Chapter 76: Rescue

Amidst the chaos of war, tonight in the capital is destined to leave many sleepless. The city gates are littered with corpses, yet a number of people continue to climb up the city wall. The air is thick with arrows, and danger lurks everywhere.

In the depths of the woods, one can only see the distant scene of the battle. A man in a brocade robe rides a horse, holding a map with a serious expression. “We must break through the city gates within fifteen minutes. Once inside, split the troops into four routes: one to surround the Grand Tutor’s residence, another to control the remaining officials’ estates, one to assault the palace, and the rest will ambush various places in the city to guard against Xiao Jing’s reinforcements.”

“Yes!”

After the generals around responded, they immediately gave orders to intensify the offensive and make sure to break through the city gate as soon as possible.

Beside them, a woman draped in a plain cloak could not help but retort coldly, “Do you really think the Emperor is unprepared?”

Lowering his head slightly to glance at the woman whose hands were bound, Xiao Ming only sneered, raising an eyebrow. “Of course, my brother has his defenses, but with Gu Qin in play, how could he dare to use all his trump cards?”

The woods were filled with numerous torches, surrounded by a dense crowd of soldiers. The woman was encircled, her hands tied behind her back, turning her head away with a cold expression.

“My brother is cunning and never trusts anyone. Unfortunately, he has overlooked one thing: how can he expect others to feel secure when he holds all the power?”

Thinking of that decree, Xiao Ming’s expression darkened inexplicably. He never believed he was inferior to anyone, yet their father had trusted his brother so deeply. Even in death, he had relegated them to fiefs to clear the way for his brother, truly a good father!

Xia Tong glanced to the side and suddenly said, “How about we make a bet?”

Xiao Ming looked down at her but did not respond.

“If you succeed in your rebellion today, I will obediently cooperate with you to threaten Gu Qin. But if you fail, I hope you will apologize to Shen Xin.”

Xia Tong wasn’t really betting. She was certain that without the heroine, Xiao Ming couldn’t possibly defeat Xiao Jing. Moreover, Gu Qin wouldn’t let him succeed either. It was pitiful that Shen Xin trusted him so completely, only to be deceived like this.

Hearing her words, the man on horseback narrowed his eyes and stared at the calm woman in front of him. “Do you have confidence in Gu Qin, or do you think I’m inferior to my elder brother?”

As if remembering something, he suddenly chuckled. “I almost forgot. You were once on the verge of becoming the Crown Princess. You may not know this, but my elder brother has always been infatuated with you. His new favorite concubine has eyes just like yours. He appears virtuous but covets a minister’s wife—what a hypocrite.”

Xia Tong didn’t want to engage with this madman any longer. His words were nothing but slander. He was no better himself, and it was a shame that the heroine had once trusted him so much.

“However, this bet is quite interesting. I have never wronged anyone, and one day, Xin’er will understand my intentions.” He snorted coldly, his expression indifferent.

At that moment, a soldier rushed over urgently. “Your Highness, we’ve spotted the troops of the Shenji Camp in the southwest. We can’t see how many there are.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ming frowned in thought for a moment, then suddenly shot a cold glance at Xia Tong. “Keep a close watch on her. The rest of you, follow me with ten thousand men.”

“Yes!”

The sound of horses’ hooves and footsteps echoed through the forest. Xia Tong struggled against the ropes binding her wrists but eventually gave up. Conserving her strength was more important.

However, before Xiao Ming had gone far, the sounds of battle erupted in the woods. Xia Tong jumped in shock as Xiao Ming’s men suddenly began to fight among themselves, with one group even heading her way.

“Don’t be afraid, Princess. The Regent has sent us to rescue you,” said a dark-skinned soldier, who rushed in front of her and carefully cut the ropes binding her hands. After a moment of surprise, Xia Tong quickly followed him. This group of rescuers was well-trained. Although they were few in number, they quickly cleared a path, catching the others off guard.

Knowing she was pregnant, those clearing the way didn’t rush her but silently blocked the enemies approaching from all sides. However, there were too many opponents, and gradually, the number of those leading the way dwindled, with pursuers closing in from behind.

