However, the Shadow Cult also sensed the perilous situation. Its leader secretly ordered his followers to secretly collude with lawless elements throughout the capital, attempting to expand their power in order to turn the tide.
He then secretly accelerated his plot.
In the underworld of the capital, assassins from the Shadow Cult frequently appear, attempting to kill those who pose a threat to them, such as Imperial Guard soldiers and court officials involved in the investigation.
Forced by the situation, Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi had no choice but to strengthen the protection measures for relevant personnel. They not only increased manpower but also set up a hidden early warning array so that any unusual activity could be alerted.
At the same time, he racked his brains, trying to completely destroy the Shadow Cult's power base in the capital.
Ye Yu offered a risky plan: to use the arrested suspects as bait to lure the Shadow Cult's rescue forces into a trap, and then annihilate them in one fell swoop.
After careful consideration, Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi finally agreed to Ye Yu's plan.
Although Xu Qian was in the imperial court and involved in many political affairs, his heart was always with Chu Yanxi.
Whenever he thought of the Shadow Cult's treacherous and cunning nature, he was overcome with worry.
In the dead of night, alone with a flickering candle, he often murmured to himself, "Yan Xi is exceptionally intelligent and shrewd, but the Shadow Cult is ruthless. How will she cope with this perilous situation? I only pray that Heaven will have mercy on her and protect her from any harm from those treacherous villains. Even if I cannot be by her side to weather the crisis, I will do my utmost behind the scenes to safeguard her peace."
What Xu Qian didn't know was that his mutterings to himself late at night were heard by Chu Yanxi herself.
The reason is that the east courtyard of the Prime Minister's residence is full of spies!
Xu Jinshu and Chu Yanxi were childhood friends, and Xu Feng also had a good relationship with Chu Yanxi, not to mention Ming Zhanhe, who was compatible with Chu Yanxi.
As for Xin Hengyan and Xin Yao, they were indebted to Chu Yanxi, and their relationship can be considered quite good.
Upon learning of her close friend's return, Xu Jinshu began secretly monitoring Xu Qian, a move she had never made in the more than twenty years since she entered the household.
Xu Qian's confidants only thought that the relationship between the two had suddenly progressed rapidly, and that the mistress wanted to keep track of her master's information.
Thinking of his wife, the confidant nodded in deep agreement with Xu Jinshu's gentle instructions and solemnly agreed.
When the other four women found out, Xu Feng's first words were: "I think Xu Qian's confidant really needs to be replaced."
It received widespread approval.
But in fact, Xu Qian's confidants would report this matter to him truthfully every day: "Reporting to Master, I have informed Madam truthfully."
Xu Qian nodded calmly and dismissed him.
As for whether Xu Jinshu knows about this, that depends on how much she wants to bring Xu Qian and Chu Yanxi together.
...
Meanwhile, in the Yin residence outside the Prime Minister's mansion, Yin Yuyao also heard about the Shadow Cult's affairs and was extremely worried.
She was restless in the palace, frequently sending servants out to inquire about the situation. Each time a report came back, she would put her hands together, close her eyes, and pray silently: "Your Majesty is wise and brave, and will surely defeat the enemy and return safely. Although I cannot help you in any way, my heart is with Your Majesty on the battlefield. I pray with all my heart that Your Majesty may have a safe and peaceful journey."
At such times, Ning Yuyuan would pretend to be nonchalant on the surface, but secretly she would follow Yin Yuyao's example and wish Chen Xiao a safe return.
Although she never mentioned praying for Ye Chao.
Outside the Yin residence is the residence of the eldest princess, which has been brightly lit day and night for some time now.
There are now only three masters in the Princess's residence: Yuan Yin, Qi Yanyun, and Xu Ruyan, who recently married into the family.
All three held important positions, and therefore all received information about the palace.
During this period, the three of them discussed countermeasures day and night, trying to help Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi in other ways.
But they all knew that Chu Yanxi alone was more than enough to deal with this crisis, not to mention that Chen Xiao was now by Chu Yanxi's side.
Meanwhile, all three of them had secretly heard rumors about Xu Qian and Chu Yanxi, which made them feel even more at ease.
...
Inside the palace.
Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi believed Ye Yu's words and pretended to relax their guard on the prisoners, but secretly set up a series of ambushes at the place where the prisoners were being held.
The Shadow Cult, upon hearing the news, knew it was a scheme, but still sent a small group of people there.
A group of mediocre assassins in black infiltrated the capital under cover of night and headed straight for the place where prisoners were held.
However, what awaited them was a trap carefully constructed by Chen Xiao and his companions.
In an instant, a fierce battle erupted in a secluded corner.
This is an abandoned old house courtyard, surrounded by high walls covered with mottled vines, which look like menacing ghosts in the dim moonlight.
In the courtyard, a few withered trees stood alone, their bare branches trembling in the night wind, as if emitting a silent wail.
Dark clouds obscured most of the moonlight, with only a few faint rays struggling to penetrate the clouds and fall on the dusty, leaf-covered ground.
The Shadow Cult assassins attacked like phantoms, their blades flashing like cold lightning and their sword shadows dancing like cold stars.
Ye Li led the Imperial Guards to bravely meet the enemy. His eyes were wide open in anger, revealing determination and courage. With a loud shout, he took a step forward, raised his long sword high, and his taut arms displayed boundless power. Then, with a whistling sound, he slashed down with all his might. The long sword seemed to transform into a silver dragon, charging fiercely towards the enemy. Each slash carried the force of a thousand pounds, clashing with the weapons of the Shadow Cult assassins and sending sparks flying.
Chao Yuan and Chao Ci also personally participated in the battle.
Chao Yuan gripped her spear tightly with both hands, the tip gleaming with a chilling light. Her eyebrows furrowed, her expression cold and stern. She took a deep breath, stomped her foot, and used the force to thrust the spear forward. The tassel of the spear bloomed like a flower with her movement, like a dragon emerging from the sea, swiftly knocking away several assassins. The assassins screamed as they were flung into the air, their bodies tracing an arc through the air.
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