Chapter 81 Traitor within the Prince's Palace
Before he could finish uttering that crucial information, his body suddenly stiffened, his arm fell limply to his sides, the last glimmer of light in his eyes went out, and he breathed his last.
Wang Quan? Consort Xian and Prince Qin'an?
These words exploded in Lou Jin's mind like a thunderclap!
The housekeeper he trusted most turned out to be a traitor.
Ye Xunyang also heard this and said incredulously, "No wonder we couldn't find the traitor back then. Feng Bao's escape that day was probably because he had informed him in advance. And the secret guard who delivered the message that time died."
As soon as Feng Bao uttered those words, his body stiffened abruptly, his arm fell limply to his side, and he breathed his last.
Outside the cabin, the pursuers' whistles drew closer once more!
"They're catching up!" Kiriyama exclaimed urgently.
The traitor is Wang Quan! This news made Lou Jin feel an unprecedented sense of urgency.
Lou Jin forcibly suppressed his surging emotions and quickly took the bronze snake-shaped token from Feng Bao's arms.
"Fog Mountain, draw the pursuers away! The rest of you, follow me along the Northwest Hunting Trail and head back to the capital at full speed!"
"yes!"
Wushan led his men away. Lou Jin and his group carried Feng Bao's body and resolutely embarked on the treacherous hunting trail.
After two days and one night of relentless fleeing, the capital city came into view at dawn on the third day.
Amidst the mists rising from the mountains, a scene of desolation unfolds in an abandoned brick kiln on the outskirts of Beijing.
"My lord! My princess!"
He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that the two were safe and sound, but his expression remained solemn. "On the surface, everything in the capital is normal. Prince An has been staying at home and has not made any unusual moves. The Fifth Prince's residence is also quiet. Everything in our residence is as usual. Steward Wang even went out to do errands yesterday as usual."
The fact that everything is normal precisely indicates that the other party is hiding their true intentions very well, either not yet ready to make their move, or waiting for a certain opportunity.
Wang Quan is still in the Prince's Mansion. If he and Xunyang go back, they might be walking into a trap!
“Our royal residence is now a trap,” Lou Jin said in a deep voice. “Wang Quan is waiting for us to return.”
Lou Jin's eyes flickered as he quickly thought, "We can't go back directly, but we must immediately control Wang Quan and prevent him from discovering that Feng Bao is dead and passing on the news."
He looked at Shan Lan: "Shan Lan, besides Wang Quan, how many other people in the Prince's mansion can we absolutely trust?"
Shan Lan immediately replied, "Besides Wang Quan, the deputy commander of the guards Zhao Mang and the head of the inner courtyard, Granny Li, are absolutely reliable. They were left behind by the Empress. In addition, we have three other informants in the mansion whose identities are kept secret."
"Alright!" Lou Jin made a quick decision. "You immediately contact Zhao Mang and Granny Li in secret and tell them that Wang Quan is a traitor, but tell them to hold back and not to alarm Wang Quan."
"Then, have your undercover agents keep a close watch on Wang Quan, recording his every move and everyone he comes into contact with, but make sure they are safe. It's better to lose track of him than to be exposed!"
"Yes! I understand!"
Lou Jin continued, "At the same time, find a way to deliver Feng Bao's dying words and this token directly to Father Emperor's desk!"
"Yes! I will arrange it immediately!"
Shanlan accepted the order and hurriedly left.
Inside the brick kiln, Lou Jin frowned deeply. The Prince of An remained inactive, a situation more akin to the calm before a storm.
They must capture Wang Quan, obtain more evidence, and prepare their father before this tranquility is shattered.
Ye Xunyang asked, "Shall we wait here for His Highness Prince Yan, or go to an inn?"
Lou Jin looked towards the capital, his gaze deep: "We must go find my imperial brother. His army should be arriving near the capital soon. Only by joining forces with him will we have enough strength to deal with any unforeseen circumstances!"
Joining the main army would not only guarantee safety, but also allow the victorious commander to enter the city with dignity. At that time, even Prince An would not dare to make any rash moves against a prince who has just made great contributions and commands a large army.
"Mist Mountain, immediately investigate the army's exact location and find the most concealed route to reach them."
