Sludge suction system

Night fell, and all was silent except for the gentle rustling of the treetops in the breeze. Clutching the palace defense map, Lan Ke'er hurried anxiously towards the hostage residence. Her heart pounded in her chest the entire way, and she walked with extreme caution, fearing she would be discovered.

Finally, she arrived at the hidden side door of the hostage residence. Lan Ke'er composed herself, raised her hand, and gently knocked on the door, issuing the pre-arranged signal of three long knocks followed by two short ones. In the quiet night, the knocking sounded exceptionally clear.

A moment later, the door creaked open, and Chu Li's familiar face appeared before him. In the moonlight, his eyes were filled with anxiety and anticipation, and when he saw Lan Ke'er, a flash of surprise appeared in his eyes.

"Ke'er, you've finally arrived!" Chu Li's voice trembled slightly with excitement. He pulled Lan Ke'er into the mansion, his movements filled with urgency and affection.

Elisa Lam stumbled as he pulled her, nearly falling over. She quickly regained her balance and scolded him playfully, "Don't rush, be careful someone sees us."

Chu Li ignored everything else and hugged Lan Ke'er tightly, as if she were the most precious treasure in the world. "Ke'er, I've been waiting for you with burning anxiety. Do you know how worried I was?"

Lean Ke'er nestled in his arms, listening to his rapid heartbeat, and her tension and unease eased slightly. She gently pushed Chu Li away and said, "I'm here now, aren't I? I brought the things too."

As she spoke, Elisa Lam took out the palace defense map, which she regarded as her lifeblood, from her bosom and solemnly handed it to Chu Li. "Here, this is the palace defense map you asked for. I finally managed to get it."

Chu Li took the defense map with both hands, his hands trembling slightly. He eagerly unfolded it, and in the dim moonlight, his eyes scanned every mark and line with hungry hunger, his face gradually revealing an uncontrollable joy. "Ke'er, you are amazing! With this, my plan can be implemented smoothly, and the day we return to Fengyu Kingdom is not far away."

Looking at Chu Li's excited expression, Lan Ke'er felt a mix of emotions. She sighed softly and said, "I also heard that the Emperor is dying. People in the palace are saying that the Empress is already preparing for her funeral."

Upon hearing this, a glint flashed in Chu Li's eyes, which then became deep and unfathomable. "Good, this news is too important; it's practically a godsend."

Lan Ke'er looked at Chu Li, a strange unease rising in her heart. "Chu Li, I have done as you asked. You must keep your promise to me."

Chu Li raised his head, gently cupped Lan Ke'er's face in his hands, looked firmly into her eyes, and said affectionately, "Ke'er, don't worry. Once I return to Fengyu Kingdom and achieve great merit, I will immediately come back to fetch you. You will become the Queen Consort of Fengyu Kingdom, and we will enjoy endless wealth and glory, and we will never have to live such a life of fear again."

Looking into Chu Li's affectionate eyes, Lan Ke'er's worries gradually dissipated. She nodded slightly, a shy smile appearing on her face. "You must be careful. If this palace defense map is discovered to be missing, it will definitely cause a huge uproar. You must not be implicated."

Chu Li carefully put away the defense map, gently embraced Lan Ke'er, rested his chin on the top of her head, and said tenderly, "Don't worry, I'll be careful. You must also be careful in the palace, and don't give anything away. If something happens to you, what's the point of me gaining the world?"

Elisa Lam nestled in Chu Li's arms, feeling his warm embrace and gentle words, her heart filled with sweetness and happiness. At this moment, all her fear and exhaustion seemed to vanish.

Chu Li gently lifted Lan Ke'er's chin, gazing at her luscious lips, and slowly lowered his head. Lan Ke'er's heart suddenly raced. She closed her eyes, tilted her head slightly, and welcomed Chu Li's kiss. Their lips touched lightly, as if time stood still at that moment. The moonlight, like water, bathed them in a silvery glow, gilding the embracing lovers.

After a long while, their lips parted, and Elisa Lam, her face flushed, said coquettishly, "Alright, I should go back now. It would be terrible if I got back too late and someone found out."

Chu Li couldn't bear to let her go, so he hugged her tightly again and said, "Let me hug you for a little while longer, just a little while."

Elisa Lam gently patted Chu Li's back and said tenderly, "Stop fooling around. We have plenty of time ahead of us. Focus on your big plans, and once you succeed, we can be together forever."

Chu Li gently took Lan Ke'er's hand. "Ke'er, wait for me."

Lan Ke'er broke free from his hand and turned to disappear into the night. Chu Li watched her departing figure, a barely perceptible cold smile playing on his lips. In his heart, Lan Ke'er was nothing more than a pawn to be used and discarded, while that defense map was the key to his ascent to the pinnacle of power.

