After Tian Zhu said this, she could not care about anything else, but she could not let Dewdrop fall. She could only help Lian Qiao to the side, where she saw Lian Qiao lying on the ground with a ghastly knife wound on her chest. The blood must have flowed from Lian Qiao's body. Dewdrop still had some consciousness, but when she saw this scene, she was shocked and afraid. She was shocked that Lian Qiao was seriously injured and did not know how her injuries were. She was afraid that Jiang Ruan had disappeared. She wanted to call out Jiang Ruan's name weakly, but was stopped by Tian Zhu, who said, "Don't shout, we have fallen into a trap."
Dewdrop was not stupid. After thinking about it, she understood. These assassins in the crowd suddenly shouted to kill the unarmed people. Could it be that it was just a diversion, and the main purpose was to kidnap Jiang Ruan? Thinking of this, Dewdrop felt a lingering fear. She had lost a lot of blood, and at this moment, her face was even paler. She said, "Young Madam is in danger …. Tian Zhu, what should we do? "
Tian Zhu looked around. The surrounding people were still fleeing in all directions. She suddenly noticed something. She saw that the few small wooden boxes that Empress Dowager Yi De had given her at the back of the carriage had all disappeared. She suddenly realized something and said in a low voice, "So Young Madam did it on purpose …."
"What did you say?" Dewdrop's voice became softer and softer. Seeing this, Tian Zhu could no longer care about anything else. At this moment, one was unconscious and the other was seriously injured. Although Jiang Ruan was also very nervous, if something happened to Dewdrop and Lian Qiao, it would be a waste of Jiang Ruan's painstaking efforts. Since Jiang Ruan could think of this situation, she must have a way to deal with it. After following Jiang Ruan for so long, Tian Zhu more or less understood Jiang Ruan's temperament. She immediately took out a signal firework from her bosom. It was just that it was still early, so the firework was not obvious enough. However, it was enough for the nearby Brocade Guards to see it and come over to help.
Housekeeper Lin was in the fu calculating the household's expenses for this month. Thinking that the new year had just passed, the fu seemed to have not purchased any new things. Even if there was a turbulent undercurrent in the capital of the Great Jin Dynasty, the things that should be purchased could not be missing. Steward Lin was still pondering when he suddenly heard a panicked voice, "Steward Lin, bad news!"
Butler Lin raised his head and saw that it was one of the servants in the gatehouse. He reprimanded him, "Why are you so flustered? I've already told you that we're a prince's residence, so we need to have the bearing of a prince's residence. Don't be like a petty family, making a fuss and ruining the young master's reputation …"
"Oh no, Butler Lin! Young Madam had been kidnapped! Lian Qiao and Sister Luzhu are both injured. Sister Tian Zhu just came back and is looking everywhere for Young Divine Doctor Xia! " The waiter finally ran up to him and spilled everything without stopping. Only after he finished did he let out a long sigh of relief. Before she could react, she saw Steward Lin, who was sitting at the table and stroking his beard, suddenly jump up from his seat. His voice almost resounded through the entire Wang Fu, "What! Where is it? Bring me there quickly! "
The news that Jiang Ruan had been kidnapped and that Lian Qiao and Luzhu were seriously injured and unconscious had spread throughout the entire Jinying Wang fu in a short period of time. Today's chaos on the streets had come suddenly. They had thought that it was a sudden attack by thugs, but they had not expected that the real target was actually Jiang Ruan. Those people were ferocious, who knew what they would do to Jiang Ruan? Xiao Shao had yet to return, but Ye Feng had already sent a signal to the Jinyi Guards, who were hiding in various places in the capital, to track down Jiang Ruan's whereabouts.
However, at present, the capital's governor had also just arrived. When he learned of the matter of Jiang Ruan being kidnapped, he was naturally quite frightened. As a local public security officer, a thug had actually injured someone right under his nose. What was even more excessive was that this thug had even kidnapped Jinying Wangfei. What kind of status did Jiang Ruan have? Not to mention the fact that Jinying Wang fu was supporting her from behind, even the General fu, who was protective of their own people, was not someone he could afford to offend. Naturally, he did not hesitate to immediately send people to investigate. In this way, the capital became even more chaotic. The common people were also panic-stricken, and the streets were in a mess.
