Chapter 627: We’ll Split Up

Chapter 627: Chapter 627: We’ll Split Up

Mo Lingwei pondered for a moment, then asked Mr. Cui, "The Protectors I had you arrange for earlier—how many are there in total now?"

"Between my main residence and my other properties, there are eighty men available in total."

Eighty...

Protectors were not the same as guards or Hidden Guards. Most of them were just able-bodied men who knew some basic martial arts.

Cangyun Country had clear regulations: merchants like Mr. Cui, no matter how large their business, could not possess a large number of guards, to avoid any suspicion of rebellion.

For Mr. Cui to be able to gather eighty Protectors was already quite impressive.

Unfortunately, the skills of most Protectors were average and couldn’t compare to regular guards.

"It’s enough to hold out for a few days," Mo Lingwei said.

Fortunately, he had made arrangements early, and Mr. Cui was fully prepared.

Mo Lingwei had Mr. Cui summon all the Protectors to the Cui Mansion.

While Mr. Cui was out on his errand, Shen Ningning and Mo Lingwei both changed into clean clothes. They had been soaked through on their way over, even with their rain capes.

"Are you cold?" Mo Lingwei repeatedly rubbed Shen Ningning’s small, fair hands, his sharp brows furrowed with deep concern.

"I’m not cold." Although Shen Ningning said this, Mo Lingwei was still worried.

He had her sit down on the bed, pulled a blanket tightly around her, and brought her a cup of hot tea to hold.

A faint smile touched Shen Ningning’s fair, flawless face.

"I’m not a porcelain doll. Why are you so nervous?"

"Of course I’m afraid you’ll get sick right now. You can’t use your Immortal Realm, and if something happened to you at a time like this, I’m afraid..." Mo Lingwei didn’t finish his sentence, his brows knitting together deeply.

But Shen Ningning understood what he meant.

The situation was chaotic, and their enemy was lurking in the shadows. For now, they didn’t know his location. The danger was a sword of Damocles hanging over them, ready to fall at any moment.

Shen Ningning’s expression grew somber, and she took his hand.

"Brother, I’m not afraid, and I’ll be fine. Because I know that when you’re facing this with me, I’m not alone."

Mo Lingwei paused, a slight laugh escaping his lips. "Of course."

As he spoke, his eyes turned dark and resolute. "I will always be by your side."

Shen Ningning walked to the window and watched the downpour outside.

’Actually, what I’m really worried about is whether Hei Diao will arrive as promised.’

’If I can get the Ming Guangxin before Tian Xuezhen, everything will be much easier.’

Suddenly, a commotion arose from the courtyard. The Hidden Guards instantly appeared, crowding the doorway.

Mo Lingwei asked through the door, "What happened?"

At the courtyard gate, Mr. Cui was blocking government soldiers in rain capes, and the two sides were arguing incessantly.

The Hidden Guards listened for a moment before turning back to the room and reporting, "Your Highness, from what the soldiers are saying, it seems they’re here to arrest someone."

"Arrest someone?"

"Yes. They say the Ren Family filed a complaint with the government, claiming the Princess pushed Miss Ren Er into the water, causing her to drown. Ren Er’s maid is also serving as a witness. The soldiers are here to take the Princess to the government office to cooperate with the investigation."

Mo Lingwei’s brows furrowed. "Absurd! This is lawless! How dare they force such a charge on her?"

A look of utter confusion appeared on Shen Ningning’s fair face.

’I didn’t even know when Ren Er died. How did I get dragged into this?’

’It doesn’t take a genius to guess this is Governor Ren’s scheme.’

’He must have discovered that we left the Ren Mansion, so he sent people to the Cui Mansion to demand my custody. He’s also afraid of a conflict because they’re unsure about the extent of my weakness, so this is a probe.’

Mo Lingwei turned to Shen Ningning and said, "Leave through the window now. I’ll have someone get you out of here."

"Escape?" Shen Ningning stood motionless, lifting her limpid eyes to look at him. "This must be Tian Xuezhen masterminding things for Governor Ren from behind the scenes. He forced open the protection system, which has affected the help I receive from the Immortal Realm. But he’s not sure about the extent of this ’protection system,’ so this has to be a test."

As she spoke, Shen Ningning gave a bitter smile. "If I run, it will only prove that I’m scared. Then they’ll unscrupulously harm the people around us."

Beneath his sharp brows, Mo Lingwei’s dark, intense eyes narrowed. "Then I’ll stop hiding my identity. I’ll tell them I am the Crown Prince. Anyone who dares to make a move will be executed on the spot!"

He flicked his sleeve, his presence as powerful as a thunderclap.

But Shen Ningning stepped forward and pressed his hand down.

"Don’t," the young woman’s eyes were brilliant, holding a captivating light. "Ling Mountain City is sealed on all four sides; it’s no different from a dead city. Before your trusted aides get in, Brother, don’t act rashly, or we might face even more difficult problems."

Mo Lingwei frowned as he saw Shen Ningning drape a thin cloak over her shoulders. "You plan to go with them to the government office?"

"I have to. Besides, only by going will I find out who is really pulling the strings. That person will definitely be watching from the shadows." As Shen Ningning spoke, she lifted her chin slightly, her beautiful eyes filled with a sharp glint.

She then told Mo Lingwei, "Right now, this group’s target is me. The patrols on Tianshan Mountain are bound to be weaker. Brother, you should send people to search for the Snow Lotus on the mountain now, but make sure they are careful."

’According to Hei Diao, the Snow Lotus grew right on the cliffs at the very summit.’

’The Hidden Guards might not be able to get up there easily.’

Mo Lingwei nodded. "I’ll entrust these matters to Mr. Cui, and then I’ll go with you to the government office."

But Shen Ningning refused decisively.

"Brother, you have to stay. With me in their custody, they won’t have time to target you for a while. This is the best chance for you to save us. You have many things to do; you can’t just stay by my side."

Of course, Mo Lingwei understood this logic.

Shen Ningning knew he was the Crown Prince, and there were many things only he could do.

He needed to recruit and negotiate with General Peng’s former subordinates, and he also had to use this time to move around and make arrangements.

Mo Lingwei was planning to have some of his men disguise themselves as Governor Ren’s guards to open the city gates and let his trusted aides in.

If Mo Lingwei just stayed by Shen Ningning’s side, it would be a dead end.

They both understood that they had to work separately, protecting each other as they fought, in order to survive this crisis.

As Mo Lingwei was thinking, he suddenly took off the Jade Pendant from around his neck and placed it around Shen Ningning’s.

"What is this?"

"It’s an heirloom my mother left me. There were ominous legends surrounding my birth, and for my sake, she kowtowed up a thousand steps before a statue of Buddha to sincerely pray for this. I’ve always worn it close to my heart and rarely take it off. I see it as my protective talisman. Now, I want it to protect you."

Shen Ningning immediately tried to take it off. "This is too precious. I can’t accept it. You should wear it. Your safety is more important."

But Mo Lingwei held her hand firmly.

"You’re important. Shen Ningning, you are the most important person to me. Your safety is tied to my life. As long as nothing happens to you, I’ll be fine."

His dark eyes shimmered as Shen Ningning stared, mesmerized.

From the doorway, the ferocious shouts of the government soldiers could already be heard.

Shen Ningning tucked the Jade Pendant under her collar, wearing it close to her skin.

"I’ll be safe. You take care of yourself too." After saying this, she turned and pulled the door open.

In that instant, a clap of thunder echoed outside, and a flash of violet lightning streaked across the sky.

The sharp color illuminated the darkness in the young woman’s eyes.

"I’ll go with you to the government office."