Wife is hell

Chapter 103 Oh no, I'm infected (7600)

The princess's undergarment, the scent of apples, the search for Wolf Head Mountain...

Jiang Mu tried hard to connect these pieces of information.

Could it be that the princess is involved in the Apple case?

Jiang Mu secretly wondered.

"Pon! Pon! Pon!"

Just as he was pondering, clusters of dark blue light suddenly exploded around him.

Like will-o'-the-wisps rising in a graveyard on a summer night.

These specks of light scattered and landed on the ground around the group.

Almost the instant it touched the ground, the pale blue light burst into flames, transforming into blazing infernos.

The fire spread extremely quickly.

Almost in the blink of an eye, a huge ring of fire formed, completely surrounding Jiang Mu and his team of yamen runners.

The flames that shot up were taller than a person.

A wave of scorching heat hit you in the face, thick smoke billowed out, stinging your eyes and making it difficult to breathe.

"Where did this fire come from?!"

"Put out the fire!"

The constables caught in the fire were thrown into chaos, frantically trying to extinguish the flames with their clothes and mud.

"It's a trap."

Jiang Mu looked around at the surging sea of ​​fire and murmured to himself.

"Wood, what should we do?"

Shi Baolu grabbed Jiang Mu's arm. "The fire is so big. Why don't I carry you out? I'm tough and can hold on."

Jiang Mu shook his head.

He pointed the tip of the Ghost God Spear into the nearest cluster of fire.

When the tip of the gun touched the flame, it did not become hot or turn red as expected, nor did it leave even a trace of smoke or fire.

"This fire is fake; it's an illusion."

Jiang Mu sheathed his spear and said in a deep voice, "Just walk out. Remember, no matter how intense the burning pain is, don't be afraid. Just believe it's an illusion!"

"fake?"

The crowd was skeptical, their faces filled with absurdity.

After all, they could clearly feel the burning sensation of the flames on their skin, so how could it be fake?
Shi Baolu was honest and straightforward. After hearing Jiang Mu's words, he raised his foot and was about to rush into the fire.

"You are crazy!"

A nearby constable, quick-witted and agile, grabbed him, saying, "Don't listen to his nonsense, the fire is real!"

"Yeah, it's so hot, how could it be fake!"

"Your friend is ruining you!"

"Let's try to put out the fire first, and someone will come to rescue us."

Everyone was talking.

At this moment, another constable became anxious.

He tore off his sleeve and roared:
"To hell with whether it's true or not, let's get out of here before the fire gets too big. Otherwise, we won't even have a chance to get out later!"

As he spoke, he quickly took off his pants, wet his sleeve with urine, covered his mouth and nose, and rushed headlong into the sea of ​​fire.

He had only taken two steps inside when he was engulfed in flames.

Like a struggling, writhing humanoid ball of fire, it collapsed to the ground with a "thud" after only two or three breaths.

The flames were still burning on his body, but he was now silent.

"..."

The rest of the people were completely stunned.

The constable who had just stopped Shi Baolu coughed, choked by the thick smoke, and pointed at Jiang Mu, saying in a trembling voice:

"You...you still say it's fake? People were burned to death!"

The others also looked terrified.

I'm glad I didn't foolishly listen to Jiang Mu and rush out.

Jiang Mu frowned, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.

He stepped forward again, reached out his hand, and slowly reached towards the churning flames.

A strong burning sensation came from my fingertips.

It was no different from a real fire.

"how come……"

Jiang Mu was surprised.

But reason told him that the fire could not possibly be real.

He recalled that he and Madam Peach had once fallen into a similar illusion, a sensory deception that was indistinguishable from reality...

Jiang Mu hesitated for a moment, then stepped into the fire amidst the horrified gazes of the crowd. He then removed the golden amulet from his body, intending to test it himself.

A sharp burning sensation immediately followed.

But it only lasted for less than a moment before disappearing.

"It really was an illusion."

Jiang Mu breathed a sigh of relief. "It's very similar to what Madam Yachi Peach encountered before."

He then saw the same constable who had been "burned to death" lying not far away.

His body was completely unharmed, with no trace of burns whatsoever.

His eyes were closed, and he had fallen into a coma.

"wood!"

Shi Baolu roared and, ignoring the obstruction of the people behind him, rushed over the wall of fire.

Seeing that Jiang Mu was safe and sound, he breathed a sigh of relief.

At the same time, the golden amulet in his arms lit up.

