Zuo Wuji stared blankly at Qin Feng, an inexplicable urge to fly up and punch him twice welling up.
Seeing Zuo Wuji lost in thought, Qin Feng sighed, "If His Majesty were still alive, he would naturally protect you and the Yue family. But if... when that time comes, you will look across the realm and discover that only Marquis Anguo can offer you refuge. As for me? I might not even be able to protect myself!"
Zuo Wuji's face grew increasingly grim.
A wild thought took root in his mind.
What if Mu Cheng were to suddenly die? If he and Qin Feng joined forces, they could support Qin Feng's ascension without any issues!
Or, failing that, he could simply place Zhi Rou on the throne and make her the Empress of Great Liang!
This way, he wouldn't have to consider any other options.
However, he could tell that Qin Feng would never agree to such a plan.
And the guards present were all Mu Cheng's Xuan Guards; he dared not utter such treasonous words.
Seeing that Zuo Wuji still hadn't responded, Qin Feng comforted him, "Please rest assured, Marquis Zhenbei. With your loyalty, no matter how the situation changes in the future, His Majesty will surely protect Marquis Zhenbei and the Yue family!"
Upon hearing this, Zuo Wuji's mind flashed with an idea. He asked, "My late brother-in-law (my wife's brother), were they truly framed and killed by the Yan and Dong families?"
Qin Feng blinked in surprise and replied, "You can ask His Majesty about this matter. He can facilitate your access to the case files from the Ministry of Justice. But do you think His Majesty would have any reason to lie to you?"
Zuo Wuji said sadly, "There is no reason. After all, I could discreetly speak with the Ministry of Justice and it wouldn't be difficult to retrieve the old case files..."
Only then did Qin Feng say, "Marquis Zhenbei should consider reconciling with Marquis Anguo. While he occasionally revels in shamelessness, his loyalty and righteousness are beyond doubt. Even if you don't intend to ally with him, you should at least let the Yan family know that he is indeed your backer."
Zuo Wuji mused, and after a moment, he cupped his fists in thanks.
Leaving the Zhenguo Marquis's residence, Zuo Wuji gazed at the star-filled sky, filled with melancholy.
"Is there no place for me in this vast world?"
Zuo Wuji let out a long sigh and muttered to himself.
Suddenly, Liang Xiao's smiling face popped into his mind. He quickly shook his head.
That brat didn't count!
He was too addicted to the feeling of holding great power and being respected by everyone.
Mu Cheng had not disappointed him.
But now, he had confirmed from both Mu Cheng and Qin Feng that the Yue family had indeed fallen due to the persecution by the Yan and Dong families.
There was no room for negotiation with the noble clans either!
"Raise an army and declare independence?" Another idea flashed through Zuo Wuji's mind, and he immediately shook his head.
At that time, Qin Feng would likely be the first to march against him, and he would truly be abandoned by everyone.
Seek refuge with the Peacock Dynasty? It was said to be the birthplace of the Huichun Cult, and he was sworn enemies with them.
Seek refuge with the southern barbarians? That would be worse than declaring independence...
"Perhaps I could go overseas and carve out a new territory? At least then I wouldn't have to see that brat's face anymore!"
A spark of inspiration suddenly struck Zuo Wuji, and he made up his mind, hurrying home.
In a secret chamber of the Yan family, Yan Liu, with a grim expression, reported to Iris and Zen Master Longyue.
"That Yue Da Liang is extremely shrewd, giving vague answers. It is currently impossible to wrest control of the Zhenbei Army from him!"
Iris and Zen Master Longyue exchanged glances, lost in thought.
Zen Master Longyue said coldly, "While Liang Xiao and Qin Feng are cautious, there are ways to deal with people like the Li family and the Yue family. Perhaps we should strike at the Li family first, as a warning to others, and let Yue Da Liang understand the consequences of defying the Yan family. This old monk will make arrangements for this matter."
