"You two maids have been in the mansion for many years and are very experienced. My father is missing right now. I suspect that this is all related to Anshun Villa, but I have no solid evidence. I decided to go to Anshun Villa to investigate in person. I'll leave the affairs of the mansion to you."

An Lan said anxiously, "Princess, I know some martial arts. If I go with you, I might be able to lend a hand..."

Xiao Zhixue interrupted with a wave of her hand: "We act openly and honestly, while Anshun Villa is hidden in the dark. I am afraid that once I leave, they will harm the princess and the two young masters. I can only feel at ease with you in the mansion."

"Okay, no need to persuade me anymore, I have made up my mind."

After she finished speaking, the maids, Siqin and others stopped trying to dissuade her and just followed the princess's instructions silently.

Then, she summoned Lingxiang again, "Lingxiang, you don't blame me for not letting you reveal your identities all this time, right?"

Ling Xiang bowed respectfully, "Princess, we understand your painstaking efforts."

"Okay, I feel relieved if you think this way. I will be on a long journey tomorrow for about half a month, and the safety of the mansion is entrusted to you. Don't worry, I will ask the emperor for additional help."

"In addition, you must not let your guard down during this period. While the prince is away, I am worried that the enemy will take advantage of the situation and cause trouble. You must ensure the safety of the princess and the two young masters."

Thus, Xiao Zhixue embarked on an unknown journey amid the worried and determined gazes of everyone, for her family and for the truth.

Lingxiang's knees touched the ground with a dull sound. His movements were swift and decisive, his face was solemn, and his eyes were shining with loyalty.

"The princess trusts us, and we are willing to go through fire and water for her."

Every word is powerful, as if it is a solemn commitment of faith.

Xiao Zhixue waved her hand gently, her graceful movements revealing a hint of impatience, "Don't talk about death all the time, living well is the most important thing. You only have one life, so cherish it."

Her voice was soft but firm, like a spring breeze, making people feel safe and warm.

"Go and get ready. I'll be entering the palace right away."

After she finished speaking, her eyes became firm and resolute, as if she was ready to face all challenges.

Emperor Kang Zhong's dragon robe rubbed against the dragon throne gently, making a crackling sound. He raised a knowing smile and said, "Please let her in."

The brief command contained love and trust for Xiao Zhixue.

"Royal grandfather, Xue'er came here today to ask you to lend me some manpower."

Xiao Zhixue stepped into the hall. Her steps were light and her manners were gentle, but there was a firmness in her eyes that could not be ignored.

"Are you going to look for Prince An?"

Emperor Kang Zhong's voice was gentle but inquiring, and his eyes seemed to be able to see into people's hearts.

Xiao Zhixue shook her head gently, her black hair swaying with the movement, and a trace of worry flashed in her eyes, "Grandfather, I want to ask some people to guard the palace. You know, part of the palace guards went to Linzhou with my father and the prince, and it is not easy for the remaining personnel to guard such a large palace."

Emperor Kang Zhong pondered for a moment, his brows gradually relaxed, "Then how about I send one of your cousins ​​to the palace to lead fifty imperial guards? They are well-trained and should be able to take on this important task."

Xiao Zhixue's eyes suddenly lit up with hope, "That's great, granddaughter will take her leave first."

Her tone was light and full of genuine gratitude.

Afterwards, Xiao Zhixue stayed briefly at the Queen's place, and their conversation was filled with respect, love and affection, and then she set out on the journey back to the palace.

In less than an hour, Xiao Yufeng led his team to Prince An's Mansion. His arrival was like a gust of wind, with a bit of unruly and free and easy attitude.

"Sister Xue'er, I'm here!"

His voice pierced the air with a hint of teasing, but it accidentally woke up the sleeping little Mu Tou, and the little guy burst into tears in fear.

Xiao Zhixue raised her eyes helplessly, her eyes full of doting and helplessness, "Can't you be a little gentler? Look at you, you scared your little nephew so much."

There was blame in her words, but it was difficult to conceal her indulgence of Xiao Yufeng.

Xiao Yufeng's expression instantly became awkward. He looked at Xiao Zhixue, then at the little guy who was still crying, and a feeling of guilt surged in his heart.

"Little Wood, look what fun things Uncle Yufeng brought you."

Xiao Yufeng tried to make amends by shaking the rattle in his hand. Clear bell sounds rang out, like wind chimes on a summer night, fresh and pleasant.

Little Mu's attention was instantly attracted. He stopped crying, his big round eyes widened, and his little head swayed from side to side, curiously following the source of the sound.

Seeing this, Xiao Zhixue lovingly put him back on the soft bed, "Yufeng, I asked you to come here tonight because I have to leave the capital and go to Anshun Villa. The safety of the palace depends on you when I'm away. If the brothers don't have any plans tonight, please ask them to help you."

Xiao Yufeng frowned, his eyes full of worry for Xiao Zhixue, "How about I send someone to accompany you, so I can feel more at ease."

Xiao Zhixue shook her head firmly, "No, I need to act secretly when I leave the city this time. I suspect that Prince An's disappearance is related to Anshun Villa, and I need to investigate secretly. Too many people will be inconvenient, not to mention that their target is likely to be Prince Rui's Mansion."

Xiao Yufeng thought for a moment and finally nodded, "Okay, I understand what you mean. I will take good care of the palace, you must be careful. If things get tricky, remember to come back in time to discuss countermeasures."

Xiao Zhixue then asked Princess Rui to stay at the manor for a few days on the pretext of visiting relatives, and asked the princess to take care of the two children.

When the night was deep and everything was silent, Xiao Zhixue left the Prince Rui's Mansion silently like a ghost in the night. With a few nimble leaps, she crossed the roofs and finally disappeared outside the walls of the capital.

Looking back, the capital city was sleeping in the night, like an ancient guardian, silent and solemn.

She took out a horse with shiny fur from her space ring, jumped on it, and headed straight towards Linzhou.

When the sky just started to turn pale, Xiao Zhixue arrived at a small village called Xijing Town. The town looked peaceful and quaint in the morning light.

After settling down in the inn in the town, Xiao Zhixue waited for the people sent by Xiao Yufeng.

It turned out that Xiao Yufeng had already foreseen her itinerary and sent a detailed map here in advance.

At about noon, the messenger finally showed up.

"The Azure Dragon covers the White Tiger."

Xiao Zhixue was slightly startled by this sentence, but then she couldn't help laughing. She turned around and saw a young man in a green shirt trying hard to hold back his laughter. He replied, "The pagoda shakes the river monster."

The young man heard Xiao Zhixue's signal and confirmed it, so he stepped forward and reported in a low voice:

"I am honored to meet you, Princess. The general asked me to give this to you and to escort you to Youzhou temporarily. I will return after you are settled."

Xiao Zhixue was a little hesitant about acting alone, considering that she was unfamiliar with the route and that even with a map, ancient maps were too rough, so she agreed to be accompanied by the young man.

After a simple lunch, the two men rode their horses at full speed towards Youzhou.

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