bookcurios Chapter 564
Chapter 564
"Don't panic, I'm here." The Regent reached out and pulled her onto his warhorse in one swift motion. The two sat back to back on the horse, and the familiar scent of agarwood mixed with the smell of blood wafted over him, giving Dongfang Wan'er a strange sense of security.
The shouts of the pursuers grew closer, and the Regent gave a soft command, causing his warhorse to rear up. He swung his sword with lightning speed, blood splattering wherever the blade passed, while Dongfang Wan'er coordinated with his swordplay, her soft sword targeting the enemy's lower body. The two had practiced martial arts together since childhood, and now their perfect teamwork allowed them to carve a path through the thousands of soldiers.
However, the enemy forces were overwhelmingly superior, and a troop of cavalry appeared ahead, completely blocking their path. The leading general sneered and raised his spear: "Regent, today is your death day!"
The Regent, however, remained calm and unhurried, pulling a golden token from his robes. It was the tiger tally bestowed by the late Emperor, gleaming brightly in the night. "Do you all know what the punishment is for colluding with foreign enemies?" His voice was deep and authoritative, causing the enemy soldiers to involuntarily take a half-step back.
Taking advantage of the enemy's momentary hesitation, the Regent suddenly spurred his horse towards the dense forest on the left. Dongfang Wan'er understood immediately, flicked her soft whip from her waist, wrapped it around a large tree, used the momentum to swing up to a high place, and fired three bone-piercing nails from above, forcing the pursuers to stop.
They fought and retreated, relying on their familiarity with the terrain to finally shake off their pursuers. As the first rays of dawn pierced the clouds, the two, covered in blood, arrived in the capital. The city gates slowly opened, and the Regent, gazing at the familiar city walls, gripped Dongfang Wan'er's hand tightly: "We are far from losing this battle."
Upon returning to the palace, they immediately summoned loyal ministers to discuss countermeasures. The Regent slammed the imperial tally on the table, his eyes blazing: "The northern frontier is colluding with internal traitors, plotting to overthrow the court. But as long as we work together, we will surely thwart their conspiracy!"
Dongfang Wan'er unfolded the enemy's defense map, which she had drawn overnight, and pointed her finger at it: "Although the enemy is numerous, their supply lines are too long. We can send elite troops to cut off their supplies, and then wait in ambush, we will surely defeat them."
Morning light streamed through the window, casting long shadows on the two figures. They smiled at each other, their eyes filled with unwavering resolve. They were prepared for this battle, a battle that would determine the fate of their nation, and they vowed to fight the conspirators to the bitter end!
Dusk, as dark as ink, gradually enveloped the Regent's Palace. Inside the council hall, flickering candlelight illuminated the solemn faces of the assembled officials. The Regent sat regally in the main seat, listening to his generals report on recent military developments, occasionally nodding slightly and offering his own insights. Dongfang Wan'er stood to the side, a map in her hand, her gaze intently fixed on the discussion, occasionally interjecting with her unique perspective, drawing the attention of everyone present.
Just as everyone was deep in discussion, their voices rising and falling in heated debate, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the Prince's mansion, followed by the clanging of weapons clashing, mixed with shouts, and chaos spread rapidly like a surging tide. Everyone in the council hall was startled, gripping their weapons at their waists and looking warily toward the entrance.
A moment later, a guard, disheveled and panting, burst through the door of the council hall, rushed in, knelt on one knee, and said with obvious anxiety and unease, "Your Highness, something terrible has happened! News has come from the palace that the Emperor has suddenly fallen seriously ill, and the Empress Dowager has issued an imperial edict summoning you to the palace immediately!"
Upon hearing this, the hall fell into an instant silence. The Regent's previously composed face was instantly clouded with worry, his brows furrowed into a deep frown, and a hint of anxiety flashed in his deep eyes. He pondered to himself, "The Emperor has shown no signs of illness recently, so why has he suddenly fallen seriously ill? There must be something fishy going on."
Dongfang Wan'er frowned slightly, her eyes filled with worry. She stepped forward and said urgently, "Your Highness, this matter is too strange and we must be on guard. This may be a ploy by the enemy to lure you away from the palace and take advantage of your vulnerability. The situation is turbulent now, Your Highness must not venture into dangerous places lightly, lest you fall into the trap of treacherous people!"
The Regent remained silent for a long time, his fingers unconsciously tapping the armrest as he rapidly considered various possibilities. After a moment, he said in a deep voice, "While Wan'er's words make sense, if I don't go, it will only give others ammunition and provide the villains with leverage to exploit the situation. This matter is of great importance, and I must personally enter the palace to investigate and find out the truth. Wan'er, you stay here to continue preparing for military affairs, closely monitor the movements of all parties, and do not slacken your efforts in the slightest."
Dongfang Wan'er wanted to persuade him further, but seeing that the Regent's mind was made up, she could only nod helplessly and solemnly said, "Your Highness, you must be careful and cautious on this trip. If there is any unusual activity, please send someone to inform me immediately, and I will definitely lead my troops to meet you."
Having said that, the Regent quickly rose, donned his cloak, and, accompanied by several highly skilled and loyal confidants, mounted his horse and galloped towards the palace. The sound of hooves echoed loudly in the quiet streets, startling a flock of crows perched in the branches, their cawing adding to the tense and uneasy atmosphere.
Watching the Regent's departing figure, Dongfang Wan'er was filled with worry, yet she also knew the weight of her responsibility. She quickly composed herself and threw herself into the intense preparations for military affairs. She methodically directed the soldiers, dispatching messengers at breakneck speed to secretly cut off the enemy's supply lines, thus crippling their foundation; she also personally reorganized the city's troops, strengthened its defenses, and inspected fortifications to ensure absolute security.
Just as she was busy with her work, a trusted confidant rushed in, frantically handing her a secret report. Dongfang Wan'er took the report, unfolded it, and her face instantly turned deathly pale. It turned out that several seemingly loyal ministers in the court had secretly colluded with forces in the northern frontier and had already betrayed the court. Having learned of the Regent's entry into the palace, they believed the time was ripe and plotted a coup to overthrow the government, install a puppet ruler, and realize their own ulterior motives.
Dongfang Wan'er was startled, her hand holding the secret report trembling slightly. She knew that the situation had reached a critical juncture, a matter of life and death. If not dealt with in time, not only would the Regent be in danger, but the entire court and even the people of the world would be plunged into misery.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, a resolute glint in her eyes. She gritted her teeth, silently making a decision: since the enemy was already preparing to attack, she would strike first! Immediately, she swiftly gathered the city's elite forces, laying a tight net and setting up ambushes at every crucial location. She meticulously planned every detail, leaving no possible loophole unaddressed, determined to wipe out these treacherous officials and face the even more dangerous and thrilling palace intrigue, safeguarding the Regent's hard work and the peace of the court.