dognovel Chapter 210 Intending to Head to Youzhou
Chapter 210 Intending to Head to Youzhou
Shen Yanchu sneered, "They're really naive. They think they can take me down with just this few people."
After speaking, he waved his arm, and the guards he brought with him swarmed forward like hungry wolves.
In an instant, this once tranquil forest clearing was filled with the glint of swords.
The sounds of swords clashing filled the air, sparking intensely, and the occasional ripping of clothes and the cries of the wounded could be heard.
Shen Yanchu moved with the agility of a swallow, landing on a thick branch of a towering tree in a few leaps. He stood with his hands behind his back, his robes fluttering in the wind, his cold and stern face appearing even more imposing in the dappled shadows of the tree.
His gaze was piercing as he watched the group desperately resisting. They had thought their trap would ensnare Shen Yanchu, but little did they know they were courting death.
The guards below were all meticulously trained by Shen Yanchu, each possessing exceptional martial arts skills. They fought ten against one, their long swords flashing, creating a storm of blood and gore.
The enemy's defenses crumbled rapidly under the fierce attacks of the guards, and some began to flee, but the guards were not about to let them go, and pursued them relentlessly.
Among the enemies was a figure who appeared to be their leader, dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, with a hideous scar on her face. She wielded two swords, her swordsmanship fierce, and she managed to barely hold her own against the surrounding guards.
"Shen Yanchu, don't be so arrogant! Today it's either you or me who dies!" she roared at Shen Yanchu in the tree.
Shen Yanchu merely frowned slightly, "You? You're not worthy to discuss life and death with me."
As he spoke, he leaped down from the tree, a soft sword now in his hand, its blade gleaming coldly in the sunlight like a serpent.
He charged straight at the female leader, wielding his sword with unstoppable force, instantly deflecting the scarred leader's attack and even slicing a deep gash in her arm.
The female leader looked terrified; she hadn't expected Shen Yanchu to be so skilled. But she had no way out and could only grit her teeth and continue fighting.
Her twin swords grew increasingly erratic, riddled with openings. Shen Yanchu seized the opportunity, lunging forward and pressing her soft sword against the scarred leader's throat. "Speak, who sent you?" Shen Yanchu's voice was icy cold.
The leader gritted his teeth, "Hmph, kill me if you want, I won't tell you."
A murderous glint flashed in Shen Yanchu's eyes. "Then you have no value to exist." With that, he raised his sword and brought it down. The leader's eyes widened, and he collapsed to the ground with a thud.
The Imperial Concubine has really gone all out this time, hiring so many people to kill him. He is truly flattered! However, he is not a candidate for the throne. If she wants to eliminate her son's rival, why doesn't she target the prince?
His cousins weren't exactly innocent either. He hadn't taken sides with anyone, so why were they targeting him?
The current emperor isn't so foolish as to want to make his nephew the future emperor. How could that be? I wonder what this imperial concubine is thinking.
He had no interest in who would be emperor, and even if a new emperor ascended the throne, it would not pose a threat to him.
The night was as dark as ink, the moonlight mostly obscured by the clouds, with only a few cold rays filtering through the gaps. He, Shen Yanchu, dressed in a black brocade robe, stood tall and straight like a pine tree in this chaotic place, like the ruler of the darkness.
"Clean this place up and find out the true identities of these people." His voice was deep and authoritative, like muffled thunder rolling in the air. His men immediately obeyed and began to act swiftly and systematically.
After everything was settled, he hurriedly led Mu Yin to the Prince's Mansion, his robes fluttering in the wind as if carrying endless worries.
Inside the Prince Xiang's residence, candlelight flickered. Shen Yanchu looked at Mu Yin, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes, which was quickly replaced by coldness.
"Mu Yin, prepare the carriage. Tomorrow I will use the excuse of returning to Youzhou to visit relatives to go and find Miss Shi. There are some things I must make clear to her in person."
Mu Yin knew deeply the prince's love for Miss Shi; it was a deep-seated affection. Although the prince could not make Miss Shi his principal wife due to his status, family interests, and many other factors, he was willing to take her as a concubine, which showed the depth of their feelings.
Mu Yin dared not say more and left to carry out the order. Only Shen Yanchu was left alone in the palace to ponder. The image of Miss Shi's every smile and frown appeared in his mind. Her intelligent and generous appearance stirred ripples in his heart.
In the palace, Shen Yanchu successfully obtained leave from His Majesty. Stepping out of the palace, he breathed a slight sigh of relief, as if he were one step closer to his goal. All he had to do was inform his mother, and he would be able to embark on this long-awaited journey.
However, the gears of fate always turn unexpectedly, altering everyone's trajectory.
When he arrived at the Princess's residence, he saw Ye Wenshu chatting and drinking tea with her mother. Ye Wenshu was wearing a light pink silk dress, her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes were like autumn water, and she was gentle yet lively.
Upon seeing Shen Yanchu enter, she hurriedly rose and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness!" Her voice was clear and melodious, like a lark in the mountains. Shen Yanchu nodded slightly and waved for her to rise.
He then bowed to the Princess and said, “Mother, I have informed His Majesty that I am going to Youzhou today, and I have come to bid you farewell.”
The princess was taken aback at first, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes, but she quickly recovered. She smiled and helped her son up, gently patting the back of his hand: "Good, it just so happens that your father has been talking about going back to the old house. Granny Liu, hurry up and prepare the carriage. We will set off with the prince today. You go and inform the prince consort."
As Granny Liu was about to leave after receiving the order, the Princess's gaze fell upon Ye Wenshu. In the Princess's eyes, Ye Wenshu was like a blooming flower, elegant and gentle, the perfect daughter-in-law in her heart.
"Send someone to the Grand Tutor's residence to inform Grand Tutor Ye that Shu'er will come with us. Also, prepare some clothes and jewelry for her and send them to the Prince of Xiang's residence to find me."
Ye Wenshu was both surprised and delighted. Her face flushed as she bowed and expressed her gratitude: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. However, I am not yet married, and it is truly inappropriate for me to stay out all night like this..."
The princess interrupted her with a smile, took her hand and placed it on the back of Shen Yanchu's hand. Ye Wenshu's face instantly turned red to her ears, and she lowered her head shyly.
The eldest princess said lovingly, "Don't worry! Your marriage to Yan'er is settled. Anyone who dares to talk nonsense will not be forgiven by me. Besides, you must be feeling a bit bored at home preparing for your wedding. This is a good opportunity for you to accompany me to Youzhou to relax. I will send someone to appease your parents."
After speaking, the eldest princess instructed someone to take the token into the palace to report the change in the itinerary to His Majesty.
Shen Yanchu watched this scene unfold, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He harbored no ill will towards Ye Wenshu, but his heart was already completely filled with Miss Shi.
But now, with his mother so enthusiastic and his father wanting to come along, this sudden change blurred his previously clear plans. He opened his mouth, wanting to dissuade him, but didn't know where to begin, and ultimately could only give up helplessly.