Jiang Mu thought for a moment, then removed the amulet from the other person's body, and Shi Baolu immediately fainted.

"I see……"

Jiang Mu muttered to himself, "This illusion array itself has a hallucinogenic effect, but what truly makes people faint is something else."

Ordinary people, without protective charms, even if they manage to overcome their fear and break free, will be knocked unconscious by hidden methods.

Thinking of this, he immediately swept his spear across the ground nearby.

Soon, the tip of the gun hit a hard object.

Brushing aside the topsoil, a piece of black candle was found buried underneath. The candle was already half burned and emitted a faint fishy smell.

Without saying a word, Jiang Mu stomped on it and crushed it.

As the candle shattered, Shi Baolu and the constable, who had been unconscious, slowly woke up, looking bewildered.

However, the surrounding flames did not disappear and continued to burn.

"The Flame Illusion Array has not disappeared, which means that the array's core is not here. It is probably located elsewhere on Wolf Head Mountain, or in a more hidden place, which will be very difficult to find."

Jiang Mu made a quick decision and said to Shi Baolu and the constable:

"You guys go out first and wait for me outside."

After saying that, he turned around and rushed back into the sea of ​​fire.

The constables trapped inside the ring of fire assumed that Jiang Mu and Shi Baolu had already perished in the flames.

They were all stunned to see Jiang Mu enter unharmed.

"Don't you believe me now?"

Jiang Mu shouted, "Come out now! If you're too late, you really won't be able to get out!"

Having witnessed Jiang Mu's "resurrection," two daring constables gritted their teeth, closed their eyes, and rushed out.

With role models in place, the rest of the people no longer hesitated and followed suit.

When everyone successfully escaped the ring of fire and discovered that they were truly unharmed, with not even their clothes on fire, they burst into tears of joy and cheered.

For a moment, the way they looked at Jiang Mu was like that of a god.

At this moment, shouts and screams also came from other directions in the distant mountains and forests.

The group looked around and were shocked to find that several similar rings of fire had appeared in the forest as far as they could see, with figures vaguely visible inside.

Clearly, the other constables were also trapped in this fiery illusion.

Jiang Mu's face turned ugly.

"As expected, my earlier unease was justified. This place was a trap from beginning to end!"

"wood,"

Shi Baolu asked somewhat uneasily, "Are Brother Jiang and the others also trapped?"

Jiang Mu gripped the spear tightly.

He could ignore the yamen runners in other places since he wasn't familiar with them.

However, Jiang Xiaoyuan and Uncle An's old subordinates had taken good care of Mu Jiang, and they couldn't just stand by and watch him die.

Jiang Mu said in a deep voice, "Let's split up and rescue them!"

He returned Shi Baolu's amulet and took out the two remaining golden amulets from his pocket, stuffing them into the hands of two more composed old yamen runners.

"This is a protective charm of Chongtian Temple. Holding it will keep you alert and prevent you from being mesmerized when you pass through this illusory fire."

Remember, once you enter the circle of fire, first find and destroy the black candles inside.

If you encounter someone who is afraid to leave, ignore them. Save your own life; save as many as you can.

Having said that, Jiang Mu, carrying the Ghost God Spear, charged ahead towards the nearest sea of ​​fire.

Upon seeing this, Shi Baolu and the two old yamen runners also rushed to rescue the people.

"Shh-"

As Jiang Mu passed through the illusory fire, the scene before him suddenly became clear.

Several other county government officials were trapped inside.

Three people were gathered together, choked by the thick smoke, tears streaming down their faces, their expressions filled with terror.

One of them had already collapsed to the ground.

This illusion is so insidious.

Even though it's fake, if your mind believes it to be real, then the burning pain of real fire and the suffocating feeling of thick smoke will be experienced in your body without any error.

Until the person chokes or burns to death.

Jiang Mu first found the black candle hidden underground, crushed it, and then entered the ring of fire.

When they saw Jiang Mu appear as if he were a god passing through the wall of fire, the few who were still conscious were stunned.

They even thought they were hallucinating.

Jiang Mu had no time for words. He immediately flashed his patrol officer's badge and coldly shouted, "I am an official of the patrol officer's office. This fire is an illusion. If you don't want to die, come with me right now!"

Having said that, he picked up the unconscious constable and turned to leave.

As for whether others believe it or follow it, he has no time to care.

Seeing Jiang Mu carry someone back into the sea of ​​fire and disappear without a trace, the men snapped out of their daze and scrambled after him.

