Xin Jiuwei's ears burned, but she couldn't help but ask, "Is he really poisoned?"
"He was indeed poisoned, but not nearly as seriously as the rumors suggest." Xiao Ran gestured for his men to disperse and lower their voices. "Your Highness has devised a plan to lure out the Second Prince's entire faction. The Emperor's birthday banquet in three days will be the time to close the net."
Three days later! Xin Jiuwei's heart skipped a beat. Time was so tight, and her sister was still trapped in the marriage crisis at the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion...
"What about my sister? The heir of the Marquis of Zhenbei is currently forcing her into marriage at the Xin residence!"
Xiao Ran gave a mysterious smile: "Don't worry, Miss, His Highness has already made arrangements. What you need to do now is rest well. Tomorrow at the hour of Chou..." She suddenly stopped, abruptly pulling Xin Jiuwei behind her, "Someone's coming!"
The sound of hurried footsteps and clashing weapons came from the end of the alley. Xiao Ran quickly made a hand gesture, and the guards immediately formed a defensive formation.
"Take the girl and leave first!" Xiao Ran drew her sword, its blade gleaming coldly in the moonlight.
Xin Jiuwei was escorted back by two guards. The last thing she saw was Xiao Ran standing alone in the alley with her sword in hand. Her posture was somewhat similar to that of her sister who had stepped forward earlier.
That night, the capital was destined to be sleepless.
An hour later, Xin Jiuwei followed Xiao Ran through the narrow alleyways, each distant bark of a dog making her heart race. The guards were scattered around like shadows, the moonlight reflecting off the weapons that were barely visible at their waists, casting a cold gleam.
"It's just around the corner." Xiao Ran suddenly stopped, placing a hand on Xin Jiuwei's shoulder. "Are you sure you want to see His Highness, Miss? There's still time to turn back."
Xin Jiuwei dug her fingertips into her palm. Xiao Ran's hesitation made her uneasy—could Xiao Xun's injuries be more serious than she had imagined?
"Take me to see him." Her voice was soft, but it left no room for argument.
Turning the corner, an inconspicuous tea stall came into view. The tattered cloth banner swayed gently in the night breeze, the three characters "Forget-Worry Tea" faded. Who would have thought that this was the secret meeting place of the Sixth Prince of the current dynasty?
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