The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 161: Retribution Tenfold for Those Who Harm Her

Chapter 161: Retribution Tenfold for Those Who Harm Her

"Prime Minister Lu just mentioned that there might be skilled individuals assisting the Heishui stockaded village, and it is best for me to go," Nanli reiterated, "I shall heed the decree."

Prime Minister Lu’s approving gaze fell upon her as he handed the imperial decree to Nanli.

He then added a word of caution, "The Emperor has only dispatched you and your elder brother for this mission. Remember, do not let the Ninth Prince interfere."

Ye Siheng was a brilliant military strategist, and it would have been ideal for him to handle this matter. However, Emperor Muwu deliberately assigned it to General Chu Ye.

Everyone, including Prime Minister Lu and the Dowager, understood the true meaning behind this decision. It was a test.

If Nanli succeeded, she would earn the Emperor’s praise. If she failed, the Anyang Marquis Mansion would face punishment and the Emperor’s wrath.

Nanli nodded, "I have taken note of that. Thank you, Prime Minister."

Prime Minister Lu nodded slightly and urged Nanli to be cautious, "The Emperor has also assigned two Imperial Guards to protect you."

The two Imperial Guards immediately stepped forward and saluted Nanli.

"Greetings, Miss Chu!"

Nanli nodded again, "I appreciate your assistance."

She maintained her composure and did not refuse their protection.

Chu Ye was stationed in the outskirts of the capital, and Nanli was to depart immediately to meet him.

The Dowager and Shen family were filled with worry.

While the Chu family had seen women go to the battlefield before, Nanli was their long-lost daughter whom they wanted to cherish and protect.

They never expected that she would be thrust into the forefront of every situation.

The Dowager retrieved the sword she had used in the past, still as sharp as ever.

It had witnessed her remarkable feats on the battlefield alongside her late husband.

"This sword is called Changhong," the Dowager said solemnly. "Tongtong, your grandmother prays to the Sanqing Immortal every day for the safe return of you and your siblings."

"Mother does the same," Shen added, her eyes slightly red.

Nanli spoke, "Grandmother, Mother, there is no need to worry. I will fulfill the mission and return safely."

Chu Shuo couldn’t find the right words to say and felt a sense of annoyance. At this moment, he would rather have his younger sister live a peaceful and ordinary life at home, without any extraordinary tasks.

Chu Yang’s mind stirred, and he spoke, "Sister, perhaps it would be better to have an additional guard by your side?"

Implicitly, he also wanted to accompany her, guarding her safety.

The two Imperial Guards immediately responded, "Fourth Young Master, the Emperor has not given such an order. You cannot follow."

Chu Shuo pursed his lips, wanting to argue, but Chu Huan and Chu Yan each pulled him aside, sigNanling him to keep quiet and not cause any trouble for his younger sister at this critical moment.

"Fourth Brother, rest assured. With two Imperial Guards protecting me, nothing will happen. Just wait for me to return safely," Nanli said with a smile.

Chu Shuo felt uneasy and gave a warning glance at the two Imperial Guards. He couldn’t help but worry, after all, they were sent by Emperor Muwu.

Needless to say, Nanli, being intelligent, should already be aware and cautious.

Nanli then proceeded to pack her belongings, affixing a storage talisman and preparing two cloth bags. She entrusted her family to take care of Zhi Mi and asked Yuanbao to pass a message to Ye Siheng.

She mounted her snow-white horse and set off towards the city gate, accompanied by the Imperial Guards.

Ye Siheng received the news promptly, but by the time he arrived at the Anyang Marquis Mansion, Nanli had already departed for quite some time.

He let out a sigh.

Yuanbao remembered his young miss’s instructions and handed Ye Siheng a brocade pouch, saying, "This is from Miss. It contains numerous talismans that Prince might find useful."

Ye Siheng opened it and found a thick stack of talismans. He wondered how much time she had spent on creating them.

It felt like drinking a bowl of hot soup, warming his entire body.

Since their first encounter, he had been clear and certain that his life was intertwined with Nanli’s.

It could only be her!

Anyone who dared to harm her would face his retribution tenfold!

From Jing City to the outskirts of the capital, it took half a day even on horseback. Though the snow of March slowly melted, making the road easier to traverse, the wind remained bitterly cold.

Nanli, riding her horse, endured some discomfort on her face and hands.

Fortunately, Lady Shen had the foresight to provide her with gloves, making the journey much more comfortable.

However, by the time she reached the outskirts of the capital, her face had become stiff, tingling with a slight burning sensation.

"Younger sister!" The palace had sent someone ahead, and Chu Ye had received the imperial edict, so he had been waiting outside.

Seeing his little sister’s petite figure, gracefully riding her horse, he felt both proud and tenderly concerned.

But when he noticed the slight redness on Nanli’s cheeks, he couldn’t help but grit his teeth.

"Come to my tent quickly." Chu Ye took hold of Nanli and led her into his military tent.

As the General of the Cavalry, he had his own separate tent.

Though small, it was furnished with a bed, table, and chairs.

An oil lamp flickers inside the tent.

"Big brother, what are you doing?" Nanli asked curiously.

Shouldn’t she be going to see what’s happening with the soldiers?

"You are a young lady, and you will be getting married next month. Your face mustn’t have any issues." Chu Ye said, retrieving a jar of ointment.

He cleaned his hands and instructed Nanli to sit obediently, preparing to apply the ointment to her face.

This ointment was actually prepared by Nanli herself, and Chu Ye had used it before, finding its effects quite remarkable.

Nanli was about to refuse, but Chu Ye’s handsome face had already hardened, leaving her with no choice but to comply.

"Wash your face as well," she insisted.

Though reluctant, Nanli felt a warm sensation in her heart.

Not only that, Chu Ye even washed the towel for her.

If it weren’t for Nanli’s embarrassment, Chu Ye would have wiped her face as well. As he applied the ointment, Chu Ye was especially careful, afraid of exerting too much force.

With a thin layer applied, the red marks on Nanli’s face, caused by the wind, gradually fade away.

It was only then that Chu Ye complains, "I don’t understand what the Emperor is thinking, sending you to assist in suppressing the bandits."

"Hush." Nanli placed a finger on her lips, sigNanling Chu Ye to stop speaking such words.

Chu Ye swallowed his saliva, letting out a soft sigh.

Only then did Nanli say, "This matter is suspicious. I can’t rest assured if I let you handle it alone. Assisting from the sidelines is the best I can do, and it allows me to accumulate some merit as well."

Chu Ye furrowed his brow tightly.

"A’li, you don’t understand how ruthless the bandits of Heishui stockaded village are. You, a young lady..."

Sighing, he continued, "The villages they have raided, the women either throw themselves into the river or hang themselves. The reason being, they have all been violated by the bandits. It’s not just one or two, but a group of men seeking pleasure from a single woman. These bandits are inhuman!"

His sixth younger sister was beautiful, and naturally, he feared that she might encounter any mishaps during this operation to suppress the bandits.