THE FLOWER PALACE'S SECRET

Chapter 55: Sudden Attack

The journey to the city of Rouwu takes days. For a secluded place like Dongshan Temple, reaching Rouwu was akin to reaching for a coconut tree.

Shen Yanzhia and Niang Yuan set off on a simple carriage belonging to Dongshan Temple. After all the travel necessities were ready, Shen Yanzhia and Niang Yuan directly climbed onto the carriage. The carriage driver immediately pulled the horse's control rope.

Shen Yanzhia's face was not as cheerful as usual. These few days, that woman always looks moody. He is also quieter and does not talk much. Ever since the notification letter came, the smile on Shen Yanzhia's face disappeared and her pleasant aura was extinguished.

Niang Yuan knew, the woman before him was heartbroken. Any woman would not be willing if the husband she loves remarried to someone else. Especially if the woman who will be married to her beloved husband has a higher status and position than him. Not only her husband was captured, but also the position of her empress would be demoted and replaced.

Niang Yuan was also concerned about the fate that befell Shen Yanzhia. Indeed, regarding destiny, no one ever knew and no one could guess. Wishing a happy life, but trials come in the middle of the road.

"May'er? You okay?"

"I'm fine, Auntie."

The words that contradicted that reality made Niang Yuan sigh. Women are always hiding. He knew Shen Yanzhia was trying hard, even though her heart was fragile.

"At least, your husband won't die."

Yes, Niang Yuan's words were indeed true. Lin Zian only married again, not willing to die. Shen Yanzhia was still able to see it even though it would feel very distant. Shen Yanzhia would probably feel even more pain since she would never be able to reach him again, even though that person was clearly before her.

Princess Duanmu was the daughter of Emperor Xiaxi. He came as a messenger of peace. If married to Lin Zian whose status was only that of a Second Prince, she would naturally not be a concubine. It would be considered an insult if it happened. Emperor Xiaxi will definitely demand an explanation. Another case if married to Crown Prince Lin Yang. Princess Duanmu could become a concubine because the position of the empress was already occupied and was already very strong in position, in contrast to the position of the empress of a prince.

Shen Yanzhia closed her eyes. He really wished he could calm himself and his heart. All this happened too fast. The situation changes unpredictably. Shen Yanzhia did not know what situation she would face when she got to Rouwu later. Will he be strong? Wouldn't he be angry at Princess Duanmu?

However, this was also not the wish of the princess. All decisions were in the hands of the Crown Prince as the temporary successor of the Emperor. Shen Yanzhia could not blame anyone. It is circumstances that should be blamed. It was the laws of the heavens that deserved to be questioned, why the Gods were being unfair to him.

Recalling all that, Shen Yanzhia became agitated. He was at a loss as to what attitude he should show people later. He was confused if later there would be people asking him where he had run out of, because Shen Yanzhia had already disappeared for weeks.

But, Shen Yanzhia had no idea, Niang Yuan was much more agitated than he was. For the first time after eighteen years, Niang Yuan set foot back into his homeland, the land that gave him memories and life. The tragedy of eighteen years ago still feels fresh in his memory. Niang Yuan was also confused as to what expression and feeling he should let out when they arrived someday.

His entire family died and his residence was destroyed. The only destination Niang Yuan could go to was the residence of someone who had once helped save his life. But, he also did not know if the person still recognized and remembered his face after eighteen years of not meeting.

Is there someone who still remembers him in the capital?

The carriage suddenly stopped on a deserted street surrounded by shady trees. Shen Yanzhia repeatedly called the coachman and asked what happened. But, there was no answer from the coachman. Out of curiosity, Shen Yanzhia ventured a peek through the closing curtain. He shouted in surprise when he found out the horseman had already been sprawled on the ground with arrows pierced into his chest and shoulders. Fresh blood pooled around the body of the coachman.

"Auntie, we're under attack!"

Niang Yuan was surprised. He also peeked through the window curtains. Gawat, this kind of situation was exactly like the situation he had experienced eighteen years ago.

"We need to get going!"

