Years turn into wind

A few days later, Ling Xiaotian's frontline defenses gradually stabilized. Although the enemy's surprise attack was fierce, he quickly adjusted his strategy and temporarily suppressed it. However, his heart did not relax, but instead became more nervous. This was because Ling Xiaotian knew that the enemy's surprise attack was only part of the problem; the real threat had not yet emerged.

Cheng Yuwei remained by his side, but her keen intuition told her that danger was approaching. She had noticed a surge in the number of people coming and going in the mansion recently, especially the normally inconspicuous attendants, who appeared to be moving with increasing nervousness and haste. Doubts began to well up in her mind—were all the people in the Marshal's mansion as loyal as they appeared?

That evening, Ling Xiaotian summoned several core generals to discuss the next strategic arrangements. The meeting was scheduled to take place in a secret room in the Marshal's Mansion. Cheng Yuwei knew it was inconvenient to disturb them at this time, so she walked alone in the mansion, thinking about everything that had happened recently.

As she reached the backyard, Cheng Yuwei faintly heard a whisper, as if several people were discussing something in a corner. She quietly approached, hid behind a rockery, and listened carefully.

"Sir Xu, our plan has been arranged. Once the time is right, Marshal Ling will completely lose his command." One of them spoke in a low and cold voice.

Another familiar voice trembled Cheng Yuwei's heart. It was Xu Wenzhong's voice. "Very good. Remember, we must not reveal ourselves at this critical moment, especially since Ling Xiaotian trusts me. As long as he trusts me, we have the opportunity to strike at this crucial moment."

Cheng Yuwei's heart suddenly tightened. She finally understood that Xu Wenzhong was the traitor who secretly instigated the rebellion! All of a sudden, all the clues quickly connected in her mind, and all the doubts pointed to Xu Wenzhong, the man who had been hiding so deeply.

She held her breath and retreated quietly, fearing they would notice her. She knew that this matter must not be acted rashly, otherwise Ling Xiaotian would be in even greater danger.

At the same time, in the conference room, Ling Xiaotian and several generals were discussing the latest combat plan.

"We must strengthen the southeastern defense line. The enemy's recent attacks have been concentrated in this area." Ling Xiaotian pointed at the map with a serious tone.

"But, Marshal, our military strength is limited. If we transfer more troops to the southeast, will other defense lines be weakened?" a general asked.

Ling Xiaotian thought calmly for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "For the time being, the southeast is the top priority. We can temporarily increase patrols on other lines of defense. If the enemy discovers that we have strengthened the southeastern defense line, they may be wary and dare not attack rashly."

At this moment, Xu Wenzhong suddenly made a suggestion: "General, in this case, can we consider obtaining more intelligence about the enemy's movements through merchants? I have recently been in contact with several reliable merchants, and perhaps we can get some valuable information from them."

Ling Xiaotian glanced at Xu Wenzhong, thoughtful. Xu Wenzhong had always been his right-hand man, and this suggestion made sense. "You can try, but you have to make sure the source of the information is reliable. These are extraordinary times, and any slip-up could lead to irreversible consequences."

Xu Wenzhong nodded, his expression calm, as if everything was under control.

That night, Cheng Yuwei tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She knew she had to tell Ling Xiaotian about this discovery as soon as possible, but at this moment, she also had a new worry in her heart - if she rashly exposed Xu Wenzhong's conspiracy, would Ling Xiaotian hesitate because of his years of trust? After all, Xu Wenzhong was one of his most trusted people. If this matter was not handled carefully, it might cause Ling Xiaotian even greater trouble.

Just as she was thinking, the door was suddenly pushed open and Ling Xiaotian walked in. He seemed unable to sleep, his brows were furrowed, and he looked worried.

"What's wrong? Can't sleep?" Ling Xiaotian sat beside the bed and asked softly.

Cheng Yuwei took a deep breath and decided not to hide it anymore. She held Ling Xiaotian's hand and said slowly, "Xiaotian, I discovered something today that may be very important to you."

Ling Xiaotian's eyes instantly became alert: "What's the matter?"

"I overheard a conversation between Xu Wenzhong and others in the backyard... I'm afraid he has been secretly planning something detrimental to you."

Ling Xiaotian's expression changed slightly, but he didn't get angry immediately. Instead, he remained silent for a moment, a complicated look flashing in his eyes. "Are you sure you heard correctly?"

Cheng Yuwei nodded and told Ling Xiaotian everything she had heard.

After hearing this, Ling Xiaotian fell into a long period of contemplation. His eyes fixed on the ground, a complex mix of emotions welling up within him. Xu Wenzhong had been his longtime comrade and one of his most trusted confidants. If Cheng Yuwei's words were true, then the thought of such a formidable threat lurking near him felt almost like a betrayal.

Cheng Yuwei looked at Ling Xiaotian quietly. She knew that he must be going through a fierce struggle in his heart at this moment. She gently held his hand and whispered, "I know this is hard to accept, but you have to face this fact."

Ling Xiaotian was silent for a long time before he finally looked up, a trace of fatigue and pain in his eyes. He nodded gently, "I will investigate this matter secretly and make sure he doesn't find out. Thank you for telling me, Yuwei."

Cheng Yuwei nodded and breathed a sigh of relief. Although the situation was still complicated, she knew that Ling Xiaotian would make the wisest choice.

Over the next few days, Ling Xiaotian began secretly arranging an investigation into Xu Wenzhong's actions. At the same time, his army was methodically deploying a new battle plan to deal with the next enemy attack.

Meanwhile, Shen Yirong's anxiety grew. She knew her plan was about to reach a critical juncture. If successful, Ling Xiaotian's power would be completely dismantled, and she would be in control of everything. However, Cheng Yuwei's presence made her feel extremely threatened. Cheng Yuwei not only won Ling Xiaotian's heart, but also gradually interfered in the affairs of the mansion, making Shen Yirong feel that she was surrounded by danger.

Shen Yirong understood that in order to completely defeat Ling Xiaotian, she must first get rid of Cheng Yuwei.

That night, Ling Xiaotian convened another secret meeting to discuss the upcoming battle. However, just after the meeting, he received an urgent report - the front line suddenly encountered a large-scale attack. The enemy had obviously grasped their strategic deployment and the attack was very targeted.

Ling Xiaotian immediately realized that this leak was far more serious than he had imagined. Xu Wenzhong's conspiracy had begun to truly threaten his foundation.

He did not hesitate any longer and decisively issued the order: "Arrest Xu Wenzhong immediately!"

This hidden storm is finally about to erupt completely.