Chapter 97: The Deadly Pursuit

Chen Pingwu grasped his sword, ready to leave, while Wang Jia gradually calmed her emotions. Remembering that the intruder who wounded Lu Jue was highly skilled in martial arts, she hurried to stop him.

“You mustn’t go, young master. Among those men is an expert, and Young Master Lu is injured!”

Chen Pingwu was startled upon hearing this. He realized that Yang Guang’s whereabouts were unknown, and he was well aware of his own abilities. If Lu Jue had been wounded, then the assailant must be above the level of grandmaster. Yet, with Feng Yiewu in peril, he could not stand by idly.

Frustration welled up within him, and he reproached himself for not having practiced diligently.

“If that man could harm Lu Jue, I would only be handing him my head if I went. Did His Majesty give any instructions?”

His urgent inquiry reminded Wang Jia, who quickly replied, “His Majesty told me to go to the capital for help, to seek out Wei Nanxi, the Prefect of the Grand Court.”

Chen Pingwu felt helpless. The road to the capital was long and could not be traveled in a single day. His face showed hesitation.

Wang Jia was at a loss, staring at Chen Pingwu, waiting for him to make a decision.

Gradually, Chen Pingwu calmed his anxiety and gazed into the distance, pondering. The official soldiers were making such a commotion to arrest Feng Yiewu and her companion, and there was a hidden expert aiding them. It seemed the forces had already colluded. Staying here served no purpose, and rescuing them openly would be even harder.

Since Feng Yiewu had sent Wang Jia to seek help in the capital, she must have a way to protect herself.

Chen Pingwu resolved to take a chance.

He said to Wang Jia, “Then let us go to the capital for help!”

With these words, Chen Pingwu mounted a horse in the inn’s backyard and left in haste with Wang Jia.

As the two rode away, outside the inn, Yang Guang watched their fading figures with cold eyes. In his determined gaze, a trace of hesitation appeared.

He had been only a step away from catching Wang Jia and ending her life with a single stroke. But Chen Pingwu’s arrival forced him to hide.

He had heard every word of their conversation.

He could not allow them to reach the capital. Yet with Chen Pingwu accompanying Wang Jia, doubt crept into his heart.

Yang Guang closed his eyes and pondered for a moment. When he opened them again, all hesitation had vanished, replaced by resolute determination.

“Young master, I have no choice either.”

He sighed softly, then leapt forward in pursuit.

... ...

In the domain of the Lord of Pingyi, a procession returned grandly to the royal residence.

The steward hurried over, presenting a letter. “My lord, this letter arrived this afternoon from the county magistrate’s secretary in Yanwu County.”

Wang Changgen’s eyes twitched upon hearing this. He took the letter and asked calmly, “Where is the secretary?”

The steward replied in a low voice, “He has already left.”

Wang Changgen nodded and opened the letter, finding its contents identical to what Zhao Xiyan had reported.

Suddenly, behind him came a cry of alarm from the princess, followed by angry scolding.

“You silly girl, how could you lose track of someone!”

Wang Changgen turned to see the princess standing before Wang Jia’s carriage, furious, while Lian’er knelt on the ground in silence.

Wang Changgen approached, frowning, and asked, “What happened?”

The princess, still fuming, glanced at Lian’er and explained to Wang Changgen with resignation, “Your precious daughter is missing. Lian’er says she stayed in the capital, waiting for the young master’s return.”

At this, Wang Changgen was startled, recalling Wang Jia’s distraught appearance before leaving, and felt uneasy.

He turned to question Lian’er, “What happened? If she did not follow, why did you not say so?”

Lian’er knelt and kowtowed, explaining, “I know I was wrong, I know I was wrong. The young lady said the lord would return soon, and she was anxious, thinking he would come back in a few days. She is worried about the young master and wanted to stay quietly, waiting for news. I should not have made such decisions on my own!”

Wang Changgen’s brows tightened. He sensed there was more to the matter than met the eye. Yet, with urgency to reply to Yanwu County, he waved his hand dismissively and returned to the estate.

Seeing Wang Changgen’s impatience, the princess was puzzled and muttered quietly, “He usually cannot bear to be apart from his precious daughter for even a moment. Why is he so unconcerned today?”

With Wang Changgen saying nothing more, the princess merely pursed her lips, glared at Ping’er, and began directing the servants to unload the luggage.

Wang Changgen wrote a perfunctory letter and ordered the steward to find someone to deliver it overnight to Yanwu County.

On the other side, Chen Pingwu, spurring his horse, had just left Yanwu County when he heard the sound of wind behind him.

He immediately reined in, grabbing Wang Jia and rolling to the side.

Looking back at their steed, it had already been cleaved in two.

Wang Jia, never having witnessed such a scene, screamed in terror.

Chen Pingwu drew his long sword, shielding Wang Jia behind him and scanning the surroundings.

The darkness was absolute, not a soul in sight.

Chen Pingwu knew he faced a master, and dared not relax for a moment. His palm, gripping the sword, was slick with sweat.

“With such skill, why do you conceal yourself?” he called loudly, hoping to force a mistake.

After a long silence, the wind faded, and a familiar voice came from nearby.

“Young master, your temperament has betrayed you.”

Yang Guang emerged, expressionless, gazing quietly at Chen Pingwu.

Chen Pingwu’s pupils widened at the sight of Yang Guang, but he quickly understood everything.

No wonder he knew nothing of the magistrate’s actions, and Lu Jue was wounded.

How could a small Yanwu County have so many experts?

Chen Pingwu knew he was no match for Yang Guang, yet he was unwilling to yield. He sneered and challenged him, “My family, the House of Changwu, has treated you well. Why do you act so?”

Yang Guang’s gaze was calm as he looked past Chen Pingwu to Wang Jia and said, “All I do is by the lord’s command. If you hand over the young lady behind you, I will never report this to the lord.”

Chen Pingwu frowned at Yang Guang’s words. Wang Jia’s fate was linked to Feng Yiewu’s life, and he could not give her up.

He sneered, looking at Yang Guang with contempt, and mocked him, “I never thought the honest Yang Guang would lie for me and deceive my father. Truly touching.”

Yang Guang frowned, clearly recognizing Chen Pingwu’s deliberate provocation.

He remained silent, falling into a trance.

Taking advantage of Yang Guang’s silence, Chen Pingwu whispered to Wang Jia, “I’ll try to stall him. When you see your chance, run. The emperor’s safety depends on you.”

Wang Jia’s eyes brimmed with tears. She fought her fear and shook her head desperately.

Chen Pingwu shouted, then struck first.

He could not wait for Yang Guang to make the first move. Yang Guang was still indecisive, so by acting first, he could delay the fight.

If Yang Guang had already resolved to kill, neither he nor Wang Jia would escape.

Steel clashed against blade, Chen Pingwu using every ounce of his strength, attacking from all sides. But Yang Guang only defended, calm and unhurried.