Relying on his accurate judgment, Jiang Mu, like a firefighter, moved between the rings of fire and rescued all the trapped yamen runners.

When he rushed into the fifth ring of fire, the situation inside was even more horrific.

Two people were already lying on the ground, lifeless.

They were clearly suffocated by the thick smoke.

The remaining few people slumped to the ground, their faces filled with despair and their eyes vacant, as if they had given up the struggle.

Jiang Mu stomped on the candles, threw down the words "The fire is fake, come with me and get out of here," and then dragged the two limp bailiffs out of the fire circle like sacks.

They threw the two corpses out as well.

Seeing this, the remaining people inside the circle of fire finally mustered their courage and rushed out. After discovering that they were really alright, they collapsed to the ground and wailed.

"Thanks……"

"Thank you, sir, for saving my life..."

Many people expressed their gratitude and apologized to Jiang Mu, some even kneeling on the ground.

However, just as Jiang Mu was about to rush into the next circle of fire, a young constable carrying a corpse roared, "Why didn't you come to save us sooner?!"

His eyes were bloodshot as he stared intently at Jiang Mu.

His face, streaked with snot and tears, showed not gratitude, but resentment and indignation.
"If you're so capable, you could have come to rescue us much sooner! Why did you only arrive now?"

"Why!!"

"My brother... he didn't have to die!"

"You're the one who killed my brother!"

Upon hearing the young constable's accusation, Jiang Mu's expression changed, a cold glint flashed in his eyes, and he shouted sharply, "Not good! This kid has been infected by the evil energy of the spirit!"

"Pfft!"

Blood spurts out!
Before anyone could react, Jiang Mu's Ghost God Spear had already pierced the throat of the young constable.

Blood splattered all over the ground.

The constables who had just been rescued were completely dumbfounded.

No, brother, you...

What's going on here?
Jiang Mu drew his spear and let the corpse fall.

The young man's eyes were filled with disbelief, and his body twitched slightly before he fell silent.

Jiang Mu turned his head and coldly surveyed the others: "Have any of you been infected by the spirit creature?"

Those people were terrified when he swept them with a gaze as if they were dead. They didn't dare to think any further and hurriedly shook their heads, unable to even utter a word.

Jiang Mu then picked up his gun, turned around, and left to rescue the next person in the fire circle.

Jiang Mu felt no remorse or unease at killing the constable.

During his years in the Xuanming World, he had a lot of blood on his hands; he wasn't some greenhorn who had just transmigrated.

Such narrow-minded people, who blame others for their own incompetence and harbor resentment instead of gratitude, will surely become a scourge in the future if left unchecked.

You never know when they might stab you in the back.

It's better to nip it in the bud than leave a big problem unresolved.

Moreover, Jiang Mu was not some compassionate superhero. He saved people based on his conscience and what he could do, and he had no obligation to save everyone in danger.

I don't expect you to be grateful, but at least don't come and hold a grudge against me for no reason.

……

While Jiang Mu was rescuing people, the higher-ups of the patrol office, who had reacted at the mountainside, also began to coordinate. "Lord Ke,"

Huang Kezi stared at the compass needle spinning erratically, his face turning ashen. He gritted his teeth and said...

"We've been tricked! This is a trap set by the remnants of the Spirit Cult!"
They deliberately created a replica of the magical item, a bellyband, that resembled the one worn by the princess, and scattered it throughout Wolf Head Mountain to lure our people into triggering it.

It's obvious they want to create a large-scale massacre!

While quickly directing her Xuan Shi Guards to split up and rescue people and break the small illusion array, Ke Linyue observed her surroundings and said calmly:
“The core of the formation must be nearby. Zhang Huan, take your men and search carefully with the ‘Tethering Compass’ to find the core. Once it is destroyed, these phantom flames will naturally disappear.”

"As ordered!"

Zhang Huan clasped his hands in acceptance of the order and immediately led several men and a compass to begin a thorough search of the mountains and forests.

At that moment, Ke Linyue's gaze swept across the distance and she happened to see Jiang Mu dragging an unconscious constable out of the ring of fire.

He paused for a moment, then in a few leaps, he was in front of Jiang Mu, asking in confusion:

"Mu Jiang? What are you doing here?"

As soon as he said it, he immediately remembered that Jiang Mu's current status was still that of a yamen runner in the county government, and he couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head.

