In the late autumn of the capital, the wind carried a slight chill, swirling up fallen leaves. Xu Yuehuai, the regent's wife who held a high position, stood quietly in the courtyard of the palace, her eyes deep and resolute, shining like a bright pearl in the darkness.
Normally, she always presents herself as gentle and refined, but at this moment, her heart is like a turbulent sea, filled with endless worries and anxieties.
Recently, her most beloved daughter, Qi Zixin, was unfortunately kidnapped by unidentified people. Although Zixin has returned safely, it all seems like an ominous sign, foreshadowing a larger conspiracy that is about to unfold.
Xu Yuehuai took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner turmoil, and turned to the maid beside her, whispering, "Prepare the carriage. I'm going to the largest black market in the capital."
Although the maid was surprised by her decision, she knew that the princess's decisions were never made lightly, so she immediately obeyed and left.
The black market is a place filled with mystery and danger, where all sorts of information converge, like an undercurrent.
Xu Yuehuai stepped into this chaotic place, yet it was as if she had entered a silent forest; she felt no panic whatsoever. She was dressed simply, and her face was veiled, but her bright and determined eyes shone like brilliant stars, illuminating the path ahead.
As she weaved through the crowd, Xu Yuehuai carefully observed the expressions and movements of each person.
Suddenly, in an inconspicuous corner, the conversation between two men caught her attention.
"I heard that a few powerful martial arts masters have recently arrived, and they've caused quite a stir in the capital," someone said in a low voice.
"Yes, I've heard about it too. These people are quite influential; they're probably planning something big," another person chimed in.
Xu Yuehuai's heart skipped a beat. She took a few steps closer and asked casually, "Brothers, do you know any details about this martial arts master?"
Seeing that she was a woman, the two men answered without suspicion, "We don't know the details, but we've heard that they're acting suspiciously and seem to be looking for something."
Xu Yuehuai made up her mind, thanked the two of them, and turned to leave.
Upon returning to the Prince's residence, Xu Yuehuai immediately informed Qi Guze of what she had learned.
Qi Guze was handsome and tall, with sharp eyes like an eagle.
After listening to Xu Yuehuai's account, he frowned and said in a deep voice, "A-Yue, this matter is of utmost importance, and we must proceed with caution."
Xu Yuehua nodded: "I know, but we must find those martial arts masters; perhaps they are the masterminds behind Zixin's kidnapping."
Qi Guze pondered for a moment and said, "I will send someone to investigate secretly."
In the days that followed, Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze began a secret investigation. They used the resources and connections of the Prince's Mansion to gather information about those martial arts masters.
However, those martial arts masters also seemed to be on guard against them, and their whereabouts were always elusive and difficult to predict.
One evening, Xu Yuehuai sat alone in her study, a pile of files spread out in front of her. However, her mind was not focused on these files.
Just then, Qi Guze walked in. Seeing Xu Yuehuai's serious expression, he asked softly, "A-Yue, what's wrong?"
Xu Yuehuai raised her head, a sharp glint in her eyes: "Those martial arts masters are too cunning. If we continue like this, we'll probably have a hard time finding them."
Qi Guze frowned: "So what do you mean?"
Xu Yuehuai said coldly, "I want to personally go and meet them."
Qi Guze was shocked: "This is too dangerous! I can't let you take this risk!"
Xu Yuehuai shook her head: "Aze, I am Zixin's mother. I can't let those people leave. Besides, don't you trust me? I won't let anything happen to me."
Looking into Xu Yuehuai's resolute eyes, Qi Guze knew that her decision was unchangeable. He remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Okay, I'll go with you."
Xu Yuehuai smiled slightly, as if she had unloaded all her burdens.
The next day, Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze began a series of preparations.
They changed into civilian clothes, took sharp weapons and hidden weapons, and then quietly left the palace.
They arrived at a remote mountain forest, a place rarely visited by people, where only the occasional bird song broke the silence.
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze traversed the forest, searching for traces of those martial arts masters.
Just then, a gust of wind blew by, rustling the leaves. Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze stopped in their tracks and looked around warily.
Suddenly, several figures leaped out of the bushes, wielding long swords, and headed straight for them.
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze immediately rushed forward and engaged in a fierce battle with them. Swords flashed and hidden weapons flew everywhere; for a moment, the entire mountain forest was filled with a murderous atmosphere.
After a fierce battle, Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze finally subdued the martial arts masters. They pressed them for their origins and purposes, but the masters remained tight-lipped and refused to divulge a single word.
Xu Yuehuai was anxious; she knew things couldn't continue like this. Looking at the subdued men, she suddenly had an idea.
She walked up to one of the leaders and said softly, "I know you won't easily reveal the truth, but I can give you a chance."
The man looked up at her, puzzled.
Xu Yuehuai continued, "As long as you tell me who's behind this, I can guarantee your safety."
The man was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "We really don't know; we were just hired."
Xu Yuehuai's heart sank; she knew these people were telling the truth. But she didn't give up. She continued, "Then you must know the other person's build and clothing, right?"
The man hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Yes...they are outsiders; their accents are from the north."
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze exchanged a glance, and both knew the answer in their hearts—the people from the north were very likely from the Wuling Kingdom!
Xu Yuehuai took a deep breath and said to the man, "Fine, I'll remember you. As long as you don't get involved in this again, I can let you go."
The man nodded gratefully, then left with the others.
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze then arranged for Yan Qing to lead the guards to follow those people.
However, things did not go as smoothly as they had hoped.
Not long after Xu Yuehuai and the others returned to the Prince's residence, Yan Qing also returned, bringing shocking news: "Your Highness, Your Highness, all those people are dead."
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze exchanged glances, remaining silent. They knew that the people behind those individuals were definitely extremely dangerous.
Qi Guze waved for Yan Qing to leave, then discussed countermeasures with Xu Yuehuai.
Xu Yuehuai knew that this matter concerned her daughter's safety and the safety of the entire Prince's Mansion, so she had to act with caution.
She pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Perhaps we have no way to find the truth now, and can only wait for the truth to slowly surface."
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