Years turn into wind

After Su Miaoran's conspiracy was exposed, Ling Xiaotian ordered her and the man to be secretly detained for further interrogation and to investigate the larger forces behind the incident. A brief period of peace returned to the mansion, but Ling Xiaotian and Cheng Yuwei both knew that this was only superficial tranquility, and the real crisis might still be lurking in the dark.

For the past few days, Ling Xiaotian had been handling military affairs at the mansion, while Cheng Yuwei was busy researching new medicinal formulas to support them in future battles. After this incident, their rapport had deepened. Ling Xiaotian would occasionally find time to accompany her, occasionally helping to grind herbs or quietly discussing tactics with her. The atmosphere was peaceful and warm.

One evening, Ling Xiaotian took Cheng Yuwei to a teahouse in the city. They sat by the window on the second floor, enjoying the beautiful sunset. Cheng Yuwei picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said with a smile, "Xiaotian, I didn't expect you to bring me to a place like this."

Ling Xiaotian raised the corners of his mouth slightly, and said in a gentle tone: "You've worked so hard for so long, it's a good time for you to relax. Besides, I have something to say to you."

Cheng Yuwei looked up at him, her eyes filled with anticipation. Ling Xiaotian took a deep breath and spoke slowly, "Yuwei, ever since you came to me, helped me investigate the enemy's plans, and developed the medicine for me, I've been with you for so long... I can't let you go." His eyes were sincere and affectionate, as if he had poured all his affection into them.

Cheng Yuwei felt a surge of warmth in her heart, her face slightly reddened, but she smiled softly and said, "Xiaotian, when did you become so sentimental?"

Ling Xiaotian gently held her hand and whispered, "Because of you, I discovered that in these war-torn years, I can still have this tenderness." His voice was low and warm, which made Cheng Yuwei's heart tremble. The two looked at each other, as if the world had stopped.

However, the warm time did not last long, and a new wave of turmoil soon hit the mansion.

A few days later, a soldier hurriedly came to report that a man had sneaked into the barracks in the middle of the night, claiming to have important intelligence to present to Ling Xiaotian. Ling Xiaotian frowned slightly and quickly ordered someone to bring the man to the lobby.

The man, dressed in coarse cloth, looked nervous and uneasy. He knelt down upon seeing Ling Xiaotian and said in a trembling voice, "General, I'm from the enemy camp. I'm willing to tell you their secret stronghold and action plan. I only ask that you spare my life."

Ling Xiaotian looked at him coldly, his eyes full of scrutiny: "Tell me, if your information is true, I can consider your request."

The man quickly lowered his head and presented a detailed map and action plan. Cheng Yuwei stood aside, carefully examining the markings on the map. She found that these strongholds seemed to match the previous intelligence, and she immediately became suspicious.

Ling Xiaotian pondered for a moment and asked, "Why did you betray your master?"

The man's face was filled with fear, and he quickly replied, "I am just a commoner, forced to join the army by them, and I live in fear every day. Now that I see the commander's bravery and invincibility, I know that they will break through their defenses sooner or later. It is better to surrender early and leave myself a chance to survive."

Cheng Yuwei observed the man's expression from the side, perceptively noting that the panic in his eyes wasn't just out of fear, but rather a hidden secret. She whispered softly to Ling Xiaotian, "Xiaotian, this man is acting too hastily. It's possible he was sent here to deliberately release false information."

Ling Xiaotian nodded, his eyes sternly sweeping over the man, and said calmly, "I will consider your request. However, you will stay in the mansion for the time being. I will make a decision after verifying your information."

The man's expression changed slightly, but he immediately regained his composure and nodded in agreement.

That night, Ling Xiaotian summoned his confidants to discuss the matter and review the map. They quickly discovered that several enemy strongholds matched their previous intelligence, but a few others appeared unusual, seemingly intentionally set as bait to lure them in.

Cheng Yuwei pondered for a moment and offered a suggestion: "If this is indeed an enemy plot, we can take advantage of it and pretend to send people to those suspicious locations, and take the opportunity to find their real command center."

Ling Xiaotian agreed with this and ordered his men to make secret arrangements, pretending to transfer the main force to these suspicious places, while he led an elite team and quietly lurked near another secret stronghold of the enemy.

A few days later, Ling Xiaotian successfully ambushed the enemy's core stronghold and captured a senior enemy general. This general had an arrogant look on his face, and it was clear that he was not afraid of Ling Xiaotian's actions at all.

Ling Xiaotian sneered, "You have tried to plot against me many times, and now you are in my hands, what else do you have to say?"

The general smiled coldly and said meaningfully, "Marshal Ling, do you really think our plan is that simple? Do you know that we have people lurking around you?"

As soon as the words fell, Ling Xiaotian and Cheng Yuwei's expressions changed. Cheng Yuwei's mind raced, and she immediately thought of the man who had surrendered earlier, and a strong sense of unease arose in her heart.

Ling Xiaotian immediately ordered the entire palace on alert and dispatched a thorough investigation into the defector's background. However, when they arrived at the man's room, they found the door wide open and the man had vanished. Only a note remained on the table, reading, "Marshal Ling, we'll meet again someday."

Ling Xiaotian clutched the note, his eyes gleaming with murderous intent. He said coldly to Cheng Yuwei, "It seems we underestimated the enemy's courage this time."

Cheng Yuwei looked solemn, and she had a vague feeling in her heart that the enemy lurking in the dark was probably more cunning than she had imagined.