"Song Yalin has disappeared?" Marquis Mu Houchu said in a deep voice.
Xin He rubbed her temples, "Yes, she disappeared at Lanshan Temple. They are still searching for her."
"I ordered the secret guards to do a thorough search. We should have results soon," Mu Houchu said, pausing again, "However, if there are no results, the matter behind this might be more complicated."
Xin He pulled a wry smile, "Song Yalin is indeed not to be underestimated. A sheltered lady has such means to disappear right under everyone’s nose. I wonder who is really behind this, having such ability."
As Xin He spoke, an answer flashed in her mind, making her eyes complicated.
Clearly, Mu Houchu also thought of something: "With Duan Lan currently in jail, the only person who would take this granted marriage seriously is probably the Emperor."
Xin He asked seriously, "If it’s really the Emperor, what do you think his intentions are?"
"What difference does it make between his intentions and Duan Lan’s? Either he forces me to resist the decree and disrespect him, granting him the opportunity to strike me down, or he forces me to make Song Yalin a side consort, creating discord between us. This is equivalent to chopping off one of my arms. He probably guessed that you have helped me a lot throughout these years." Mu Houchu spoke indifferently.
Xin He held his hand tightly: "I suspect that the Emperor can no longer suppress his intention to kill you."
Otherwise, he wouldn’t take action so frequently. With Duan Lan dispossessed, the Emperor still insists on dealing with Mu Houchu, probably unwilling to leave any opportunities.
Mu Houchu said in a deep voice: "We haven’t determined it yet, so don’t overthink it. Let’s see if we can find her first. If we can’t, then it’s probably true."
If Song Yalin, a mere defenseless woman, actually ran away, with the power of Mu Houchu’s secret guard, it would be effortless to capture her. Yet, if she can’t be captured, the only possibility is that she has a strong power backing her up, helping her to hide. This formidable power, other than the Emperor, Mu Houchu can’t think of anyone else.
"What if it’s true?" Xin He asked in a deep voice.
At this moment, she no longer feared the panic of Song Yalin entering the mansion. She could only feel that the Emperor’s phantom doubts could no longer be restrained. If the Emperor truly plans to kill Mu Houchu, then, then they would have to confront the issue head-on. How else could they proceed?
But Yu State’s hard-fought progress could be ruined in a single day of turmoil. How many sacrifices would a war cause? How many common people would be displaced? With one action leading to dramatic consequences, Ji Xinhe, who truly loved this land, did not want to see her people hurt.
Furthermore, once the face-off happens, Mu Houchu won’t have a way out. What if he loses? Losing equates to death.
Mu Houchu was probably unafraid of death, but she was, she was afraid he would die.
The so-called granted marriage, the person named Song Yalin, these are all the calm before the storm. Ji Xinhe could clearly see that once the fuse was ignited, the outcome would be catastrophic.
Mu Houchu held her hand tightly, saying with conviction: "Xin He, believe in me. No matter what, I will protect you and Ah Guai."
"I believe in you," Xin He said with a soft smile.
She believed in him, knowing that he would sacrifice everything to protect them, including his own life. This thought, however, made her worry all the more.
A day passed and there was still no news of Song Yalin. Search parties were unable to find any leads.
Mu Houchu was almost certain that this matter couldn’t be separated from the Emperor.
"What do we do now?" Xin He asked in a deep voice.
"The Emperor has intervened," Marquis Mu said coldly. "It seems that the Emperor is serious about targeting me this time."
Xin He’s expression became severe, but she remained silent.
Mu Houchu said coldly, "Ling Feng."
"Yes!"
"Inform all the generals to be on standby. We can start preparing," Mu Houchu’s voice was brisk, harboring a hint of murderous intent.
That which was destined to come would always arrive.
That night was unusually peaceful. With the arrival of autumn, even the shrill cries of the cicadas had disappeared. However, the cool autumn night didn’t feel refreshing, but rather stuffy, like the calm before a storm.
Since that day, Mu Houchu had been working from dawn to dusk, sometimes returning only after midnight, but he would always return, knowing that Xin He would be waiting for him.
Xin He knew what he was preparing for. With matters progressing to this point, it was more than just a minor issue about marriage. With Duan Lan out of the picture and the issue of Song Yalin’s marriage lingering, it was evident that the Emperor was secretly supporting matters from the shadows. The Emperor was ready for a confrontation.
Thus, Mu Houchu was naturally preparing for a confrontation. In reality, they had been preparing for this moment constantly over the last six years. Yu State was now a complete and indestructible unit, a testament to Mu Houchu’s dedication over the years. He had covertly gathered a hundred thousand troops, who to this day were still hidden, but would soon be brought into the light. A brewing storm was approaching.
These days, the atmosphere in the royal mansion was not the best. Even Ah Guai, normally carefree, sensed unmistakable tension.
Just out of school, Xiao Bei couldn’t help but say, "I don’t know what brother-in-law has been busy with recently. He’s always out all day and doesn’t return until late at night. I think something big is about to happen. Since you often assist my sister, do you know what it is?"
Xiao Chaihuo: "I don’t know."
Xiao Bei was annoyed: "You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, but I’ve always shared everything with you. See, you have no regard for me."
Xiao Chaihuo sat in the corridor, looking blankly at the dragonfly on the surface of the lake, his eyes filled with unusual heaviness.
Xiao Bei stared at him in surprise, "Hey, what’s wrong? Are you feeling down?"
Xiao Chaihuo seemed to think for a moment before answering: "Hmm."
"What could possibly upset you? You seemed fine even when you flunked your exams. Why are you suddenly upset now? Do you have an exceptionally long reflex arc?" Xiao Bei laughed and draped an arm over his shoulders, "Actually, you should be happy. My brother-in-law doesn’t really like you. Now that he’s busy, he doesn’t have time for you, so you should feel more at ease."
Xiao Chaihuo gave a wry smile: "I guess that’s one advantage."
For the first time, Xiao Chaihuo agreed with Xiao Bei’s nonsensical talk, which made Xiao Bei burst into laughter: "I never thought there would be someone you’re afraid of. I thought you were fearless."
"It’s not about being afraid of a person, it’s about being afraid of something."
Not afraid of Mu Houchu, but afraid of Mu Houchu letting him go. Now that Mu Houchu is busy dealing with the court’s anticipation, he doesn’t have time to bother with him. This is perhaps the only good thing about this situation.
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