"I just have this idea, haven't thought through the details yet. Let's see what you think first."

The Fourth Prince noticed something off about Qin Tian's expression and, while talking, observed Qin Tian attentively, saying, "You know, Father fears your troops the most. This time, you've caused trouble, and a big one at that. To save your life, after much thought, the only solution I see is this bargaining chip."

"Of course, this depends on you. I respect your thoughts. After all, both of us are working towards the strength of the Tianyuan Dynasty. If you think this method is not feasible, we can come up with another solution. Rest assured, regarding Father, I'll also try my best to protect you, but I can only say I'll try..."

The two occasionally exchanged glances.

Qin Tian looked at the Fourth Prince's expression, sneering inwardly.

At a time like this, you're still putting on a warm-hearted and friendly demeanor? Is it necessary? Your prowess, you think I don't know?

However, Qin Tian did not expose it, saying, "Then I'll think about it. I'm afraid that even if I hand over the troops, I might not be able to save my life..."

"That's possible. So, if you agree to this matter, I need to mediate. On one hand, ensure you hand over the troops, and on the other, ensure Father and Empress no longer harbor murderous intent towards you."

The Fourth Prince spoke openly.

"Give me a day, come tomorrow, and I'll give you the answer. Is that alright, Your Highness?" Qin Tian looked at the Fourth Prince and spoke.

"Of course. You really need to think it over. I'll first head to the Imperial Palace to see the situation."

The Fourth Prince stood up, left Qin Tian's room, and as he reached the doorway, he remembered something, turning back to Qin Tian, "By the way, forgot to tell you, your wife, Murong Fei, is safe under my protection now."

He gave Qin Tian a faint smile and then left.

But this last sentence infuriated Qin Tian immensely!

Murong Fei, safe under your protection? Is this a warning to me?

A typical threat!

...

Watching the Fourth Prince leave the room, Qin Tian felt uncontrollable anger.

But now, the initiative entirely lay with the Fourth Prince, so he could only remind himself to remain calm and be even more cautious before fully severing ties with the Fourth Prince.

The most crucial issue now is how to escape.

The Fourth Prince is eyeing his 400,000 troops in the West State, and his bargaining chip is himself and Murong Fei. He seems confident that Qin Tian will capitulate.

Is there any option besides compromise?

In the evening, Qin Tian quietly ate in the room, racking his brains for an escape plan.

This courtyard is heavily guarded by the Fourth Prince's troops, making it extraordinarily difficult for him to break through.

Moreover, the Fourth Prince doesn't seem to fear Qin Tian escaping as he holds Murong Fei as leverage, believing Qin Tian won't risk Murong Fei's life.

This is also the crucial point that Qin Tian couldn't think of a good strategy; he doesn't know where Murong Fei is confined.

"Lord Qin, please have your meal."

As Qin Tian continued his meal, an elderly housekeeper entered, bringing a bowl of soup to Qin Tian.

Qin Tian remained silent, still eating, but at this moment, the elderly housekeeper did not leave upon entering but stood beside Qin Tian.

Qin Tian frowned, glanced up, and was instantly shocked!

This elderly housekeeper was actually Xu Junwei in disguise!

Despite the disguise, his facial shape and contour were strikingly similar to Xu Junwei's, and Qin Tian recognized him at once!

"Teacher Xu..."

Just as Qin Tian spoke, Xu Junwei immediately gestured for him to be silent.

"Lord Qin, I've come to rescue you," Xu Junwei whispered.

"You, to rescue me?" Qin Tian was taken aback, now utterly confused. How did Xu Junwei get in? How does he have the ability to rescue me? How did he even know I was held here? Why did he appear at this moment?

Qin Tian's mind was filled with questions, but there was no time for inquiries. Xu Junwei continued, "We've already found out where Murong Fei is held; don't worry, we've sent people to rescue Murong Fei. Remember, at 3:30 a.m., I'll come back with people; you then leave with us."

"Our people will also be rescuing Murong Fei simultaneously. We'll meet at the city gate. We'll escort you and Murong Fei out of the city."

Qin Tian gazed at Xu Junwei's face, dumbfoundedly watching him.

Xu Junwei sensed Qin Tian's immense curiosity, saying, "I know you have lots of questions for me now. I'll tell you later; you only need to know that this time, Long Yin has mobilized significant strength to rescue you, deploying numerous experts. You and Murong Fei must stay alive!"

Qin Tian paused, nodded, "Alright."

"They're watching too closely. I'll leave now. Remember, at 3:30, we'll leave together and break through. By then, the Imperial City will surely be shaken to its core!"

Xu Junwei scarcely gave Qin Tian a chance to speak, finished his words, and immediately retreated.

At this moment, Qin Tian stood dazedly at the table, staring at Xu Junwei's fleeting back, a bit absent-minded.

Long Yin? Long Yin is here to rescue him?

In his most helpless moment, Long Yin had remarkably mobilized formidable strength to rescue him and Murong Fei, demonstrating their great regard for him!

However, managing to locate where he and Murong Fei were trapped, Long Yin surprisingly possessed such powerful prowess to maneuver discreetly under the Fourth Prince's jurisdiction? 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

All this was beyond Qin Tian's understanding; he had lost touch with Xu Junwei and hadn't connected with anyone from Long Yin.

It's said that the Imperial City is a hub of hidden talents, with various forces rising and falling. Now it seems, indeed it is true.

Since Long Yin is rescuing him, Qin Tian felt reassured, finished his meal, took a nap, and waited until 3:30 a.m. when finally outside the courtyard came subtle sounds.

Qin Tian gently opened the door to look, observing shadows darting among the hundreds of guards around the courtyard, and those guarding with considerable cultivation were like poisoned, incapable of resistance, easily overwhelmed by those shadows.

"Lord Qin, hurry and follow me!"

Xu Junwei appeared before Qin Tian clad in nightwear, his face stained with blood, whispering to Qin Tian.

Qin Tian nodded and, with several dozen black-clothed men, headed towards the West City Gate.

It was still very dark, the surroundings pitch black, and Qin Tian relied on his sharp sensing power to follow Xu Junwei and others running out of the residential area into the woods.

"Teacher Xu, where's Murong Fei?" Qin Tian asked worriedly.

"Our people are rescuing her; there shouldn't be any issues, we've made sufficient preparations upfront. Come on, we're about to meet them."

After Qin Tian followed Xu Junwei through the woods, arriving at a secluded courtyard a few kilometers from the West City Gate, Xu Junwei said:

"We've agreed to meet here at 5:30, hoping the team rescuing Murong Fei encounters no mishaps!"

(Wishing everyone a Happy May Day!)