Spring arrives and the land smiles

Judging from the posture of the group of men in black, it was clear that they were there to rescue her. Their timely arrival indicated that they had received prior notice.

But Lan Zhen's expression when he pulled down his mask also told Qing Yan that Lan Zhen didn't have much information, and it was even possible that someone deliberately leaked information to him.

As expected, Lan Zhen took out a small note from his waist. Qingyan took it and saw that it read: To save Shen Qingyan, come to Yuling Mountain Villa alone at noon tomorrow.

Noon? Why noon?

Qingyan held the note, somewhat puzzled. She had been brought to Yuling Manor by Lan Yu around 11:45 AM. Since she was asleep, Lan Yu had simply left her in the carriage, with only a few attendants guarding her, seemingly unconcerned about her being kidnapped. Therefore, this note couldn't possibly have been sent by Lan Yu to blackmail Lan Zhen. Otherwise, after all these years of conflict, given Lan Yu's understanding of Lan Zhen, he couldn't possibly be unaware that Lan Zhen was unpredictable. If he were prepared to confront Lan Zhen, the guards wouldn't be so lax; they would certainly be on high alert.

Judging from Lan Yu's reaction when Lan Zhen came to save her, it was not like she knew Lan Zhen was coming beforehand; rather, it was more like she was caught off guard.

"Who gave this to you?" Qingyan asked.

“Last night around the second watch, someone sneaked into the military camp and shot an arrow. The person was agile and had excellent lightness skills. It seemed that he came specifically for this purpose. I was unable to capture him.” Lan Zhen took off his cloak and wrapped it around Qing Yan.

Qingyan, considering her disheveled appearance, did not refuse. She pondered, and the more she listened, the more it seemed as if a third party had deliberately orchestrated it.

"How did you know that I was assassinated at the Yushan military camp before?"

“Of course, someone informed her.” Lan Zhen remembered that she had sent a scout with a token to deliver the message to her.

It was done by a third party. Qingyan couldn't help but feel suspicious.

"The scouts say that Lan Yu has been demoted to a commoner because the evidence against him for plotting against you is conclusive. Is this your scheme or was Lan Yu caught red-handed because he was incredibly foolish?" Qingyan continued to ask.

“Lan Yu is such a good-for-nothing, he’s not worth my time. He’s just stupid without realizing it,” Lan Zhen replied.

Now Qingyan was certain that Lan Zhen had been manipulated by a third party in order to incite conflict between him and Lan Yu, making them irreconcilable enemies.

When Lan Zhen heard Qing Yan ask this question, he also noticed the strangeness in the situation. The coincidence was too much to be true.

"You mean, someone is deliberately playing tricks to reap the benefits?" Lan Zhen asked, frowning.

"Do you think there are any other possibilities?" Qingyan rolled her eyes at him for his belated realization. Was all that cleverness of his before just a facade? How did his IQ suddenly drop to zero?

Feeling Qingyan's look of disbelief, Lan Zhen quickly explained, "Isn't it true that outsiders see things more clearly? I was in the thick of it, and I only made a few mistakes. It doesn't count."

"If you were happy to demote Lan Yu to a commoner and didn't realize his conspiracy, then you learned that I was stabbed, and later that I was kidnapped. These events are so obvious. How could you have been involved and made so many mistakes to end up in this situation?" It would have been better if she hadn't explained, because once she did, Qingyan got even angrier.

"I, I..." Lan Zhen was indeed speechless.

Qingyan continued to berate him:

"And what are you doing here instead of staying in the army as a border general of Nanxia? I was kidnapped, and my men will come to rescue me. Why are you worrying about me? If you hadn't suddenly appeared and ruined my plans, I would have captured Lan Yu alive and skinned him alive."

"My people, my people." These three words sounded jarring to Lan Zhen.

"Is Luo Qing one of yours? If he can come to save you, why can't I? Is it wrong for me to worry about you?"

"Did you even understand what I said? Li Muqing has returned to the capital to report on his duties. You are now the commander-in-chief of the border army of Nanxia. Lan Yu is colluding with the people of Sichuan. You should be in the army at this time, not running to rescue me. What if something goes wrong in the camp because of your unauthorized departure? Would you rather die than see your emperor of Nanxia?! If the border army changes its commander, do you want to be sidelined and become the prey of your brothers, while I am attacked from both sides and find it difficult to move forward!" Qingyan wished she could slap him awake. The two had been allied for a long time, and one move would affect the whole situation. How could Lan Zhen, such a shrewd person, not understand this principle?

Now, Lan Zhen was speechless. Qing Yan's analysis was reasonable; he had acted rashly upon hearing she was in danger. In fact, Qing Yan had only mentioned one consequence; the second was Sichuan. Although the Southern Xia border army camp wasn't far from here, it was stationed at the border of Qi, Sichuan, and Southern Xia. This area was rich in minerals, mined not only by Qi but also by Southern Xia. Unfortunately, the rich mineral deposits in these mountainous areas were not accessible to Sichuan. Therefore, since Sichuan had taken action against Qi, they would likely use the same tactics against Southern Xia. As long as the border troops stationed in the mining areas were thrown into disarray, they could take the opportunity to dig secret tunnels.

