Chapter 149 Return to the Imperial Capital
Chapter 149 Return to the Imperial Capital
Gu Ye was silent for a moment, then said firmly, "Xue Wei, no matter what happens, I will stand by your side. We'll face it together."
Hearing this, Murong Xuewei felt a warm current surge in her heart.
She suddenly realized that she had unknowingly come to regard Gu Ye as her closest person.
This feeling both warmed her and terrified her.
She said softly, "Gu Ye, there's something I've been keeping from you. Actually, I..."
Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside. Liuli rushed in, "Madam, something terrible has happened!"
Murong Xuewei and Gu Ye turned around at the same time. "What's wrong?"
Liuli, panting, said, "I just received news that the Murong family's businesses in the other three kingdoms have been subjected to unwarranted harassment. Moreover, there's been unusual activity in the capital; it seems someone is trying to suppress our business."
This news was like a bucket of cold water poured over their heads. Murong Xuewei's face instantly turned pale, while a sharp glint flashed in Gu Ye's eyes.
"It seems someone intends to wipe us all out in one fell swoop," Gu Ye sneered. "They not only want to deal with us, but also cut off all our escape routes."
Murong Xuewei took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. "Gu Ye, we must return to the capital as soon as possible. Only by getting back there can we seize the initiative."
Gu Ye nodded. "You're right. I'll make the arrangements right away, and we'll set off first thing tomorrow morning."
Watching Gu Ye's hurried departure, Murong Xuewei suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of loneliness and fear.
She knew the road ahead would be even more difficult. But at the same time, she also knew that only by facing these difficulties head-on could she truly achieve her goals.
In the stillness of the night, Murong Xuewei stood outside her tent, gazing at the starry sky. She recalled her past life and her initial motivation for being reborn. Now that she had come this far, she could not back down no matter what.
Murong Xuewei clasped her hands together and silently prayed, "Since Heaven has given me this chance to be reborn, please continue to bless me."
Just then, a warm hand landed on her shoulder. Murong Xuewei turned around and saw Gu Ye's concerned gaze.
"Can't you sleep?" Gu Ye asked softly.
Murong Xuewei shook her head. "I'm thinking about what we should do after we return to the capital."
Gu Ye pondered for a moment, then said, "We must proceed with caution. The enemy is in the shadows, while we are in the open. We must find the spy and expose the truth."
Murong Xuewei nodded. "You're right. However, Gu Ye, I have a request."
"What request?"
"After we return to the capital, no matter what happens, please believe me." Murong Xuewei looked directly into Gu Ye's eyes. "I might do some things that seem irrational, but please believe me, everything I do has a reason."
Looking into Murong Xuewei's resolute eyes, Gu Ye suddenly felt a strong urge to protect her. He said solemnly, "Xuewei, I believe in you. No matter what happens, I will stand by your side."
The two exchanged a smile, as if at that moment, all the conspiracies and dangers seemed so insignificant.
A small convoy was slowly traveling on the official road leading to the capital.
At the heart of the convoy was a luxurious carriage, surrounded by dozens of fully armed elite soldiers.
If you look closely, you'll find that the team is not moving fast; in fact, you could say they are moving at a leisurely pace.
Inside the carriage, Murong Xuewei leaned against the window, admiring the autumn scenery along the way.
The golden rice fields stretch as far as the eye can see, and the occasional migratory bird flying by adds a touch of life to this picturesque scene.
Gu Ye sat opposite her, looking relaxed, not at all like a general who had just come from the battlefield and was escorting important prisoners.
“Gu Ye,” Murong Xuewei suddenly spoke, a sly glint in her eyes, “do you think those people are as anxious as ants on a hot pan right now?”
Gu Ye chuckled lightly, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. "I'm afraid it's not just anxiety, but more of a sense of panic and confusion."
The two exchanged a smile, as if they were playing a game that only they understood.
Just then, the carriage curtain was lifted, and a handsome yet bewildered face peeked in. It was Nangong Yifeng.
“You two,” Nangong Yifeng frowned, “can you tell me what’s going on? We’ve been away from the border for ten days already, and should have reached the capital by now. But judging from your appearance, you don’t seem to be heading back to report.”
Murong Xuewei and Gu Ye exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of a smile in each other's eyes.
Murong Xuewei smiled slightly and said, "Young Master Nangong, don't you think that leisurely appreciating the scenery along the way is much more interesting than the tedious affairs of the court?"
Nangong Yifeng was even more confused, "But...but aren't you afraid of the Emperor's punishment?"
Gu Ye said calmly, "The Emperor's decree only ordered us to bring you back to the capital; it didn't specify when. Besides," he gave Nangong Yifeng a meaningful look, "some things need time to unfold."
Nangong Yifeng wanted to ask more, but was stopped by Liuli beside him.
Seeing Nangong Yifeng's bewildered expression, Liuli explained in a low voice, "Young Master Nangong, don't you understand? General Gu and Miss are fishing."
"Fishing?" Nangong Yifeng was even more puzzled.
Liuli sighed and patiently explained, "Right now we know nothing about the spies, but if they know you've been captured, they'll definitely try to rescue you, or... kill you."
Nangong Yifeng suddenly realized, then his expression turned horrified. "You mean, they used me as bait?"
Upon hearing this, Murong Xuewei couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Young Master Nangong, if we really wanted to use you as bait, you should be in the prison cart behind us right now, not riding in the same carriage with us."
Nangong Yifeng breathed a sigh of relief, but was still somewhat uneasy. "Then... what should we do next?"
Gu Ye said seriously, "Stay vigilant, but don't make it too obvious. We need to make those people think we're really just leisurely enjoying the scenery."
Nangong Yifeng nodded. Although he still didn't quite understand, he didn't ask any more questions.
Nangong Yifeng simply lay down in the carriage, ate fruit, and closed his eyes to rest.
As night fell, the group arrived at a small town and found a reasonably clean-looking inn to rest.
Gu Ye arranged for soldiers to take turns keeping watch at night, especially guarding Nangong Yifeng's prison cart.
In the dead of night, a commotion suddenly broke out in the quiet inn. Gu Ye and Murong Xuewei woke up almost simultaneously, quickly put on their coats, and rushed out of the room.
"What's going on?" Gu Ye asked sternly.
A soldier ran in to report, "General, there's movement over at the prison van. It looks like someone's trying to hijack it under cover of darkness!"
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