Jiang Xin Zhi was in the Grand Council dealing with official business when he heard his subordinate soldier come forward and report, "General Jiang, the frontline just received an urgent order …" He was somewhat hesitant and his tone suddenly paused. Everyone knew that this young general was the most protective of his own people. Before Jiang Ruan was married, he had already been extremely protective of her. If he were to hear this news later, how scary would it be …
Jiang Xin Zhi glanced at him and said in a low tone, "What's the matter?" The longer he stayed in the Grand Council, the more imposing and domineering Jiang Xin Zhi carried as a general of a country, the more he became. His former scholarly elegance had now been honed to become more resolute, and he gave off a feeling of power without being angry. When the soldier heard this, his body trembled and he immediately said, "Today at dusk, Jinying Princess was kidnapped by thugs on the streets of the western part of the city. Until now, her whereabouts are unknown."
As soon as he finished speaking, he saw the calm and resolute young general stand up abruptly. His expression changed greatly in an instant, and his voice trembled imperceptibly, "What did you say?"
The soldier was still hesitating whether or not to repeat what he had just said to Jiang Xin Zhi when he felt a gust of wind on his face. Jiang Xin Zhi had already walked out of the camp in two or three steps. Ignoring the startled gazes of the new recruits who were training behind him, he leapt onto his horse and spurred it away.
The soldier stared blankly at him, and a new recruit at the side came over and asked curiously, "What's wrong with the General? Why are you in such a hurry? "
"The General's younger sister … has been kidnapped." The soldier answered.
At the same time, in the southern courtyard of the palace, Xuan Pei stood in front of the window. He did not know why, but since Jiang Ruan had left, his heart had not calmed down. Instead, it seemed to have become even more uneasy, as if something was about to happen. The morning sun stood quietly behind him, and Xuan Pei tugged at the lapel of his clothes with some irritation. Even the slightly cool wind blowing against his face could not soothe the irritation in his heart. Why was this so?
Usually, as long as he saw Jiang Ruan once, he would be very happy for many days in a row. Because of this, he could also calm his heart. But recently, he did not know why, but he kept feeling a little strange. Instead, he was becoming more and more irritable. After thinking about it, he probably still felt that Jiang Ruan's words and actions today were also somewhat wrong.
Xuan Pei thought hard. Today, Jiang Ruan had uncharacteristically instructed him on what to do. She said that before making a decision, he should discuss it with Xiao Shao. But why did she not discuss it with her? If she was here, why did she want him to get along with Xiao Shao? Xuan Pei sensitively felt that there was something wrong here. Could it be that Jiang Ruan already knew what decision he would make next? She was not here, so she let Xiao Shao do it for her? Why was she not here?
The imperial edict was now in Jiang Ruan's hands. Jiang Ruan said that Jinying Wang fu was the best place to protect the imperial edict, and that it was enough to attract all of Xuan Li's attention. Of course, it was good to attract Xuan Li's attention … But now, the imperial edict was still in Jiang Ruan's hands. Xuan Pei's eyes suddenly widened, and almost immediately, he thought of the crucial point. Wrong, there was something wrong here!
He and Jiang Ruan had been mother and son for two lifetimes. Although they were not related by blood, they generally had some mental connection. Almost in the blink of an eye, Xuan Pei thought of Jiang Ruan's plan. He slapped the window eaves and shouted in a low voice, "Oh no!"
At the same time, Ming Yue ran in from outside and said somewhat urgently, "Your Highness, on the way back to the fu, the Princess was attacked by thugs. In the chaos, she was kidnapped and her whereabouts are still unknown."
Xuan Pei closed his eyes and said in a low voice, "As expected."
…
That day, many people in the capital were able to sleep peacefully. At dusk, the chaos had already caused people to panic, and the news that Jinying Princess had been kidnapped spread like wildfire. The entire capital was discussing this matter. Among them, there were those who lamented for Jiang Ruan. A good Princess, once she was kidnapped, her innocence would not be clear. However, there were also those who were secretly pleased with themselves. In this world, there was always no lack of jealousy. Since ancient times, there was no shortage of people who hit someone when they were down.