"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and go back!" Qingyan yelled at him.

As soon as she finished speaking, a troop of cavalry rushed over from not far away. They were clearly well-trained elite soldiers. Everyone immediately became alert. Lan Zhen, who was next to Qing Yan, immediately protected her behind her. The elite troops of Yushan Army Camp also quickly entered battle mode.

Only when the people got closer could one see clearly that they were Lan Zhen's personal guards, the brothers Cao Yu and Cao Da.

"Why are you here? Has something happened in the army?" Lan Zhen asked anxiously.

"Your Highness, are you alright?" Cao Da spoke first, and the two were even more shocked when they saw Qingyan. "We received news that you accidentally caused the death of Princess Daqi and were detained by the border troops of Daqi Yushan. The princess's secret guards planned to execute you first and report later."

“Therefore, Cao Da and I will lead your personal guard battalion to enter the border first to provide assistance. The Xuanjia Army has already assembled thirty miles from the border and is ready to be deployed at any time.” Cao Yu replied.

The Xuanjia Army is an elite force under Li Muqing's command, and they only obey Lan Zhen and Li Muqing. The ten thousand new weapons that Lan Zhen asked Qingyan for were intended to arm the Xuanjia Army.

As expected, what I feared most came to pass.

With the neighboring country's elite troops pressing in on the border, the Qi border army must immediately defend itself and report the situation as quickly as possible. If they fail to report in time, they will be accused of treason and collusion with the enemy, a responsibility Chu Shen cannot bear. Moreover, Qing Yan, the crown prince of Qi, is also in the border army. If Emperor Longqing misunderstands that Qing Yan is deliberately delaying, then he will truly be unable to clear his name.

This time, Cao Yu and Cao Da were secretly rescuing Lan Zhen, so naturally they brought Lan Zhen's confidants. Therefore, the Xuanjia Army, which was originally hidden in the Southern Xia border army, was exposed this time. Such an elite force that only obeys the commanding general is a major taboo for emperors. The Southern Xia emperor must have a new understanding of Lan Zhen now. As a result, the Southern Xia border army's commanding general will definitely have to be replaced. If the border army is in chaos, the people of Sichuan will have an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

Therefore, it was all a conspiracy by the people of Sichuan!

“It’s too late now, there’s no use going back.” Qingyan rubbed her forehead wearily. “Let’s go back to Yushan Inn, I’m tired.”

Qingyan grabbed the reins from Luoqing's hand, mounted the horse, and, seeing that Qingyan's figure on the horse was dazed, Luoqing simply rode with her.

Lan Zhen instructed Cao Yu and Cao Da to lead the personal guard battalion back to the military camp first, and asked them to inform Li Muqing of the details so that he could handle the aftermath. She then left with Qing Yan.

Cao Yu and Cao Da looked at each other, and had no choice but to do as they were told.

"Don't be angry. Lan Zhen was just worried about you and made a mistake in the heat of the moment, which is understandable. Now we can only think of a way to make amends," Luo Qing said from behind Qing Yan.

"I'm not angry. What do I have to be angry about? It's not like my Xuanjia Army was exposed, nor is it like my family's mines are going to be dug up by those scoundrels from Sichuan. I'm not angry at all," Qingyan replied in an unfriendly tone. "As for a remedy, I think His Highness Prince Zhao wouldn't be interested either. Let him handle it himself."

Since Qingyan said that, Luoqing didn't dare to persuade her anymore, so she simply remained silent all the way to Yushan Inn.

Luo Qing followed Qing Yan into her main courtyard. After a whole night of fussing, Qing Yan's wound needed a dressing change.

After changing the medicine, Luo Qing walked out of the room and ran into Lan Zhen, who was lingering outside the door.

"Is she feeling better?" Lan Zhen asked.

"You'll know once you go in and see for yourself," Luo Qing replied.

Lan Zhen pushed open the door and saw Qing Yan throw his cloak on the ground. He couldn't help but say, "If you're angry, you can take it out on me. Why are you making things difficult for yourself?" As he spoke, he picked up the cloak and was about to put it on Qing Yan.

Qingyan retreated to the bedside and called out to the door:

"Sicheng, come in."

"Why did you call him in? I have something to say to you," Lan Zhen said, displeased.

Qingyan didn't want to pay attention to him at this moment: "What do you care about me? Can't I let him in to serve me in bed? You can talk about it tomorrow, now get out."

"You, you... shameless!" Lan Zhen angrily shoved Si Cheng, who had just entered, and slammed the door shut as she left.

"Sicheng, come here." Qingyan sat wearily on the bed, intending to discuss the aftermath with Sicheng.

