Chapter 556: Thousand Miles of Fortune for Zhao Qianjin (5k)
Facing the king's selective gaze, the second young master said with a stiff upper lip:
"...No, we don't know yet. Our people are investigating, and based on the clues we have so far, it seems he was rescued by someone."
"Rescue?" Xu Jingtang's eyes suddenly became sharp.
"Yes... Zhao Ke'er hadn't shown any signs of abnormality before today. She was just dissatisfied with the people her son had arranged. Today, she left the mansion under the pretext of going to the Confucius Temple to burn incense for her father. She encountered frequent obstacles along the way. Now I think someone must have deliberately caused trouble to distract the guards and take the opportunity to contact Zhao Ke'er..."
"Afterwards, when Zhao Ke'er entered the temple, she also deliberately avoided the guards. Judging from the traces at the scene, she must have opened the window and escaped, reuniting with the people who were supposed to be picking her up... However, she didn't get very far. Someone nearby reportedly saw her..."
"In the mansion where she lived, the servants were all asleep, and some of her underwear and belongings were missing..."
The second young master reported everything in detail.
The more Xu Jingtang listened, the uglier his expression became.
He jumped out of the window on his own initiative...someone picked him up...took away his personal belongings...no matter how you look at it, it was a premeditated escape.
Or should it be called a "rescue operation."
"Father," the second son said angrily, "The biggest suspect is Zhao Shixiong's men."
Since the last Yongjia secret letter incident, Prince Mu’s palace has sent embroidered officials to conduct multiple investigations.
After verification, the information on Nie Yurong's memorial was all true.
However, there is no conclusive evidence as to whether Zhao Shixiong had secret dealings with the imperial court.
Xu Jingtang went to find King Huai'an, but was unable to get the answer.
"Father, Zhao Shixiong must have known that we suspected him, so he took the risk and sent people to secretly rescue his only daughter." The second young master reasoned.
This is the most reasonable possibility.
Xu Jingtang sat in a high-back chair with an expressionless face and said:
"Zhao Shixiong's men, even including the scouts, are only good at fighting. How could they sneak in and rescue us without our knowledge?"
After a pause, he answered himself, "Unless, it's the imperial guards who take action."
The second young master was surprised: "Father means..."
Xu Jingtang clutched the corner of the table tightly with his right hand, his eyes red.
"It seems that Zhao Shixiong has most likely defected to the imperial court. That's why the shadow guards are helping him rescue his daughter."
"Bang!"
The solid corner of the table was crushed!
"You're an ungrateful bastard," Xu Jingtang tried his best to suppress his anger. Without hesitation, he immediately said:
"Send people to search, find, and capture! Notify the mastermind of the embroidered clothes and make sure to bring Zhao Ke'er back!"
The second young master reminded:
"Father, the chief envoy of the Embroidered Guards is currently in the north, investigating evidence of Zhao Shixiong's treason... The other envoys are also assigned to work outside. There is only one first-class envoy in the city right now."
"I want you to catch him! At any cost!" Xu Jingtang interrupted rudely.
The second young master shuddered, nodded and was about to leave.
But he was stopped by King Mu:
"After you leave, immediately gather your retainers and generals to discuss matters! If Zhao Shixiong rebels, we must prepare in advance. Also, kill anyone who knows about Zhao Ke'er's escape! While the two places haven't communicated in time, we can catch him off guard."
"Also, send a handwritten order to Yongjia by flying eagle, summoning Zhao Shixiong to return alone immediately! To discuss the war! Humph, if he is willing to return, I can give him a chance to explain. If he hesitates, it means he is truly rebelling."
The second young master took a deep breath, his heart beating like a drum: "Yes."
He felt heavy-hearted. Although the palace had many means to control Zhao Shixiong, including the southwestern border troops, Zhao Shixiong only had half of them with him now.
But if this person rebels, I am afraid that the Huai River will be undefendable.
He turned around and was about to leave.
"Wait, there's one more thing." Xu Jingtang remembered something again:
"Contact the White-Robed Sect Leader. This prince wants to see her. Also, contact the people from the Shenlong Temple."
The Second Young Master waited for a while this time, only to hear Prince Mu's furious cry:
"Why don't you go now!?"
Only then did he run out of the garden in a rage and dusty face.
…
When Nie Yurong was summoned and met the Second Young Master in a mansion, she saw that he had a gloomy face and his every move was filled with anger:
"Bring your men! Hunt down Zhao Ke'er! If you can't catch her, you'll be beheaded!"
Nie Yurong was scolded profusely. The female killer silently wiped the spit from her face and said calmly:
"Second Master, I need help."