Under the pitch-black night sky, the Prime Minister's residence resembled a lurking beast, hidden in the deep shadows. Chu Li appeared like a ghost, silently arriving at the gate.

"Halt! Who goes there?" The guard's shout broke the silence.

Chu Li remained calm and unhurried, taking out a specially made token from his robes. The unique markings on the token were faintly visible in the hazy moonlight. "I am Chu Li. I have important matters to discuss with the Prime Minister. If I delay you, you cannot bear the consequences." His tone was steady, exuding an unquestionable confidence.

The guard took the token, examined it carefully, his expression changed slightly, and he immediately let them pass.

Chu Li strode into the study. Wang Chong was sitting upright in a grand chair, the candlelight flickering and reflecting the wariness on his face. "What brings you here so late at night?" Wang Chong asked bluntly, his voice low.

Chu Li stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Prime Minister, I have come today to ask you to fulfill your promise. We agreed that I would help you get rid of Li Xiao, and you would send me back to Fengyu Kingdom."

Wang Chong frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes: "Hmph, you're certainly impatient. However, eliminating Li Xiao is only the first step. What else do you have to do?"

Chu Li's lips curled into a confident smile: "Prime Minister, I have also brought you a map of the palace's defenses." He then took the map from his robes and gently spread it on the table. "With this map, your actions will be greatly enhanced."

Wang Chong's gaze was instantly drawn to the defense map. He bent down to examine it, his eyes gleaming with increasing greed. After a long while, he straightened up and stared at Chu Li: "Not bad, this defense map is indeed useful. But why should I believe you won't turn against me after you return to Fengyu Kingdom?"

Chu Li said frankly, "Prime Minister, I am weak and powerless in Fengyu Kingdom. If I want to gain a foothold, I need to rely on your strength. As long as you help me return to my country, I will definitely mediate between Fengyu Kingdom and Lincang Kingdom in the future, so that you can move between the two countries with ease."

Wang Chong remained silent for a moment, weighing the pros and cons in his mind. Finally, he nodded and said, "Alright, I agree. Three days later, I will arrange for a reliable person to escort you out of the city. But remember, if you dare to betray me, you will bear the consequences."

Chu Li cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you, Prime Minister! I will certainly keep my promise." After saying that, he carefully put away the defense map and turned to leave.

Chu Li's figure disappeared into the night. Wang Chong stared in the direction he had left, a ruthless glint in his eyes: "Hmph, I hope you don't disappoint me." Turning away, Wang Chong continued to plot his conspiracy to usurp the throne.

The moon was bright and the stars were few. Chu Li stood alone in the courtyard of the hostage residence. A cold wind howled past, ruffling his hair. In his hand was a letter filled with secrets, concerning his fate of returning home.

He gently stroked the carrier pigeon's feathers, his eyes filled with expectation and determination. "Little White, this trip depends entirely on you," he murmured, carefully tying the letter to the pigeon's leg.

With a whoosh, the carrier pigeon took flight and vanished into the vast night. Chu Li gazed up at the direction it had gone, standing there for a long time, silently praying that the letter would be delivered safely.

Three days later, on the border of Lincang Kingdom, yellow sand filled the sky, and the wind howled. General Qige, clad in armor, sat astride a tall horse, his eyes fixed intently on the front. Beside him was a troop of elite Fengyu Kingdom cavalry, each with a solemn expression, ready for battle.

"General, are we really going to be able to receive the hostage?" a lieutenant couldn't help but ask.

Qi Ge frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "Young Master Chu Li is resourceful and wise. Since the letter says he will meet you here in three days, he must be right. Everyone, be on your guard. If anything goes wrong, none of you will leave alive!"

Just then, a cloud of dust rose in the distance, and several figures could be vaguely seen rushing towards them. Qi Ge's expression hardened, and he immediately gripped his spear tightly. "Prepare for battle!" he whispered the order.

As the figure drew closer, Qi Ge finally recognized the leader as Chu Li. Overjoyed, he shouted, "Young Master, we're here!"

The moment Chu Li saw Qi Ge, the huge weight lifted from his heart. He spurred his horse and rushed to Qi Ge, panting, "Qi Ge, I'm so glad to see you! Quick, we have to leave immediately, the people from Lincang Kingdom might catch up at any moment."

Qi Ge nodded and waved his hand, "All of you, listen to my command! Escort the young master back to his country!"

The cavalrymen quickly shielded Chu Li and the others, then turned and galloped off towards the Phoenix Feather Kingdom. The thunderous sound of their hooves echoed across the empty border, as if playing a triumphant song.