Chapter 103: See Xie Yan, Kill Without Mercy!

Not long after, a group arrived at the steep slope where Shen Shuangning had rolled down the previous day.

Pei Zhi stood above; a slight peek let him see two corpses lying side by side at the slope's bottom, both dead with eyes unclosed.

The Imperial Guard had already gone down to search carefully, but found no trace of Shen Shuangning.

Last night's rain not only made the road beneath their feet muddy and slippery, but also washed away any traces that might have been left, leaving them completely clean.

But Pei Zhi still keenly noticed a small piece of blue fabric caught on a tree branch.

He was certain it was left behind by Shen Shuangning.

Pei Zhi's gaze swept over the corpses, then turned to a nearby rock large enough to hide behind; he seemed to see a woman, in the critical moment, curled in a corner with a face full of panic, and the spot where he stood was exactly where the "killer" had stood.

He dared not imagine what would befall her if she fell into that wicked person's hands.

Pei Zhi's clean white robe was splattered with mud, yet he seemed unaware; he withdrew his gaze from the slope below and looked around.

Immediately, his gaze locked onto a stone wall concealed by trees and covered in moss.

In an instant, Pei Zhi's pupils contracted, the hand hidden in his wide sleeves clenched tightly, and his expression subtly changed.

How could this be such a coincidence?

Damn it.

Pei Zhi forcefully closed his eyes.

No one knew what Junior Tutor Pei was thinking at that moment; they only felt that his usually calm and heavy aura, like a mountain, had instantly turned cold and gloomy.

Seeing this, everyone thought Fourth Miss Shen was likely doomed, but seeing the Junior Tutor remain silent, no one dared to speak for a moment.

These were all Pei Zhi's people.

Only seeing the Junior Tutor remain silent for a moment, then open his eyes, everyone's gaze involuntarily fell on him, awaiting orders.

Pei Zhi spoke in his usual calm tone: "Alive, we want to see the person; dead, we want to see the corpse; continue searching..."

He paused, then immediately issued an order that left everyone astonished.

"Pass the order down: if anyone sees Xie Yan of the Yong Ning Marquis's Mansion, kill him without mercy!"

Xiao Jingyuan did not let Shen Shuangning wait too long.

When he returned, he actually brought some fresh wild fruit.

The wild fruit was covered with dew, very clean.

One bite burst with juicy sweetness spreading between lips and teeth; it was not only delicious but also quenched thirst.

The two sat in the cave for a moment, when someone came from outside.

"Heir Apparent, are you inside?"

A familiar voice came from outside the cave.

Shen Shuangning recognized it; it was Qingyun.

Seeing that it was one of their own, Shen Shuangning couldn't help but show a look of joy.

The next moment, however, they heard Xiao Jingyuan say to the outside: "Don't come in yet."

Outside the cave were not only Qingyun, but also four Black Armor Guards of the Pacification Office.

For this spring hunt, Xiao Jingyuan also brought his own people, but not many; fortunately he had brought people, otherwise it would have been quite troublesome.

Qingyun had followed the markers Xiao Jingyuan left to find his way here, and also knew that Fourth Miss Shen was inside, so he did not rush in.

If he happened to see something, it would not be good.

At this moment, hearing the Heir Apparent's steady voice, Qingyun thought it was fortunate he had good eyesight, and replied loudly, "Yes."

He then turned around, having the others quickly turn their backs as well, himself also facing away from the cave entrance.

Qingyun's face remained its usual calm, while the few Black Armor Guards exchanged glances; the Heir Apparent and Fourth Miss Shen, a lone man and woman spending the night together in the cave, now not allowing anyone to enter—could it be...

Being all men, it was inevitable that their minds would turn to thoughts of romance and love.

The Black Armor Guards were illiterate rough fellows, unlike the Golden Warrior Guard, whose members all had extraordinary backgrounds and many rules.

In their view, someone like Heir Apparent Xiao, if he truly had some improper conduct with Fourth Miss Shen in the cave, would be nothing unusual.

The few exchanged knowing smiles at the corners of their mouths, and even felt a little envious of the Heir Apparent's abundant romantic fortune.

