Chapter 355: Panic

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation     Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Gu Qingluan had yet to react when Feng Tianlan’s expression turned stern. “What nonsense!”

Sensing the chilling aura emanating from him, Qitian You silently thanked himself for persuading his father.

They were well aware of the formidable strength of the Dingbei Army. When the Dingbei Army suddenly surrounded the imperial city, panic spread rapidly. Some even suggested forcefully pushing Gu Qingluan out, gaining support from many.

However, Qitian You believed that such an approach would lead to disaster.

On one hand, Gu Qingluan possessed formidable strength, making capturing her no easy task. It might result in a futile endeavor and worsen the situation in Tianjing City.

On the other hand, Gu Qingluan had two formidable forces backing her.

Firstly, there was the mysterious Island of No Return.

The fact that Mr. Liu still resided in the Jun Residence indicated a close relationship between the two parties.

Secondly, there was the Royal Prince Lan, Feng Tianlan.

His stance on Gu Qingluan was already quite evident. If they dared to eject Gu Qingluan, they would undoubtedly incur the wrath of Royal Prince Lan’s fierce retaliation.

With all these factors considered, only madness would lead to handing Gu Qingluan over to the Dingbei Army.

Qitian You took a deep breath. “After you left the Fifth Prince’s residence, I immediately sealed off the area. How could the Dingbei Army learn that it was Miss Gu who killed Duke Dingbei? And how would this news swiftly reach the ears of the court officials, generals, and commoners on the streets? There’s only one possibility: someone is spreading rumors! The Dingbei Army’s rapid action indicates there must be someone manipulating them from behind the scenes. With Duke Dingbei dead, it’s highly likely that those behind the Dingbei Army’s rebellion are agents of an enemy nation. They’re using Miss Gu as an excuse, both to have a pretext for an invasion and to weaken the power of Chengyuan. Currently, Chengyuan has four saints, and certain individuals may be feeling threatened.”

He smiled at Gu Qingluan and said, “So, Miss Gu, rest assured, both His Majesty and this Crown Prince will stand by your side!”

Listening to Qitian You’s words, Gu Qingluan regarded him with newfound respect.

She eased her expression, offering a gentle smile as she replied, “I appreciate the trust from His Majesty and the Crown Prince. If you require any help, don’t hesitate to ask. As a Chengyuan citizen, 1 won’t hesitate to fulfill my responsibilities should our nation encounter challenges.”

Qitian You’s eyes brightened, and he responded, “Okay, if it ever comes to that, 1 won’t hold back with you, Miss Gu.”

Being the Crown Prince and given the current state of affairs in the kingdom, he had numerous responsibilities to fulfill. After conveying the royal family’s position, he quickly rode away on his horse.

Gu Qingluan turned her gaze toward Feng Tianlan and inquired, “What’s your take on this?”

“The Crown Prince’s speculation is highly plausible. They are smart enough to not set their sights on you.”

Feng Tianlan snorted softly, and a hint of coldness flickered in his narrowed eyes.

Gu Qingluan added, “In the future, when the Crown Prince takes the throne, Chengyuan is expected to grow stronger under his leadership.”

As they conversed, they entered the mansion.

“Your Highness!” Jing Feng arrived, having received the news, and greeted Feng Tianlan with a bow.

Feng Tianlan instructed him to investigate the situation of the Dingbei Army.

Gu Qingluan, on the other hand, didn’t remain idle. Even though Qitian You hadn’t officially asked for her assistance yet, she assumed she would eventually need to be on the frontlines. Thus, she began preparations to ensure she was well-prepared.

Within the Jun Family residence, witnessing their master’s composed demeanor, the residents relaxed their initially anxious feelings and carried out their duties as if it were any other ordinary day.

However, the situation was quite different elsewhere.

At the city’s towers, warfare raged on.

Tianjing City had activated its defensive formation.

Outside the city walls, the Dingbei Army’s relentless assaults struck the defensive formation’s barrier repeatedly.

With each assault, the protective barrier quivered, and over time, its shimmering glow waned, leaving the defending troops on the towers deeply unsettled..