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Chapter 240 You are the one who is the bird in the dark?

Gu Junze grasped Chu Ruohan's shoulders, his voice low and firm.

"Take Xuan-ge'er to the Chu family now. I've already made arrangements."

Chu Ruohan gazed at his face; in the moonlight, his resolute features exuded unparalleled calmness, yet they stirred up layers of worry within her.

"how about you?"

"Going to the palace, there are some things that need to be settled." Gu Junze's fingers gently brushed her cheek, his tone as calm as if he were just going to an ordinary banquet.

"What does the Marquis of Anyang want to do?" Chu Ruohan asked.

"Feng Shaoyu has been released."

These five words struck Chu Ruohan like a bolt from the blue. She squinted, her mind racing.

Feng Shaoyu is a general in the Eastern Camp. If he is released, wouldn't the Eastern Camp's troops be...?

Gu Junze saw through her thoughts and gently stroked her hair: "Don't worry, I was prepared. At this moment, Lin Jingchuan should have already rushed back to the capital. As long as we can hold out until Prince Yong returns, Marquis Anyang's plan will not succeed."

Chu Ruohan suddenly realized that all the mysteries of the past few days had finally become clear at this moment.

“Yuanlai Inn… Marquis Anyang deliberately threw out Minister Liu, and you followed his plan, handing Minister Liu over to Lin Jingchuan.”

She looked up at Gu Junze. "The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. Are you that oriole?"

“Your trip to Lu County wasn’t entirely fruitless; even Chu Ang was part of your plan.” Chu Ruohan became increasingly certain. “Chu Ang didn’t leave empty-handed…”

Gu Junze nodded. "Although he is loyal to Marquis Anyang, he still has a wife and children. I not only arrested Chu Ang, but also found account books in his home. The iron ore that the Ministry of Works smuggled out is also in my hands."

A thought flashed through Chu Ruohan's mind: Gu Junze's intelligence network... was that group of children learning martial arts.

It turns out that every move was within his chessboard.

"You've been laying the groundwork for a long time, gradually forcing the Marquis of Anyang to make his move. Now it's time to close the net, isn't it?"

“The Marquis of Anyang’s private army is stationed in Lu County. He will make his move sooner or later.”

After Gu Junze finished speaking, he turned to look out the door and said, "We need to hurry."

Meizi carried the sleeping Xuan-ge'er in, and Yuling and the others were also ready.

Chu Ruohan was overwhelmed with emotions, and though she had a thousand words to say, they all boiled down to a tight hug.

Gu Junze pulled her into his arms and whispered in her ear, "Remember, no matter what happens, don't look back."

Chu Ruohan nodded, "Yingqing and Yueshu will be getting married in five days."

He left with only this sentence, then turned and left without looking back at him.

Gu Junze knew that she would wait for him to return safely.

The carriage sped through the night. Chu Ruohan looked out through the curtain toward the imperial city, where the lights were dim and the place seemed calm, but undercurrents were surging.

The carriage turned into a secluded alley, when suddenly a fire appeared ahead, and several men in black with knives blocked the way.

"Oh no!" the driver shouted, pulling hard on the reins.

Chu Ruohan hugged Xuan Ge'er tightly, knowing something was wrong.

Just then, several figures leaped down from the rooftops on both sides of the alley and pounced on the men in black with lightning speed.

Those are shadow guards!

A fierce close-quarters battle ensued, with swords flashing and blades clashing. The shadow guards, well-trained, quickly subdued all the men in black.

The lead shadow guard quickly approached the carriage: "Young Madam, it's not safe ahead. Please follow me to another route."

Chu Ruohan nodded, carrying Xuan Ge'er, and followed the shadow guards through several winding alleys, finally arriving at the Chu family's gate.

Doctor Qian was already waiting at the door. Seeing that Chu Ruohan and Xuan Ge'er were safe and sound, he quickly welcomed them into the inner courtyard.

"Where is the Crown Prince?" Doctor Qian asked anxiously.

"He's gone to the palace," Chu Ruohan replied briefly.

Since Gu Junze has made preparations, the Chu family must be the safest.

He left all the bodyguards to her...

