned her head slightly and asked You Ye at the door, "You Ye, is there any unusual activity outside the manor?"
"Reporting to Madam, there is nothing at the moment." You Ye's voice was deep and steady. "The guards at all gates and courtyards are in position, and the crossbows are nocked. The sentries have been deployed, covering a hundred paces around the mansion. At the slightest sign of trouble, they will be alerted immediately." He paused and added, "The Rongchang Princess's residence and the Anguo Marquis's residence have also strengthened their defenses and dispatched their soldiers to patrol the nearby streets in support."
“Alright.” Xin Jiuwei nodded, her gaze falling on the flickering candlelight. “Tell the brothers that they’ve worked hard. After tonight, everyone in the manor will be richly rewarded.”
"Yes! Your subordinate thanks Madam on behalf of the brothers!" You Ye clasped his hands in thanks, a hint of emotion and an even stronger determination to protect her flashing in his eyes.
Time ticked by in a suffocating tension. Candle wax dripped silently, forming winding trails on the candlestick. Lin Jingshu's heart pounded like a drum; every slight movement sent chills down her spine. Xin Jiuwei, on the other hand, remained calm, only occasionally touching her lower abdomen. She even picked up an unfinished copy of the *Complete Book of Agricultural Administration* and slowly began to read it by candlelight, seemingly detached from the situation. This composure, unwavering even in the face of imminent collapse, gradually calmed Lin Jingshu's anxious heart, giving rise to a strange sense of confidence.
Just when this oppressive wait seemed destined to drag on indefinitely—
"Whoosh—smack!"
A rocket, accompanied by a piercing whistle, shot through the night sky in the southeast corner of the mansion like the forked tongue of a venomous snake! Then came a second, and a third! The rockets didn't penetrate the mansion itself, but instead embedded themselves in the base of the walls or trees surrounding it, instantly igniting the dry grass and bushes!
"Enemy attack! Southeast corner! Rocket warning!" the guard on the wall shouted hoarsely!
"Be on guard—!" You Ye's roar was like a thunderclap, instantly shattering the deathly silence within the mansion!
Almost simultaneously, a cacophony of screams and howls erupted from outside the southeast corner of the wall! Dozens of dark figures emerged like phantoms from the alleyways, wielding gleaming steel knives, axes, and even makeshift ladders! Their movements were swift and disciplined, their target clear: the southeast corner of the mansion's wall! Clearly, they intended to create chaos and force their way through!
"Fire!" the commander of the guards on the wall shouted the order!
"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!" The archers, who had been waiting in ambush, immediately pulled the triggers, and a dense rain of arrows, accompanied by the whistling of death, poured down on the approaching black shadow from above!
Screams erupted instantly! The first few desperate men fell like wheat being harvested! But those behind seemed fearless, stepping over the corpses of their comrades and roaring as they continued their charge! Someone hurled a lit oil canister against the wall with all their might!
"Boom!" The oil canister smashed against the wall and exploded, flames spreading instantly! Chaos erupted on the top of the wall!
"Shieldbearers! Hold the line! Put out the fire!" The guard commander remained calm and composed in the face of danger, giving decisive commands.
Inside the warm pavilion, Lin Jingshu screamed in fright, grabbing Xin Jiuwei's arm tightly. Xin Jiuwei slammed the book shut, her eyes flashing with cold light! They're here!
"You Ye!" Her voice was as cold as ice. "Proceed according to plan! Tell Commander Zhang to guard the southeast corner and not to panic! Let a few in, then trap them!"
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