A moment later, someone outside shouted, "Who’s inside the building!"
The Team Leader dared not answer carelessly, saying, "Who are you?"
There was silence outside for two breaths before replying, "South City Imperial Guard!"
Everyone inside breathed a sigh of relief, and the Team Leader raised his voice to answer, "We are guards from Duke Song’s household and Marquis Xiangwu’s household, here to find Assistant Minister Xiao!"
"Come out then!" called the person outside.
The Team Leader carefully approached the door and through the arrow slits, he saw the cold light of iron armor, and Military Guards standing in formation, with thousands of arrows already nocked in their bows, ready to release a rain of arrows at any trace of suspicious movement.
"Put away your weapons," the Team Leader said, as he removed the covering from his face and opened the door to step out.
The general on horseback, observing the hundred or so people filing out of the building, nodded to his lieutenant and said, "Go call for Assistant Minister Xiao."
Hearing this, Ran Yan’s heart finally settled.
Facing the threatening array of arrows, everyone felt their feet grow numb. Shortly after, the sound of horse hooves approached, and a figure in purple, with wide fluttering sleeves, approached rapidly like an arrow shot from a bow, stopping with such precision that the skilled horsemanship elicited silent praises from those who knew about riding.
"Jiulang!" the Team Leader immediately said.
Xiao Song saw that it was the Team Leader he had sent at noon to protect Ran Yan, and frowned, "Wang Jian. Where is the lady?"
Wang Jian glanced at Ran Yan.
Xiao Song followed his gaze and saw Ran Yan dressed in black, her hair tied back, displaying more heroism than usual, and in her dark eyes looking at him was an emotion that only he could understand.
Without a word, Xiao Song spurred his horse forward, scooped her up onto the saddle behind him, and looking back at the general, he said, "Indeed, all these are my household’s people. There is a secret passage in the tavern, please have the general guard it."
Ran Yan, not caring about the many eyes watching them, reached out to circle Xiao Song’s waist.
With the gentle night breeze, Ran Yan’s tension melted away, and suddenly, she felt so weak she could barely stand.
Realizing she had gone limp, Xiao Song quickly wrapped one arm around her.
Ran Yan said nothing of her concerns, but her presence alongside the guards of the Duke’s household spoke volumes to Xiao Song.
Ran Yan didn’t doubt Xiao Song’s capabilities, but as he had once said, if you place someone at the very top of your heart, you cannot afford the gamble, you cannot afford the loss.
Even the slightest danger could not be disregarded.
As the horse gradually came to a stop, Ran Yan suddenly heard the loud laughter of the "leader," "Gui Jianchou of Chang’an truly lives up to his reputation!"
Ran Yan turned her head and saw a robust middle-aged man, with a hint of frost in his hair and beard, his sword-like eyebrows raised, and his sharp gaze on Xiao Song carried a hint of admiration. Yet, when his eyes fell on Ran Yan, a murderous aura burst forth, his entire body tensed like a leopard ready to pounce.
"You must be aware of what your family’s young lady has done; I needn’t remind you. Even if I could have saved her from that fatal arrow, there’s no force on earth that could have made me do it!" Ran Yan responded calmly to his aggressive stance.
Hearing this, Xiao Song instantly realized that these men were the remnants of Lady Dongyang!
"Hahahaha! I have worked in the shadows for so many years, and yet someone overheard my plans; truly remarkable," the leader, seeing there was no chance to take Ran Yan’s life, simply let go of his murderous intent, "Never mind, the tide has turned, no point in struggling!"
No sooner had his voice faded than he unsheathed his sword with a swoosh and shouted, "For the young lady’s utmost loyalty!"
The Archers’ bows suddenly drew to a full curve, emitting a slight creaking sound, but without orders, they dared not release their arrows.
Then, shockingly, the leader committed seppuku!
No sooner had his shout ended than the seven Assassins behind him also called out in unison, "For the young lady’s utmost loyalty!" and followed their leader’s example in taking their own lives.
Xiao Song quickly estimated the number of dead Assassins and calmly ordered, "There are still two or three at large; report to the general to count the bodies and continue the hunt."
"Brother Xiao," Sun Zhen approached.
Ran Yan was slightly startled, following the sound and saw the haggard-looking Sun Zhen carrying a young boy.
Sun Zhen handed the boy over to a Guard nearby before kneeling on one knee before Xiao Song and Ran Yan, "My shameful conduct has nearly cost Lady Xiang Liang her life. Tomorrow I shall present myself at your estate to accept punishment."
Xiao Song glanced down at him and said, "No need, Junior Minister Sun acted out of desperation to save his legitimate son. I understand, but in this life, I only have this one wife, who is no less precious than your son. You have endangered my wife; speak not of seeking forgiveness with a punishment, even death would not earn my forgiveness."
With that, he rode off.
All the Xiao family’s Guards immediately followed him.
The moon cast a cool glow as the two rode on at a leisurely pace, and after a while, Ran Yan said, "Liu Sheren has died."
Xiao Song gently patted her shoulder and after a pause, he said, "The one who killed him will not escape justice." Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on novel fire.net
"Mm," Ran Yan responded, before asking, "Sun Zhen wasn’t coerced, so how did he end up cooperating with you?"
Xiao Song slightly smiled and said, "I have been wondering why Sun Zhen didn’t tell me first about Liu Sheren going missing, but instead told you. Considering some unclear speculations, I provided you with that many Guards as a precaution. He pretends well, but... anything false will have its flaws. Sun Zhen was simply desperate and getting him to collaborate wasn’t difficult."
"Mm," Ran Yan understood Xiao Song’s anxiety in danger; hence, she could empathize with Sun Zhen. Yet, as Xiao Song said, understanding does not equate to tolerance—they had neither the saintly virtue of sacrificing themselves for others nor the intent to do so. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to cast your recommendation ticket, monthly ticket, at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation.)