Chapter Twenty: The Rescue

The escort convoy was traveling along the only route to Yunzhou—there was simply no alternative path. Yet this road was peculiar, flanked on both sides by steep slopes. Anyone hiding atop these ridges could easily ambush those below.

And now, that was exactly the scene before them.

Massive boulders tumbled down from both sides, scattering the escort guards in utter disarray. Cries of agony and screams of terror filled the air without respite.

“Bandits! Run for your lives!”

They had little thought left to protect the cargo; after all, if their own lives were lost, what use was delivering the escort safely?

As twilight deepened, a sharp whistle pierced the sky.

“Charge!”

Whether it was a call to kill or to advance was unclear, but a group of torch-bearing figures surged down from the mountaintop.

Gu Heng’s heart plummeted into an abyss. Before he could dodge, a falling boulder toppled the cart he was guarding, pinning his body beneath its crushing weight.

“Help me!”

He did not want to die.

Struggling desperately, Gu Heng tried to crawl free, but half of his body was firmly trapped and he could not break free.

Helplessness, despair, and fear flooded his heart.

The wailing around him was incessant; his spirit faltered.

The bandits had clearly planned this ambush well, lying in wait to capture them all at once.

Today had been their unlucky day.

“Are you alright? I’m here to help you!”

At that critical moment, a voice like a divine presence sounded beside Gu Heng’s ear.

Startled, he looked up to see a plain, gaunt middle-aged man with hollowed cheeks.

The man strained to lift the cart off Gu Heng’s body.

Instantly, a fierce spark of hope ignited in Gu Heng’s heart.

Finally, with their combined effort, Gu Heng was freed.

Unburdened by the heavy weight, he felt like a fish freed from a net, breathing deeply as freedom surged through him.

“Run for your life!”

The middle-aged man wiped sweat from his brow and pulled Gu Heng toward a safer place.

“Trying to run away, huh?”

Suddenly, a cruel laugh echoed from behind. Gu Heng, drenched in sweat, turned his head.

A group of fierce bandits wielding raised blades charged after them, while Gu Heng’s leg, wounded beneath the boulder, pained him with every step.

“Run faster!” The middle-aged man was clearly swifter.

A flash of ruthless determination crossed Gu Heng’s eyes. He reached out and yanked the man back fiercely, catching him completely off guard.

To the man’s shock, he suddenly felt himself pushed hard, his body losing balance under the sudden weightlessness.

A sharp sound—

His abdomen was pierced by something, searing pain radiating through his entire body. He heard the bandits curse nearby.

“Beast! Throw him out to take the blade!”

“Ugh! I hate people like him the most!”

After that, all sounds faded away. His last sight was the staggering figure of the young man he had saved.

Gu Heng limped forward, gritting his teeth as he glanced back. His heart beat wildly.

He was not ready to die.

He was not willing.

“Filthy bastard, die!”

The bloodied blade swung down. The thick metallic scent of blood flooded his nostrils. Gu Heng felt his heart skip a beat.

Then came a heavy clang, and his heart trembled with it.

“If it weren’t for the mission, I wouldn’t have saved a scum like you!”

Before Gu Heng could see who spoke, he was bundled into a sack and carried away.

The journey was rough; he soon vomited, the filth coating his body. With his leg injured, Gu Heng fainted.

Soon, the covert guards carried him to the residence of Prince Yu. Inside a chamber filled with swirling mist, a pale, broad back lay exposed over a bathing tub.

“Master, the man has been rescued.”

Helian Yu frowned. “What’s that smell?”

The guard’s face darkened; he wished he could strangle the man he carried.

“He must have vomited on himself.”

“Take him out and throw him in the dark room.”

“Yes, Master.”

Helian Yu lost all desire for his medicinal bath.

“Mu Dong, clean the place where that man stayed.”

“Yes, Master.” Mu Dong sighed deeply, accustomed to the prince’s obsession with cleanliness.

The master’s fastidiousness was such that even the air could not be tainted, lest he lose control.

Last time, when inviting General Gu into the carriage, the master had been disgusted and insisted on scrubbing every corner thoroughly and perfuming it before he would relent.

Helian Yu leaned against the tub, suddenly thinking of Su Zhinen.

“I have saved the man; now it is time to ask Miss Su for her reward.”

...

“Ah-choo!” Su Zhinen suddenly sneezed.

“Miss, it’s still a little cold tonight. Let me wrap this cloak around you.”

Before Su Zhinen could refuse, Yushu brought the cloak and draped it over her shoulders.

Good health was the foundation of everything. Since she sought revenge, she must live longer and stronger than her enemies.

Su Zhinen pulled the cloak tighter around her. Soon, Lady Yunling, the empress’s attendant, appeared.

“Madam Gu, thank you for your patience. Since Her Majesty is pregnant, she has been very drowsy, and we dare not disturb her rest.”

“Of course, all must prioritize the empress’s health. It is no trouble for me to wait.”

Seeing Su Zhinen’s understanding and grace, Yunling nodded approvingly.

It seemed the rumors were not entirely true; this general’s wife was surely not one to be trifled with.

Thus, the gossip could not be trusted.

“Please, Madam Gu,” Yunling gestured.

Su Zhinen nodded and followed into the palace.

She walked steadily with lowered eyes, careful not to gaze around.

Along the path, the palace lanterns were exquisitely shaped, covered with red silk embroidered with golden floral patterns.

In a corner stood a bronze incense burner, sending forth curling smoke. The unique fragrance filled the palace, soothing and serene.

“Has my sister arrived?”

The empress’s voice was light and sweet, tinged with delight.

Su Zhinen knelt deeply, “Your Majesty, I pay my respects to the Empress. May you live long and prosper.”

“No need for such formality, sister. We are like kin. Rise.”

“Yes.” Su Zhinen finally raised her eyes to the empress.

At the center of the hall was a magnificent phoenix couch, crafted from sandalwood, exuding a faint fragrance.

The empress reclined there, her face free of makeup yet glowing with good health, radiating noble and majestic aura.

“You must know why I summoned you. I did not expect them to be so brazen as to deceive His Majesty before his eyes.”

“My aunt, the Empress Dowager, has told me we will ensure those two have no way to recover.”

“Rest assured, the future general’s wife will still be you. That Ren Xixi is not worthy to be mentioned in the same breath.”

Gathering her courage, Su Zhinen asked cautiously, “May I ask, Your Majesty, when will you take action?”