Shao Mingyuan held the blood-stained waist token thoughtfully.

Commander Yao was at odds with Xing Wuyang. If Xing Wuyang’s residence had truly been besieged by bandits, Xing Wuyang wouldn’t have sent Commander Yao to deal with them.

Yet Commander Yao’s bloodied waist token had appeared in Xing Wuyang’s residence, which indicated that Commander Yao had been there that night and participated in the battle.

This being the case, the reason for Commander Yao’s presence there was obvious – he was most likely the leader of those who besieged Xing Wuyang’s residence.

“By the way, when I went to Xing Wuyang’s residence, I encountered someone.”

“Who?” Qiao Zhao asked this way, but already had a premonition in her heart.

Sure enough, she heard Shao Mingyuan say, “Jiang Yuanchao.”

“You came face to face?”

Shao Mingyuan smiled at Qiao Zhao. “Not only did we meet face to face, we exchanged blows.”

Qiao Zhao’s expression changed slightly. “Did he recognize you?”

“Hard to say. When I fought with him, I didn’t use my usual techniques, and I also disguised my appearance. But just as I could recognize Jiang Yuanchao’s eyes above his face mask at a glance, he might also have special methods for identifying people.”

“If that’s the case, we can only say our luck was bad. I’m more curious now about Jiang Yuanchao’s purpose for being here. He surely doesn’t want to bring down Xing Wuyang like we do, does he?”

Shao Mingyuan put away the waist token. “Shixi once said that Jinlin Guards Commander Jiang Tang and Chief Minister Lan Shan maintain a relationship of mutual non-interference, occasionally helping each other. Jiang Yuanchao is Jiang Tang’s top confidant, while Xing Wuyang belongs to Lan Shan’s faction. For Lan Shan to specifically send Jiang Yuanchao to investigate Xing Wuyang when the two haven’t yet become enemies seems somewhat unreasonable.”

After hearing Shao Mingyuan’s words, Qiao Zhao pondered for a moment, then a thought suddenly flashed through her mind. “What if it was Jiang Yuanchao’s idea?”

“You mean he acted on his own?”

“It’s not impossible. The Jinlin Guards in Fudong were bought off by Xing Wuyang, and for years, they’ve been sending false information to Jiang Tang in the capital. Perhaps when Jiang Yuanchao went to Lingnan on official business this time, he accidentally discovered some clues and came to Fudong to investigate.”

Shao Mingyuan’s gaze deepened. “Let’s not talk about him anymore. As long as he doesn’t interfere with our rescue of Magistrate Xing, we don’t need to bother with him.”

“By the way, what did you discover when you went to Magistrate Xing’s residence?” Qiao Zhao sensed that Shao Mingyuan didn’t want to discuss Jiang Yuanchao further, so she changed the subject.

“Magistrate Xing’s residence appears lax on the outside but strict inside, with quite a few people secretly monitoring it. However, I’ve already figured out the patrol patterns of those people. After we move into the private residence tomorrow, I’ll scout the magistrate’s residence again and rescue Magistrate Xing.”

“Mm, then let’s rest early.”

“Good.” Shao Mingyuan gazed at Qiao Zhao and suddenly smiled. “Zhaozhao, I like the food you cook.”

Qiao Zhao quickly glanced at Chen Guang and curved her lips. “Then I’ll cook again tomorrow.”

Shao Mingyuan glanced mildly at Chen Guang, quite displeased.

This kid was usually so clever, but what was wrong with him tonight? He kept standing there being an eyesore, preventing him from even giving Zhaozhao a goodnight kiss.

Chen Guang kept his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart, but a hint of smugness flashed in his eyes.

Hmph, didn’t want to let him eat the late-night snack, so he would strike back in revenge! Anyway, seeing how clingy the General and Miss Li were, a little sabotage wouldn’t have any impact.

The night passed without incident. Early the next morning, the three successfully checked out and moved into the rented private residence.

Chen Guang claimed credit. “General, Third Miss, how’s this residence your subordinate rented? There’s even a crabapple tree in the corner.”