The latter, venting his anger on his subordinates, grabbed his badge and threw it at them:
"Is that enough? All the personnel at the Huaishui outposts are at your disposal!"
Nie Yurong lowered her eyebrows and continued:
"I will definitely complete the task."
As she walked out of the mansion, several subordinates in embroidered clothes surrounded her.
The young man holding a handleless blade between his fingers asked curiously:
"Sister, what happened?"
Nie Yurong glanced at him with a strange expression on her face:
"Zhao Shixiong's daughter ran away. The prince said that if we can't catch her, we will all die."
A group of B- and C-grade embroidered clothes shuddered at the sight and their faces became serious.
The embroidered clothes pointed directly to the cruelty and bloodshed within the organization. They knew that since the prince said so, he would really kill people.
"Sister, what are we waiting for? Let's go find that person right now." Kong Kong said anxiously.
Nie Yurong pursed her lips and looked at the subordinates who had followed her for many years. She hesitated to speak, but finally nodded.
"Okay. I'll assign the tasks."
She immediately divided the pursuit routes into different groups, assigned them to everyone, and agreed on a meeting time and place.
Wait until Xiu Yizhi points to everyone and leaves.
Nie Yurong chose the remaining clue, her figure swaying like a wisp of green smoke, floating in the alleys.
After an unknown amount of time, the green smoke suddenly stopped in a secluded alley and condensed into the enchanting figure of a female assassin.
"You're here."
In the shadows of the alley, light and shadows slowly squirmed and twisted. Song Jinxi walked out with a sinister look, staring at her with gray eyes.
Nie Yurong was awed, fearing this palace attendant whose abilities in hiding, lurking, and assassinating were far superior to hers.
The female killer clasped her fists and saluted: "I pay my respects to Lord Song."
Song Jinxi smiled and said:
"It seems that everything is as Lord Zhao suspected. Once Xu Jingtang learns the news, he will definitely send people to search for him. You, the first-class embroidered envoy who brought the letter back, are the best candidate."
Nie Yurong said coldly:
"I have obtained the badge of the Second Young Master of Prince Mu's Mansion. All the checkpoints along the way can be mobilized to cover your evacuation."
Song Jinxi shook his head:
"No. The badge I gave you is both a power and a test. If you move it rashly, Xu Jingtang will react quickly and cause trouble.
Next, you will lead your men to search for Zhao Ke'er with all your strength. However, you can send a message to Prince Mu's Mansion, saying that according to the investigation, Zhao Ke'er is protected by shadow guards. "
Nie Yurong was stunned for a moment, then she suddenly realized:
"Master Zhao also sent a third force to escort Zhao Ke'er? Are the shadow guards led by you, Song Gongsheng, the smokescreen to cover her evacuation?"
Song Jinxi stared at her quietly:
"Smart, but a truly smart person wouldn't need to say it even if they know it in their heart."
Nie Yurong shuddered, as if being stared at by a poisonous snake. She pulled a folded piece of paper from her sleeve and handed it over:
"I have made some progress in the matter that Lord Zhao ordered me to investigate. I hope you can send it back to Linfeng."
Song Jinxi rolled up his sleeves and put away the secret letter. He twisted and squirmed, then disappeared into the shadows.
Nie Yurong waited a while longer, confirming that he had left, then she let out a breath, walked out of the alley, basking in the sunshine, and looked back to the southwest, her lips curled up.
"This time I've finally redeemed myself. Humph, you want my head? I've surrendered to Zhao, so I won't keep you company."
…
In the city, the door of a tailor shop was closed.
In the backyard of the tailor shop, Zhao Ke'er sat upright on a round stool, facing a bronze mirror on the table.
Behind her, a young man as handsome as a girl held a number of paintbrushes between his fingers and deftly painted on her delicate face.
Wu Ling said as he painted:
"Don't move. My makeup is ruined, but I may not be able to change my appearance. You should know how many people in the city are looking for you now."
Zhao Ke'er, who had escaped death, didn't dare to move. She was as obedient as a statue. With the help of the reflection of the bronze mirror, she looked at Yun Xi who was standing by the door and looking out. She whispered:
"My dear heroes, aren't you from the Kuangfu Society against the imperial court and the false emperor? That Zhao Duan even killed your leader, and that Zhuang...what..."
"Zhuang Xiaocheng."
"Yeah, what's the deal? Shouldn't you hate him to the core? Why are you still working for him?"
