"Your Majesty, where do we go next?" Xue Yan asked softly, watching Xue Zining see off the Empress's carriage.
Xue Zining withdrew her gaze and said faintly, "First, I'll meet up with Mo Ran and Qin Zhaohui."
"Your Majesty, someone..." Feng Wu suddenly spoke, then added, "Many people."
"Feng Wu, don't talk nonsense. How could there be anyone in this wilderness?" Xue Song said disbelievingly.
Xue Yan shot Xue Song a glare. "Feng Wu's hearing has always been the best among the Feng Yin."
"Alert status," Xue Zining's gaze deepened.
The group prepared for battle. Footsteps grew closer, and suddenly many figures in black surged from ahead.
They were surrounded.
"You protect His Majesty," Feng Wu said sternly before stepping forward as the first to charge.
He stood before the others, his eyes blazing with killing intent, his tone icy cold. "Who are you?"
Xue Zining glanced at the black-clad figures' attire and the prominent gold plaques on their waists, stating word by word, "Qian Jin Lou."
Those beside her trembled. "Qian Jin Lou, that pays a thousand pieces of gold, asking not for the buyer, but only for whom to kill?"
Xue Feng's gaze darkened. "It seems we have another fierce battle ahead of us today."
The black-clad men did not attack. Instead, they formed two lines, and a young man in red slowly emerged from behind them.
The bright red color accentuated the youth's devilish demeanor.
Xue Yan trembled. "Lin Yanzhi is still alive."
She turned to look at the Empress, only to find her completely unfazed.
The young man in red slowly raised his eyes, a flash of wicked amusement in his eyes. He looked at the girl opposite him, a smile playing on his lips. "Your Majesty, I've come to pick you up."
Xue Zining looked at the young man and said coldly, "Wen Yuxi, you didn't keep your promise to me, and what I promised you will no longer be valid."
Hearing this, the young man chuckled. "Your Majesty, do you think Qian Jin Lou is a place you can go back on your word whenever you please?"
"It's not me going back on my word, it's you, Wen Yuxi, not holding up your end," Xue Zining said coldly, her gaze fixed on the young man in red.
"Heh... Your Majesty, you disappoint me. Since you promised me, you must fulfill it." A hint of a meaningful chill flashed in the young man's eyes.
Xue Zining's gaze chilled. Xue Yan, beside her, was displeased. "I don't care if you're Lin Yanzhi or Wen Yuxi. Since you didn't fulfill your promise to His Majesty, what right do you have to ask for His Majesty's promise?"
This was utterly shameless. Did he think His Majesty was so easily bullied?
Wen Yuxi chuckled softly. "Promise? What did I promise? I never agreed to anything from the start."
"Heh..." Xue Zining couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. She looked up at Wen Yuxi, her gaze as clear and cold as frost. "Since you never promised me anything, then how could I have promised anything? If we owe each other nothing, then please step aside."
Xue Zining said coldly.
Wen Yuxi sighed and waved his hand. Two black-clad men brought out two people.
Seeing these two, Xue Zining couldn't help but utter two words: "Despicable."
Mo Ran lowered his head, full of apology. He wasn't as skilled as the people in front of him, and only brought trouble.
"Your Majesty, you've already rescued those three. What about these two?" Wen Yuxi asked, his smile wide, completely devoid of the gentle and refined youth he once was.
"You are truly shameless," Xue Yan was so angry she almost swore.
Xue Zining stopped Xue Yan from rushing forward and looked at the girl. "How can I get them released?"
Hearing this, Mo Ran looked up anxiously. "Don't worry about us. You guys hurry and leave. Chang Hui and I are not worth saving."
One of them had no martial arts, and the other was crippled and could no longer wield a sword. They were essentially useless. Even if rescued, they would only be a burden to others. It would be better... better to just let it be.
Wen Yuxi chuckled softly. "It seems Lord Mo still doesn't understand the Empress. She would never burden others, nor would she abandon anyone. Your Majesty, wouldn't you agree?"
"Since you know that, then you know my choice. Release them, and I will stay," Xue Zining said coldly.
"No..."
"No..."
Xue Yan and the others objected. Xue Zining looked at Xue Yan and the others. "You go first. It's better to save one than none. Don't worry about me, I have a way to escape."
Xue Yan approached her. "You go, I'll stay and accompany His Majesty."
Xue Song gritted his teeth and stood beside Xue Yan. "I'll stay too. You guys..."
"Enough. Your staying will only be a burden. Aren't you leaving yet?" Xue Zining said sternly and coldly.
Xue Yan shook her head stubbornly. "No, this servant will not leave."
Disregarding Xue Yan's stubbornness, Xue Zining looked at Wen Yuxi and asked, "Release them, and I will stay."
"Alright! I only want you," Wen Yuxi said with a smile.
"I want to see them leave with my own eyes," Xue Zining said coldly.
Wen Yuxi raised his hand and waved. The black-clad men released Mo Ran and Qin Zhaohui.
Xue Zining walked up to Mo Ran and whispered, "They are all entrusted to you. I believe you can lead them out."
Mo Ran trembled. He looked at the girl in front of him. Her gaze was clear and bright, just as it was the first time he saw her.
The girl's expression conveyed immense trust. Mo Ran lowered his eyes, and when he raised them again, his gaze was unwavering. "Don't worry, as long as I'm here, I will lead them to safety."
"Your Majesty..." Xue Yan was about to rush over, but Xue Zining gave Xue Song a look.
Xue Song gritted his teeth and ruthlessly struck Xue Yan's neck. Xue Yan looked at Xue Song in disbelief before fainting.
"Feng Wu, protect them." Xue Zining turned around and walked towards Wen Yuxi.
Feng Wu clenched his fists tightly, unyielding even as they dug into his palms.
At this moment, he wished he could charge forward, but alas, the Feng Yin could only be loyal and obey the Emperor's orders.
"Go..." Xue Zining commanded softly.
Feng Wu closed his eyes, then turned away. When he opened them again, he had regained his composure.
He was Feng Yin, obeying His Majesty's command, whatever it might be, even if it meant dying.
When Xue Zining could no longer see Feng Wu and the others, she turned and walked towards Wen Yuxi.
Wen Yuxi watched the girl approach step by step, and his long-dormant heart began to beat.
He knew that after this, the Empress would only have hatred and wariness for him.
But he had no regrets. As long as he could keep her, what did it matter if he played the scoundrel?
"This humble subject pays respects to Your Majesty." Wen Yuxi slowly bowed his head, kneeling on one knee.
The girl didn't even look at him as she walked past.
Wen Yuxi looked up, his gaze fluctuating.
Just as he was about to rise, a dagger was pressed against his waist.
The cold blade seemed to have already cut through his clothes.
"Your Majesty, what are you doing?" Wen Yuxi asked calmly, without the slightest hint of nervousness or worry.