The news of the Qian Dynasty's treasure vault being in the City of Demons spread, leading many to seek it out. Numerous individuals vanished, succumbing to quicksand or sandstorms due to unfamiliarity with the terrain.
However, the omnipresent dangers could not curb human greed. Many harbored dreams of overnight riches, oblivious to the difficulty of achieving such a fantasy, and the grim reality that awaited them was not wealth but the imminent loss of their lives.
In the Blue Moon Imperial Palace, Chu Qingge was discussing the matter of increasing guards with the Second Princess. Assassins had appeared around everyone connected to Xiao Man, unsettling Chu Qingge.
"I have already ordered more guards to be dispatched, along with additional hidden guards. Sister-in-law, rest assured, you and Zi Yang will be protected."
Chu Qingge nodded slowly, an inexplicable unease gnawing at her. "My heart is pounding; I feel as though something is about to happen."
"Sister-in-law, are you worried about Elder Brother?" The Second Princess understood. Rumors about Wusheng Pass had been circulating. However, Xiao Luo maintained a unique communication channel with them, and had sent word that Wusheng Pass was secure. Therefore, they hadn't been overly concerned, though pretending not to worry was merely self-deception.
"Worrying about him is also a factor, but I know he will protect himself," Chu Qingge said, touching her chest. "My chest feels so heavy, quite uncomfortable."
"Perhaps we should call for the imperial physician? You might be too tired from all this."
"That sounds like a good idea."
The Second Princess sent for the imperial physician while she stayed with Chu Qingge. "By the way, Sister-in-law, where is Zi Yang? Where has he gone?"
"Zi Yang was hungry, so I sent him to the wet nurse for feeding," Chu Qingge replied. "This child has a good appetite; he can't miss even a mouthful. He's probably still eating."
"It's good that he eats well and grows quickly. A young infant needs to eat and sleep well to become plump and rosy," the Second Princess said with a smile.
As they spoke, the wet nurse stumbled in, "Madam, Second Princess, something terrible has happened..."
Chu Qingge abruptly stood up. "What is it? Weren't you feeding the child?"
The wet nurse's tears streamed down her face in distress. "Madam, the Third Miss, the Third Miss knocked me out and snatched the young master."
"Why would Xiao Ling snatch the young master?" Chu Qingge asked in shock.
"I don't know, Madam. I was feeding the young master when the Third Miss suddenly entered and knocked me unconscious. When I woke up, the young master was gone."
"This is bad!" The Second Princess suddenly recalled Xiao Man's instructions to keep an eye on Xiao Ling. Xiao Ling had been captured by Feng Moran, and they didn't know what he had done to her or when she might act out. Having seen her seemingly normal, they had let their guard down, only to be ambushed now.
"Guards, seal the city gates immediately! Xiao Ling must not be allowed to take the child out of the city."
"Yes, Second Princess."
"Also, inform the Fourth and Fifth Princesses to mobilize the city's covert agents and find the young master as soon as possible."
"Yes."
Chu Qingge was beside herself with anxiety. "Xiao Ling, what exactly is she trying to do? If anything happens to my child, I will not let her off!"
"She might be under someone's control," the Second Princess supported Chu Qingge. "She's likely being controlled by Feng Murong An. Truth be told, I was negligent. Before His Majesty left, he asked me to pay close attention to her and prevent her from being exploited. I didn't take it seriously."
"Finding the child is the priority."
Xiao Ling, holding the baby, left the palace and headed straight for the city gates, not pausing along the way.
When the order to seal the city gates was issued, Xiao Ling had just taken the child out of the city. She then rushed towards Shili Pavilion with the baby.
At Shili Pavilion, someone was already waiting. Seeing a carriage approach, a cold smile flashed in their eyes. After all their precautions, a loophole had been exploited; they had forgotten that their master had made arrangements long ago.
Xiao Ling got out of the carriage, holding the child. Her expression was vacant. Zhu Xiu's lips curved upwards. "Give me the child."
Like a puppet, Xiao Ling extended the child forward. As Zhu Xiu reached out to take the baby, a sharp gust of air struck his wrist. Zhu Xiu cried out in pain but did not retreat, instead reaching for the child with his other hand.
"Shameless wretch, attacking an infant!" Dongfang Wei intercepted Zhu Xiu's hand and snatched the child from Xiao Ling's arms, then kicked Xiao Ling flying. In his eyes, Xiao Ling was unforgivable for stealing his brother's child and delivering them to the enemy.
Zhu Xiu broke free from Dongfang Wei's grip and lunged for the child again. Unexpectedly, another person appeared, grabbed his shoulder, and threw him backward. The force of the throw caused Zhu Xiu's shoulder to ache. He lost his balance, but quickly adjusted his posture to avoid a direct fall.
"Yu Qianmo, Dongfang Wei!" Zhu Xiu exclaimed in shock, utterly surprised to see these two within the Blue Moon Imperial Palace.
"I knew you were treacherous and would resort to any dirty trick. Initially, when Xiao Man assigned us to protect this child, I thought it was overkill. I never expected it to be truly necessary."
Zhu Xiu retreated a few steps. If it were only Dongfang Wei, he might have stood a chance. But with these two working together, he was no match for them. Moments later, he was beside Xiao Ling, his hand around her throat.
"Don't come any closer, or I'll kill her."
"Who cares about her!" Yu Qianmo charged forward with his sword. Zhu Xiu almost choked on blood. He had thought Xiao Ling could be a useful bargaining chip, but Yu Qianmo played by no rules. Forget using Xiao Ling as leverage, this man might just strike her and himself down together!
Zhu Xiu pulled Xiao Ling back. "She is the Empress's sister!"
"If she dares to steal the Empress's nephew and give him to the enemy, then she is an enemy!"
Zhu Xiu realized that keeping Xiao Ling with him had become a burden. Furthermore, Dongfang Wei had not yet made his move. If Dongfang Wei were to attack, he would be sure to lose.
"Here's your person!" Zhu Xiu pushed Xiao Ling towards Yu Qianmo. As a result, Yu Qianmo kicked her away and then pursued Zhu Xiu. Yu Qianmo was prone to trouble but always managed to escape, not only due to his formidable martial arts but also his exceptional lightness skills, perfect for fleeing. Now, they proved useful in pursuit.
Zhu Xiu couldn't help but curse. Why had he chosen to come to Bianjing? Wasn't Wusheng Pass a better option? Xiao Luo would surely have been more reasonable than these two!
"Little thief, stop! I'll break your legs! Then we'll see if you dare steal children again!" Yu Qianmo shouted as he chased, "Quick, stop him! He's a child trafficker, he specializes in stealing children, catch him!"
Pedestrians on the roadside, hearing about child theft, crowded around. Zhu Xiu was on the verge of tears. Not only had he failed to bring the child back, but he might also perish here!