"I almost forgot, you're still a yamen runner, so it's normal for you to be in the search party."

However, since Chief Tang values ​​you so much and intends to recruit you into the Patrol Department, you don't actually need to do these low-level menial tasks.

Jiang Mu handed the rescued constable to the people who had come to help, dusted off his hands, and grinned:
"Lord Ke is too kind. One should fulfill one's duties in one's position. Since I am currently a clerk, I should naturally do my job well."

"What a fine saying, 'Those in positions of authority should fulfill their responsibilities.'"

Ke Linyue laughed, then changed the subject, her tone becoming meaningful, "What do you think about this matter?"

Jiang Mu blinked: "What do you mean, how do you see it?"

Ke Linyue chuckled softly:
“You’re a smart man, so there’s no need for you to try to fool me. Do you think this whole thing was orchestrated by the Spirit Cult?”

Jiang Mu's smile faded, he shook his head, and said cautiously:

“This humble servant dares not speculate. However, when I interrogated that cult member named Tong Geda, he revealed that there were people from their faction within the Patrol Office. Unfortunately, I was unable to obtain their specific names.”

"Yes, we also uncovered this clue later."

Ke Linyue nodded, her expression calm.

"But the Spirit Cult is extremely vigilant in this regard. Important members seem to have all consumed some kind of strange Gu worm. Once captured, under specific hypnotic techniques, key information about their companions, especially their names, will be forgotten."

Jiang Mu listened quietly without saying a word.

Ke Linyue looked at Zhang Huan, who was searching the mountain in the distance, and said in a casual tone:

"Jiang Mu, I think... Zhang Huan is the mole. Do you think it's him?"

"Zhang Huan?"

Jiang Mu was taken aback.

His impression of Zhang Huan wasn't actually bad.

This person is efficient in handling affairs and has a good manner in dealing with people.

However, as the chief officer of the Xuan Shi Guard, Ke Lin Yue was in charge of investigating the Ling Sect, so he must have his own independent intelligence sources and rigorous reasoning logic.

Since he has directly mentioned Zhang Huan's name, he probably already has considerable evidence or strong reasons to doubt him.

So, most likely, Zhang Huan is the traitor.

Jiang Mu's mind raced, and he asked in confusion:
"Since you suspect Zhang Huan, why not arrest him and interrogate him directly? That way, he won't continue to do evil or let the news leak out."

"Grasp?"

Ke Linyue smiled without saying a word.

Jiang Mu suddenly realized.

Good heavens, they're using Zhang Huan as bait for a long-term fishing scheme!

“The spiritual cult is like weeds that can’t be burned out. If its roots are not completely eradicated, even if the surface stems and leaves are burned off, it will soon sprout and spread from other places.”

Ke Linyue said leisurely,

"And the 'root' right now is the Holy Mother, who is extremely well hidden and elusive. Getting rid of her will be too difficult."

This Zhang Huan might be the key bait for us to find the 'roots'. The princess's kidnapping presents a good opportunity."

"Kidnapping?"

Jiang Mu looked completely bewildered.

Ke Linyue realized what was happening and laughed:

"I almost forgot, you don't know the truth. Last night, Prince Cheng's concubine, Lady Yang, suddenly disappeared, suspected of being kidnapped by the Spirit Cult. However, the undergarment she was wearing is a spiritual object, and we detected traces of it, which is why we searched the mountain."

Jiang Mu clicked his tongue in amazement.

They even dared to kidnap a princess; the Spirit Cult is truly audacious.

However, a doubt arose in his mind.

Why would Ke Linyue tell him so many inside secrets? Was she trying to recruit him into the Xuan Shi Guard again?

He became wary and stopped responding easily.

Ke Linyue seemed to see through his thoughts, but didn't point it out, and continued talking to herself:
"Actually, I personally don't think that the kidnapping of Princess Yang was really the work of the Lingjiao."

"Oh?"

Jiang Mu was genuinely surprised this time.

"Because I have been secretly observing Zhang Huan,"

Ke Linyue's gaze was deep. "From the time the princess disappeared until now, his reaction doesn't seem like he knew anything about it. Of course, it's also possible that the higher-ups of the Spirit Sect didn't inform him about this operation."

But regardless of whether it was done by the cult or not, the blame must be placed on the cult for now.

Do you get me?"

Jiang Mu felt a chill run down his spine and gave a dry laugh:
"Lord Ke, you jest. I am but a lowly yamen runner who follows orders. I have no idea how you strategize or how you set the bait."

