The Ghost Doctor's hands were as steady as a rock, and the silver needles trembled gently on the tiny acupoints on Qi Guze's head.
Qi Guze's breathing gradually became steady and deep, but the heaviness still weighed on everyone's hearts.
"The other party is clearly very familiar with the prince's physical condition. They not only know the location of his hidden injuries, but also know my Ghost Doctor's methods." The Ghost Doctor's tone was deep. "If you hadn't reminded him in time, the prince's safety would have been unimaginable."
Upon hearing this, Xu Yuehuai's fingernails dug deeply into her palms, yet she felt no pain whatsoever. "Who exactly is that person? They are truly so cunning and ruthless!"
Yan Qing was even more furious. "No matter who it is, if they dare to touch a hair on the Prince's head, I, Yan Qing, will make them pay for their crimes in blood and tear them to pieces!" He seemed to have already drawn out that person's fate in his mind.
Just as everyone was immersed in anger and worry, Lu Li's voice suddenly rang out, with a hint of unease: "There seems to be the sound of horses' hooves, and they are getting closer and closer. They are probably pursuers."
Xu Yuehuai quickly calmed down, her gaze sweeping over everyone before finally making a decision: "Yan Qing, you will ride in the carriage with the Ghost Doctor and make sure to protect the Prince's safety. Head to the border first. The rest of us will stay behind to set traps and block the pursuers."
Upon hearing this, Yan Qing quickly jumped onto the carriage and sped away. The carriage gradually disappeared into the distance, leaving only a trail of dust and the determined figures of the group.
Xu Yuehuai, Bei Ye, Lu Li and others quickly set up traps using the surrounding terrain. They were very agile and coordinated perfectly.
Soon, dust billowed in the distance, and the pursuers drew closer. Xu Yuehuai hid in the shadows, keeping a close watch on the approaching enemies. The moment the pursuers stepped into the trap, they swiftly pulled it open.
The enemy's horses were blocked, their legs were severed by steel wire, and they all fell to the ground, causing chaos at the scene.
Xu Yuehuai charged out with his longsword, heading straight for the enemy's center, intending to deal with their leader directly.
As the battle reached its climax, Jiang Shichen appeared before everyone, escorted by several enemies.
"Xiao Chen!" Xu Yuehuai's sword trembled involuntarily. She looked at the usually smiling boy in disbelief, now covered in wounds and his face was covered in bruises.
"Grandma, don't worry about me!" Jiang Shichen cried out, his eyes filled with hatred for the enemy. "Kill them all! They killed my sister and brother-in-law!"
Xu Yuehuai's heart sank. She hadn't expected so many tragedies to happen while she was away.
What happened between Qianqian and Yuanhao?
“They…they were covered in wounds and blood, they’re probably…they’re probably dead,” Jiang Shichen’s voice choked with sobs. “I escaped to find someone to help me, but I was caught and taken back here. Grandma! You mustn’t let them threaten you! I can die, but they can’t live!”
The enemy grinned maliciously, the tip of his knife lightly grazing Jiang Shichen's delicate neck, the icy touch seemingly freezing time: "If you try to resist, his head will roll off the bridge." His words were full of smugness and threat.
Xu Yuehuai slowly lowered the long sword she was gripping, the tip still bearing traces of undried blood, reflecting her complex emotions.
"Let's lay down our weapons." She couldn't hide her inner struggle.
Seeing this, Bei Ye, Lu Li, and the others followed suit, placing their weapons on the ground, producing a heavy metallic clanging sound—a sign of surrender to reality and resentment towards the future.
Just as the enemy was closing in, preparing to wipe out Xu Yuehuai and his men, the sound of urgent hoofbeats suddenly rang out in the distance.
"Charge them!"
"Save the Princess!"
Immediately following was a deafening battle cry. Yan Qing and his men, like divine warriors descending from the heavens, led their elite troops and charged into the enemy ranks with unstoppable momentum, instantly turning the tide of the battle.
"Xiao Chen!" Xu Yuehuai rushed towards Jiang Shichen almost immediately, disregarding everything. In a few leaps, she had snatched Jiang Shichen from the enemy's hands and held him tightly behind her.
"Grandma!" Jiang Shichen closed his eyes and fainted.
Yan Qing intensified the encirclement and annihilation of the enemy, and together with his soldiers, they completely surrounded them. Bei Ye, Lu Li, and the others, like awakened lions, fought fiercely against the enemy until the last enemy fell. Those who were not dead even chose to end their own lives, creating a tragic and brutal scene.
Xu Yuehuai hugged Jiang Shichen tightly, "We'll settle the score with your sister and brother-in-law another day. Come back to the border with me first."
Yan Qing brought over several fine horses at the right time, and the group mounted their horses. Xu Yuehuai took the lead and led everyone back to the border.
Upon returning to the border, Xu Yuehuai immediately went to the Ghost Doctor's residence. Inside, the aroma of medicine and the bitterness of herbs quickly filled her nostrils.
The Ghost Doctor immersed Qi Guze entirely in a huge tub of medicine, the broth bubbling and steaming.
“I knew you would come back safely,” the Ghost Doctor continued his work. “I’m now trying new treatments, hoping they will be even more effective.”
"What are the odds of being right?" Xu Yuehuai asked.
The Ghost Doctor: "Sixty percent, that's my absolute best chance."
Xu Yuehuai looked at them silently with a complicated expression, without saying a word.
As night fell, Xu Yuehuai slowly left the room and stepped into the new garrison general's mansion. In an instant, everyone's eyes were focused on this woman who had just experienced a life-or-death ordeal.
"General Liu, I'm sorry, I didn't bring General Lin back." Xu Yuehuai stood in the center of the hall, looking directly at the dignified yet warm-hearted general.
Upon hearing this, General Liu stepped out from the shadows behind the desk. His eyes held a hint of sadness, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Your Highness, you need not blame yourself. On the battlefield, life and death are preordained. General Lin chose to stay to protect something more important. His willingness to risk his life to safeguard Your Highness's safety is a source of pride for all of us."
Xu Yuehuai's eyes reddened slightly. "General Liu, you are right. General Lin's sacrifice will not be in vain. I, Xu Yuehuai, hereby swear that I will carry on his legacy, protect this land, and maintain stability on the border."
The two exchanged a glance, as if a thousand words were surging within their hearts. Then, they moved to the study and began a deep conversation that lasted through the night. The bright, flawless moonlight outside the window seemed to add a touch of solemnity and sanctity to their discussion about responsibility and sacrifice.
"How is the situation in Dongsang lately?" General Liu asked.
"The situation is unclear and may be very serious, but it is not irreversible." Xu Yuehuai analyzed in detail the troop deployments, material reserves, and public sentiment of both sides. "As long as we prepare in advance and take precautions as early as possible, we may not necessarily suffer losses..."
The two only ended their long conversation when the sky began to lighten. Xu Yuehuai bid farewell to General Liu, returning to the familiar yet unfamiliar house, weary but with unwavering conviction.
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