The whole family was brutally murdered? The ruthless heiress's eldest daughter went berserk aft

"No!" Xiao Wanning interrupted sharply. "Right Prime Minister Su's influence is too deep; rash actions will alert him. Investigate the others first, and follow the clues."

Late at night, in the study of the general's mansion.

Gu Ye was reviewing official documents, the candlelight illuminating his handsome profile.

Murong Xuewei stood to the side, watching his focused expression, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

“Gu Ye,” she said softly.

"Hmm?" Gu Ye looked up, his gaze gentle.

"If one day you find out that I'm also hiding things from you, what will you do?" Murong Xuewei nervously gripped her sleeve, afraid of missing any subtle change in his expression.

Gu Ye put down his brush, turned around and looked at her earnestly: "This is the third time you've asked me this question, so I'll say it again: no matter what secrets you have, I will choose to believe you. Because you are the person I love most." His voice was soft, but every word carried immense weight.

Murong Xuewei felt a pang of pain in her heart. Memories of her past life flooded back. In her previous life, Jiang Lingyun had said the same things to her, but in the end, Jiang Lingyun personally slaughtered her entire family.

In this life, Murong Xuewei has changed many things, so the fate of her family should also be changed!

"Really?" Murong Xuewei forced back her tears.

“Of course.” Gu Ye stood up and took her hand. “My feelings for you are as clear as day.”

Murong Xuewei withdrew her hand, turned around, and strode away. She dared not look Gu Ye in the eye, afraid that she would become too emotional.

Outside the door, a cold wind blew, scattering a tear from the corner of her eye.

Meanwhile, in Xiao Wan Ning's secret chamber.

“Jiang Lingyun.” She stood before the map on the wall, her finger tracing the names of the court officials one by one. “Have any unusual actions been taken by the ministers in court recently?”

“Your Highness,” Jiang Lingyun said gravely, “there are indeed many people secretly siding with Gu Ye. Especially the older officials, who seem particularly protective of him.”

"Why?" Xiao Wan Ning slammed her fist on the table. "Why would these high-ranking officials protect a mere general like this? Could it be..." A glint of light flashed in her eyes. "Investigate! Find out exactly who this Gu Ye is!"

It was late at night, and Vice Minister Zhang sat alone in his study, the tea in his hand long since gone cold.

If it weren't for Prime Minister Su's timely appearance today, he would probably already be... Thinking of this, he shuddered and dared not think any further.

Footsteps sounded outside the door, and Uncle Lin walked in silently: "Lord Zhang, the general sent me to ask if you are alright?"

Vice Minister Zhang forced a smile and bowed to Uncle Lin: "I am deeply grateful to the General and Prime Minister Su for saving my life today. If it weren't for Prime Minister Su's timely appearance, I would have become the third court official to die in the past few days."

Uncle Lin gave him a meaningful look: "Lord Su has indeed been a great help. However, Lord Zhang, there are some things you should still be careful about."

"What does Steward Lin mean by that?" Minister Zhang was taken aback.

"Take it literally." Uncle Lin turned and left. "Lord Zhang, take care of yourself."

As Zhang Shilang watched Uncle Lin's retreating figure, he felt a chill run down his spine.

Just then, the hooting of an owl came from outside the window, making him shudder.

Even in the pitch-black night, the study in the general's mansion was still brightly lit.

Gu Ye stood by the window, gazing at the outline of the imperial city in the distance, holding a list in his hand.

"Uncle Lin, you must set off immediately and make sure to protect the fourth and fifth people on the list." Gu Ye turned around, his gaze falling on the old man kneeling on the ground.

"General, let this old servant take more men." Uncle Lin looked up, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes, "These two gentlemen have special identities; if anything were to happen to them..."

“No need,” Gu Ye interrupted Uncle Lin. “Too many people will only attract attention. Remember, caution is paramount.”

Uncle Lin hesitated, then said, "General, then you..."

“I have other guards here, you don’t need to worry,” Gu Ye said calmly. “Right now, the most important thing is to protect these two people. If you delay any longer, I’m afraid…”

"Yes, this old servant understands." Uncle Lin said no more and turned to leave.

Gu Ye watched Uncle Lin leave and was about to blow out the candle when he suddenly heard footsteps outside.

"Husband," Murong Xuewei said, pushing open the door, "Why aren't you resting so late?"

"Just finished some official business." Gu Ye casually put away the list on the table. "Why aren't you asleep yet?"

Murong Xuewei walked to his side: "The child has been a bit fussy lately and can't sleep. Did Uncle Lin go out again?"

“Yes, there are some things he needs to take care of.” Gu Ye put his arm around his wife’s shoulder. “You’re pregnant now, don’t think too much, get some rest.”

The next morning, in the Golden Palace.

Xiao Yi had one foot on the dragon throne and held a memorial in his hand.

"We've been negotiating for so many days and we still haven't settled on those three cities with the Qu Kingdom! What are you all good for? A bunch of useless trash!"

Xiao Yi forcefully threw the memorial to the ground, and the assembled officials were so frightened that they all knelt down and cried out for forgiveness from the Emperor.

"Your Majesty," Jiang Lingyun bowed, "I also believe that the negotiations must not be lost." "However, my abilities are limited, and the Sixth Prince dislikes me. But I have heard that General Gu has a close relationship with the Sixth Prince of Qu, Nangong Yifeng. If we could invite him to participate, it would surely..."

"Oh?" Xiao Yi's interest was piqued. "Minister Jiang's words make sense. But..." He glanced at Gu Ye, who was standing in the corner, "What does Minister Gu think?"

Gu Ye stepped forward: "I am but a mere warrior; I fear I am unfit for this position."

Xiao Yi thought about it and agreed with Gu Ye. Just as he was about to speak, Jiang Lingyun spoke up.

“General Gu, you are mistaken. Negotiations are similar to military campaigns; they also require rules and procedures. Besides, General Gu and the Sixth Prince are already acquaintances,” Jiang Lingyun deliberately glanced at Xiao Yi. “Or is it that General Gu is unwilling to share His Majesty’s burden?”

Xiao Yi glared angrily at Gu Ye, "Minister Gu, what Minister Jiang said is true."

Seeing this, Prime Minister Su was about to step forward to speak on Gu Ye's behalf when Gu Ye secretly made a gesture, signaling Prime Minister Su to step back.

"Your Majesty has given the order, and I dare not disobey."

"Very well!" Xiao Yi slammed his hand on the table. "Then it's settled. Minister Gu and Minister Jiang will jointly be in charge of this matter." He paused, then added, "By the way, I've heard that the Sixth Prince of Qu Kingdom particularly enjoys traveling around. You must take good care of him."

"Your Majesty, we obey!" Jiang Lingyun and Gu Ye replied in unison.

After the court session, Jiang Lingyun quickly caught up with Gu Ye: "General Gu, please wait."

Gu Ye stopped: "Lord Jiang, is there something you need?"

"Regarding the negotiations, does the General have any thoughts?" Jiang Lingyun smiled and said, "In my humble opinion, why not invite the Sixth Prince to the residence for a discussion first?"

Gu Ye gave him a cold glance: "Lord Jiang is very kind. However, the negotiations are of great importance. Perhaps we should wait until I return to my residence to sort things out before discussing it in detail with Lord Jiang?"