The two inside the cave, however, were unaware that the people outside had already let their imaginations run wild.

When Xiao Jingyuan returned, he brought not only wild fruit, but also specially sought out some herbs.

He had not forgotten that Shen Shuangning's knee was injured.

Xiao Jingyuan turned his back to her.

At this moment, Shen Shuangning rolled up her pant leg, revealing a slender, fair lower leg and a large patch of shocking bruise.

Beside her was a broken porcelain bowl containing the herbs that Xiao Jingyuan had crushed in advance.

She lifted her eyes to glance at the man's broad back, unable to hold back a silent complaint in her heart.

Having held her all night last night, what's with pretending to be a gentleman now?

Shen Shuangning acted swiftly, quickly applied the medicine, then lowered her pant leg, and afterwards supported herself against the rock wall to slowly rise.

Last night had been too perilous; Shen Shuangning herself did not even know when she had been injured.

Generally, when such an injury reaches the bone, one often feels nothing at first, but as time goes on the pain becomes increasingly obvious and sharp.

After all, she is a young lady from a ducal household, with delicate skin; even a slight scrape makes her eyes redden, let alone an injury to tendons and bones.

She has always feared pain, and a cold sweat involuntarily appeared on her forehead.

But she is strong-willed, unwilling to show weakness before outsiders, and even more unwilling to be looked down upon by Xiao Jingyuan; thus, although the pain was barely bearable, she gritted her teeth and endured it without making a sound.

"Heir Apparent, I'm fine."

Only then did Xiao Jingyuan turn around, his gaze falling on her face; he saw that although her expression showed no disturbance, her complexion was clearly a bit pale.

He then reached out to support her, asking: "Does it hurt? Can you still walk? Shall I carry you?"

His tone was ordinary, he had not deliberately lowered his voice, but when these words reached the ears of the few outside the cave, they stirred their hearts.

Look, look, all you're saying are vicious tiger-and-wolf words!

Heir Apparent Lord, you really don't know how to cherish fragrance and jade!

Even Qingyun felt a bit embarrassed, his ears flushing faintly red; in his peripheral vision he saw a Black Armored Guard nearby with a face flushed red from holding back, he lifted his leg and kicked over, giving a warning glance.

Those sordid thoughts are about to be written plainly on your face! If the Heir Apparent Lord sees you, you'll get what's coming to you!

That Black Armored Guard took a kick, gave a light cough, immediately composed himself, and stood properly.

Soon after, a commotion came from behind — it was the Heir Apparent Lord and Fourth Miss Shen coming out.

Even so, without Xiao Jingyuan's order, everyone remained standing with heads lowered, none daring to turn around on their own.

Shen Shuangning ultimately declined Xiao Jingyuan's good intentions, and Xiao Jingyuan did not insist.

Now that our own people have arrived, we have a layer of security; unlike last night's pervasive danger, we can now proceed slowly.

Xiao Jingyuan did not set off immediately, first asking Qingyun: "How is the situation outside?"

"Report to Heir Apparent Lord, the Jinwu Guard promptly escorted His Majesty and the Empress back to the palace, the assassins have been taken back, and the Forbidden Guard, under orders, remains to hunt down any escapees. Just now, your subordinate, while in the forest, also encountered Junior Tutor Pei."

Qingyun lowered his head to reply, his gaze fixed firmly on his own shoes, not daring to glance sideways even with the corner of his eye.

Xiao Jingyuan pondered for a moment, then said: "Have you encountered Xie Yan?"

"Xie Yan? You mean Eldest Master Xie?" Qingyun started, obviously not expecting the Heir Apparent Lord to suddenly mention this person.

Xiao Jingyuan said: "Otherwise?"

Qingyun quickly shook his head: "Your subordinate has not seen him."

Xiao Jingyuan also said nothing more, his tone cold and decisive: "This person is the leader of the assassins. It's best to capture him alive; if not, kill him on the spot."

Hearing the four words "kill on the spot," Shen Shuangning's heart startled.

Qingyun suddenly raised his head, eyes widening.

Eldest Master Xie is the assassin leader?!!