Carefully lifting her skirt, she ran to the edge of a valley, but seeing the enemy close behind, the leading soldier quickly blocked her path. “Princess, go ahead. We can hold them off for a moment.”

Looking at the determined faces around her, Xia Tong knew what the outcome would be. Tears welled up in her eyes, but without hesitation, she quickened her pace forward. She told herself not to look back, but the sounds of swords and blades from behind made her heart ache. When would this dynasty ever find peace?

Not knowing how long she had been running, she could hear the pursuers closing in again. Gritting her teeth, she kept moving forward, and then, suddenly, she saw flickering flames ahead, with countless silhouettes in the firelight, though she couldn’t tell which side they were on.

Before she could get closer, a shadow suddenly appeared from the darkness, and she was swept into someone’s arms and leaped away.

Closing her eyes, she inhaled the familiar scent of ink when they finally landed. Her eyes heated up, and when she opened them, she saw a familiar face. “Gu Qin…”

Looking at her pitiful expression, the man frowned. “Aren’t you going to call me husband?”

Xia Tong: “……”

Why couldn’t he say something comforting?

“I almost thought I’d never see you again.” She sniffled, her eyes reddening.

At this, the man raised his hand and lightly tapped her forehead, his voice filled with displeasure. “Don’t bring that up again.”

Meeting his gaze, Xia Tong rubbed the spot where he tapped her, pouting and deciding not to speak. This unfeeling man would never show her a kind expression.

The pursuing soldiers had caught up, and the man glanced at the nearby soldiers. “Leave none alive.”

“Yes!”

Arrows rained down in an instant, piercing the crowd, accompanied by numerous cries of despair. Xia Tong stood in front of a dead tree, but before she could see what happened, a large hand gently covered her eyes.

Knowing this man was the one who tormented her, Gu Qin’s expression was grim. He scanned her from head to toe and, seeing that she was unharmed, lowered his head and took a deep breath by her neck. Although he knew that Xiao Ming intended to use her to threaten him, Gu Qin still feared for her and their child, just as he had when his father had suffered. This time, he would not allow history to repeat itself.

Amid the cries of agony, feeling the man’s warm breath against her neck, Xia Tong felt a warm comfort. As long as he was by her side, she felt safe, even surrounded by enemies.

“Actually… I’m really afraid I won’t be able to see you again.”

Her voice was weak, and the man removed her cloak’s hood, ruffling her soft hair. He held her tightly in his embrace and spoke in a low voice, “That day will never come.”

She clung tightly to his waist, her heart filled with a sense of satisfaction she had never known before.

“However, if there will be a next time, I’ll throw you into the snake pit immediately.”

His tone was icy. It had only been a short time since he had left, and already she had been captured. She never gave him a moment’s peace.

Xia Tong: “……”

He was still using words from hundreds of years ago. All he did was scare people.

Nearby, Xifeng kept his head down, pretending he hadn’t heard anything. Master’s words couldn’t frighten anyone now. Every time the Princess caught a cold breeze, he would get all flustered. This time, the Princess’s predicament had disrupted their years of planning. However, opportunities would still arise, but there is only one Princess.

Xia Tong slowly opened her eyes when she noticed that the screams around her had significantly diminished. She glanced over and saw that Xiao Ming’s men were nearly gone. In the past, she would have disapproved of Gu Qin’s ruthless methods, but thinking of the few soldiers who had sacrificed their lives to save her, she felt nothing but resentment towards Xiao Ming, mixed with even greater disgust.

Although it was somewhat inappropriate, a reluctant commander approached, bowing respectfully. “Your Highness, the enemy forces have been completely annihilated. I wonder if they will join up with General Li’s men or go to the East Forest to encircle and suppress the Fifth Prince?”

Suddenly reminded that there were still so many people around, Xia Tong flushed and quickly pulled away from Gu Qin’s embrace, putting on her cloak’s hood to cover her warm cheeks.

Upon hearing this, Gu Qin didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he turned to Xifeng and coldly ordered, “Bring a team of people to escort the princess back to the residence. If there is any accident this time, you will never come back to see this king again.”