Chen Qing gasped sharply, "They're scheming against you? Haven't they gotten exactly what they wanted now?"
"That's precisely why Wu Xing must go. The black powder unknown to others is our only advantage at present." Gu Yanxi recalled A Zhi once calling this a deadly weapon, yet now it had become their means to resist the Chao Li Tribe. "Continue sending people to track their movements. Also, dispatch more of our own men to prepare the black powder—stockpile as much as possible. I'll have great use for it in the coming days."
"Yes."
Gu Yanxi's eyes turned icy as he stared at the isolated island on the topographic map. He hadn't started this war, but he would bear the slaughter it brought.
In the carriage, Hua Zhi rested with her eyes closed, feigning sleep. After a full day of discussions at the palace, she had emerged at dusk—the busiest hour when everyone was returning home. The cacophony of sounds reaching her ears didn't irritate her; instead, she smiled faintly at this vibrant display of daily life. How wonderful, such peace and stability.
Suddenly, the carriage jerked to an abrupt halt. She lurched forward but caught herself. Just as she was about to ask what happened, the horse neighed loudly and reared, lifting the carriage slightly. She fell backward and immediately knew something was wrong.
With the Crown Prince now ruling and her appointed as Grand Tutor, almost no one dared oppose her anymore. Only her trusted companions Yu Mu and Jia Yang accompanied her today. While Yu Mu went to control the horse, Jia Yang had already lifted the curtain, apologized briefly, then scooped Hua Zhi into his arms and leaped from the carriage.
On the street, Hua Zhi's official uniform stood out conspicuously. Even those who didn't recognize her personally could identify her by the robes—there was only one woman in the entire court who wore official attire, making her easily recognizable. Having heard countless rumors about her, the crowd froze at the sight of the living legend, eagerly scrutinizing her as if expecting to see three heads and six arms.
Hua Zhi scanned the scene and murmured, "Let's not stay here. Take the shortcut back."
"Yes." Jia Yang led the way, extending his arm protectively as he guided Hua Zhi through the crowd.
"Wait." After just a few steps, Hua Zhi stopped abruptly. "What exactly happened to the horse earlier?"
Jia Yang carefully recalled the incident. "It became agitated suddenly, without any warning."
"Spooked?"
"Didn't seem like it."
Hua Zhi glanced back. The crowd still hadn't dispersed, and no hostile gazes fell upon her, yet she felt everyone seemed suspicious. "Forget the alleyways. We'll return via the main street."
Jia Yang also sensed something amiss and heightened his vigilance.
They hadn't gone far when a carriage suddenly accelerated toward them from behind. Just as Jia Yang prepared to strike, the curtain lifted to reveal Shen Qi's face. "Grand Tutor, what happened?"
Hua Zhi subtly withdrew her hand from the dagger at her waist and replied, "The horse was spooked. Since it's not far, I decided to walk back."
Shen Qi's eyes lit up discreetly. He alighted from his carriage and, with a meaningful glance at their surroundings, suggested, "Given your current position, it might be inconvenient. If you don't mind, please use my humble carriage for your return."
After brief consideration, Hua Zhi agreed. "Thank you for your kindness."
"Not at all. Please, after you."
As Hua Zhi nodded and moved to board the carriage, a sharp whistling sound cut through the air. Jia Yang shouted "Watch out!" and tried to pull her aside, but she had already reacted swiftly, rolling away to dodge the attack. Though Shen Qi reacted a step slower, the arrow wasn't aimed at him, so he remained unharmed.Instinctively shielding Hua Zhi, Shen Qi turned back and asked, "My lady, what's happening?"
"My horse was tampered with." After this brief explanation, Hua Zhi said no more. Glancing at the panicked civilians screaming and running amok, she lowered her voice, "Their target is me. Find a place to hide soon."
Shen Qi's face darkened. "If I abandon you here, how could I ever face the Master again?"
"You won't be of help." Hua Zhi glanced at him, drawing a dark red dagger from her specially crafted boot—she had obtained the Crown Prince's permission to carry weapons into the palace. "I'll draw them out. Jia Yang, try to capture one alive."
Before Jia Yang could respond, Hua Zhi emerged from behind the concealed carriage, pretending to seek refuge inside. As expected, another arrow shot toward her, while a second struck the horse. The horse neighed in agony, reared up, and bolted forward wildly. Jia Yang swiftly severed the reins with his sword, leaving the carriage behind.
Leaning against the carriage, Hua Zhi hissed at Shen Qi, who remained frozen, "Go, now!"
Shen Qi bitterly realized he was not only useless but a liability. Slapping his own face in frustration, he gritted his teeth and dashed toward a nearby silver shop.
"Jia Yang, do you see anyone?"
Jia Yang withdrew his gaze and crouched back behind the carriage. "I spotted three, but there must be more. Be careful, my lady."
Hua Zhi nodded. "I suspect their main ambush isn't here, but in one of the alleys I'd take on my way back."
Jia Yang understood immediately—the horse's frenzy, her dismounting here, and her preference for taking shortcuts to avoid public attention had all been calculated. Clearly, the enemy knew her well.
"The ambushers waiting elsewhere will come here if I don't show up. We can't delay." Hua Zhi whispered, staring at the deserted street. "Don't worry about me. Take out their archer first. We can't dodge his surprise attacks every time."
"But you—"
"If I stay hidden here and avoid being surrounded, I should be able to defend myself. Yu Mu must have noticed something wrong by now."
There was no time for Jia Yang to hesitate. As Hua Zhi said, eliminating the archer was crucial to overcoming their disadvantage. Uncoiling the long whip from his waist, he urged, "Be careful," and charged out, using the whip for leverage to vanish in an instant.
The vast street stood empty and silent, so quiet that Hua Zhi could hear only her own heartbeat. Under such intense pressure, her mind grew sharper. Suddenly, it dawned on her why the enemy had killed General Sun first—they were deeply familiar with the Great Qing court, aware of its shortage of capable generals. With General Sun dead, no ordinary officer could hold Shou'ai Pass; only Yan Xi had the skill. Their goal was to lure Yan Xi away from the capital, trapping him at Shou'ai Pass to prevent him from intervening elsewhere.
And what about Shaoyao heading to Xinyu Pass? Was that part of their scheme? If so, the suspects were few. Most people viewed Shaoyao as unreliable; only a handful knew of her ambitions and capabilities.
Trapping the most skilled Yan Xi, dispatching the poison-expert Shaoyao, forcing the capital to deploy troops to reinforce various fronts... Hua Zhi's heart chilled. The Chao Li Tribe's target was the capital!
And now they were attacking her, so brazenly. They were making their move!In that fleeting moment, Hua Zhi pieced all the clues together and finally understood what had previously baffled her. Seeing that nightfall was approaching, she used a dagger to slit the hem of her Official Uniform for easier movement. Taking a deep breath, she rushed toward the silver shop.
PS: Not in the best writing form today—feeling a bit drained. Will revisit this later for revisions. It's March now, kindly support with your guaranteed monthly votes.
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