What exactly does this Chen Jia want?

Song Mo’s first thought was of his father, Song Yichun. Could this be a trap set by him to lure Song Mo into making a mistake? However, he quickly dismissed that idea. Provoking him to investigate his uncle’s case would implicate Duke Ying’s residence as well; even if he were foolish, he wouldn’t engage in such self-destructive behavior.

Could it be the Liao Wang? Was he hinting that this was the emperor’s intention? As this thought crossed his mind, Song Mo shook his head internally. The Duke Dingguo’s title had been stripped away, and even if it wasn’t directly ordered by the emperor, it had his approval. Knowing that this was the emperor’s will wouldn’t change anything.

Suddenly, a thought struck him. Perhaps the Liao Wang wanted to convey that as long as the emperor was alive, his uncle’s grievances would never see justice. No, no, that couldn’t be right. Even if the Liao Wang had ambitions, he couldn’t easily defy the principles of the dynasty. But he might have been growing impatient. Yet, even so, Song Mo held some weight as Duke Ying’s heir; positions like the commander of the Jinwu Guard and hereditary fourth-rank official were not particularly significant. The Liao Wang had no reason to invest so much effort in him.

So who was the one directing Chen Jia? What was their purpose?

Since being framed by his father, Song Mo had become increasingly suspicious. He noticed Zhu Yicheng and the others had quietly surrounded them. Smiling, he wrapped an arm around Dou Zhao’s shoulders but suddenly shouted at Zhu Yicheng and the others, “Seize him!” His expression turned cold as he half-dragged Dou Zhao back a few steps.

Immediately, someone stepped forward to block Song Mo and Dou Zhao, coordinating with Zhu Yicheng to encircle Chen Jia in the middle. Yet, Chen Jia remained calm and composed, as if he had anticipated Song Mo’s reaction. With a swift motion, he drew a soft sword from his waist and said, “Your Highness, let me be frank. If it weren’t for the chaos you’ve stirred in the capital, showcasing your skills, I wouldn’t dare approach you. Seeking justice for the Duke is not something just anyone can do. If you don’t believe me, you can inquire about my background in the Jin Yi Wei. I am not an unknown figure there. Now, how you choose to proceed is up to you!”

With that, he stepped forward and engaged Zhu Yicheng, who was the best fighter among them.

Zhu Yicheng wielded his heavy blade with stability, while Chen Jia’s soft sword was light and agile. The two fought fiercely, their movements a blur as they clashed.

Song Mo’s other guards split into two groups: one encircled Song Mo and Dou Zhao, while the other surrounded Zhu Yicheng and Chen Jia, ready to assist at any moment. The flower farmer, terrified, hid behind a large vat.

With a loud shout, Chen Jia called out. Suddenly, several figures dressed in Jin Yi Wei uniforms leaped down from the roof, drawing their knives and attacking Song Mo’s guards.

Caught off guard, Song Mo’s guards were momentarily stunned. In the confusion, one of the attackers broke through the encirclement, attempting to ambush Zhu Yicheng. Zhu Yicheng dodged just in time.

Chen Jia leaped out of the fray, cupping his hands toward Song Mo, and with the protection of several Jin Yi Wei members, he retreated toward the fence, then slipped through a gap into the woods behind, disappearing.

Zhu Yicheng and the others soon realized that the fence had been cut through, merely concealed by branches.

“Chase after them!” Zhu Yicheng’s face turned pale as he rushed forward, but Song Mo shouted, “Come back!” and he halted.

“No need to chase,” Song Mo said calmly. “They were prepared. Pursuing them would be futile. Let Du Wei investigate their backgrounds.”

Zhu Yicheng reluctantly agreed and took two guards to find Du Wei at the general store.

Song Mo gestured for Chen He to help the trembling flower farmer to his feet, smiling as he said, “It was just a misunderstanding; I apologize for frightening you.”

The flower farmer dared not ask further, responding nervously, “It’s nothing, nothing at all. I’m just a humble person.”

“I’m afraid we won’t be able to visit the flower market today,” Song Mo said apologetically to Dou Zhao. “Let’s plan to come another day?”

Dou Zhao, who had been anxiously clutching Song Mo’s sleeve, replied with a smile, “Alright, we can come another day!” Her expression brightened as if they had not just encountered ruthless Jin Yi Wei but merely faced a minor inconvenience.

Song Mo felt a wave of guilt wash over him. Dou Zhao was always embroiled in trouble when she was with him; even a simple trip to the flower market could lead to chaos! At that moment, he desperately wished to resolve all the troubles surrounding them. At the very least, he wanted to address some of them before their child was born, ensuring a safe and peaceful environment for their family to grow.

He couldn’t help but glance at Dou Zhao’s abdomen. They had been so close lately; perhaps Dou Zhao was already pregnant with his child.

To ensure internal peace, he needed to first deal with external threats!

He helped Dou Zhao into the carriage.

Dou Zhao rested her chin on her hand, lost in thought about Chen Jia.

Dressed in Jin Yi Wei attire, with agile movements and light footsteps… she felt she had seen this person somewhere before.

Suddenly, she exclaimed, “Ah!”