“It’s quite clean.” Shao Mingyuan nodded with satisfaction.

Even if they were only staying for a day or two, he hoped Zhaozhao could live comfortably.

Night soon fell, and Shao Mingyuan once again changed into night clothes and left.

Qiao Zhao had prepared a table full of dishes early to wait for his return, but somehow her eyelid kept twitching.

“Chen Guang, go meet your General. He’s returning later tonight than last night.”

“That won’t do. The General ordered that this subordinate must stay by your side.”

“I’ll be fine here. Go find your General – if he encounters trouble, you could lend a hand.”

Chen Guang grinned. “Third Miss, don’t worry. Our General definitely won’t have any problems.”

Seeing that Qiao Zhao wanted to say more, Chen Guang said directly, “Third Miss, don’t say anything more. This subordinate absolutely will not leave your side.”

Qiao Zhao knew she couldn’t persuade Chen Guang, so she walked outside with a heavy heart.

Under the moonlight, the branches and leaves of the crabapple tree in the corner swayed in the wind. The small courtyard was peaceful and serene, yet a shadow of unease hung over her heart.

Shao Mingyuan must have encountered some trouble.

She had worried last night, too, but rationally knew she was confused by concern. However, tonight’s premonition was different.

Qiao Zhao unconsciously walked to the crabapple tree in the corner and picked a ripe crabapple fruit to knead in her hand.

The night grew quieter, the moon hid behind clouds, and Qiao Zhao, standing by the crabapple tree, almost merged with the darkness.

A small stone was thrown in from outside, landing in the courtyard. Qiao Zhao was about to move but was stopped by Chen Guang.

Chen Guang rushed to the courtyard gate and asked in a low voice, “General?”

A familiar voice came from outside the door. “It’s me.”

Chen Guang’s face lit up with joy as he quickly opened the door.

A figure stumbled in.

Chen Guang was startled and reflexively closed the door properly, calling out, “General?”

“Quick… take Magistrate Xing…”

Chen Guang hurriedly took the person from Shao Mingyuan’s back, and by the faint starlight saw Shao Mingyuan’s pale face, greatly alarmed. “General, are you alright?”

Shao Mingyuan frowned. “Keep your voice down, don’t wake Miss Li.”

Chen Guang instinctively turned to look toward the corner.

Qiao Zhao had already walked over quickly and supported Shao Mingyuan. “Tingquan, what’s wrong?”

“I’m fine. Let’s go inside first and check on Magistrate Xing’s condition.”

Several people hurried inside.

Chen Guang placed the unconscious Magistrate Xing on the bed. Qiao Zhao quickly examined him, her expression slightly grave. “Magistrate Xing is too weak. He needs careful recuperation.”

After saying this, she quickly walked toward Shao Mingyuan, looked him up and down, and her face changed slightly. “You’re injured?”

“Just a minor injury.” Shao Mingyuan covered his lower abdomen.

“Move your hand, let me see.”

“It is just a minor injury.”

“Let me see!” Miss Qiao’s face had already turned ashen.

Shao Mingyuan had no choice but to obediently remove his hand, still smiling. “Zhaozhao, don’t be afraid. It is just a surface wound. I’ve had countless surface wounds like this – it’s nothing serious.”

Qiao Zhao completely ignored someone’s nonsense and directly reached out to lift his hem.

The man’s firm abdominal muscles were clearly defined, with a blackened, bloody hole prominently visible.

Qiao Zhao’s lips instantly lost all color as she cried out, “It’s poisoned!”

She had seen large and small wounds on his body before, including the cold poison in his body, which was an extremely tormenting existence, but only now did Qiao Zhao truly understand what heartache meant.

Shao Mingyuan gazed at the pale-faced young woman and smiled gently. “Zhaozhao, the antidote pill you gave me worked quite well.”

Qiao Zhao didn’t respond to his words at all and immediately ordered, “Chen Guang, watch over Magistrate Xing properly.” Then she grabbed Shao Mingyuan. “Come back to the room with me!”