Cen Yu reacted swiftly, grabbing Wen Mohan and holding a dagger to his throat. "Xiao Man, long time no see. I've missed you dearly."
Xiao Man stepped forward, and Cen Yu tightened his grip on the dagger. "Don't be rash. If you hurt him, you'll be the one in pain."
"Let him go."
"That won't do. If I let him go, I won't be able to leave your hands safely today!" Cen Yu backed away, dragging Wen Mohan. "Don't worry, I'll release him when I'm safe. But if the Princess pursues me, I can't guarantee his safety."
Cen Yu, holding Wen Mohan hostage, weaved through the streets and alleys.
"You can't escape," Wen Mohan, being dragged along, said without a trace of fear or worry, even as he struggled to catch his breath.
Seeing no one in pursuit behind him, Cen Yu released Wen Mohan. "I never intended to escape when I came here. It's just that I can't fall into her hands yet."
Cen Yu turned into another alley, preparing to leave. The moment he did, a staff swung down towards his head. Cen Yu dodged, the staff grazing his nose before swinging again. He bent down, bracing himself with one hand, and swept his leg out. Though he connected, his attacker seemed unfazed, grabbing his leg and flinging him towards a wall.
Cen Yu crashed into the wall and rolled to the ground. Without hesitation, he scrambled up and leaped onto a rooftop, attempting to escape. However, he was kicked off and sent plummeting down.
He landed heavily, spitting out blood. Kneeling on one knee, he wiped the blood from his lip and gave a wry smile. As expected, Xiao Man was as annoying as ever, no matter where she was.
Wen Mohan stood a short distance away, watching the trapped Cen Yu. He said slowly, "I told you, you can't escape."
Cen Yu staggered to his feet, his gaze fixed in Xiao Man's direction. "To go to such lengths to capture one person like me, it's hardly worth it."
Xiao Man walked forward, her beautiful face unreadable. "I told you, if you ran, don't ever appear before me again. You won't get a second chance to escape."
Cen Yu leaned against the wall. "Xiao Man, I used to be so jealous of you. Jealous of your father's affection, jealous of your unrestrained life. But now, I pity you."
Xiao Man remained unmoved. "Have you thought about how you want to die?"
Cen Yu chuckled. "You won't kill me. At least, not yet."
Xiao Man narrowed her eyes and took a sword from a nearby guard, walking towards Cen Yu. A flicker of panic crossed Cen Yu's eyes. "Don't you want to know the truth about your father's death?"
"I don't believe a single word you say," Xiao Man said, her steps unwavering. "Besides, I believe that once something is done, it can't be perfectly concealed. There will always be traces left behind. One day, I will find the truth!"
Cen Yu scoffed at her words. "Then have you found the truth?"
"Do you think the truth matters now?" Xiao Man asked abruptly, thrusting her sword forward and hitting Cen Yu's thigh. He cried out in pain and collapsed.
"Of course, it matters. Otherwise, you would have stabbed me here," Cen Yu said, pointing to his chest. "Even if you know the killer, you won't let go of the accomplices involved!"
Xiao Man drew her sword and stabbed again, this time into his shoulder. The sword pierced and was withdrawn, blood instantly staining his white robes. The androgynous noble youth transformed into a disheveled, bloody figure.
Cen Yu gritted his teeth, enduring the pain. "Stabbing me to vent your anger, what good does it do? Don't you want to know who truly invited your father out?"
Xiao Man raised her sword to strike again, but Cen Yu dodged. "Your father did call her 'Qin Gu'."
Xiao Man narrowed her eyes. "How old was that person?"
"Around thirty, probably similar in age to your father," Cen Yu replied, leaning against the wall. Due to blood loss, his once fair complexion had become even more pale and weak.
"What did she talk about with my father?"
Cen Yu glanced around. "Are you sure you want to discuss this on the street?"
Xiao Man turned and walked towards Wen Mohan. "Take him away and treat him well. Just don't let him die."
Cen Yu's expression changed upon hearing this. "Xiao Man, if you treat me like this, then I have nothing more to say to you."
"I wasn't expecting you to say anything," Xiao Man said softly. "You can just enjoy what comes next."
Wen Mohan looked at Cen Yu. "Man'er, I've caused you trouble again."
"Cen Yu is insidious and cunning. If he intends to cause trouble, you won't be able to avoid it," Xiao Man said gently. "Let's go back."
"Alright."
"Oh, right. Why haven't I seen Wei Feng by your side recently?" Xiao Man asked, puzzled. Wei Feng was Wen Mohan's personal guard and always stayed by his side, but Xiao Man hadn't seen him lately.
"He's gone on an errand and hasn't returned yet."
Xiao Man paused. That was right. They were in Lan Yue, and their roots were still shallow here. The Wen family's hidden guards wouldn't be of much use, and Wen Mohan hadn't brought many with him.
"Dongfang Wei has a team of people. I've asked him to assist you. Just give him any orders you need." Wen Mohan had his own secrets, which Xiao Man knew. It might not be convenient for Wen Mohan to use her people, but Dongfang Wei's men belonged to the Martial Arts Alliance and had little connection to her.
"Okay." Wen Mohan took Xiao Man's hand, their fingers interlacing. "Man'er, thank you for trusting me."
"Mutual trust is the most basic thing."
As they walked onto the main street, a troop of guards escorted a carriage towards the palace.
"Is someone important arriving? To be personally escorted by the Imperial Guards."
A cold smile played on Xiao Man's lips. "This isn't an escort. It's an arrest."
Wen Mohan withdrew his gaze and looked at Xiao Man. "Is it him?"
Xiao Man nodded. "Besides him, who else could the Empress Dowager be so concerned about? It seems my guess is close to the truth."
Seeing the cold smile on Xiao Man's lips, Wen Mohan frowned and tightened his grip on her hand. "Man'er."
"What is it?" Xiao Man asked, turning to him.
"I know you're eager for revenge, but you must also protect yourself." Wen Mohan feared Xiao Man might take reckless action. The National Preceptor's influence had infiltrated all four kingdoms over the years. If she acted rashly, not only would she fail to get revenge, but she might also fall into danger.
"I know what I'm doing. Don't worry," Xiao Man reassured him. "Besides, I don't have time to provoke him now, and he probably doesn't have time to provoke me either."
Wen Mohan looked towards the palace. Even as rulers, they couldn't escape the clutches of love. Even if the National Preceptor possessed immense power, facing an empress of a nation, he might not be able to act with impunity.