Iris reminded him, "Qin Xun has served his purpose. There is no need to use him to accuse Qin Feng. Conversely, Qin Xun's death could push Qin Feng into the spotlight. However, Qin Xun must not die in the capital, lest the Emperor of Great Liang and Qin Feng begin an investigation. Furthermore, I heard that Ling Jianxing is also in Great Liang, perhaps already in the capital and has joined forces with Liang Xiao. We must be wary of this person..."
Zen Master Longyue mused and then chuckled, "Speaking of which, this old monk should mete out justice to his own disciple and taste his blood..."
At the same time, fifty miles southwest of the capital, a group of swordsmen were searching around a mountain pass.
The leading swordsman was Jian Nanfeng's second disciple, Ling Jianxing!
"That undercover gentleman suddenly went silent. The appointed time has passed, and he has yet to arrive. Could it be that the Huichun Cult has seen through him?" Ling Jianxing's face was full of worry.
A swordsman said, "Second Senior Brother, should we continue to wait here in vain? What if... what if he has betrayed us and intends to lead us into a trap..."
Ling Jianxing pondered for a moment, his brow furrowing as an idea struck him.
"That undercover gentleman seemed to have considered our concerns, which is why he assured us that we would maintain control. Moreover, the intelligence he provided has been of great help to us several times, saving hundreds of innocent lives. Why don't you return first and inform Marquis Anguo, while we wait here and act according to the situation? I cannot disregard the safety of this undercover gentleman; perhaps he is merely delayed by something."
Thus, after deliberation, they decided to send one of their junior brothers back to the capital to contact Liang Xiao for reinforcements, while Ling Jianxing and the others would wait at the location.
In the deep courtyard of the Yue residence, Yue Hongxiu led the Northern King's Imperial Guards on a search. They navigated through winding corridors and finally, at the end, heard a cry.
"Mother~"
Yue Hongxiu's heart was filled with joy. She immediately led the Northern King's Imperial Guards to the door, only to find two guards, a man and a woman, standing guard.
"General Anbei, please return. Do not make things difficult for us..." The four of them sweated profusely and pleaded.
"The child inside is Lin Xin's, isn't it?" Yue Hongxiu asked coldly.
The four guards repeatedly shook their heads.
"Then why are you guarding this place! Open the door!"
Yue Hongxiu immediately led the Northern King's Imperial Guards in, breaking down the door. Inside, they found two wet nurses coaxing two children to sleep. Beside them were four guards, their expressions stern, watching her vigilantly.
Just then, a roar came from outside the door: "Yue Hongxiu!!"
Yue Hongxiu's heart jolted. She knew the four guards inside were not to be trifled with, but she was unwilling to give up. She responded angrily, "Yue Da Liang!"
Zuo Wuji stormed in with a cold face, gritting his teeth, "I finally treated you like a sister-in-law, and you intend to betray me?!"
In the deep quiet of the night, all was silent.
Liang Xiao, who was coaxing Zuo Jing to sleep, suddenly heard Yue Qingtian's urgent report from outside the door: "Marquis!"
Liang Xiao cautiously opened the door.
It was the first time Yue Qingtian had reported with such urgency, indicating a major event had occurred.
After Liang Xiao came out, Yue Qingtian whispered, "The old madam has returned, and she is injured!"
Hearing this, Liang Xiao's expression changed. He followed Yue Qingtian outside the courtyard and saw Yue Hongxiu and Yue Wenxin approaching.
At this moment, there was still blood at the corner of Yue Hongxiu's mouth, and her cheeks were red and swollen, clearly having been slapped a few times.
Seeing this, Liang Xiao trembled and asked, "He hit her?"
Yue Hongxiu looked helpless and nodded.
"I found the child, but just as he returned home, a fight broke out..."
Liang Xiao's fury erupted.
This was a woman his father had wronged, and he truly respected Lu Xue and Yue Hongxiu as his own mothers.
"Qingtian, accompany me to the Yue residence!!"