I turned to look at him and said, "Let's hurry into the city."
Dugu nodded.
The further you go in, the more desolate and shocking the scene becomes.
Dugu Jing's expression grew increasingly calm as he silently took in the entire scene.
"Your Highness..." a servant rushed over, "There are guards ahead."
Dugu Jing dismounted. He glanced at the crowd behind him and said, "You all stay here. No one is allowed to leave without my order."
Everyone's expression changed. Was His Highness going to enter the city alone?
"Your Highness..."
Everyone knelt down. "Your Highness, please reconsider..."
Dugu Jing's expression changed. "Anyone who disobeys my orders will be punished according to military law!"
Looking at the person kneeling on the ground with a conflicted expression, I quickly jumped off my horse.
He immediately jogged after him.
Suddenly the figure in front stopped.
"go back."
An unquestionable, cold voice.
I watched silently. "I want to go with you."
"go back."
He repeated it again.
I rushed forward and faced him.
"Fourth Prince, since you say that I, Liu Feiyue, am a woman not to be underestimated, then Your Highness should feel at ease letting me enter the city." After saying that, I turned and walked forward.
I am not a person with grand ambitions, nor do I have any thoughts of saving the world. It is only the kindness in my heart that prevents me from being indifferent to what is before me.
Dugu Jing silently watched the resolute woman before him, a deep light flashing in his eyes. He subconsciously touched the jade thumb ring on his hand.
He was met with a surprised look from Dugu Jing.
I smiled faintly: "Your Highness, you are dressed so formally that people will definitely question your identity."
"Jingrui".
I was taken aback and looked up at him in confusion.
Dugu Jing: "Call me Jingrui."
I stammered, then slowly began to speak: "Jing... Rui..."
Dugu Jing's expression softened, a hint of joy in his eyes.
Suddenly, I had a strange feeling as I watched him leave silently.
When we got to the street, a group of people suddenly rushed towards us.
A strong hand pulled me around the waist, and I looked up to see his deep eyes.
He pulled me aside, and I looked at this group of people who were carrying large bags and looked like they had gone mad.
"What are they doing?" I asked, somewhat puzzled.
Dugu Jing said coldly, "Let's follow them and see..."
They arrived at a rice shop.
A group of people were desperately pushing and shoving at the entrance.
"Open the door, open the door..."
They were shouting loudly, and some people rushed up and banged on the door.
"Open the door! Open the door for me!!"
"Open the door..."
After a while, the door opened a crack. A man dressed in plain clothes came out. "Today we only have forty catties of rice..."
The crowd surged even more fiercely.
They all held their bags high, shouting, "Sell me the rice, give it to me..."
"It's mine, it's mine..."
"Don't you dare take it, it's mine... Nobody can take it from me!"
...
I looked at those people's faces; they were ferocious and menacing.
I murmured to myself, "It's like a life-or-death struggle among primal beasts."
Dugu Jing pursed his lips and remained silent.
I followed behind him, not knowing where he was going.
We entered an inn and followed him upstairs.
"You should go back to your room and rest for a while. There are more important tasks tomorrow."
I nodded.
Back in my room, I took out the pen and paper I always carried with me. I explained the situation here and asked Qiu Niang to investigate the main officials of Chuzhou and the major wealthy merchants in the area. I also asked her to help investigate the assassination attempt last time.
He blew a whistle.
More than an hour passed.
A black figure appeared before them.
It wasn't the same person as last time. They looked strangely familiar, but I couldn't remember where I'd seen them before. They were completely enveloped in black; nothing could be seen.
I looked at it with a puzzled expression for a moment, then said, "Give this letter to Qiu Niang at Baihualou."
He took the letter, nodded, and left.
I don't want to think about it too much. I'd better let Dugu Jing get some rest; the real battle is yet to come.
"All of these documents are here."
Dugu Jing took the letter and read it silently, his brows furrowing slightly.
After a while, he raised his eyes and turned the jade thumb ring on his hand.
"What is Your Highness's next step?"
Dugu Jing's eyes darkened: "Let's wait and see."
The people below were taken aback, then nodded: "Everything is ready."
Several urgent secret messages were sent to the capital and delivered to the Emperor by Lord Ding.
The secret report claimed that the Fourth Prince was assassinated on his way from the capital to Chuzhou. Dozens of his entourage were killed, and only the Fourth Prince and one attendant managed to escape. The Fourth Prince fled wounded into Chuzhou.
The following confidential document stated that a plague had broken out in Chuzhou, with a large number of people dying every day. Local wealthy merchants took the opportunity to hoard rice and grain, driving up prices, and the local people were suffering.
Upon receiving these two secret guarantees, the Emperor flew into a rage. He dismissed several officials and ordered Lord Liu to immediately proceed to Chuzhou, demanding that he guarantee the safety of the Fourth Prince with his own head.
Ping'er, who was staying at home, was extremely anxious upon hearing the news. Thinking of her mistress, she could only pray at home.
Oh my god... Please, please let nothing happen to our young lady...
Please, God...
“Ping’er…”
Suddenly, she heard a shout and Ping'er turned her head in confusion.
"Master Meng, what brings you here?"
Looking at the still-wet tear stains on Ping'er's face, Meng Yun suddenly reached out to wipe them away.
“Master Meng…” Ping’er’s voice trembled, and she took a step back in surprise.
Meng Yun suddenly realized what she was doing. An embarrassed look appeared on her face. "I...I'm sorry, I was being presumptuous."
Ping'er shook her head. "It's nothing. By the way, does Master Meng have any news about Miss?"
Meng Yun quickly replied, "Ping'er, don't worry, the Fourth Miss is with His Highness now. She's fine and unharmed."
"Really?" Ping'er finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Is Miss really alright?"