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

"Master, are you planning to stay at Tiger Head Stronghold for a long time and not leave?"

Qingfeng crossed his arms and smiled meaningfully.

Could it be...?

"Has he fallen for that young cook named Tao'er?"

Qingfeng is Xiao Yi's personal guard, and also a brother who grew up and practiced martial arts together since childhood.

After joining the army, the two were almost inseparable, just like brothers.

Xiao Yi's expression turned serious. "Qingfeng, stop talking nonsense!"

This is bad for the girl's reputation.

Miss Tao'er is the benefactor of the Xiao family, and from now on she will be a member of our Xiao family.

If she hadn't risked her life to protect him, Ayan would probably have already...

Therefore, you must not treat her lightly in the future, and never treat her like a servant.

His tone was calm, but a ripple of emotion stirred within him.

The soft touch of Tao'er when she fell on him, and the faint fragrance that seemed to linger around his nose, were now strangely clear.

He had never been so close to a woman before. Although last night was just an accident, it really happened.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel a slight tremor in his heart, a feeling that was hard to describe.

Qingfeng raised an eyebrow, his eyes filled with even more mockery. "Yes, yes, Master, Miss Tao'er is your family's benefactor, not your lover."

But I just saw that you even gave away your personal jade pendant.

If I remember correctly, you once said that the jade pendant of the Xiao family's sons was always given only to their future wives.

What... does this mean?

Xiao Yi was taken aback, then explained, "That was a temporary measure!"

If I don't leave a token, how can she believe that I genuinely protect the young master of the Xiao family?

If she doesn't believe me, I won't even be able to get close to Ayan.

You wouldn't believe it, even though she's young, she's incredibly cautious!

Even so, when he handed over the jade pendant, he didn't think about the reason in detail.

It was as if I wanted to do that right then and there.

"My lord, if it's not true, then it's not. I was just asking casually, why are you so anxious?"

Qingfeng noticed that his ears were slightly red and smiled even more. "If you ask me, you, the most handsome man in Shengjing, have remained chaste for so many years. It's time to open your eyes!"

You're eighteen already, aren't you?

"It's time he got a wife!"

Xiao Yi waved his sleeve, making a move to strike, "Go away...go away, the great revenge has not yet been avenged, how can you talk about personal feelings?"

Besides, I'm not even twenty yet, I'm not old.

A flicker of hatred crossed his mind.

That battle that nearly cost him his life was by no means an accident; it is shrouded in mystery.

After being seriously injured, he was rescued by a mute couple. On his way home after recovering, he coincidentally saved the Elder of the Seven Kill Pavilion and succeeded him as the Pavilion Master...

Before he could even return home, he was shocked to hear that the Xiao family had been unjustly exiled.

Too many mysteries remain unsolved.

To clear his family's name, he could only continue to play the "mute" and lie low in the shadows.

"What you say is true, Your Excellency. It was my mistake."

"I know I was wrong!"

Qingfeng nimbly turned to the side, but Xiao Yi still slapped the back of his head and laughed heartily.

"Now that you know you've made a mistake, be more careful with your words and actions in the future," Xiao Yi said solemnly.

Qingfeng stopped smiling and asked seriously, "Yes!"

My lord, there is something I do not understand.

Why didn't you reveal your identity to her?

Could it be that you don't trust Miss Tao'er?

Are there any other concerns?

Xiao Yi looked out the window at the night scene and said in a low voice, "It's not that I don't believe you."

Because I believe in her, I cannot speak of it.

In the eyes of the world, I, Xiao Yi, am now a dead man.

Informing her suddenly would likely frighten her and could even drag her into a dangerous situation.

If King Cheng, Your Majesty, or the Qin traitors find out I am still alive, they will surely send assassins again, and my secret plans will be thwarted.

Moreover, the truth about the leak of the defense deployment and the encirclement by the enemy on that day has not yet been ascertained, and everything is shrouded in mystery.

Recognizing each other now is not a good opportunity; it will only bring them death.

"I see, Master has thought things through very well."

Qingfeng suddenly realized, but then worry arose again, "It's just that Miss Tao'er looks to be only sixteen or seventeen years old, and she's with her young master..."

Even with Dongkui by her side, she would likely face numerous dangers alone!

Xiao Yi turned around, his brows furrowing slightly. "What you said is exactly what I'm worried about."

She was quick-witted, but had no martial arts skills.

I will stay for a while, at least to ensure their safe departure from Tiger Head Village.

You will need to take good care of the affairs of the Seven Killings Pavilion.

Those people in the palace must be kept a close eye on.

"Do not act without my order; all messages shall be delivered by the Bluebird."

The bluebird was an eagle he rescued at the border, which he named the bluebird.

He never expected it could also transmit messages; he was overjoyed all night when he discovered this advantage.

"Your subordinate obeys." Qingfeng nodded solemnly.

"What has been happening on King Cheng's side lately?"

With whom do you have a close relationship?

In the palace...

Has any new imperial decree been issued?

Xiao Yi composed himself and asked about the important matter in a deep voice.

"King Cheng Xie Jingxing has realized that he has been tricked by Miss Tao'er, and he must have found his way to Tiger Head Village."

His Majesty is also aware of this and has strictly ordered Prince Cheng to capture the young prince.

Qingfeng's words were tinged with indignation.

"This old emperor..."

They can't even tell the difference between loyalty and treachery!

"He's not senile, he's just pretending."

Xiao Yi sneered, his knuckles clenched so tightly they turned white. "The Crown Prince has been wronged, and he has been placed under house arrest in the Eastern Palace."

The Xiao family could not possibly rebel, yet he exiled them all based on a fabricated letter.

Exiled to the north...

It seems they never intended for them to reach their destination alive.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. Our men have been secretly protecting the Prime Minister and his entourage along the way as you instructed, and we will ensure their safe arrival in the North."

Xiao Yi relaxed his brows slightly and said, "Yes, it's all arranged."

Go back first. There's no need to come back unless there's something wrong. It's better to be cautious.

Keep a close eye on King Cheng's side; if he dares to send troops to Tiger Head Stronghold, he will be walking into a trap.

Exactly...

We use someone else to do our dirty work.

Then we'll see how the old emperor regrets it.

"I'm afraid King Cheng might not be so foolish and reckless; perhaps he's just putting on a show to return to the capital and report back."

"Keep an eye on it no matter what." A cold glint flashed in Xiao Yi's eyes.

"There is another matter. Qin Xian, the only son of that old scoundrel Qin, is he the one who loves to frequent Xinghualou the most?"

Let him dye something and take it back with him.

"That old scoundrel Qin harmed my whole family, so I'll make sure he has no descendants!"

Qingfeng grinned and gave a thumbs up: "Master, your move..."

That's really mean!

"You brat!" Xiao Yi made a kicking motion.

With a swift movement, Qingfeng leaped away like a wisp of smoke, leaving behind only a laughing "This subordinate takes his leave" that drifted in with the wind.

Xiao Yi shook his head, but a barely perceptible smile appeared in his eyes: "Your skills have improved again."

He looked again toward the courtyard where Tao'er was. The night was deep, and his thoughts churned in his eyes, eventually settling into a silent resolve.