Yun Xi looked through the crack in the door and saw soldiers walking around on the street outside. She withdrew her gaze and said coldly:
"Because Zhuang Xiaocheng is a traitor to the country, a traitor who has brought disaster upon the nation and its people. Everyone in the world has been deceived. It's hard to explain in a few words. In short, if we have to choose between someone like Prince Mu and the empress, we prefer the latter."
Zhao Ke'er nodded quickly, sharing the same hatred and the same enemy:
"That's right! This Prince Mu is not a good guy. I advised my father not to get involved with him..."
"Don't move! Your makeup will be ruined!" Wu Ling looked unhappy.
You yelled at me... Zhao Ke'er felt very aggrieved, but knew the situation well enough not to say a word.
Suddenly, Yunxi's ears moved slightly, and she turned her head to the corner of the room and said to Lin Yuebai and his brother:
"Just keep an eye on me, I'll be gone for a while."
Yunxi quickly left the room and appeared in the side room of the tailor shop.
Song Jinxi threw a letter to her:
"Take it back to Lord Zhao. Remember, when you get to the north, contact our Shadow Guards first and wait for Lord Zhao's instructions."
Yun Xi had no expression on her face. She put the letter away and nodded, "Got it."
After more than half a year of hardships, Yunxi has grown a lot. Although he still looks young, he is no longer the passionate young man in the imperial prison who was just waiting to die and was determined to overthrow the false emperor and sacrifice himself.
"And these are Zhao Ke'er's important belongings that she didn't have time to take with her when she fled."
Song Jinxi threw a small bundle over and continued:
"As ordered by the Lord. Next, we will pretend to be the team escorting Zhao Ke'er north to attract the pursuers from Prince Mu's Mansion, thereby covering your real team and escorting her north."
"Don't worry, we'll find a way to resolve the checkpoints along the way for you in advance..."
This is Zhao Duan’s real arrangement.
Three forces cooperate with each other.
The pursuers led by Nie Yurong can divert most of the attention. When necessary, they can use the authority of the badge to mobilize troops along the way to encircle and intercept the "Shadow Guard", so as to create a gap for Yunxi and others to go north without arousing suspicion.
The people who were escorting, the people who were pretending to be escorting, the people who were chasing... they were all my subordinates, Zhao Duan.
How will Xu Jingtang play in this game?
Soon, he watched Song Jinxi leave.
Yunxi returned to the tailor shop. In front of the mirror, Wu Ling used the "God of Drama" magic to successfully paint Zhao Ke'er into another person.
"Without further delay, we should set off."
Yun Xidao threw the bag over:
"See what might reveal your identity and what wouldn't."
Zhao Ke'er subconsciously took the bundle, opened it, and saw the many things she had left behind. She couldn't help but realize:
These people were so thoughtful that they brought all the things to themselves.
…
…
Under the deliberate suppression of Prince Mu's Mansion, Zhao Ke'er's disappearance did not attract any attention.
There were only three teams heading north. As time passed, Nie Yurong's paper cranes never brought any good news.
Yongjia City.
The back hall of the government office.
Zhao Shixiong, who was a little short with a beard but had a powerful and intimidating aura, paced around the room.
The tall, plump, and graceful Gongsun sat at the table and couldn't help but say:
"Master, you can't go back! Xu Jingtang has become suspicious of you. When the eastern front requested help, Prince Mu ordered us not to move! Now, he's sent another letter, asking you to leave your troops in the city and rush back alone! This is definitely a trap!"
Zhao Shixiong paused, turned to look at his wife, and sighed:
"I understand, of course. Is this Prince Mu's suspicion of me? But I'm not sure. Is he calling me back because he wants to take action against me, or is it just a test? If I don't respond, I'm afraid it will only make him more suspicious!"
Between the couple, on the round table, there was a token.
A few days ago, a token from the prince was sent from the south, urgently summoning Zhao Shixiong to return.
It just so happened that Yuan Feng in the north, somehow, was preparing to attack by the Yongjia River at this moment.
Zhao Shixiong was originally hesitant and worried about danger, so he delayed it on the pretext that he was temporarily unable to leave due to the battle.
But there is a limit to procrastination. If the delay goes on for too long, it will confirm his guilt in resisting the recall.
"In the final analysis, it's still that little thief Zhao Duan, so vicious!"
Zhao Shixiong cursed angrily:
"Who would have thought that he went to so much trouble just to frame me and drive a wedge between me and Prince Mu?!
No wonder Grand Tutor Zhuang mentioned to me many times that this man was vicious, cruel, ruthless, dirty, cunning and changeable... Later, Grand Tutor Zhuang fell into the hands of this man.
