bookcurios Chapter 107: Shadow Approaches
Chapter 107: Shadow Approaches
A few days of quiet life allowed Cheng Yuwei and Ling Xiaotian to relax slightly, but undercurrents were quietly surging. Duan Yuxuan's conspiracy did not stop at spying; his army was secretly gathering, ready to take action at any time to threaten Ling Xiaotian's sphere of influence.
One day, Ling Xiaotian and Cheng Yuwei were having breakfast at the mansion when a spy suddenly arrived with a report: "General, urgent news from the southern border! Duan Yuxuan's troops have been massing at the border, and it looks like they could launch a surprise attack at any moment!"
Ling Xiaotian's expression darkened as he put down his bowl and chopsticks, his eyes gleaming with an icy light. He knew Duan Yuxuan's ambition and strength well. If he allowed him to advance without delay, the consequences would be disastrous.
Seeing this, Cheng Yuwei gently held his hand and said softly, "Xiaotian, we can make preparations in advance and not give Duan Yuxuan any chance to take advantage of us."
Ling Xiaotian's eyes turned and he nodded, "Yuwei is right. We must take the initiative and catch Duan Yuxuan off guard."
Cheng Yuwei immediately began analyzing Duan Yuxuan's tactics. Drawing on her modern chemistry knowledge, she designed a smoke bomb that would not only disrupt the enemy's line of sight but also provide cover for the retreat or attack of her own troops. Ling Xiaotian was impressed upon hearing this and immediately ordered preparations to follow her plan.
Three days later, Duan Yuxuan's army launched an offensive along the border. Ling Xiaotian personally led his troops into battle, while Cheng Yuwei prepared emergency smoke bombs and medicine for the soldiers in the rear. As the battlefield thickened with smoke, Cheng Yuwei's smoke bombs proved incredibly effective, disrupting the enemy's formation. Ling Xiaotian's troops seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack, boosting morale.
Amidst the chaos, Ling Xiaotian spotted the deputy commander commanding Duan Yuxuan's troops. A tall, imposing man, he was directing a charge. With a sneer, Ling Xiaotian directed his men to charge the enemy's command center, disrupting their formation. The deputy commander was caught off guard and trapped. Ling Xiaotian quickly subdued him with a single blow, securing a temporary victory.
After the battle, Ling Xiaotian returned to the camp. Cheng Yuwei was already waiting outside the tent. Seeing him return, Cheng Yuwei approached him with a worried look on her face, tears in her eyes. "Xiaotian, are you okay?"
Ling Xiaotian gently held her in his arms and comforted her softly, "Don't worry, I'm fine. This victory is thanks to your smoke bomb."
Cheng Yuwei breathed a sigh of relief and leaned gently into his arms, feeling his heartbeat. She said softly, "Xiaotian, I just want to help you in my own way. Every time you go to the battlefield, I'm terrified, but I also know that only on the battlefield can you be your true self."
Ling Xiaotian smiled and whispered softly in her ear: "With you by my side, I feel at home, I have a real home. No matter what happens, I will protect you."
The two stood hugging each other, their warmth blending with each other in the night, as if the smoke of the battlefield had been isolated outside.
However, even as they enjoyed this brief moment of warmth, Duan Yuxuan refused to give up. He personally mobilized various forces, secretly plotting a larger conspiracy. Duan Yuxuan not only recruited troops but also bribed several of Ling Xiaotian's subordinates and planted spies to monitor Ling Xiaotian's every move.
The next morning, a secret letter quietly arrived in Cheng Yuwei's hands. She opened it and discovered a warning that someone close to them had betrayed them. The letter detailed several suspects and even outlined their possible plans of action. Cheng Yuwei's heart sank as she read it. While she didn't know who wrote it, she instinctively knew the message was authentic.
She handed the letter to Ling Xiaotian. After reading it, Ling Xiaotian's face became solemn, and a murderous look flashed in his eyes: "It seems that Duan Yuxuan is unwilling to accept defeat and has planted spies in the mansion. These traitors must not be forgiven lightly."
Cheng Yuwei reminded: "Xiaotian, although this letter is detailed, it may also be a test from the enemy. We need to investigate secretly and not expose it easily."
Ling Xiaotian nodded, and then arranged for several confidants to secretly monitor the suspect and gradually collect evidence.
A few days later, one night, Cheng Yuwei spotted one of the suspects, guard Wang Cheng, sneaking out of the mansion. She followed him quietly, discreetly investigating his movements. She discovered he had sneaked into an abandoned temple outside the city and met with several strange men. Cheng Yuwei didn't approach him, but secretly memorized their appearance and quietly returned.
When she returned to the mansion and informed Ling Xiaotian of the situation, he immediately dispatched men to infiltrate the temple, apprehending the men and discovering the secret letter they carried. The letter detailed Duan Yuxuan's plan, including details on his assassination attempt. Upon seeing this, Ling Xiaotian's expression suddenly changed, secretly thanking Cheng Yuwei for her quick thinking, as otherwise the mansion would have faced a catastrophe.
Ling Xiaotian sighed and held Cheng Yuwei's hand: "Yuwei, thanks to you, otherwise I would not be able to escape this disaster."
Cheng Yuwei gently held his hand and said firmly: "Xiaotian, we are husband and wife, and we should face it together. As long as you are by my side, I will have nothing to fear."
A little suspense: Although they successfully uncovered Duan Yuxuan's plot, a greater crisis is quietly approaching. Duan Yuxuan will never give up easily. What will be his next move? Can Ling Xiaotian and Cheng Yuwei continue to protect this peaceful place?