The lights in Jinying Wangfu were brightly lit throughout the night. The servants did not dare to breathe too loudly. Everyone had a solemn and worried expression on their faces. Their Young Madam had been kidnapped and they did not know what was going on. For the servants, this was also a kind of torment. However, no matter how tormented they were, it could not be compared to the torment of their own master.
The lights in the study were the same as in the past. However, in the past, it was Jiang Ruan who sat inside reading and writing, waiting for Xiao Shao to return. Today, however, Xiao Shao was sitting inside, waiting for someone who could not return for the time being.
Housekeeper Lin stood to one side. Under the illumination of the lights, his facial features seemed to have strangely become younger by a few years, and he actually appeared to be a bit more distinguished. However, at this moment, no one noticed this. Housekeeper Lin looked at Xiao Shao, who was sitting at the desk, thinking about something. He consoled him, "Master, you should rest early. If Young Madam was here, she would not have a good time."
However, Xiao Shao seemed to have not heard his words and silently looked at the teacup in front of him. Housekeeper Lin sighed softly. He knew that Xiao Shao wouldn't listen to anything he said. Ever since he had received the news that Jiang Ruan had been kidnapped, he had personally led the Brocade Guards and Jiang Xin Zhi to search the entire capital. They had barricaded the city gates and interrogated every household one by one, but to no avail. How could Xiao Shao give up? Housekeeper Lin looked at the handsome young man sitting at the table, and his gaze instantly became somewhat dazed. In his daze, he actually saw the appearance of Crown Prince Hong Xi when he found out that Xiang Xiaoyuan had left. At that time, Crown Prince Hong Xi also sat silently at the table, looking at the letter that Xiang Xiaoyuan had once written. He sat there for an entire night.
Perhaps this was the relationship between father and son. Who said that since ancient times, the royal family was heartless? Xiao Shao and Crown Prince Hong Xi were truly affectionate. Extreme wisdom will be hurt, and deep love will not last long. Housekeeper Lin could not tell if this was a good or bad thing. However, Xiao Shao really didn't need any consolation. He just wanted to sit quietly by himself.
Butler Lin didn't try to persuade him anymore. He slowly retreated and gently closed the door. Then, he instructed the two guards at the door. He then went to the kitchen to watch over the decoction for Lian Qiao and Lu Zhu.
Xiao Shao sat at the desk. The soft light could not melt the indifference in his expression. That kind of alienation and coldness that pushed people a thousand miles away almost brought him back to a long time ago, when he had just taken over the Brocade Guards. Cruel, bloodthirsty, indifferent, heartless. Now, there was a person who had warmed his heart, but then suddenly disappeared. In his heart, there was only regret towards himself.
What appeared in his mind was the scene of Jiang Ruan standing on her tiptoes this morning to tidy up his collar. He had said that when he came back at night, they would take a walk, and Jiang Ruan had agreed. But when he came back at night, she was no longer there.
This was a premeditated plot by the other party to create a diversion, but the one who had orchestrated all of this was Jiang Ruan herself. Xiao Shao lowered his eyes. When he heard the ins and outs of the matter from Tian Zhu, he understood Jiang Ruan's plan. She had long planned to use him as bait to lure Xuan Li's people out. She had already planned everything. Even this morning, she had clearly realized that something might have happened at dusk. Yet, she had still pretended as if nothing had happened and said goodbye to him tenderly.
It was simply …. Xiao Shao's face was ashen as he clenched his fists. She had gone too far.
Nonsense! She was too reckless! She did not have the self-awareness of being a wife! She did not put her husband in her eyes at all! Many thoughts flashed through Xiao Shao's mind in an instant, but in the end, what remained was heartache and guilt. He felt heartache that she always had to put herself in danger for these things. He felt guilty that as her husband, he did not even realize these things. He had promised to protect her for a lifetime, but he still did not do it.