"Heh, you..."

Ke Linyue smiled, patted Jiang Mu's shoulder meaningfully, and then disappeared in a flash.

Jiang Mu's smile gradually faded.

He actually understood Ke Linyue's subtext.

This guy didn't care about the lives or deaths of these yamen runners at all.

He even... hoped that more people would die here!

"Could it be that this guy is deliberately making a big fuss to provoke the court's anger and attention, thereby gaining more power and resources to advance his plan to eradicate the Spirit Cult?"

"stupid guy."

Jiang Mu cursed under his breath, picked up his gun, and continued to rescue the unfortunate souls still trapped in the ring of fire.

……

About half an hour later, Zhang Huan finally found the core array eye of the Illusion Fire Array in a secluded mountain valley.

With the formation's core destroyed, the fire rings on Wolf Head Mountain went out instantly, as if their source had been cut off, leaving only the shaken constables looking at each other in the thick fog.

After a count, a total of twenty-six constables died in this incident.

If Jiang Mu hadn't saved people in time, the death toll would certainly have been much higher.

Despite the deaths of many, in the eyes of these high-ranking officials, these were ultimately just low-level yamen runners who died in the line of duty while investigating the princess's case.

Even if the incident was caused by a misjudgment by the patrol office, the higher authorities would not hold the main officials accountable for it.

Therefore, no one will take the blame for this.

Of course, not a single penny of the due compensation should be missing.

If sufficient compensation is paid, it can largely silence the deceased's family and quell any potential resentment and unrest.

-

Inside the flower hall of Prince Cheng's Mansion.

"Waste! All of them are waste!"

The precious Jun porcelain vase was smashed to the ground and shattered into pieces.

Upon receiving news of the search results, Prince Cheng's eyes turned bloodshot, and he paced back and forth in the hall like an enraged lion, his bright yellow casual robes swaying with his obese figure.

"So many people, and not a single one can be found, plus so many casualties! What use are you to the imperial court!"

"Where is my queen?!"

"Where is my child?!"

"They're all trash!"

Prince Cheng kicked over the bronze incense burner, sending incense ash flying everywhere.

Tang Jinxian stood quietly to the lower end, her pretty face frosty.

She tried to speak several times, but seeing the prince's murderous look, she swallowed her words in the end. However, her small fists, hidden in her sleeves, were already clenched white.

She glanced at An Chenghu, who stood calmly beside her, and sighed inwardly.

Upon learning of the princess's disappearance, she rushed to the palace.

An Chenghu, known as the "Master Detective," was also specially invited to assist in analyzing the case.

After carefully learning about the situation, especially after discovering that the patrol office had tracked down Wolf Head Mountain using the magical bellyband with location tracking function that belonged to the princess, An Chenghu raised questions.

If it was indeed a kidnapping orchestrated by remnants of the Spirit Cult, given the Spirit Cult's understanding of spiritual objects and its meticulousness in its actions, there would be no way they would leave such an obvious tracking beacon on the princess.

They will inevitably try every means to erase or conceal their tracks.

The fact that it was tracked down so easily suggests that it was likely an elaborate trap.

An Chenghu's analysis is not without merit.

But this Prince Cheng wouldn't listen to a word.

He ordered the patrol officers to immediately lead a search party through the mountains, even going so far as to mobilize all available yamen runners in the surrounding area.

During this period, Tang Jinxian also clearly expressed her opposition.

She understood An Chenghu's capabilities and knew that he would not speak without reason.

However, her objections were not only rudely rejected by the prince, but the prince even bypassed her, the head of the Yancheng Patrol Office, and temporarily granted Ke Linyue full command authority on the grounds that she might "delay important matters".

Now, the result has severely embarrassed the prince.

This also confirms An Chenghu's judgment.

Tang Jinxian was so angry, it felt like a burning fire was raging inside her.

But she was helpless.

After all, the other party was a prince of the current dynasty, the emperor's own uncle, and a key figure who strongly supported the new emperor's ascension to the throne. He was deeply respected by the current emperor and enjoyed great favor from him.

His power far surpasses that of the likes of Gan Yuanyuan and Ke Linyue.

Tang Jinxian could only grit her teeth and swallow her anger.

After venting his anger, the prince finally got tired.

He plopped back into the armchair, panting heavily, and cast a gloomy, cold gaze at Ke Linyue:
"Vice Governor Ke, what do we do now? Those useless fools are dead, but what about my queen? What about clues? Is there any chance of finding her?"