Niang Yuan led Shen Yanzhia out of the carriage. As the two women descended, a group of armed men appeared and surrounded them from all directions. Shen Yanzhia and Niang Yuan were trapped.

"Stop them!"

One of them exclaimed. Then, the gunmen moved forward, starting to attack the bodies of Shen Yanzhia and Niang Yuan. Since Shen Yanzhia was not good at martial arts, her hands were covered in incision wounds from the swords of the criminals who attacked her. Shen Yanzhia could only resist by dodging the attack without retaliating.

The other was with Niang Yuan. The woman deftly repelled the attacks of the assassins with wooden twigs. Niang Yuan beat, kicked, and slapped the assassins so brutally that several of the assassins fell. Niang Yuan took advantage of the opportunity to grab the sword. Now, Niang Yuan was more free because he already had a weapon to attack those assassins.

Although Niang Yuan could fight, but his strength was unstable as this was the first time he fought back after eighteen years. His martial arts were not as good as they used to be. His movements also slowed down a bit and not as fast as before. His hands were also scratched several times.

Shen Yanzhia screamed as a sword pierced her right shoulder. The woman fell under a tree. Shen Yanzhia tried to get up to fight back as the assassins moved forward to attack her back. Fresh blood soaked his entire clothes. Shen Yanzhia really could not stand up anymore. He's out of energy.

"May'er!"

Just as the assassins were about to unsheatheat the sword towards Shen Yanzhia, Niang Yuan jumped up and slashed the legs, hands, and necks of the assassins who were besieging Shen Yanzhia bravely. Niang Yuan panicked as he saw Shen Yanzhia lying on the bloodstained ground.

"Auntie..."

Shen Yanzhia's consciousness was slightly decreased. The woman tried to suppress the bleeding on her shoulder by pressing on her. Looking at the extremely precarious and impossible situation, Niang Yuan suddenly recalled something. He pulled out a small bottle from his clothes. Fill the bottle in the form of brownish yellow powder. Without waiting for long, Niang Yuan directly sprinkled the powder into the eyes of the assassins. Instantly, the assassins screamed in pain. The corners of their eyes began to bleed.

Niang Yuan had to take out the powder. The powder is a powder from the extraction of lilies that have been mixed with Blue Grass and chili powder. The powder becomes a very dangerous poison. Whoever has his eyes on the powder will be blind. Worse, maybe they could die if not given the antidote.

Niang Yuan did not plan to treat them. The assassins had already attacked and injured Shen Yanzhia. Of course he won't forgive them.

"Mei'er, hang on!"

Niang Yuan held Shen Yanzhia's body. Since his chariot had been destroyed, Niang Yuan had no choice but to take Shen Yanzhia on foot, hoping that someone would pass by and help them. If anything, Niang Yuan would be very grateful.

In an injured and half-conscious state, Shen Yanzhia still faithfully held tightly onto the phoenix jade hanger. The white jade turned red covered in blood from his hands. Niang Yuan involuntarily shed tears. He was afraid, he was afraid that Shen Yanzhia could not hold on.

From a distance, Niang Yuan saw a horse carriage speeding towards them. Hope began to shine. The moment the carriage arrived before him, Niang Yuan immediately shouted.

"Master, can you help us? My daughter is hurt!"

The owner of the carriage was shocked when a female voice cried out to him. He came out and found two women injured. One of the women suffered severe injuries. The car owner was surprised.

"Auntie, get in!"

The carriage horseman directly helped Niang Yuan and Shen Yanzhia up. Honey, when Shen Yanzhia was laid inside the carriage, she was already unconscious. The young car owner screamed in panic.

"Quick! We should get to the capital soon!"

Niang Yuan felt a sense of weirdness. This young man before him was so panicked that he snapped at his own coachman. Apparently, something is not right.

"You know him?" asked Niang Yuan.

The young man nodded.

"Zhi'er is my best friend."

Niang Yuan was very surprised. Apparently, this Young Master before him knew Shen Yanzhia. Thankfully, they met the right people. Shen Yanzhia could still be saved. No, that woman must survive.

"Who are you?"

"I am Zhi Hao'er, the eldest son of Marquis Zingyuan, Zhi Haoyan."

...***...