Qingyun was extremely shocked.

Although his heart was tumultuous with shock and myriad doubts, he had no objection to Xiao Jingyuan's order; he quickly composed himself and replied in a deep voice: "Your subordinate obeys!"

The others naturally followed Xiao Jingyuan's lead; although they were also shocked by Xie Yan's identity, they all silently kept it in mind, eyes full of cold solemnity.

After Xiao Jingyuan gave his orders, he added: "Go find a flat, easy road."

Qingyun was still reeling from the shock that Xie Yan was a traitor, when he suddenly heard this, he first froze.

Only when his gaze swept over the frail figure behind Xiao Jingyuan did he suddenly realize: the Heir Apparent was especially considering Fourth Miss Shen.

Qingyun dared not look further, hastily withdrew his gaze, and immediately assigned two Black Armored Guards to scout ahead.

Xiao Jingyuan is somewhat of a cleanliness freak; his dark-colored outer robe was discarded in the cave and not worn.

Shen Shuangning still had a few wild fruits in her hand; while waiting in place, she distributed them to Qingyun and the others, saying gratefully: "Thank you for your hard work, everyone."

Qingyun quickly said: "Fourth Miss, please don't stand on ceremony; this is just our duty."

Looking at the fruit offered before them, several were flattered and startled, at a loss, and basically dared not take it.

Until Xiao Jingyuan said: "Take it."

Only then did Qingyun dare to receive it with both hands, carefully dividing it among those nearby.

They too had been rushing about since last night without drinking a drop; being from the Guard Command, they never took such toil to heart, regarding it as ordinary duty, even finding it rather easy.

But now, biting into a wild fruit, the clear sweet juice washed over their tongues, and several burly men couldn't help but feel a warm surge in their hearts.

These people, usually looked down upon by the powerful and noble outside, when have they ever been treated with such special consideration?

Only later did they realize that the Heir Apparent seemed somewhat different from before; although his face still bore that cold expression, the aura of keeping people at a thousand miles' distance had clearly softened considerably.

This discovery made several Black Armored Guards' hearts jolt, instantly energizing them. Several gazes couldn't help but furtively wander between Shen Shuangning and Xiao Jingyuan, back and forth, sizing them up.

At this moment, everyone's minds unexpectedly conjured the same thought: If Fourth Miss Shen could become their lady mistress, would the brothers from now on be able to live a good life?!!

The two principals were unaware of their little scheming.

While on the march, a Black Armored Guard couldn't help but edge up to Qingyun's side and whispered something.

Qingyun directly gave him a knock on the head: "What are you thinking? Fourth Miss is already engaged to the Young Marquis."

The Black Armored Guard let out a soft "Ah": "Then the Heir Apparent and Fourth Miss are still in the cave..."

Qingyun quickly interrupted: "You idiot! That's because Fourth Miss is injured, her head's full of what nonsense?"

Qingyun had already realized that nothing had happened between the Heir Apparent Lord and Fourth Miss Shen; it was all their imagination running wild.

Now, thinking about it, Qingyun feels guilty.

That Black Armored Guard suddenly understood, also feeling a bit regretful: it turns out Fourth Miss already has a beloved.

After walking half an hour, the party finally arrived at a flat main road, with several horses tethered nearby that Qingyun and company had left behind.

However, just then, an incident occurred.

A sharp eagle cry pierced the forest's silence!

Immediately afterward, dozens of black figures burst from the depths of the dense forest, each with black cloth covering their faces, and from front and rear they numbered twenty or thirty!

A young man in a bluish-green long robe stepped out slowly from the side.

He had one hand behind his back, leisurely strolling in this murderous atmosphere, his demeanor tranquil, as if merely taking a walk in his own backyard garden.

The masked men voluntarily made way.

Only see the man raise his hand and softly call; the eagle that had been circling in the sky swooped down, landing steadily on his arm; he slowly stroked the eagle's feathers, then gradually turned his gaze and smiled at Xiao Jingyuan and company:

"How does it feel to be the turtle in the urn, Lord Xiao?"

If not Xie Yan, who else could it be?