Years turn into wind

Chapter 106: Undercurrent of Crisis

On the third day after Xiaolan's imprisonment, the mansion seemed to have returned to its former tranquility. However, a subtle sense of unease lingered in the hearts of Cheng Yuwei and Ling Xiaotian. Xiaolan's last words before her departure, "disaster is approaching," echoed in their minds. Cheng Yuwei keenly realized that the person behind this was likely lurking nearby, simply waiting for the right moment to strike.

In the early morning, Cheng Yuwei walked into the study and saw Ling Xiaotian standing by the window, lost in thought. She quietly walked over and gently placed her hand on his shoulder: "Xiaotian, didn't you sleep well last night?"

Ling Xiaotian smiled slightly and gently held her hand: "Yuwei, I am already very satisfied to have you by my side. However, this mansion may seem peaceful, but in fact, it is full of dangers. I am worried that the next move will be even more dangerous."

Cheng Yuwei nodded, her eyes becoming more determined: "Since the enemy is hiding in the dark, we might as well take the initiative to attack, set up a bait, and lure them out."

Ling Xiaotian's eyes flashed with admiration when he heard this: "Yuwei, you're right. Since the enemy refuses to reveal themselves, then we should lure them out of their hole."

After a long discussion, the two men finally decided to quietly mobilize the guards within the mansion, seemingly lowering the defenses and luring potential enemies into the trap. At the same time, Ling Xiaotian ordered his men to disguise some confidential letters as important intelligence and place them in easily accessible locations, posing as a lapse in the mansion's defenses and luring the enemy in.

At nightfall, the vast Marshal's Mansion was unusually quiet. Cheng Yuwei walked alone in the corridors, the only sound in her ears being the rustling of flowers and plants in the wind. She continued walking as if nothing had happened, but out of the corner of her eye, she noticed several dark figures quietly passing by, moving quickly deeper into the mansion.

Cheng Yuwei feigned obliviousness, quickening her pace and quietly guiding them toward the trap. When the shadows drew near, she quickly retreated into the shadows and quietly signaled. A moment later, the guards lurking around them suddenly emerged, surrounding the shadows.

At this moment, Ling Xiaotian also emerged from the shadows, coldly gazing at the captured individuals. They were spies planted in the mansion, infiltrating for several days, waiting for an opportunity to strike, only to fall prey to Ling Xiaotian's scheme.

Ling Xiaotian swept his sharp eyes over the spies and asked in a cold voice, "Who sent you here? Tell me the mastermind behind this, and perhaps I can spare your lives."

However, those spies were clearly well prepared, biting through the poison sacs in their mouths in an instant, and fell to the ground dead one after another. Ling Xiaotian frowned, his eyes dark, "It seems that the enemy we are facing is indeed not a simple one."

A few days later, Ling Xiaotian finally received a report from his spies. The mastermind behind this seemingly was a newly rising warlord in the southwest named Duan Yuxuan. Ruthless and ambitious, he sought to sow discord among various factions in order to expand his own territory. The attack on Ling Xiaotian was likely just one of his many schemes.

After Cheng Yuwei heard the news, she felt deeply that this person was dangerous and could not help but feel worried: "Duan Yuxuan's methods are ruthless. If we don't nip him in the bud, I'm afraid there will be endless troubles in the future."

Ling Xiaotian gently grasped Cheng Yuwei's hand and said softly, "Yuwei, don't worry. No matter how cunning this man is, he's by no means invincible. We've already ascertained his intentions. From now on, as long as we proceed steadily and cautiously, we'll be able to find his weaknesses."

Cheng Yuwei nodded, a determined look in her eyes: "Xiaotian, I believe in you. No matter what, I will be by your side and face all difficulties together."

In the days that followed, while the two remained vigilant against the enemy, they also cherished these brief moments of peace. Whenever the sun set, Cheng Yuwei would take Ling Xiaotian for a stroll in the mansion's gardens, or sit by the lake for a chat. Ling Xiaotian would also drop his usual aloof demeanor, enjoying the scenery with her and sharing their feelings.

Once, Cheng Yuwei enthusiastically took him to see the roses she had planted. Pointing to a rose bud about to bloom, she smiled and said, "This is a variety I cultivated myself. It will be beautiful when it blooms."

Ling Xiaotian looked at her serious expression, a gentle smile on his face: "Yuwei, you are not only my beloved, but also the hope in my heart. Whenever I see you, I feel that the future is full of hope."

Cheng Yuwei felt a warmth in her heart, and she leaned gently on his shoulder, feeling each other's heartbeats. At this moment, all the conspiracies and disputes seemed to be isolated, and only they were relying on each other, sharing this moment of happiness.

A small suspense: However, beneath this calm surface, Duan Yuxuan's forces have quietly approached, planning the next larger conspiracy. His spies are spread all over the place and seem to have already known Ling Xiaotian's actions.