The princess regretted it.

Chapter 357 Scout

The Duke of Huguo's expression instantly grew solemn after hearing Mu En's words. He clenched his fists and looked at the old Duke. His voice was low and anxious, "Father, if Zhang Hengrui really discovered something during his time out of the city, the person behind the scenes must have been Minister Zhang, or even the old Grand Tutor. Although Zhang Hengrui is not usually very thoughtful, his sudden action this time is very likely instructed by his father or grandfather. If he really discovers our secret plan, I'm afraid we will be in big trouble."

Upon hearing this, a trace of worry crossed the old Duke's previously calm face. He slowly raised his hand, gently stroking his beard, lost in thought, and for a moment, he didn't reply. The air in the room seemed to freeze.

Seeing his father didn't respond, the Duke of Huguo paused and continued, "The situation in Chuzhou is critical. I think we must immediately send someone to inform Zhang Hengrui before he arrives. Let him take precautions to avoid being caught off guard."

Upon hearing this, Mu En quickly stepped forward and said respectfully, "Brother, as soon as we received the news, we arranged for Xuan'er to leave the city with us."

"Xuan'er?" Upon hearing this, the old Duke raised his eyes sharply, his expression instantly becoming serious as he stared at Mu En. "Zhang Hengrui has practiced martial arts since childhood and is quite skilled. I'm afraid Xuan'er is no match for him. This arrangement is too risky!"

Mu En looked calm and explained calmly, "Father-in-law, there's no need to worry about Xuan'er. He's not going there to confront Zhang Hengrui head-on, but to cleverly disrupt their meeting. You know, Xuan'er has been clever and intelligent since he was a child, and he's full of ideas. He's made plans with several young men in the capital, and they've only claimed they're going for an outing and horseback riding. That way, even if Zhang Hengrui notices something, it's hard for him to point the finger at us. Besides, Xuan'er is accompanied by several capable guards who are secretly protecting his safety, so there won't be any major problems."

After hearing Mu En's words, the old Duke nodded with a slightly relieved expression, "This arrangement is appropriate. However, we don't know the other party's true purpose for leaving the city, nor do we know what arrangements they have made. This does put us in a difficult position."

At this moment, the Duke of Huguo suddenly thought of something after hearing this. His expression tensed, and he said, "Father, brother-in-law, if you say so, there is something we must be on guard against. If the Zhang family really discovers our secret, they will likely secretly contact various forces and launch a counterattack against us. We must quickly sort out our connections and see who we can absolutely trust, so that we can prepare in advance."

The old Duke agreed deeply and nodded slightly. "You are right. The Zhang family has been operating in the court for many years. Their influence is complex and cannot be underestimated. We can take this opportunity to clean up the people around us and find those who have ulterior motives to ensure that our plan can proceed smoothly. Mu En, go back and tell your father to pay more attention to the developments in the court, especially those officials who have close ties with the Zhang family and frequently visit them. If there is any sign of trouble, they should immediately inform each other."

Mu En nodded solemnly, his expression serious. "I understand. I'll go back and tell my father right away. However, this matter is of great importance, and it will affect the entire body. What do you think should be done with His Majesty? Do we need to give you some information in advance so that His Majesty can be mentally prepared?"

"I will find a suitable time to report to His Majesty carefully. This matter is confidential and cannot tolerate any negligence. Let your brother accompany you to visit your mother-in-law first. She has been talking about you and Wen Qing for a long time. Don't make her wait anxiously." After pondering for a moment, the old Duke spoke slowly, waved his hand, and signaled Mu En and the Duke of Huguo to leave.

Mu En and the Duke of Huguo bowed to the old Duke and turned to leave the study.

Shortly after they left, a secret guard appeared in the old Duke's study. The old Duke, with a solemn expression, carefully placed a freshly written letter, still faintly scented with ink, into a specially crafted small bamboo tube. After tightening the lid, he handed it to the secret guard. The secret guard reached out, took it steadily, and clutched the small bamboo tube containing the letter, then flashed out of the study.

Outside the city, in a secluded farmhouse, all was quiet except for the rustling of the wind through the treetops.

Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the sound of hurried footsteps. A panicked scout rushed into the manor, his feet kicking up a cloud of dust. As he walked, he eagerly called out to the person who came to greet him, "Quick, take me to see the master. I see Commander Zhang of the Imperial Guard heading this way!" The man's face suddenly changed. Without a word, he turned and led the scout deeper into the manor, their figures quickly disappearing down the winding path.

In the martial arts training grounds of Zhuangzi's backyard, Zhong Chuzhou, dressed in a dark, athletic outfit, outlines his slender figure, his waist belt swaying gently in the breeze. He is practicing swordplay, the longsword in his hand gleaming with a cold, spiritual energy. His movements are slow and graceful, the blade dancing gently, stirring a breeze and gently rustling the surrounding flowers and plants. His sword's momentum is like a mountain stream, seemingly gentle, yet concealing a hidden power.

Then, with a twist of his wrist, his sword's momentum suddenly intensified. The sword whirred in his hand, like a dragon emerging from the sea, overturning the rivers and seas. His movements were fluid, seamless, and each swing of the sword was accompanied by a whirring sound, and the sword's energy radiated outward, as if it could sever all obstacles in the world.

Suddenly, a burst of hurried footsteps sounded, and then the subordinate led the scouts and hurriedly pushed the door open. His expression was solemn. The subordinate quickly stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and reported solemnly: "Master, there is a situation! The scouts we have placed spotted Zhang Hengrui of the Imperial Guards heading this way!"

Hearing this, Zhong Chuzhou's eyes glared. With a sudden twist of his wrist, the longsword in his hand stabbed out like a flash of black lightning. A sharp sword energy shot forward, accurately severing a nearby branch in an instant. He then sheathed his sword and stood, his posture as straight as a pine tree. Facing the newcomer, his voice was low and steady, revealing a reassuring strength: "How many people did he bring with him?"

The scout panted slightly and quickly replied, "Master, he came alone, dressed modestly, and seemed to be deliberately concealing his identity."

Zhong Chuzhou frowned, lost in thought. Commander Zhang had come alone, keeping a low profile. What was the deeper meaning behind this? Had he discovered something and come to investigate? Had someone leaked the news?

He was secretly on guard, but his expression remained impassive. After a moment, he raised his eyes, a flicker of determination in them: "Those who come with ill intentions will not come. Pass the order down, my brothers, have them hide. Do not act rashly without my permission. Also, send someone to closely monitor the area around the village. Report any unusual activity immediately."