Uncle Li and the others quickly noticed something fishy. How could the Buddhist beads of Old Su end up here? Had Old Su been captured by Zhao Chuanyi's men?
Everyone was in a panic, and the horror in their eyes was palpable. At present, only Old Qin with decent martial arts skills was left to guard the Su Mansion in the capital. Could it be that Zhao Chuanyi's men had taken advantage of this opportunity?
Uncle Li's hand clutching Zhao Chuanyi's lapel trembled slightly. He had brothers behind him and wasn't afraid of the tens of thousands of Xiliang soldiers. With their strength, they could fight their way out and escort the young lady back to the capital. But if Old Su was really in the hands of the Zhao family, how could he act rashly?
Uncle Li's hand gripping Zhao Chuanyi showed prominent veins as he roared, "What have you done to Old Su?"
Seeing Uncle Li's intimidating aura and the Xiliang soldiers on high alert, Zhao Chuanyi sneered nonchalantly, "You don't need to be so nervous! I've just invited Prime Minister Su to a place for a cup of tea. As long as you take your men back obediently, I, Zhao Chuanyi, swear on my head that Prime Minister Su will be safe and sound. Of course, if you're determined to follow the Fifth Princess, then I can't guarantee anything."
Hearing the obvious threat in his words, Uncle Li's red - eyed gaze swept over Wei Dongling. It was obvious what would happen to Miss Wei if she fell into Zhao Chuanyi's hands. How could he agree?
But if he didn't agree, what about Old Su?
Wei Dongling was concerned about Old Su's safety and knew Uncle Li's dilemma at this moment. However, she knew that the more panicked she was, the more likely something would go wrong. She forced herself to calm down, stepped forward quickly, and grabbed Uncle Li's rough hand, persuading him gently, "Uncle Li, you all go back to the capital! Don't worry. I'll obediently go to Xiliang first and wait for Prince Mingyang to come back and marry me. Don't worry about me." Saying this, she stepped forward and pried Uncle Li's fingers off Zhao Chuanyi one by one.
Grandpa Su had a bitter life. She didn't want Grandpa to be hurt in the slightest. She just hoped that Uncle Li and the others could go back quickly and find a way to rescue him.
Seeing Wei Dongling being so sensible, Uncle Li's heart ached as if being stabbed by a knife. Zhao Chuanyi had come straight for Wei Dongling after getting rid of the others. How could he be willing to let the young lady go with Zhao Chuanyi like this without a clear understanding? She was now making concessions for Old Su's safety. It was like she was going to her own death!
Seeing that Uncle Li refused to let go, Wei Dongling tugged at his sleeve forcefully and shook her head repeatedly to signal.
The leader of the Xiliang envoys stepped forward in a hurry to smooth things over and repeatedly promised to escort the princess safely back to the Xiliang capital. With Wei Dongling's repeated insistence, Uncle Li could only grit his teeth and silently withdraw his hand.
Seeing this, Cuihuan stepped forward quickly, bowed to Zhao Chuanyi, and negotiated, "General Zhao! Our princess was injured while saving Prince Mingyang. It would be bad for the princess's reputation if she were taken care of by a group of rough men in your country. General Zhao, how about this? Just let me, a female attendant, accompany the princess. I guarantee that I'll leave as soon as we reach the capital and won't stay any longer!"
Zhao Chuanyi looked at Cuihuan, who looked pitiful and harmless, and then at Uncle Li and the others clenching their fists. He waved his hand and snorted, "You can stay, but the others must leave immediately!"
Only then did Cuihuan heave a sigh of relief and stand beside Wei Dongling. Anyway, it was always better for Miss Wei to have someone to take care of her.
Seeing Wei Dongling and Cuihuan being escorted onto the carriage by the crowd, Uncle Li asked Zhao Chuanyi in a deep voice, "Where is Old Su now?"
After the carriage started moving slowly, Zhao Chuanyi waved his hand at Uncle Li nonchalantly and said, "You should have been to the tea - picking field of my Zhao family on Xing Mountain in the past, right? You can go and have a look again. Maybe Prime Minister Su is sipping tea leisurely there."
The more he said so, the more Uncle Li felt that Old Su must be under his coercion at this moment. Uncle Li trembled with anger and gritted his teeth, "You'd better be telling the truth. Otherwise, I won't spare you!"
Zhao Chuanyi snorted and turned away. His elder sister, the former Empress Zhao, had been harmed by Wei Dongling and was now deposed and locked in the cold palace, with no chance of making a comeback. His nephew, Murong Yunqian, had also clashed with her several times and had to appear in front of everyone earlier than expected. Zhao Chuanyi had long hated Wei Dongling to the core. However, he also knew very well that Li Lang had always been guarding her. Even if they fought head - on, they would have to pay a very painful price! Therefore, he had tried every means to force Li Lang to retreat on his own. Fortunately, he had sent a woman into the Su Mansion a long time ago, and now she came in handy. She had kidnapped Old Su when no one was paying attention.
Sure enough, as he had expected, Li Lang became obedient the moment he heard that Old Su was in his hands. He led the others back dejectedly.
Zhao Chuanyi glanced at Wei Dongling's carriage and sneered secretly in his heart, "Now that you've fallen into my hands by yourself, don't blame me!"
All the imperial guards, maids, and others followed Uncle Li back. Uncle Li and the others were extremely worried. They knew that once they left, Miss Wei and Cuihuan would be left all alone and helpless. But forced by the situation, they really had no other choice.
Uncle Li strode back silently, and the white snow on the ground creaked under his feet. Jingzhe leaped out and blocked Uncle Li's way, gritting his teeth, "I know that Old Su is Miss Wei's weakness and we have to go and rescue him. But I can't just watch Miss Wei and Cuihuan fall into the hands of the Zhao family like this! Brother Lang, let me follow them!"
After all, he had been a secret guard for the deposed prince for many years. He was used to following and assassinating. As long as he secretly killed Zhao Chuanyi, even if he couldn't rescue Miss Wei immediately, the pressure on everyone would be much less.
Cheng Hao also jumped out, his eyes red and teeth gritted, "Brother Lang, the two of us will sneak over quietly and won't be noticed. Miss Wei has been kind to me." Cheng Hao had once pointed a knife at Wei Dongling, but she had been magnanimous and taken in his old mother. Cheng Hao had always remembered this kindness, which was why he had risked his life for her in the palace several times. Now seeing everyone in such a difficult situation, Cheng Hao just wanted to go all out to bring the two women back.
Uncle Li pondered for a while and then sighed dejectedly, "The two of you must be extremely careful. Do your best on the premise of keeping yourselves safe." Miss Wei was important, and so were the brothers. With Zhao Chuanyi's tens of thousands of troops, it would be extremely dangerous for the two of them to go. Uncle Li was extremely melancholy, feeling like he was in a dilemma.
"Yes!" Jingzhe and Cheng Hao bowed to everyone and then turned around and quickly disappeared into the wind and snow.
Luo Xunlong also wanted to follow. How could he rest assured with Cuihuan in Xiliang?
Ruan Niang was secretly anxious. Wei Dongling's heart - palpitating illness was not completely cured, and it could flare up at any time.
However, if they followed, they would be too conspicuous and easily arouse the suspicion of Xiliang. Moreover, they still didn't know the situation of Old Su! Brother Lang would definitely not agree to them going.
So, they could only secretly pray that Jingzhe and Cheng Hao could cut through all obstacles, kill Zhao Chuanyi at one stroke, and rescue Wei Dongling.