Si Cheng hurriedly walked over. He had clearly heard the princess's words about serving him in bed when he came in, and he felt both happy and nervous. Now that the princess was sitting by the bed and calling him, he was even more nervous.

"Come here," Qingyan urged.

Si Cheng had no choice but to quickly walk up to Qing Yan.

Looking at the tall Si Cheng standing beside her, Qingyan felt a sense of oppression. She rubbed her temples wearily and said, "Sit down."

sit down!

Si Cheng looked around. Apart from the dressing stool under the dressing table in the distance, she could only sit on the ground, or... on the bed.

"You, sit down." Seeing that Si Cheng remained unmoved, Qing Yan's tone was also somewhat unfriendly.

Si Cheng was taken aback, clenched his fists, and then sat down next to Qing Yan with a determined heart.

Qingyan sensed something was wrong and turned to look at him: "What are you doing?"

"Your subordinate, your subordinate is willing to serve you in bed." Si Cheng slowly uttered a few words, hesitated for a moment, and then reached out to undo his belt.

Qingyan then realized what she had said without thinking in order to get rid of Lan Zhen. Looking at Sicheng's appearance, she realized that she looked just like a bullying woman. She couldn't help but laugh and said, "I was just talking nonsense to get rid of Lan Zhen. Don't mind it."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured on me.

"Your subordinate dares not." Si Cheng blushed, quickly picked up his belt and tied it, then knelt on one knee in front of Qing Yan.

One problem after another arose. Qingyan shook her head, not letting Sicheng get up, and directly instructed him on the follow-up matters that needed to be handled immediately. Sicheng agreed, lowered his head, and left Qingyan's room.

Exhausted, Qingyan collapsed onto the bed fully clothed.

Lan Zhen left Qing Yan's bedroom and went straight to Luo Qing's room.

"She actually summoned her personal bodyguard to serve her in bed!" Lan Zhen picked up the tea that Luo Qing had poured for him, took a sip, and then slammed the teacup down on the table, splashing tea everywhere.

"She is the Crown Prince of Daqi, the future Empress. She can take any man in Daqi into her fold, let alone a mere bodyguard," Luo Qingyun said casually.

"You're still defending her! How can a woman be so obsessed with beauty and shameless!" Lan Zhen was furious.

"Indulging in good looks?" Luo Qing laughed, recalling how Qing Yan always felt amused whenever she saw him. Could it be that she was also indulging in his good looks? If so, that would be wonderful. Unfortunately, "Her personal bodyguard is indeed quite handsome."

"Looks? Luo Qing, do you know what you're saying?" Lan Zhen glared at him. Shouldn't this be a discussion about Si Cheng's looks? Shouldn't it be condemning Shen Qingyan as a promiscuous woman?

Luo Qing: "Lan Zhen, look at your jealousy, it's practically bursting out of your body. If the princess were to be attracted to men, with your looks, Prince Zhao, she should have fallen in love with you at first sight. How did you end up complaining like a little wife? Sending Si Cheng to serve her in bed is just an excuse for her to get rid of you since she doesn't like you right now."

"An excuse?" Lan Zhen turned to Luo Qing, her question both hopeful and cautious. "You're saying this is an excuse?"

"What else could it be but an excuse?" Luo Qing rolled her eyes at him. "You, the dignified Prince Zhao of Nanxia, ​​are so distracted by another man's woman that you've almost driven yourself to the brink of ruin. Are you possessed?"

"Yes, I was bewitched by her." Lan Zhen readily admitted, "I thought she was a beautiful bird, someone who would bring joy and affection. But I never imagined that this affection would grow into a cinnabar mark on my heart. If I don't remove it, it will grow wildly; if I do, I will die." Lan Zhen took a breath and continued, "How could I not see the traps she mentioned? But since it concerned her safety, I didn't care."

"You don't even want the position of Crown Prince?" Luo Qing asked. "Without your authorization, how could the Cao brothers, Cao Yu and Cao Da, dare to mobilize the Xuanjia Army? You've risked your life for her."

"I'm happy to." Lan Zhen smiled instead of scolding. "Lan Yu has a special force of about a thousand men, which has always been raised by his maternal family. His mother, Consort Chen, has always been restless, and the Chen family has long harbored treacherous intentions. Although with his intelligence, he can only be a puppet in the Chen family, it is hard to guarantee that he won't resort to desperate measures. The Xuanjia Army is just a precaution."

"Just to be on the safe side, you completely exposed your strength. You're willing to go to such lengths for her; she really is your Achilles' heel." Luo Qing sighed.

"Are you going to tell me to stop now? It's too late," Lan Zhen said.

"I won't try to persuade you. She's become your Achilles' heel. What's the point of my advice?" Luo Qing pushed Lan Zhen towards the door. "Don't waste your time here. You should hurry up and think about how to clean up the mess."

Luo Qing closed the door, leaned against it, and closed her eyes briefly.

The Achilles' heel: Shen Qingyan is Lan Zhen's Achilles' heel, and so is he!