Shocking! Five men are in love with the same woman!

The moment the painted boat finally touched the shore steadily.

Chu Xiyao moved with the agility of a cheetah, instantly grabbing Lingyan and Yunmeng from either side and leaping away effortlessly, the three of them landing steadily on solid ground.

Lingyan then saw the man in white join the battle.

However, they eliminated all the assassins in a very short time.

He stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his clothes fluttering in the wind, and his sword strikes were as fast as lightning.

A series of cold lights flashed by, the sword blade gleaming with an icy light, like silver ribbons streaking across the sky.

His movements were fluid and graceful, without the slightest hesitation. Every subtle movement was incredibly precise, as if he had undergone countless hours of practice.

When he drew his sword, he exuded an unparalleled aura, as if everything in the world was under his control.

His posture was like a dragon emerging from the sea, agile and beautiful.

He is like the embodiment of the sword, a perfect combination of power and beauty.

His figure was like a celestial being descending to earth, graceful yet sharp, leaving people in awe and admiration.

As for his appearance...

Sorry, I can't see it.

Because his face was completely covered by a silver-white mask.

After he dealt with all the assassins, he vanished without a trace.

I had absolutely no intention of communicating with them.

He really is a unique and interesting person.

The crisis on the pleasure boat was now resolved, and the guards swiftly and decisively killed the remaining assassins one by one, leaving no one behind.

General Li also arrived hastily with his troops at this time.

Seeing Ling Yan standing there unharmed, General Li breathed a sigh of relief.

Then he quickly stepped forward, knelt down, and begged for forgiveness, saying, "This humble general has arrived late to rescue you. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

Lingyan did not blame him. Instead, she calmly instructed, "General Li, please rise. This matter has nothing to do with you. However, I will trouble you to handle the aftermath of tonight's events. As for investigating the person behind the scenes, my people will take over."

Upon hearing this, General Li rose and respectfully replied, "This subordinate obeys!"

After saying this, he bowed to Lingyan again and then led his men to clean up the mess.

Upon learning the news, the newly appointed Prefect of Suzhou, Lord Wu, was extremely anxious and rushed over.

The elderly man, who was over fifty years old, appeared both fearful and respectful when facing the Lingyan Pavilion.

He is to blame for what happened tonight. The assassination attempt on the Crown Princess under his jurisdiction was his dereliction of duty. Fortunately, the Crown Princess is safe and sound.

Otherwise, he can forget about getting his official hat back.

Upon seeing Lingyan, he immediately knelt down, drenched in sweat, and begged for forgiveness, saying, "Please forgive me, Your Highness, the Crown Princess. Such a heinous crime has occurred under my jurisdiction. I cannot shirk my responsibility. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

Lingyan replied solemnly, "This matter is not Lord Wu's fault. Lord Wu has only been in office for a few days, so I forgive you. However, you must take the matter of pacifying the people seriously. As for the investigation of the assassin, my people will investigate. Lord Wu only needs to assist from the side."

After hearing this, Lord Wu's expression was solemn and resolute.

He immediately bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, I understand. I will cooperate fully and investigate this matter thoroughly to the end, and I will not let the assassin and the mastermind behind it go unpunished."

After giving her instructions, Lingyan left with Chu Xiyao and Yunmeng.

Upon returning to the prefect's residence, the officials who had heard the news all came forward to inquire about his well-being.

Seeing that she was safe and sound, the officials were all relieved.

Then came a surge of anger and frustration.

Even knowing that the Crown Princess was here, someone still dared to attempt an assassination.

Although I don't know if they came for the Crown Princess.

However, this matter does involve the Crown Princess, and we must not allow the assassins and those behind the scenes to escape justice.

If the Crown Princess suffers even the slightest injury tonight, their official positions will likely be over, and they might even lose their lives.

How could they possibly let these hateful people go?

Lingyan understood their righteous indignation, so she instructed, "This matter will be left to you gentlemen and the brothers of the Shadow Division to investigate. Lord Wu will assist you. You must have a result within seven days, if possible."

Upon hearing this, everyone's spirits lifted, and their eyes gleamed with determination.

They shouted in unison, "We will not fail in our mission! Investigate this matter as soon as possible!"

The voice echoed in the night sky, filled with unwavering determination and resolve.

………………

As night deepened, all was quiet.

Ling Yan slowly entered her bedroom. After taking a bath, she was only wearing a thin nightgown.

He then extinguished the candle and lay quietly on the bed with his eyes closed to rest.

Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating her gentle face and adding to her tranquility and serenity.

Just then, a slight noise came from the room, but Lingyan did not react at all.

Immediately afterwards, a familiar aura quietly approached.

Lingyan did not open her eyes, but she already knew who the newcomer was.

He simply smiled faintly.

Immediately, she felt the area beside her sink slightly.

A warm embrace enveloped her tightly, the man's arms encircling her waist, holding her close in his arms.

In the quiet night, she could clearly feel the other person trembling, a kind of indescribable fear and dread.

Ling Yan then opened her eyes and gently turned her head, asking in an almost inaudible voice, "What's wrong? Were you scared tonight?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Xiyao hugged her even tighter.

His voice was also very low and slightly choked: "Yes, I was scared. I have never been so scared before. I was afraid that something might happen to you, afraid that I would lose you."

Upon hearing this, Lingyan felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

She reached out and gently patted Chu Xiyao's back.

She reassured him with her unique gentleness and firmness: "It's alright, everything's fine now, isn't it? You wouldn't let anything happen to me, don't be afraid."

Upon hearing this, Chu Xiyao slowly released his embrace, gazing intently at Ling Yan.

Under the moonlight, her face appeared even more ethereal.

He whispered, "I'm not afraid of something happening to myself, but I'm terrified of something happening to you. I'm really scared tonight, afraid you'll get hurt or even..."

Seeing his panic and fear, Lingyan softened and comforted him, "It's okay, I can protect myself. Besides, given my status, most people wouldn't dare to mess with me easily. And I feel that this group's target tonight isn't me."

Chu Xiyao was still shaken and apprehensive after hearing this, but thankfully it wasn't that serious anymore.

So he went along with her words and said, "Regardless of whether this is aimed at you or not, I will not let them get away with it."

As he spoke, his eyes were filled with ferocity and murderous intent, making him extremely bloodthirsty and terrifying.

Lingyan patted his head and said softly, "Alright, don't think about it anymore. Just wait for their investigation results. But by the way, do you know that white-clad swordsman from tonight? What is his identity and why did he suddenly appear to help us?"

Chu Xiyao shook his head and said, "I know nothing about him and don't know him, but he helped us anyway. He probably didn't like dealing with us, so he left immediately. If we have the chance to meet him, we will definitely thank him properly."

Lingyan couldn't figure it out either, but nodded and said, "We do need to thank them. After the investigation results are released and the matter is dealt with, let's go back to the capital. I miss the three of them."

Chu Xiyao smiled gently upon hearing this, "Okay, I'll listen to you. You've been all my thing for a while now, and although I'm happy about it, I always feel it's unfair to the three of them."

Ling Yan smiled slightly and replied, "This is something that cannot be predicted. Just accept it."

Upon hearing this, Chu Xiyao moved even closer to her and whispered in her ear, "Alright, let me take over you for a while longer now."

Ling Yan was in a mess.

That voice, that smile, those eyes—who are they trying to seduce?!