News of Ye Tinglan's defeat and flight from the capital reached the palace while efforts were still underway to track the mysterious individual.
Although Ye Tingyan's dagger had not managed to draw blood that night, it had picked up a scent. With a Gu master leading the way, using Gu insects to track, and Feng Yinwan following discreetly, much effort was saved.
After days of investigation, most of the harem had been cleared. Before the news arrived, the Gu insect's trail finally pointed towards Changle Palace.
Ye Tingyan's order arrived first. The Gu master merely paused for a moment before beckoning back the guiding Gu insect.
Feng Yinwan, hidden in the shadows by a corner wall, was about to retreat. But as she turned, her peripheral vision caught sight of an item at the Gu master's waist, causing her to freeze abruptly.
Her brow twitched. She focused her gaze, but the sight had already vanished, leaving only the retreating figure of the Gu master in her view.
He left in haste, oblivious to the anomaly beside him. Behind him, Feng Yinwan's eyes, fixed on the figure in the loose black robe, darkened with resolve.
...
On the main hall, Feng Chong, who had been dispatched days earlier to assist the Ning brothers, knelt on the ground.
Ye Tingyan stood with his hands behind his back on the imperial platform, the words "fled from the capital" rolling in his mouth, his expression unreadable.
Feng Chong, his heart pounding, subtly pursed his lips and began to explain.
"Ye Tinglan, knowing he was outmatched, made a desperate attempt to break through the defenses. Because Ning Shunhe was still in their hands, Ning Shunyi was hesitant and let them escape..."
Sensing Ye Tingyan's expression darken, he quickly added, "Your Highness, rest assured, even if they escape, they are now at their wit's end."
"Ye Tinglan has few capable men left. Ning Shunyi has already taken troops to pursue them, and I believe they will be captured soon."
The enmity of a father's murder was irreconcilable. Ye Tinglan had escaped, and the Ning brothers were in pursuit. However, the current situation deviated somewhat from the original plan.
Ye Tingyan's eyes narrowed slightly at this. After a moment, he inquired,
"You said just now that they are fleeing in the direction of Jinzhou?"
Feng Chong nodded, "Precisely."
Jinzhou was originally Ye Tingyan's territory.
As expected, he then stated, "Immediately issue an order. Command the troops near Jinzhou to be ready to act. The moment Ye Tinglan dies, move to crush the Ning family's rebel army!"
These Ning family members were a persistent threat.
He had originally intended to lure them into the city and eliminate them all after Ye Tinglan's death. This would allow him to catch them off guard and, moreover, pave the way for his own ascension to the throne with a clear conscience.
But plans were subject to change. Now, this was the only course of action.
He paused, then added, "This matter must be foolproof. You will immediately withdraw some troops from the capital and personally go to provide support."
"Yes!"
Feng Chong received the order and swiftly exited the hall. The moment his figure disappeared from the doorway, a black-robed figure emerged from behind a nearby curtain.
Ye Tingyan's expression shifted slightly at the sight, but he still spoke.
"There was a slight unexpected incident, but it's not significant. I've already ordered someone to handle it, and there will be results soon."
"How is your progress with the matters in the harem?"
The Gu master, his face hidden behind a mask, remained unmoved. "Finding him won't be difficult. When I see Ye Tinglan's head, I will take action."
Aware that the oversight was on his side, Ye Tingyan's gaze darkened for a moment. He could only nod.
"Naturally."
Long nights often brought about many dreams, and before that, he had one matter that required his immediate attention.