I didn't quite believe it at first, and thought it was just the trick of the fake emperor, and this person was just carrying out the execution.
Now it seems...Alas!"
That night, after Zhao Shixiong received the blank letter, he immediately realized that he had been tricked.
Helpless, he could only hurriedly send the letter back, trying to tell Xu Jingtang everything first to avoid the other party's suspicion.
But it is obvious from the subsequent changes that my efforts have had little effect.
Gongsun gritted his teeth and said:
"Prince Mu is too suspicious. If he were a wise ruler, this despicable frame-up would not work."
Zhao Shixiong shook his head and smiled bitterly:
"I know Xu Jingtang is not a benevolent ruler, but even though he has many faults, he is still much better than that false emperor who murdered his father and brother."
After a pause, the border general said in a deep voice:
"I want to go back, not only because I'm worried about the misunderstanding getting worse, but also because Ke'er is still in Xu Jingtang's hands. If I don't go back, I'm afraid Ke'er will be wronged."
Gongsun immediately shut up and said no more.
Gongsun Nai was Zhao Shixiong's second wife, and Zhao Ke was not her daughter. The two were in a stepmother and stepdaughter relationship.
Therefore, Gongsun was very careful and knew that since Zhao Ke's safety was at stake, he could no longer persuade her.
Right at this moment.
Suddenly, there were footsteps outside the door, followed by knocks on the door:
"General! Miss... Miss is here!"
The couple in the room were stunned for a moment. Zhao Shixiong stepped forward, pulled open the door with both hands, and stared at the guards outside:
"Who did you say is coming?"
The guard said, "It's Miss! Miss Ke'er! A few people from the underworld escorted Miss into the city and came directly to the government office. They want to see you."
…
After a while.
"father!"
As soon as Zhao Ke'er stepped into the inner hall of the government office, she saw her father and stepmother standing at the door. Her eyes suddenly turned red, and she let out a cry of sorrow. Like a young swallow flying into the forest, she threw herself into her father's arms.
The group's journey north was safe and sound, but they did have to sleep in the open air.
As the only daughter of the general's mansion, how could Zhao Ke'er have ever suffered so much? She was now wearing a cloak, and her face had become much thinner.
When I saw my father, I was no longer afraid and my tears flowed like a floodgate, I couldn't stop them.
Zhao Shixiong was shocked at first, but when he saw his daughter like this, he felt extremely distressed.
First, I comforted him and then asked about the situation.
"Dad, Xu Jingtang knows about your relationship with the court and is planning to take action against you! He's even planning to capture my daughter to vent his anger!"
Zhao Keer calmed down, began to cry loudly, and quickly recounted her experience.
Hearing that Prince Mu's palace had increased the number of people to monitor his daughter and later wanted to defile her... Zhao Shixiong, a dignified general of the border army, was so angry that his lips trembled.
Gongsun, standing by, was shocked and angry, but he was more concerned about what would happen next: "How did you escape?"
Zhao Ke wiped away her tears and asked doubtfully, "It was that Zhao Duan who sent people to rescue my daughter. Dad, don't you know? Didn't you commission them to bring my daughter back?"
When did he surrender to the imperial court? And he even appointed that guy...
Zhao Shixiong was stunned for a moment, his brain briefly shut down, but he was such a person that he suddenly understood something, and his expression became extremely complicated: "It's him..."
Gongsun also frowned.
"Daddy, Second Mother. The heroes who escorted me all the way back are still outside. We should invite them in as well." Zhao Keer said.
"A righteous man? Not a shadow guard?" Zhao Shixiong was stunned. If he was the person arranged by Zhao Duan, he should also be a lackey of the imperial court.
"No, they are from Kuangfu Society... Oh, it's too complicated. You can find out if you ask Yunxi to come in." Zhao Keer became familiar with the people from Kuangfu Society along the way.
Someone from Kuangfu Society?
Following the orders of that guy Zhao Duan?
Rescue his daughter?
Zhao Shixiong's head was buzzing, and he felt like it was a fairy tale, but he still announced that he would bring the person in.
Soon, a group of people led by Yunxi stepped into the hall.
"General Zhao, we meet again." Yun Xi took off her hat and said calmly.
Zhao Shixiong was stunned for a moment, his pupils dilated. "It's you! Master Zhuang's favorite disciple!"
He had met Yunxi once a long time ago.
That was before Zhuang Xiaocheng came to Beijing.
Yun Xi shook her head and said, "Zhuang Xiaocheng is a traitor to the country. I have now turned over a new leaf and am serving Governor Zhao."
(End of this chapter)
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