Before the house was raided, the maidservant of the Prime Minister's residence absconded with t

"We've received some news from the Prime Minister's side, but not much."

The Second Madam is said to be ill. The First Madam is alright, though she's a bit preoccupied. The Prime Minister has suffered some injuries, but thankfully his life is not in danger. The Second and Third Masters are both fine.

I suspect that the officials were acting on the orders of Prince Cheng and gave the Prime Minister special treatment.

In addition, the Prime Minister had suffered considerable torture in the imperial prison before his exile, and had old injuries.

"I guessed that too, but there was nothing I could do to avoid it."

It would be good enough if we could save our lives.

As for his health, he can find a doctor in the north to recuperate properly and gradually recover.

Xiao Yi spoke calmly because he understood that in this situation, preserving one's life was the most important thing.

It's understandable that my elder brother Xiao Wen suffered some hardships along the way.

There was no way to stop them!

"What the master says is true; preserving one's life is the most important thing."

Their journey had been difficult, with poor food and clothing.

They also suffered a sneak attack, presumably sent by King Cheng.

However, they were all secretly dealt with by our people.

Qingfeng hesitated for a moment before speaking.

In fact, he wasn't telling the whole truth; his masters had already been assassinated three or four times.

"That's good. Have our people secretly protect them all the way, and make sure nothing happens to any of them."

Protect them at all costs.

Send the vulture and the black snake to provide protection, just in case.

Xiao Yi frowned, thinking that the further north he went, the colder it would get.

Their progress is likely to be even slower.

They face danger at any time until they reach their destination.

"Understood, I will make the arrangements when I get back."

"Master, when do you plan to return to the Seven Kill Pavilion?"

Qingfeng agreed, and then asked another question.

"I won't go back for now; I haven't gotten my hands on the defense map of Tiger Head Stronghold yet."

We need to slow down.

And there are other things too…”

He turned around, looked at Qingfeng, and began to make arrangements in an orderly manner.

"Once you get the defense map, you can have our people take over the stronghold."

Remember, do not kill innocent people indiscriminately.

Those who are willing to leave, give them some travel expenses and let them go.

Those who don't want to leave and those who want to stay, let them stay, but they must be re-registered and their situations thoroughly investigated.

"Yes, Master, I understand."

He paused, then continued, "In addition, you should secretly recruit soldiers and horses."

Tiger Head Village is a strategically important location, easy to defend and difficult to attack; it's a good place.

In the village, they arranged for our people to stay, gradually replacing the original staff.

Furthermore, establish village rules. From now on, this place will no longer be a den of thieves; there must be rules.

As Qingfeng listened, the question on his face grew deeper.

He couldn't help but speak up, "Master, I have remembered everything you said."

But what you meant just now was...

The problem is solved. Are you not planning to return to the Seven Kill Pavilion?

As for the arrangements for taking over Tiger Head Village, it would be more appropriate for you to arrange them personally.

Your subordinate is afraid...

He paused, carefully choosing his words: "I'm afraid I won't handle it well."

Does this master have other, more important things to do?

Now that the chief of Tiger Head Stronghold is dead, Young Master and Tao'er should be safe.

Isn't he still at ease?

Xiao Yi glanced at him, his tone slowing down, "Ayan is still young after all, I'm worried about him."

I intend to protect them one more time.

"Master, aren't Tao'er and that girl with the young master?"

you……"

As expected, Qingfeng thought to himself, "Could it be that this master, who has been an iron tree for ten thousand years, is about to bloom?"

He was a famous handsome young general in Shengjing, and many noble ladies were infatuated with him back then.

Even the princess looked at him differently.

The master always finds excuses to refuse, the same excuse he always uses: "How can we have a home when the Northern Tartars have not been eliminated?"

This statement made all the young ladies from noble families stop in their tracks, leaning against the railing and sighing in despair!

Xiao Yi shook his head and said, "Don't say anything else, just do as I say!"

Regarding the matters concerning the Seven Kill Pavilion and Tiger Head Stronghold, you arranged for the Bronze and White Tiger members of the Seven Kill Pavilion to assist you.

Both of them are capable and loyal.

Besides, your abilities far surpass those two; what else could I possibly worry about?

Xiao Yi patted him on the shoulder.

Qingfeng opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end he cupped his hands and said, "Your subordinate understands."

"Just arrange it according to the master's wishes."

Since his master had said so, he had no choice but to obey.

But he always felt that something about his master seemed different.

In the past, Xiao Yi was decisive and ruthless, never hesitating for anyone.

But this time, he seemed to have a few more... ties to the young master and Miss Tao'er?

He couldn't quite put his finger on what it was, but he vaguely sensed that something new had appeared in his master's eyes that he hadn't seen before.

Just then, a clear female voice suddenly came from the courtyard.

"Brother Shi Qi..."

Are you outside?

It's Peach.

Qingfeng subconsciously found the answer to his doubts and looked towards the courtyard gate.

Xiao Yi's body stiffened slightly, then he quickly replied, "Tao'er, I'm here, I'm outside."

As he spoke, he quickly turned his head and made a stern "shoo him away" gesture to Qingfeng, saying in a barely audible voice, "Qingfeng, you brat, get out of here!"

How come this guy has absolutely no sense of propriety?

Do you still want Moon Silver?

Are you staying to wait for breakfast tomorrow?

Qingfeng suppressed a laugh, deliberately standing still, and said in a low voice, "Master, isn't this Miss Tao'er?"

Won't you let your subordinates see him?

"Go away, go away..." Xiao Yi glared at him, "Don't scare the girl."

It's already past midnight...

"Master, it wouldn't hurt to let me see him, would it?"

We'll have to see each other eventually anyway, and who knows, maybe we'll even meet again...

Qingfeng deliberately didn't leave.

Xiao Yi's face was almost dark, but he still had to lower his voice, "Qingfeng, do you still want the Moon Silver?"

The future is the future...

We'll talk about the future later!

Now get out of here!

Seeing his master's nervous little face, Qingfeng finally couldn't help but laugh silently.

He cupped his hands in greeting, then with a light step, his figure vanished into the night.

Xiao Yi breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that he had finally left, then quickly turned around and walked briskly toward the courtyard gate.

He had just reached the door when the gate was pushed open.

Tao'er, wearing an overcoat, leaned out halfway and was about to walk out when she saw Shi Qi walking towards her.

She blinked in confusion and looked behind him, but there was nothing there in the dark night.

"Brother Shi Qi, why are you still up so late? Who were you talking to just now?"

Tao'er pulled her coat tighter around her shoulders and kept turning her head to look outside.

"No……

I wasn't sleepy, so I just went outside for some fresh air.

I wasn't talking to anyone; I'm all alone here!

Xiao Yi explained.

"Why do I think I hear other men's voices?"

Did I hear wrong?

Xiao Yi quickly shook his head: "No, Tao'er, you misheard."

Look around, it's just you and me here...

He stepped forward, subtly blocking her view of the outside world.

He then added, his voice softening slightly, "It's windy outside, let's go inside and talk."

I happen to have something very important to tell you.

Tao'er glanced behind him again, and indeed there was nothing there.

I guess... I must have misheard.

She said "Oh," nodded, and turned back into the courtyard with Shi Qi.

The courtyard gate closed gently behind him, shutting out the night and the distant, gradually dying firelight.