It was better to replace them all at once for a clean and efficient solution, saving the trouble of checking them one by one, which might take ages and involve too many complications to ever be fully clear. Cleaning them all up was simply easier.
"Your servant obeys. I will arrange it at once."
Yunyan nodded in agreement. Just as she was about to turn and leave, a group of soldiers in black armor swarmed into the courtyard, quickly surrounding it completely.
"Who are you people? How dare you barge in! Get out at once!"
Yunyan, though terrified, mustered her courage and stood directly in front of Murong Jinyun.
Gu Beichen's subsequent appearance brought Murong Jinyun a slight sense of relief.
"Why have you brought so many soldiers? What is going on?"
Murong Jinyun walked up to Gu Beichen, feigning ignorance, and inquired about the situation.
"It's quite chaotic outside. Having people closely guard you will put my mind at ease."
Gu Beichen reached out and ruffled Murong Jinyun's hair, his eyes showing a flicker of indulgence that didn't quite reach their depths.
The people of Xiliang had long colluded with Chu Yanxi. He worried that Murong Jinyun might take advantage of this situation to act, so he brought a troop of black-armored soldiers. This way, any unusual movements could be dealt with promptly.
"What's happening outside? Did something happen? Are you alright?"
Although Gu Beichen hadn't explained clearly, she could guess that he had come because of the Chu Yanxi affair.
Then, was Gu Beichen's purpose in bringing troops here to protect her, or did he... did he suspect her? Thinking of this, a fleeting panic flashed in Murong Jinyun's eyes.
Her heart pounded with nervousness, and her hands, hidden in her sleeves, were slick with sweat. Murong Jinyun took a deep breath, forcing a calm demeanor onto her face. Her innocent gaze fixed on Gu Beichen, eagerly awaiting his response.
"Nothing is wrong. I was simply worried about your safety."
Gu Beichen offered a vague explanation. In truth, he was worried about Murong Jinyun's potential involvement in Chu Yanxi's rebellion. Bringing soldiers was partly to ensure her safety and partly to be prepared for any eventuality.
Murong Jinyun's heart skipped a beat. Gu Beichen's unusual behavior intensified her worries.
Could it be that Gu Beichen already knew... knew about her affairs? If he did, what should she do?
"Why aren't you speaking? What are you thinking about?"
Gu Beichen looked at Murong Jinyun's face and asked softly, his eyes constantly assessing her, trying to discern something different from her eyes.
"Nothing, perhaps I'm just tired from preparing for the wedding these past few days, and then you suddenly mentioned danger outside, so I... I couldn't help but be a little overwhelmed..."
"If you are tired, then rest well. Our wedding is approaching, don't overexert yourself."
Although Gu Beichen's words were full of concern, his expression remained calm and devoid of emotion, as if he were looking at a stranger.
"Okay..." Murong Jinyun smiled and nodded, her heart filled with fear and worry. She truly had no energy to say anything else to Gu Beichen.
Fortunately, Gu Beichen didn't press further. After staying for a short while, he announced his departure: "Rest well. I'll leave now and come to see you later. Remember not to go out unless it's something truly important."
To ensure Gu Beichen left quickly, Murong Jinyun nodded in agreement with everything he said.
Only after Gu Beichen's figure disappeared at the courtyard entrance did Murong Jinyun slowly sigh in relief, her heart still pounding. Her intuition told her that Gu Beichen was beginning to suspect her.
However, she couldn't be sure how much Gu Beichen knew, nor did she know how to face him.
She couldn't imagine how she would respond if Gu Beichen were to question her about it one day.
"Princess, are you... alright?"
Yunyan quickly helped Murong Jinyun up. She could see the princess's state and was extremely anxious.
Moreover, with soldiers surrounding the courtyard inside and out, just looking at them made her tremble with fear.
"I'm fine. Yunyan, help me back to my room."
Murong Jinyun forced a calm demeanor and, supported by Yunyan, returned to her room. As soon as she sat down, she hurriedly drank several cups of tea.
"Princess, let them stay outside. Just looking at them fills my heart with fear. Perhaps I can find a way to inform General Baili about this matter and let him think of a solution."
In this Eastern Chu, besides the princess, the only person she trusted was General Baili. She felt that the soldiers guarding their courtyard must have a hidden purpose, perhaps specifically to monitor them.
It was important to inform General Baili about such a significant matter and let him help make a decision.
"There's no need for such trouble. With such a commotion, Baili Xi must have already known. With black-armored troops all over the courtyard, we can't escape even if we had wings. It's best to stay quietly within the courtyard. They won't do anything to us."
After all, she was a princess of Xiliang. Dongchu would not dare to do anything to her.
It was likely that as soon as Gu Beichen brought the black-armored troops in, Baili Xi's spies would have already sent the news. Baili Xi should now be thinking of a way to enter.
There was no need for her to go to great lengths to inform Baili Xi of the situation here. For now, her best course of action was to obediently remain in the courtyard.
"Then, Princess, are we just going to sit here and wait for death?"
"We have no other choice but to wait for death. Let's not talk about this anymore. This princess is hungry. Go to the kitchen and get some pastries."
Since she couldn't go out anyway, she couldn't continue to be depressed and torment herself. It was better to eat and drink well and make herself comfortable.
"Yes, Princess. Your servant will go at once."
Yunyan quickly nodded in agreement and walked out. The black-armored soldiers guarding the door did not stop Yunyan, acting as if they saw nothing and allowing Yunyan to move freely within the courtyard.
Murong Jinyun sank back onto the chair, leaning against it powerlessly, her eyes filled with desolation.