During their time in Jiangnan, Xiao Yanzi and Hongzhou's feelings for each other deepened. They embraced by the lake under the moonlight, pouring out their hearts to one another. Hongzhou gently stroked Xiao Yanzi's hair and said, "Xiao Yanzi, I wish to spend my life with you, and no matter what difficulties we encounter, I will never leave you." Xiao Yanzi nestled in Hongzhou's arms, her eyes glistening with tears of happiness: "Fifth Prince, me too."

However, unbeknownst to them, a massive conspiracy lurks behind this seemingly idyllic trip to Jiangnan. A quiet undercurrent is rising in the martial world, gradually closing in on them, and their love and destiny are about to face a severe test.

That day, Xiao Yanzi and Hongzhou strolled through the streets of an ancient town in Jiangnan. Street vendors hawked various unique trinkets, creating a lively atmosphere. Xiao Yanzi looked at the novel items with eyes full of curiosity. Suddenly, her gaze was drawn to a kite stall; the kites were exquisitely designed and painted with various lively patterns.

Little Swallow excitedly pulled Hongzhou along, exclaiming, "Fifth Prince, look at that kite! It's so beautiful!" Hongzhou smiled and said, "If you like it, we'll buy it." Little Swallow took the kite and ran happily through the street, letting out the string as she ran. The kite gradually soared higher. Hongzhou watched from the side, his face beaming with a doting smile.

Tired from playing, they sat down to rest at a tea stall by the street. Xiao Yanzi took a sip of tea, her eyes suddenly becoming unfocused. She thought of Ziwei, Erkang, Yongqi, and Jinsuo—her dearest friends who had accompanied her in another world. A wave of longing washed over her, and she couldn't help but softly hum a cheerful tune she had heard in the Prime Minister's mansion: "Spring flowers bloom in the warm sun, colorful butterflies flutter in pairs. Birds sing joyfully on the branches, sharing this scene with a joyful heart." As she hummed, her eyes reddened slightly.

Hongzhou asked with some doubt, "Little Swallow, what tune is this? I've never heard it before, but it's quite cheerful and pleasant to listen to." Little Swallow was taken aback, then quickly came to her senses and said with a smile, "Oh, this is a tune I heard by chance in the Prime Minister's residence before. I thought it was nice and so I remembered it." Hongzhou nodded, not thinking much of it.

Just then, a mysterious man in black appeared at the corner of the town, his gaze fixed intently on Xiao Yanzi and Hong Zhou. He was a member of that undercurrent of the martial arts world, and he had come here on a mission to investigate Xiao Yanzi's secret.

Xiao Yanzi and Hongzhou continued their travels in Jiangnan, arriving at an ancient temple. The temple was filled with the gentle smoke of incense, peaceful and serene. Xiao Yanzi looked around curiously, gazing at the Buddha statues and murals. Hongzhou explained the temple's history and legends to her.

However, as soon as they left the temple, they found a group of men in black blocking their way. Hongzhou warily shielded Xiaoyanzi behind him and shouted, "Who are you? Why are you blocking our path?" The leader of the men in black sneered, "Fifth Prince, we have no intention of offending you, but we have some questions for Miss Lin." Hongzhou frowned, "What business do you have with Xiaoyanzi?" The leader of the men in black ignored Hongzhou and went directly to Xiaoyanzi, saying, "Miss Lin, do you know a martial arts master named Ling Xuzi?"

Xiao Yanzi was startled; she had never heard of this name before. However, she forced herself to remain calm and said, "I've never heard of this person. Don't talk nonsense!" The leader of the men in black sneered, "Miss Lin, you'd better tell the truth, or don't blame us for being impolite!"

Hongzhou roared, "How dare you threaten Xiaoyanzi! You must have a death wish!" With that, he began to fight the men in black. Although Hongzhou was skilled in martial arts, the men in black outnumbered him and were all highly skilled, making it difficult for him to gain the upper hand for the time being.

Xiao Yanzi joined the battle, displaying her martial arts skills and cooperating with Hongzhou. However, the men in black seemed to have been prepared, their moves were unpredictable, and Xiao Yanzi and Hongzhou gradually found themselves in a difficult situation.

Just then, the sound of horses' hooves suddenly rang out. It turned out that Hongli had also arrived here due to some political affairs in Jiangnan. When he saw Xiaoyanzi and Hongzhou being surrounded by men in black, his heart tightened, and he joined the battle without hesitation.

Hongli's appearance changed the course of the battle. His martial arts were superb and his swordsmanship was fierce. Before long, the men in black were defeated. Hongzhou looked at Hongli with mixed feelings, both grateful and slightly displeased: "Fourth Brother, what are you doing here?" Hongli sheathed his sword and said, "I came to Jiangnan to handle government affairs and happened to pass by this place. When I saw you being attacked, I came to help."

Xiao Yanzi looked at Hongli, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She was grateful to Hongli for saving her life, but she was also worried that he would discover her secret. Hongli looked at Xiao Yanzi, his doubts growing stronger. He felt that Xiao Yanzi's reaction to the questions from these men in black was too abnormal.

Back at their lodgings, Hongzhou said to Xiaoyanzi, "Xiaoyanzi, why did these people suddenly mention Lingxuzi? Are you hiding something from me?" Xiaoyanzi quickly shook her head and said, "Fifth Prince, I really don't know any Lingxuzi, and I don't know why they would ask that." Hongzhou looked at her, half believing and half doubting.

Back at his residence, Hongli pondered the day's events. He felt that Xiao Yanzi was hiding some secret, perhaps related to the familiar feeling he had for her. He decided to investigate secretly and uncover Xiao Yanzi's secret.

Xiao Yanzi knew her situation was becoming dangerous. On one hand, she had to appease Hongzhou to avoid arousing his suspicion; on the other hand, she had to guard against Hongli's investigation. In this Jiangnan region, her originally beautiful love and peaceful life were thrown into chaos by this sudden conspiracy, and she didn't know how to deal with it all. She could only try her best to find a way out of this predicament and protect her love and secret.

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