Inside the Prince Ning's mansion, Qian Kun was still trying to find a way to rescue Qian Zihao. Although there were 80,000 troops outside, rescuing someone was not so easy.
“Prince Ning, if you ask me, we should be more forceful. Chen Zhennan came and went on a killing spree during the day, he clearly doesn’t respect you at all.”
"General Wang is right. Chen Zhennan only has two hundred men under his command. Does he not fear death? Making a move three days later or tonight makes no difference."
Listening to his general's words, Qian Kun also had some thoughts. Giving up Qian Zihao and killing Chen Zhennan would be a win-win situation no matter how you looked at it.
After a moment of contemplation, Qian Kun suddenly clenched his fists, steeled his resolve, and said in a deep voice, "Hesitation will only lead to more trouble. Send the order down: the army will approach Chen Zhennan's camp and force him to hand over the hostage. If he refuses, charge in!"
"Yes, sir. I will pass on the order immediately."
Outside the Prince Ning's mansion, Yan Shiyu evaded three patrols of soldiers, and his team of over a hundred members was ready to make their move.
Chen Zhennan, on the other hand, led ten people to the gate of Qian Zijing's residence.
"Listen up, everyone. Do not kill unless absolutely necessary. Go inside."
The night was as dark as ink, and the moonlight shone down, casting a mysterious silver glow over the courtyard.
Chen Zhennan led ten team members infiltrating like ghosts, their figures appearing and disappearing in the darkness.
They moved so swiftly that the night patrol guards were knocked unconscious before they even noticed and fell down silently.
As they walked to the gate of the inner courtyard, Chen Zhennan climbed over the wall. With sharp eyes, he noticed that the light from the inner room shone through the window, casting four or five shadows on the window paper.
Chen Zhennan led his team over the courtyard wall and silently approached the window.
Through the window, he overheard a conversation between several people inside, their voices filled with anxiety and helplessness.
“Young Master, you shouldn’t interfere in the Second Young Master’s affairs. Since Prince Ning has already made his choice, why should you…” a voice admonished.
"Although Zihao is reckless and arrogant, he is still my brother. How can I not save him?"
"But young master, if the second young master returns, it may be detrimental to you."
"That's enough. I don't care what others think. Even if it's just for my own reputation, I have to find a way to get Zihao out."
Hearing this from outside the door, Chen Zhennan couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and a smile.
He suddenly drew his long sword with lightning speed, kicked open the window, and led ten team members inside.
The five people inside the room, including Qian Zijing, were instantly stunned by the sudden turn of events.
Qian Zijing reacted quickly, his eyes widened, and he drew the sword from the shelf behind him, his gaze as sharp as a sword, ready to fight.
Chen Zhennan hurriedly waved his hand and said, "Don't rush to do it. I'm not here to kill anyone."
Qian Zijing snorted coldly, his face full of defiance and stubbornness: "You don't want to kill anyone, but I think it's already humiliating enough that I was captured by you before. This time, even if I die, I will not be your prisoner."
Chen Zhennan nodded approvingly: "Qian Zijing, I overheard what you said outside just now, and I admire your character."
However, Qian Zijing showed no joy at Chen Zhennan's praise; instead, he was deeply wary.
When an enemy smiles at you, it often hides a deadly intent; this is the origin of the saying "a smile hides a dagger."
Qian Zijing frowned slightly, his eyes flashing with unease, a faint sense of unease creeping into his heart.
"Just say what you want to do. We'll find out who lives and who dies in a fight. Don't waste my breath on this nonsense." Qian Zihao's eyes were sharp as lightning, and his tone was heavy, like a beast poised to pounce.
Chen Zhennan shook his head slightly, a faint regret on his face: "Qian Zijing, I really feel sorry for you. You were still trying to save Qian Zihao in the middle of the night, but Qian Zihao wanted me to kill you."
Qian Zijing gripped his sword tightly, frowning slightly as he said, "Chen Zhennan, you want to use the same trick again? How laughable!"
“I suggested that he become the Prince of Ning, whom he trusts, and he agreed.”
"What?"
Chen Zhennan's words immediately caused a great stir in Qian Zijing's heart.
Qian Zijing stood there, his mind racing. After thinking for a long time, he suddenly realized that if Qian Zihao agreed to become the new Prince of Ning, wouldn't that mean killing his brother and father?
After pondering for a long time, Qian Zijing suddenly raised the long sword in his hand, his voice filled with determination: "I don't believe it! Even if my brother has some resentment towards me, he would never do such a thing!"
After saying that, Qian Zijing thrust his sword at Chen Zhennan. He was very fast and was obviously a master.
Upon seeing this, Chen Zhennan's heart tightened, and he hurriedly took a step back, using his long saber to block Qian Zijing's sword. The saber and sword clashed, sparking dazzling sparks.
A hint of helplessness appeared on Chen Zhennan's face, and a deep look flashed in his eyes.
"If you don't believe me, you'll know the truth at dawn!"
Qian Zijing didn't believe Chen Zhennan's words at all, and his anger burned, so he wanted to continue his attack.
However, at that moment, several gunshots suddenly rang out in the distance, breaking the silence of the night and exploding in his ears like thunder.
Qian Zijing was shocked, realizing that something serious might have happened to his father, the Prince of Ning.
Chen Zhennan took a deep breath and slowly pushed away Qian Zijing's sword.
"Qian Zijing, just wait patiently. There's no need to court death. We'll know the outcome this morning."
After saying that, Chen Zhennan led his men out of the room and whispered, "Keep an eye on them. Kill anyone who dares to come out."
After saying that, Chen Zhennan turned and disappeared into the night, like a ghost, without a sound.
The night was as dark as ink, and time seemed to stretch out countless times. Qian Zijing paced back and forth in the room, his thoughts in turmoil.
After waiting anxiously all night, as dawn broke, Yan Shiyu suddenly arrived, his expression grave and hurried.
Qian Zijing's heart tightened, and before he could ask any questions, Yan Shiyu led him out of the mansion and all the way to the main hall of the Prince Ning's mansion.
Upon reaching the back room, Qian Zijing discovered that his father, Qian Kun, was also there, his face filled with despair and helplessness.
Qian Kun's eyes were dull and lifeless, as if he had aged ten years in an instant. Qian Zijing's heart sank. He knew without a doubt that Ningzhou City had fallen.
Yan Shiyu glanced at the two of them and said in a low voice, "Wait quietly and don't make a sound. You'll soon find out what's going to happen."
Qian Zijing didn't want to struggle anymore and waited quietly.
Soon after, scattered footsteps and Chen Zhennan's laughter came from the front hall.
"Second Young Master, I dealt with Prince Ning and Qian Zijing last night. Now, you are the Prince Ning you trust."
"Alright, you keep your word. From now on, I will help you guard Ningzhou. Don't worry, I will absolutely not send troops to cause you any trouble."
Chen Zhennan hummed in agreement, then announced loudly, "Alright, then I hereby officially announce that from this moment forward, the new Prince of Ning of Ningzhou is Qian Zijing!"
"What did you say?!"
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