Ke Linyue remained composed and bowed, saying:
"Your Highness, please calm your anger. The trail has now gone cold. In my humble opinion, the only course of action is to immediately seal off the entire city and conduct a house-to-house search, thoroughly investigating any suspicious persons and places."

Search! Search for me!

Prince Cheng slammed his fist on the table and roared,
"Even if I have to turn Yancheng upside down and dig three feet into the ground, I will find the princess for me!"

"As ordered."

Ke Linyue respectfully agreed.

At this moment, as if suddenly remembering something, he looked up and said again:

"Your Highness, I have thought of someone who might be able to assist in the investigation. There is a yamen runner in Tongxin County named Mu Jiang."

Although this person holds a lowly position, he is meticulous and exceptionally quick-witted, and has previously assisted in solving several difficult and major cases. Perhaps... we could ask him to help investigate this case.

Upon hearing this, An Chenghu and Tang Jinxian, who were standing below, both changed their expressions.

"Your Majesty!"

An Chenghu quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said...
"Namujiang is my nephew. He is dull-witted and has even suffered from mental retardation before. Although he has improved slightly now, he is still completely clueless when it comes to investigating cases."

Previous so-called case-solving was mostly coincidence and accidental; it hardly deserves such praise from Lord Ke, and might even jeopardize the Prince's important affairs!

Prince Cheng was in a state of agitation at the moment and couldn't listen to any of this. He waved his hand impatiently.
"Regardless of whether he was stupid or dull before, since Vice Governor Ke said he was useful, let's transfer him over and use him for now."

Right now, anything that can help find the princess should be done in any way possible. He'll be assigned to serve under Vice Governor Ke for now.

Tang Jinxian also became anxious and immediately spoke up:

"Your Highness, Mu Jiang is currently in charge of a case involving the disappearance of a spiritual object related to 'apple,' and this case is quite urgent, so I'm afraid he won't be able to leave for the time being..."

"presumptuous!"

The prince glared at her, his gaze as sharp as cold lightning.
"Chief Tang, I'll say it again! Now, no matter what kind of nonsense your patrol office has about the apple case or the pear case, put them aside for me!"

Right now, finding the princess is the top priority! Do you understand?!

"...Yes, Your Majesty."

Tang Jinxian could only lower her head and agree, cursing Ke Linyue countless times in her heart.

This guy actually dared to use the prince's influence to poach my employees.

Shameless scoundrel!
After the three left the Prince's mansion, the furious Tang Jinxian immediately caught up with Ke Linyue, intending to cause trouble.

Unexpectedly, Ke Linyue spoke first, taking the initiative to say:

"Chief Tang, please calm down. Rest assured, I know that Mu Jiang is someone you value, and I, Ke Lin Yue, am by no means the kind of person who would steal someone else's love."

Tang Jinxian remained silent with a cold expression.

Ke Linyue said helplessly:

"But the case is of great importance right now, and I do need his assistance. I assure you that once the princess is found safe and sound, I will return him to your service in perfect condition, and I will never break my promise."

He then looked at An Chenghu, who was silent to the side, and said with a smile:

"I also hope that Officer An will not mind. With your nephew by my side, I will do my best to protect him and not let him get into any dangerous situations."

An Chenghu remained expressionless, merely returning the greeting with a perfunctory "Thank you for your trouble, Lord Ke."

Ke Linyue smiled and nodded, then turned and left.

Watching his departing figure, Tang Jinxian took a deep breath and said to An Chenghu, "Officer An, don't worry too much. I will send more people to protect Mujiang's safety."

An Chenghu shook his head, his brows furrowed, and gazed into the depths of the Prince's mansion, whispering:

"What I'm worried about isn't the kid's personal safety. What I'm worried about is... that someone might be deliberately plotting something much bigger."

"conspiracy?"

Tang Jinxian's eyes flashed, and she pressed, "Officer An, have you discovered something?"

An Chenghu hesitated for a moment, seemingly considering his words.

Finally, she said in a low voice, "I always felt that Princess Yang's disappearance didn't seem like she was kidnapped."

"It doesn't look like a kidnapping?"

Tang Jinxian was taken aback at first, then realized the deeper meaning in An Chenghu's words, and a strange expression appeared on her pretty face.

Could it be that the princess ran away on her own?

Where would she run off to?
　Thank you for the generous donation of poems that symbolize your severance.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)