Doctor Qian's expression was grave: "The situation in the city is unclear; tonight will likely see a major purge..."

Just then, a series of urgent bell tolls suddenly came from afar, breaking the silence of the night sky.

That was the palace's alarm bell!

Meanwhile, outside Xuanwu Gate

"Has there been any news from the Marquis's messenger?" Feng Shaoyu asked.

"Reporting to the general, there is still no news," replied Deputy General Shi.

Feng Shaoyu frowned slightly, sensing that something was amiss. Just as he was hesitating, countless torches suddenly lit up ahead, illuminating half the sky.

A troop of well-armored cavalry blocked their path, led by Gu Junze.

"General Feng, what brings you to the capital in the dead of night?" Gu Junze asked loudly.

Feng Shaoyu's face darkened: "Why does Your Highness ask a question you already know the answer to? Step aside!"

Gu Junze sneered: "General Feng, the imperial court has already obtained evidence that you and the Marquis of Anyang are plotting a rebellion. Lay down your weapons now, and your life may still be spared."

Enraged, Feng Shaoyu drew his sword and shouted, "Kill!"

An arrow flew from the side, aiming straight for Feng Shaoyu's back.

Feng Shaoyu keenly sensed this and quickly turned around to block, meeting Vice General Shi's cold gaze.

"Deputy General Shi, what are you doing?" Feng Shaoyu shouted angrily, blocking Deputy General Shi's attack with his long sword.

Deputy General Shi remained expressionless, his long sword pointing directly at Feng Shaoyu: "General Feng, you have betrayed the court. I am ordered to bring you to justice."

"what?"

Feng Shaoyu stared wide-eyed in disbelief as he watched his personally promoted deputy general draw his sword against him, finding it hard to accept the fact for a moment.

Upon seeing this, the surrounding Dongying soldiers immediately lost their composure.

With a wave of his hand, Deputy General Shi immediately turned half of the Eastern Camp soldiers, their swords pointing directly at Feng Shaoyu.

"You...you dare to betray me?" Feng Shaoyu laughed angrily. "I promoted you from a lowly soldier to a deputy general, and this is how you repay me?"

Deputy General Shi said coldly, "I am loyal to the imperial court, not to rebels."

Feng Shaoyu turned to the other soldiers: "Brothers, follow me and fight our way out!"

However, he was met with only silence.

Those soldiers who had once been loyal to him all lowered their heads, not daring to look him in the eye.

"You...you've all betrayed me?" Feng Shaoyu looked around in horror and found himself surrounded by the army.

Gu Junze calmly stepped forward, drew his sword and pointed it at Feng Shaoyu: "General Feng, surrender."

Veins bulged on Feng Shaoyu's forehead as he gritted his teeth and questioned Deputy General Shi, "You've already defected to them? When exactly did you betray me?"

Lieutenant Shi replied calmly, "I have never betrayed you, because I have never been loyal to you."

These words struck Feng Shaoyu like a hammer blow, shattering his last shred of dignity.

"The young master is truly skilled; he has won over the hearts of the people in just over a month since entering the Eastern Camp."

Gu Junze took a step closer: "General Feng, do you know your crime?"

"Crime?" Feng Shaoyu laughed loudly, his laughter filled with desolation. "What crime have I committed? I was merely following orders!"

Deputy General Shi said coldly, "The crime of treason is punishable by death by everyone."

Feng Shaoyu lowered the knife in his hand resignedly, his eyes dimming: "So be it, so be it."

Four soldiers stepped forward, pinned Feng Shaoyu to the ground, and chained him securely.

Deputy General Shi walked up to Feng Shaoyu and asked condescendingly, "How much does the death of the Eldest Princess have to do with you?"

Feng Shaoyu was startled and looked up at Deputy General Shi in disbelief: "You... how did you know?"

"It really is you!" A sharp killing intent flashed in Deputy General Shi's eyes, and his hand holding the sword trembled slightly.

Gu Junze stopped Deputy General Shi from acting impulsively, saying, "He is not the mastermind."

As Feng Shaoyu was being escorted forward, his gaze vacant as he stared into the distance, muttering to himself, "I'm nothing but a pawn, a pawn..."