Dapeng's Time Travel Life

Chapter 4 Conspiracy and Redemption

Zhang Peng listened to Xia Lijuan's confession, his heart churning with turmoil. He paced back and forth in the room, each step feeling like he was stepping on the blade of fate, producing a dull thud that disturbed the tranquility of the night. The flickering candlelight cast long, distorted shadows of the two of them, sometimes twisting, sometimes overlapping.

"Are you telling the truth?" Zhang Peng suddenly stopped, his gaze sharp as he stared directly at Xia Lijuan, as if trying to see right through her.

Xia Lijuan knelt on the ground, tears streaming down her face, sobbing uncontrollably: "Your Highness, everything Lijuan said is true. If there is even a single lie, may I be struck by lightning." Her body trembled slightly, her hands clenched tightly, as if she could grasp that precarious trust in this way.

Zhang Peng took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He knew that any decision he made at this moment could change the fate of the two of them, even the survival of the entire Prince's Mansion. This mysterious organization was powerful and ruthless; if it wasn't dealt with properly, the consequences would be unimaginable. But Xia Lijuan's betrayal was like a thorn, deeply embedded in his heart, making it difficult for him to let go.

"Get up." Zhang Peng's voice was a little hoarse. "From now on, you must cooperate with me and atone for your sins."

Xia Lijuan nodded quickly, a glimmer of hope flashing in her eyes: "Don't worry, Your Highness, Lijuan will do her best."

In the days that followed, Zhang Peng outwardly remained calm, continuing his interactions with Xia Lijuan as usual. But in secret, he began a flurry of preparations. He summoned his most trusted guards and advisors, explaining the situation in detail. They sat together to discuss countermeasures. The flickering candlelight illuminated their serious faces, creating a suffocatingly heavy atmosphere.

“Your Highness, we must proceed with extreme caution. That mysterious organization has many eyes and ears; the slightest misstep could alert them,” an advisor said with deep concern.

Zhang Peng nodded slightly: "I understand, so we should remain calm and observe, and first figure out their next plan."

Meanwhile, Xia Lijuan was also trying to gain the organization's trust. Following Zhang Peng's instructions, she transmitted false information to the organization, attempting to disrupt their plans. Each time she contacted the organization, she was terrified, fearing she would expose herself. But for Zhang Peng's sake, and to escape the shadow of her past, she could only grit her teeth and persevere.

One day, Xia Lijuan received a secret letter from the organization, instructing her to find a way to get Zhang Peng out of the Prince's mansion as soon as possible so that they could carry out their next move. Xia Lijuan held the letter, her hands trembling uncontrollably. She knew this was a crucial juncture; success or failure hinged on this.

She handed the letter to Zhang Peng, who fell into deep thought after reading it. After a long while, he looked up, a resolute glint in his eyes: "It seems they can't hold back any longer. Let's turn the tables and lure them into our trap."

As planned, Zhang Peng announced that he was going to a manor outside the city to handle some business, taking only a few guards with him. Xia Lijuan remained in the manor, awaiting the arrival of the organization's people. Night fell, and the Prince's manor was quiet, save for the rustling of the treetops in the breeze. Suddenly, several dark figures scaled the wall and quickly approached Xia Lijuan's courtyard.

Xia Lijuan's heart leaped into her throat. Forcing herself to remain calm, she gave the signal as pre-arranged. Instantly, the guards lying in ambush swarmed forward, surrounding the shadowy figures. A fierce battle ensued, swords flashing, shouts of battle piercing the night.

Zhang Peng didn't go outside the city; instead, he hid in his mansion, waiting for this moment. He charged into the battlefield, long sword in hand, his eyes cold, each move ruthless. The shadowy figures, sensing the danger, tried to break through and escape, but they were already surrounded, with no way to escape.

After a fierce battle, all the members of the mysterious organization were captured. Zhang Peng looked at the prisoners on the ground, his heart filled with mixed emotions. The crisis seemed to be temporarily averted, but he knew that things were far from simple.

After finishing everything, Zhang Peng returned to the room. Xia Lijuan was sitting on the edge of the bed, her eyes vacant. When she saw Zhang Peng come in, she stood up, hesitant to speak.

"You're tired, take a rest." Zhang Peng's voice was soft, tinged with weariness.

Xia Lijuan looked at him, tears welling up again: "Your Highness, thank you for believing in me."

Zhang Peng smiled wryly: "I hope it's all worth it."

Night had fallen, and moonlight streamed through the window, casting a silvery glow on the floor. Zhang Peng lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, unable to fall asleep. That night, he had lost his pure trust in love, but amidst intrigue and betrayal, he had also witnessed the complexities of human nature. And the future held even more unknown challenges for him; he could only clench his fists and strive forward in this turbulent torrent of fate.