He closed his eyes, and his long eyelashes formed a beautiful shadow. As they trembled slightly, he actually looked a little tired. At this moment, the door was suddenly pushed open. He suddenly opened his eyes, and his gaze was like a sword as he looked at the door, but he saw Qi Feng walking in.
"What's the matter?" He sat up straight. He was not in a good mood today. His tone was inevitably a little harsh to Qi Feng.
Qi Feng did not care about his expression. Because of his special relationship with Xiao Shao, the guards at the door did not stop him. He walked in and sat down opposite Xiao Shao's desk. He poured himself a cup of tea, and then met Xiao Shao's cold eyes. He said calmly, "I am here to talk to you about Third Sister-in-law."
Xiao Shao's expression changed, and his eyes suddenly shot sharply at him. He said coldly, "You already knew?"
"Yes." After Qi Feng said this, he felt that Xiao Shao's eyes were even more unkind, as if he wanted to swallow him alive. As a senior in the same sect, it was not that he had never seen Xiao Shao's terrible appearance. But even when it came to killing, Xiao Shao was always cold and unwilling to show a trace of emotion. But now, he did not hide his displeasure towards him, which suddenly made Qi Feng feel great pressure. He smiled bitterly and said, "In fact, before this, Third Sister-in-law came to me once to discuss this matter."
Xiao Shao did not speak and just looked at him coldly. Qi Feng continued to say, "Third Sister-in-law has long wanted to use this matter to draw out the movements of Xuan Li and the Southern Border. But her most important purpose is for the Thirteenth Prince in the palace. Only in this way, Xuan Li will put all his attention on her. He thought that with the fake imperial edict, he will relax the surveillance of the Thirteenth Prince in the palace. In this way, the Thirteenth Prince will be much safer and also buy some time. " After a pause, Qi Feng continued, "I have asked Third Sister-in-law that the fake imperial edict is too risky. If it is discovered, it will be a big crime. But Third Sister-in-law said that she has the real imperial edict, but it is not that one. I don't know what is wrong. Third Sister-in-law seems to be unwilling to tell me more, but from her solemn appearance, there should be no problem. Although this plan is risky, it is indeed the best way. In this way, things will be simplified. Xuan Li has unknowingly fallen into the trap. "
Xiao Shao was slightly startled, not because of the discussion between Jiang Ruan and Qi Feng, but because of the key point in Qi Feng's words. Qi Feng said that the fake imperial edict that Jiang Ruan found was not fake. To hide from Xuan Li's people, a simple fake imperial edict was indeed impossible, but Jiang Ruan did not tell Qi Feng the reason. If she really discussed this matter with Qi Feng to this point, naturally there was nothing to hide. Unless the matter was of great importance, it really could not be told to Qi Feng. As for what it was, Xiao Shao already had the answer in his heart — his life. In this way, the contents of the imperial edict were also clear. It must be the imperial edict that made him the heir apparent.
The Emperor had always wanted him to sit in that position. Xiao Shao knew that he had always clearly expressed that he had no desire for the throne. The Emperor was a stubborn person and had not given up for so many years. However, Xiao Shao did not expect that the Emperor would not hesitate to use his own life to force him to succeed the throne, and even hid an imperial edict.
This imperial edict was a hot potato for Xiao Shao. Once it was discovered, his life would be exposed, which was the last thing he wanted to see. To stay away from the royal family and the undercurrents of the court, this was what the old Jinying Wang had always hoped that he could do. Even if the old Jinying Wang and he were not biological father and son, Xiao Shao had never forgotten this advice.
For so many years, he had dealt with the Southern Frontier, walked on the edge of danger, and left the capital from time to time in order not to get involved in the quarrels of the court. He liked to kill, but did not like sinister arrows in the dark. Jiang Ruan knew that he did not want to be the Emperor. She made such a decision, on the one hand, to divert Xuan Li's attention from Xuan Pei, and on the other hand, it was for him.
In order to let him have no worries and to eliminate future troubles, this imperial edict was broken in the hands of Xuan Li. This was the decision she made on his behalf.
