vrcanaries Chapter 144 The Counterattack
Chapter 144 The Counterattack
The man in black caught up with the two and, without saying a word, unleashed a deadly attack. Ultimately, the two were no match for him and committed suicide by swallowing pills.
The leader of the men in black noticed something was wrong and went closer to investigate, only to find that the two men were wearing masks.
He removed the mask, and his heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally died.
They were indeed two stand-ins.
"Again?" The man in black was somewhat annoyed, but then realized something was wrong. "Damn, it's poisoned!"
No sooner had the leader finished speaking than he foamed at the mouth and fell into a deep sleep.
Upon seeing this, the others immediately sent a signal to headquarters.
That night, one by one, the "Ninth Princes" and "Zhao Jihua" left the city in various ways, only to be chased.
The Third Prince's men came out in full force and chased him all night; they were exhausted.
When it was fully light, they finally stopped, leaving one group to watch the city gate while the main force returned to their lair in the forest.
As soon as I entered the door, I felt so sleepy that I couldn't stand it anymore. I really wanted to find a place to sleep.
Only a few people sensed something was wrong and quickly called out to the others to be on high alert!
However, it was of no use.
“Most of them are already collapsed and unable to get up.” Zhao Jihua and the Ninth Prince walked out together. “What are you still struggling for?”
The man in black was furious: "You! How did you get in here?"
Zhao Jihua gently explained to him, "I was just being kind and gave the prisoners from Lingnan Prefecture a way out. I didn't expect it would cause you all to come out in droves. It's an unexpected bonus."
The Ninth Prince also said with a smile, "If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have been able to take this place so easily."
"You! You all!" The man was furious. "Aren't you afraid of the Third Prince's revenge?"
"Why would my third brother retaliate against us? This is just a bandit stronghold in Lingnan. Someone reported that bandits were rampant here, so shouldn't I have led the imperial guards to wipe them out?"
"You guys!" The man was so angry he almost vomited blood.
"Everyone will only praise us. As for that evidence, wasn't it something we 'accidentally' discovered when we wiped out the bandit's den? It was because of this that I rushed back to the capital."
Zhao Jihua laughed, "Alright, I've let you die knowing the truth, so you can go in peace." With that, she snapped his neck.
The Ninth Prince smiled warmly, but with a wave of his hand, he ordered his guards to slaughter everyone.
……
After killing all the spies of the three princes in Lingnan Prefecture, Zhao Jihua and his companion were able to easily embark on their journey back to the capital.
But as luck would have it, a group of bandits blocked their way.
These bandits numbered about a hundred, each with a fierce and menacing appearance, wielding gleaming swords and knives. The leader declared, "This tree is mine, this road is mine. If you want to pass, leave your toll!"
"That's easy, that's easy. I'll give you everything. Will you let us pass?" Zhao Jihua smiled as he took his belongings, intending to hand them to the bandits opposite him.
They only have about thirty people; it's not advisable to confront them head-on.
However, the bandits, lusting after her, leered at her, saying, "Oh, young lady, you're quite pretty. Come back to the mountain stronghold with me and become my wife, and I'll let the rest of you brothers go."
The Ninth Prince was instantly displeased and slapped the other's hand away: "Who do you think you are? If you dare touch me again, believe me, I'll kill you!"
"Oh, what a disgusting thing this is? Little lady, I've changed my mind."
I want you too.
They were all killed.
As soon as he finished speaking, the bandits on the other side charged over.
Faced with such a perilous situation, Zhao Jihua and the others had no choice but to fight back.
However, due to the disparity in numbers, the two sides were locked in a stalemate for a time.
"Da da da, da da da..."
Just then, the sound of horses' hooves suddenly came from afar.
A well-trained cavalry unit was seen galloping towards them.
The cavalrymen, clad in fine armor and with their banners fluttering, were none other than the imperial army.
The Ninth Prince smiled faintly at the anxious man and said, "Don't worry, I made arrangements before we set off. If we encounter any danger, there will be someone to meet us."
The bandits looked terrified and were about to scatter and flee when their leader shouted, "Brothers, we've already offended the authorities. We'll be hunted down no matter where we run. We might as well fight! Only by fighting can we survive!"
Upon hearing this, the others immediately turned around and charged into battle against the army!
But how could they possibly be a match for a regular army?
The imperial army quickly charged into the enemy ranks, like tigers among sheep, and the bandits were routed.
Before long, most of the bandits were dead or wounded, and the rest knelt down and begged for mercy.
The Ninth Prince sneered, "When you were being so arrogant and domineering just now, did you ever think that this day would come?"
He then instructed the army to tie up all the bandits and take them to the local government office.
After the crisis was averted, Zhao Jihua looked at the Ninth Prince with gratitude: "Thanks to your advance preparations, otherwise there would have been another fierce battle today."
The Ninth Prince responded gently, "As long as you're alright, all of this was prepared for you."
Zhao Jihua's brow twitched: Was this prepared for me? What does he mean by this? Is he afraid I'll abandon him and run away alone?
This guy is really no good!
……
Afterwards, they bid farewell to the soldiers who came to their rescue and continued their journey back to Beijing.
But after that, more and more people came to hunt them down.
After dealing with another wave of assassins, Zhao Jihua analyzed, "The Third Prince must have received the news and sent people to intercept us on the road."
The Ninth Prince nodded: "It seems we need to take a different route, a different way back... Shall we take the mountain path? Are you capable of walking it?"
Zhao Jihua smiled insincerely and said, "Is the Ninth Prince doubting me? Of course I am!" Don't look down on me!
She took a deep breath and walked briskly.
The Ninth Prince caught up with her on horseback and asked with concern, "Miss Zhao, aren't you riding a horse?"
Zhao Jihua looked up and saw the Ninth Prince, tall and imposing, sitting on his horse, looking down at her with a faint smile in his eyes.
What does he mean? Does he mean for the Prince of Jin's Mansion, which he represents, to submit to him?
She doesn't!
Zhao Jihua mounted his horse and galloped away.
Hmph! I'll go further than you and stand higher than you!
The Ninth Prince thought to himself, "Is Miss Zhao going to challenge me to a horse race?"
that's nice!
He spurred his horse and chased after her, calling out, "Miss Zhao, wait for me!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Jihua ran even faster!
Don't even think about it!
Just wait until I dump you!
The Ninth Prince, however, was thinking: She really understands me; her running speed is so close to my strength.
that's nice!
……
Zhao Jihua quickly stopped and looked ahead.
Seeing this, the Ninth Prince quickly reined in the horses and turned to ask, "What's wrong...?"
Zhao Jihua gestured for her to look ahead.
Only then did the Ninth Prince notice that a row of men in black were standing in front of him!
"They've come to hunt us down?"
"They don't look like they were just passing by."
Without uttering a single word, the other party brandished their sword and charged towards them!
"escape!"
The two immediately turned their horses around and galloped away!