bookrandom Chapter 190 Crisis and Choices
Chapter 190 Crisis and Choices
Ignoring Xiao Yanzi's objections, Hongli quickly summoned the palace guards and prepared to personally go to the valley where Xuan Yingmen was located.
Xiao Yanzi was extremely anxious. Before Hongli left, she tightly grabbed his sleeve and said, "Your Majesty, what if something happens to you on your trip? What will I do?"
Hongli looked at her, his eyes filled with determination: "Little Swallow, I cannot back down. Hongzhou and the others are in danger. If I don't go, how can I face my brothers, and how can I ensure the peace of the palace?"
With tears in her eyes, Xiao Yanzi said, "Your Majesty must return safely. I will pray for you day and night in the palace."
Hongli nodded and led his guards away in a hurry.
In the valley, Hongzhou was locked in fierce combat with the Xuan Ying Sect members. The masked man also joined the battle, his swordsmanship unpredictable, and he cooperated with Hongzhou, temporarily holding off the Xuan Ying Sect's offensive.
While fighting, Hongzhou shouted, "Thank you for your righteous help, brother. I will repay you handsomely once this matter is over!"
The masked man replied, "Fifth Prince, you're too kind. Let's deal with these thieves first!"
However, the Xuan Ying Sect had a large number of members and were familiar with the terrain of the valley, so they gradually gained the upper hand. Hong Zhou and the others began to feel the strain, and they also had several wounds on their bodies.
A chivalrous figure from the martial world, panting heavily, said, "Fifth Prince, this can't go on. We have to think of a way to break through!"
Hongzhou frowned as he looked at the enemies surging towards him like a tide: "Retreat to the valley entrance first, and try to minimize casualties!"
The group fought and retreated, making a difficult movement towards the mouth of the valley.
Meanwhile, following the advice of an old minister, Lin Yuxuan conducted an in-depth investigation in the capital into officials related to frontier affairs. He went to the Ministry of Revenue and found a minor official in charge of frontier trade accounts.
Lin Yuxuan asked seriously, "Do you know of any officials whose behavior in border trade is suspicious? This matter concerns the safety of the palace. If you tell the truth, you will be richly rewarded in the future; if you utter even a single falsehood, you will not be let off lightly!"
The clerk trembled with fear: "Sir, I only know that Minister Li seems to have embezzled funds in some border trade accounts, with frequent flows of unknown funds. Moreover, he seems to have dealings with the Xuan Ying Sect. I have seen people from the Xuan Ying Sect coming and going from Minister Li's residence."
Lin Yuxuan's heart skipped a beat: "Minister Li? So it was him!"
Lin Yuxuan immediately sent someone to deliver the news to Hongli, who was on his way to the valley.
Upon receiving the news, Hongli's face darkened further: "This Minister Li has audacity! He dares to collude with martial arts sects to rebel! I will not forgive him!"
At the mouth of the valley, Hong Zhou and his group were firmly blocked by the Xuan Ying Sect members. The leader of the Xuan Ying Sect stepped forward and sneered, "Fifth Prince, today is your death day. You shouldn't have come to the Xuan Ying Sect!"
Hongzhou glared at him angrily: "You bunch of traitors, attempting rebellion, I, the prince, will risk my life to prevent you from succeeding!"
Just as the two sides were deadlocked, Hongli arrived with his guards.
Hongli shouted loudly, "I am here, how dare you be so insolent!"
When the Xuan Ying Sect members saw Hongli, they were initially startled, but quickly regained their composure.
The leader of the Xuan Ying Sect shouted, "Hongli, do you think you can stop our plan? This world will be ours sooner or later!"
Hongli sneered: "You cowards? Today I will wipe you all out!"
A fiercer battle erupted at the mouth of the valley. Hongli's guards were well-trained, and their fighting strength increased greatly after joining forces with Hongzhou and the others. However, the Xuan Ying Sect was not to be outdone; they fought tenaciously, taking advantage of the terrain and their numbers.
Little Swallow waited anxiously for news in the palace, pacing back and forth in her bedchamber.
Consort Ling came to comfort her: "Little Swallow, His Majesty is blessed by Heaven and will surely be safe and sound."
Little Swallow sighed, "Your Highness, when will this palace intrigue end? I only hope that the Emperor and Hongzhou can return safely, so that Little Swallow can grow up carefree."
Consort Ling held her hand: "Yes, everything will be alright."
The battle in the valley intensified, with both sides suffering numerous casualties. Hongzhou, seeing Hongli arrive during the fighting, was invigorated: "Brother, today we will surely uproot the Xuan Ying Sect!"
Hongli nodded: "That's right, we must not let their conspiracy succeed!"
Will Minister Li receive the punishment he deserves? Will the Xuan Ying Sect be completely wiped out? What will become of everyone in this life-or-death battle? All awaits its final answer amidst the clash of swords and the struggle for power. This chapter concludes here. Stay tuned for the next chapter.