"yes!"
After Lou Jin and his group rested for half a day, Wu Shan brought back definite news: Lou Jin's triumphant army had set up camp at "Wangjingpo," fifty miles outside Beijing.
Without delay, Lou Jin and his group immediately set off, taking advantage of the darkness and the terrain to stealthily make their way towards Wangjing Slope.
After a night of trekking, they finally saw the continuous military camps and the fluttering "Sheng" military flag the next morning.
After identifying themselves, they were immediately led to the central command tent.
"Third brother, Xunyang." Lou Yan visibly relaxed upon seeing them safe and sound, but his brows furrowed again at their weary expressions. "What happened on the road? Where is Feng Bao?"
Upon seeing this, Lou Jin knew that the letter had not been delivered and had apparently been intercepted by the people in the town.
Yu Beichen was also inside the tent. Upon seeing them, he immediately stepped forward and said, "Let me take your pulses first."
Lou Jin waved his hand to stop them: "Your Majesty, Mr. Yu, we'll talk later. The situation is urgent!"
He dismissed everyone except Lou Yan, Yu Beichen, and Ye Xunyang, and quickly recounted his encounter along the way.
Lou Yan was also shocked upon hearing this.
Yu Beichen's expression also turned serious.
“Your Majesty, the capital is calm on the surface, but undercurrents are surging. Prince An’s inaction must mean he has something to do. If we don’t get rid of Wang Quan, this traitor, our manor will never have peace, and their conspiracy will be hard to uncover.”
"I need to use the momentum of a large army to return to the capital in a dignified manner, and then eliminate the traitors with overwhelming force!"
Lou Yan immediately understood Lou Jin's plan.
"Very well!" Lou Yan replied without hesitation. "I will immediately order the camp to break camp and the entire army to march to the capital! To cheer you on!"
“No, Your Majesty,” Lou Jin shook his head, “the entire army need not be mobilized. Too large a target would only provoke the enemy to act rashly. We need three thousand elite troops, led by Your Majesty, to escort me to the Prince’s residence. The main force of the army will remain stationed here as a deterrent and support.”
Lou Yan thought for a moment and realized that this plan was better: "I'll do as you say!"
With the plan set, Lou Yan immediately mustered five thousand of his most elite cavalry, personally leading them in a triumphant procession and the ceremonial retinue of the King of Jin, and marched in a grand procession toward the capital.
Lou Jin and Ye Xunyang mingled with the personal guards, having changed into military uniforms.
When this elite cavalry, with their banners waving, escorted the carriages of King Jin and His Highness to the south gate of the capital, it immediately caused a sensation.
The general guarding the city dared not be negligent in the slightest, and immediately opened the city gates wide and sent someone on horseback to the palace to report.
The triumphant return of the princes and dukes to the capital was a momentous occasion and a source of immense joy and glory, and no one dared to stop them.
The group did not head to the palace, but went directly to the residence of King Jin.
At the gate of the Prince's Mansion, Wang Quan, who had already received the news, knelt down with all his servants to greet them, his face full of excited smiles, showing no sign of nervousness.
"Welcome back to the Prince's residence! Welcome back to His Highness Prince Yan!" Wang Quan shouted loudly, his voice even choked with emotion, his acting skills were superb.
With Ye Xunyang's help, Lou Jin slowly stepped down from the carriage, his gaze calmly sweeping over Wang Quan, and said indifferently, "Steward Wang, you've had a hard time."
"Serving Your Highness is my duty!" Wang Quan kowtowed.
Lou Jin stopped looking at him and said to Lou Yan beside him, "Brother, please come into the mansion for a chat."
He then turned to the accompanying generals, "Protect the palace for me. No one is allowed to enter or leave without my order!"
"Yes!" The general accepted the order, and the three thousand elite troops instantly dispersed, completely surrounding the Jinwang Mansion!
Wang Quan's smile froze instantly, and a barely perceptible hint of panic flashed in his eyes.
Lou Jin then turned his gaze back to him, his tone still calm, yet carrying an undeniable air of authority:
"Wang Quan, come with me to the study. I want to ask you about the situation in your palace."
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