Noticing her distraction, Song Mo asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, nothing,” Dou Zhao quickly covered her unease. “I just bumped into something.”

Song Mo smiled, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and gently kissing her temple, then fell into deep thought.

Dou Zhao didn’t disturb him, quietly leaning against him, but her heart was tumultuous.

She had seen Chen Jia before, but back then, he was not like this.

He had worn a bright red third-rank Jin Yi Wei uniform, respectfully passing through a sea of armored guards in the rain, humbly kneeling before Song Mo, reporting something with lowered eyes.

Chen Jia was the Jin Yi Wei officer who had first reported to Song Mo when she met him in her previous life.

It felt like an unbreakable cycle; in this life, they met again, but under such circumstances.

Could it be that in her past life, Chen Jia had similarly impressed Song Mo, earning his trust and becoming his confidant?

What connection did Duke Dingguo’s case have with the emperor?

She recalled the arrow Song Mo had shot at the crown prince… not only had it turned him into a notorious executioner, but it had also struck down the emperor’s hopes and life, allowing Liao Wang to ascend the throne smoothly.

Dou Zhao’s hands clenched tightly together.

In this life, would Chen Jia once again sway Song Mo? What cards did he hold? Were they real or fake?

Sweat beaded on her forehead.

“What’s wrong?” Song Mo’s gentle voice broke through her thoughts. “Did you bump into something earlier?” His tone was filled with concern.

Dou Zhao instinctively grasped Song Mo’s hand.

“I’m fine!” His hand was warm and dry, like the gentle sun in winter, gradually calming her heart. “You must not take Chen Jia’s words lightly; think carefully before acting. He chose to approach you after witnessing your skills, which indicates he has ulterior motives. Do not let your guard down. Sometimes, it’s about who can endure longer. After the emperor passes, some truths will come to light.”

“I understand,” Song Mo replied, holding her hand tightly. “Regardless of his intentions, since he has set his sights on me if I don’t deal with him now, he will surely try again. Instead of living in constant fear, it might be better to go along with his plans and seize the initiative.” He smiled, “I’m a family man now; I won’t be reckless like before. I want to grow old with you and have a house full of children! You can rest easy.”

Grow old together, with a house full of children!

Could she achieve that?

Would there come a day when she woke up, and it was all just a dream?

Dou Zhao’s eyes grew misty as she tightened her grip on Song Mo’s hand.

She had been too stubborn about certain things in the past.

Whatever Song Mo wanted, she would follow him.

As long as it made him happy, that was enough.

For the first time, she leaned her head on his shoulder.

Song Mo was unaware of the reason but could feel Dou Zhao’s attachment to him.

It felt as sweet as honey, warming his heart.

With Dou Zhao resting on his shoulder, they returned to Duke Ying’s residence.

Yan Chaoqing had received news and was waiting at the entrance of Yizhi Hall with Liao Bifeng, Zhu Yicheng, and Xia Lian.

“Let’s talk in the study,” Song Mo said lightly, heading toward the study.

After taking a few steps, he paused in thought, turning back to Dou Zhao. “You should come too—three heads are better than one. Sometimes, outsiders see things more clearly than those involved.” His gaze swept over Yan Chaoqing and Xia Lian, implying why he wanted Dou Zhao to join them.

Having witnessed Dou Zhao’s cleverness during the rescue, Yan Chaoqing and Xia Lian no longer doubted her intelligence, so they had no objections to Song Mo’s decision.

However, Liao Bifeng and Zhu Yicheng couldn’t hide their shock, staring at Dou Zhao in astonishment.

Once inside the study, Zhu Yicheng was fine, but Liao Bifeng respectfully invited Dou Zhao to sit and personally poured her a cup of tea, taking a seat across from her.

Song Mo asked, “What’s the situation?”

Yan Chaoqing replied respectfully, “According to Du Wei, Chen Jia is twenty-four this year. He entered the Jin Yi Wei by taking over his uncle’s position. Four years ago, his wife passed away, leaving no children, and he hasn’t remarried. Four years ago, he did indeed go to Fujian on official business. After returning to the capital, he began to associate closely with Chen Zuxun, a commander in the Jin Yi Wei who also went to Fujian, even recognizing him as a godfather.

With Chen Zuxun’s support, he was promoted to a small flag officer in the Jin Yi Wei. However, two years ago, after Chen Zuxun offended Wang Yuan and was executed, Chen Jia lost his backing and had a hard time in the Jin Yi Wei, reportedly almost getting expelled. The Jin Yi Wei members who attacked you today are not impostors; they are Chen Jia’s sworn brothers, two of whom also went to Fujian with him…”

Song Mo sipped his tea slowly, pondering for a moment before asking, “What do you think, Mr. Yan?”

Yan Chaoqing considered carefully, “It’s possible he saw your recent actions and wanted to curry favor for his advancement. But we can’t completely rule out that he was acting under someone else’s orders, taking a risk…”

Song Mo nodded slightly, looking toward Liao Bifeng.

Although Liao Bifeng had a hint of disagreement with Yan Chaoqing, he would never speak without thought.

He agreed with Yan Chaoqing’s assessment: “I believe Mr. Yan is correct.”

Song Mo contemplated for a moment before asking Dou Zhao, “What do you think?”