Years turn into wind

Ling Xiaotian lay awake late into the night, standing by his study window, gazing at the darkening night outside, a complex tapestry of thoughts welling up in his mind. The enemy was stirring, the unrest in the city palpable, and the enemy assassins hadn't dared to risk sneaking into the mansion without reason. Cheng Yuwei followed him into the study, gently patting him on the shoulder. "Xiaotian, you've already arranged patrols tonight. The entire mansion is on alert. Take a break."

Ling Xiaotian turned around and saw her. His heart warmed a little, and he said softly, "Yuwei, you don't have to accompany me through all this hardship. The assassins tonight may just be pioneers exploring the way, and the people behind the scenes are still waiting for an opportunity to strike."

Cheng Yuwei smiled slightly, sat down opposite him, and said firmly: "These days, we have fought side by side, and it is no longer just dependence. I hope to help you protect this foundation in this chaotic world. Since the enemy is so persistent, we must prepare for the future and find out the true purpose of the mastermind behind the scenes."

Ling Xiaotian nodded slowly, feeling somewhat comforted. He knew full well that the woman before him wasn't just a weak companion, but rather his strong arm. He reached out and pulled her into his arms, whispering, "Yuwei, I'm so lucky to have you by my side. You've made sure I never feel alone."

The next day, Ling Xiaotian and Cheng Yuwei gathered their confidants to analyze the events of the previous night. A deputy general reported, "General, the assassin we captured last night is very stubborn. After several rounds of interrogation, he still refuses to reveal the mastermind behind the attack."

Cheng Yuwei frowned slightly, feeling a sense of unease. She pondered for a moment, then whispered to Ling Xiaotian, "Xiaotian, I think we can use psychological tactics to trick him into thinking he's been betrayed by his accomplices. Perhaps we can elicit some unexpected confessions."

Ling Xiaotian showed a hint of appreciation and nodded in agreement: "Yuwei, you are right. I will proceed according to your method."

As night fell, the assassin remained silent in the dungeon. Cheng Yuwei personally led the charge outside, ordering the assassin to hear false information, deliberately mentioning that he had been betrayed by his accomplices. As expected, the assassin's expression suddenly changed, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes, but he maintained a forced composure. However, Cheng Yuwei had already noticed these subtle changes.

She smiled faintly, turned to Ling Xiaotian and said, "He's already wavering in his heart. Next, we just need to keep putting pressure on him, and he will confess sooner or later." Ling Xiaotian nodded, a hint of confidence and approval in his eyes.

As expected, a few days later, after repeated attempts, the assassin finally succumbed to the pressure and revealed that Liu Jingyao had a powerful reinforcement behind her. Cheng Yuwei and Ling Xiaotian exchanged a glance, their hearts growing even more vigilant.

Ling Xiaotian sneered, "It seems our true enemy hasn't revealed itself yet. Liu Jingyao is merely a puppet." He pondered for a moment and said in a deep voice, "Yuwei, we must completely eradicate this force behind this. Otherwise, it will sooner or later endanger our safety."

Cheng Yuwei nodded in agreement and said softly, "Then we will catch them all in one fell swoop and have no more worries."

At this moment, the guards brought word that Liu Bo, Ling Xiaotian's trusted advisor and long-time friend, had suddenly requested an audience. Liu Bo had been Ling Xiaotian's longtime friend and advisor, but he had recently been dispatched on an inspection tour and hadn't been back for months.

Ling Xiaotian had the guards let Liu Bo in. Just as he was about to listen to the report, he noticed that Liu Bo's expression was slightly serious. Ling Xiaotian asked in confusion, "Liu Bo, why did you come back in such a hurry? Is there any important news?"

Liu Bo hesitated for a moment and whispered, "General, I learned during my inspection that a dark force is gathering and attempting a surprise attack on your city. I'm worried about a change in the situation, so I've returned to report."

Ling Xiaotian's eyes darkened, and he asked calmly, "Who is the leader of this force?"

Liu Bo shook his head slightly. "I haven't investigated the matter yet, but there are rumors that they have secret connections with the forces behind Liu Jingyao. I'm afraid they are coming with great force."

Ling Xiaotian frowned, his heart secretly alert. After thinking for a moment, he said to Liu Bo, "Your report is very timely. We must make preparations in advance to meet this crisis."

Cheng Yuwei nodded and thought for a moment before saying, "Xiaotian, perhaps we can arrange some guidance in the mansion to mislead their judgment and then take the opportunity to find their flaws."

Ling Xiaotian looked at Cheng Yuwei deeply, his eyes full of trust. "Yuwei, with you here, I feel more at ease. This time, the deployment of the defense will be left to you and Liu Bo. Please proceed with caution."

Cheng Yuwei nodded, secretly resolving to work with Ling Xiaotian to repel this undercurrent. She and Liu Bo quickly set to work, laying traps and dispatching spies to monitor the enemy's movements.

A few days later, the city was indeed attacked. The enemy's offensive was fierce, but due to the careful deployment of Ling Xiaotian and Cheng Yuwei, they were surrounded and their morale was crushed, so they had to evacuate.

After the battle, Ling Xiaotian and Cheng Yuwei stood on the city wall, gazing at the distant enemy figures, their hearts filled with pride and relief. Ling Xiaotian gently embraced Cheng Yuwei and whispered, "Yuwei, this time, thanks to your wisdom, otherwise this battle would never have been so easy."

Cheng Yuwei looked up at him, her eyes soft but firm, and she smiled softly, "Xiaotian, fighting side by side with you these days has made me understand more clearly that love is not about dependence, but about mutual support and protection."

Ling Xiaotian's eyes showed a hint of tenderness. He took her into his arms and whispered, "No matter how difficult the future may be, I will always be by your side."

At that moment, footsteps suddenly sounded behind them. The two turned around and saw that it was the deputy general who had brought a captured man in black, who appeared to be a spy lurking in the army. Ling Xiaotian's expression froze, and he said in a cold voice, "Take him to the dungeon and interrogate him slowly!"

Cheng Yuwei watched the men in black being escorted away, her heart secretly alert. She knew that the storm was far from over, and the road ahead was still full of unknown challenges. However, she was not afraid, because with Ling Xiaotian by her side, they would face all the storms together.