No wonder, that night, Jiang Ruan asked him, "Do you want to be the Emperor?" So this was what she meant. She had long known that the Emperor had written an imperial edict for him. She was helping him solve these troubles in her own way.
All along, everyone seemed to think that Jiang Ruan's temperament was cold, warm on the outside but cold on the inside. Compared to Xiao Shao after he got married, Jiang Ruan was still the same as before. But Xiao Shao knew that she was just not good at expressing herself. For example, at this moment, she was using her own way to silently contribute.
Seeing Xiao Shao's thoughtful expression and the changing expression in his eyes, Qi Feng could not help but feel bitter. He cleared his throat and said, "The reason why Third Sister-in-law came to me is because she knew that you would not agree to let her take the risk. Instead of letting you be on guard, it is better to make the first move. The news that Xuan Li's subordinates in the palace got was deliberately leaked to them by me. "
Xiao Shao glanced at him and did not speak. He got up and was about to go out. Qi Feng also stood up and grabbed him, "What are you doing?"
"Let go." Xiao Shao pulled out his sleeve.
Qi Feng pressed his shoulder, "Are you going to order the Jinyi Guards again? Don't go! "
Xiao Shao looked at him coldly. Qi Feng hurriedly said, "Think clearly, why does Third Sister-in-law want to do this? Isn't it all because of you that she is in danger? If you really order the Jinyi Guards now, Third Sister-in-law will be rescued, but her painstaking efforts will be in vain. Instead, Xuan Li will be on guard. In this way, the loss outweighs the gain! " When he saw that Xiao Shao did not answer, he breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "I know that you are feeling indignant now, I also... I can understand, but you have to calm down. Now that Third Sister-in-law is not here, only you can continue her plan. If you are in a mess, Jinying Wangfu will also be in a mess. How can Third Sister-in-law not be angry when she sees this? "
He finished speaking in one breath, only to find that his emotions were a little too agitated. For a moment, he was a little embarrassed. Anyone with a discerning eye could see through Jiang Ruan's thoughts. Although he did not do anything excessive and tried his best to be a gentleman in his relationship with Jiang Ruan, every time he met Xiao Shao's indifferent eyes, he felt a little guilty and short of breath. Xiao Shao clearly did not say anything, nor did he do anything. Qi Feng could still feel that Xiao Shao was very dissatisfied with Jiang Ruan being close to him. This indifferent and indifferent man had a strong possessiveness in his bones, which made people unable to even think about it in their hearts.
Xiao Shao looked at him again. There was no emotion in his dark eyes. He said lightly, "I am going to rest." After that, he did not look at Qi Feng again and walked out.
Qi Feng was thrown to the ground and was stunned for a long time. Then he touched his nose and smiled bitterly. Xiao Shao had no tolerance. He was really unhappy in his heart. Wasn't it a bit childish to vent his dissatisfaction in this way?
Xiao Shao turned his back to Qi Feng and walked into the house. His heart gradually calmed down. He knew that what Qi Feng said was right. Although he was distressed, he should respect it. Seizing this opportunity created by Jiang Ruan's own safety and giving Xuan Li a hard blow was the best way to not waste her painstaking achievements. She had confidence in herself, so he should also have confidence in her.
But …. Thinking of Qi Feng's words just now, Xiao Shao's eyes sank again. Why was Jiang Ruan so close to Qi Feng all day? That boy Qi Feng did not have good intentions. It was annoying to look at him all day long. He did not know what caught Jiang Ruan's eyes. If she really wanted to discuss it, she could have discussed it with Xia Qing. Moreover, why was she so sure that he would not agree to her idea? He had always been very reasonable.
Xiao Shao had completely forgotten that Xia Qing was a straightforward person. It was impossible for her to come up with any good ideas with Jiang Ruan. As for him, he would put Jiang Ruan's safety first. The only one who could stand in a fair position and look at this matter reasonably was Qi Feng. However, Xiao Shao did not feel good about looking at Qi Feng. He was also somewhat unhappy that Jiang Ruan had made this decision on her own. In his heart, he secretly decided that when Jiang Ruan returned, he would definitely punish her properly to strengthen his authority as a husband.
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