The Fierce Farm Girl Has A Secret Space Chapter 2398: Unfavorable Rumors (2)

Gu Yao had already made his entrance by this point. He hadn't actually gone in for his own convenience, but rather because Guan Qingshu had requested a private word with him earlier, a request he had granted. Despite his reservations about Guan Qingshu, he placed his trust in the elder sister.

"It's getting late; I ought to be heading back now," Guan Qingshu stated wisely as he prepared to depart. He then gestured towards a basket he had brought. "These are twenty eggs. I know you likely have no need for them, but consider it a token of my goodwill."

"Then I shall accept them," Yang Ruxin replied with a nod. She understood that Guan Qingshu was returning the eggs to Yang Dani, a gesture that mirrored Yang Dani's past kindness in secretly bringing him food even when her own siblings were hungry. Accepting them now, she felt, would serve as a fitting closure to the past grievances between him and Yang Dani.

Guan Qingshu offered a smiling farewell and departed. However, as he left the courtyard, Du Juan presented him with a basket. Inside was medicinal tea, carefully prepared by Yang Ruxin, a gesture that deeply touched him.

Inside the house, Yang Ruxin cast a knowing glance at Gu Yao.

Gu Yao nervously rubbed his nose. "He simply asked for a moment alone with you. I trust you completely."

"Very well, I bear you no ill will," Yang Ruxin acknowledged with a nod. "He is a man of talent aiming for a political career. It's always advantageous to cultivate friendships over animosities."

"I shall keep that in mind," Gu Yao responded. After a brief pause, he added, "Sister-in-law, I still wish to aid my brother." With the Eighth Prince now involved, remaining idle at home had become almost unbearable for him.

"This matter ultimately requires your brother's consent," Yang Ruxin replied with a sigh. "I haven't the faintest idea how things are progressing on their end."

Gu Qingheng was also consumed by worry. More than a month had passed without any word from King Yun. Despite dispatching numerous individuals to gather information, no intelligence had surfaced.

The longer this situation persisted, the greater the peril for the other party.

"Unfavorable rumors have even begun to circulate within the court," Qi Jingyi added, her brow furrowed with concern. "They suggest that King Yun's disappearance might be somehow linked to the Crown Prince."

Gu Qingheng's expression hardened. "If this is the work of someone with ulterior motives, it could prove exceedingly detrimental to the Crown Prince."

"Indeed," Qi Jingyi concurred, nodding. "That is precisely why I volunteered to come here. My hope is to locate Fifth Brother swiftly. Only then can these baseless rumors be effectively dispelled."

"Fifth Brother will undoubtedly be alright," Qi Jingrong insisted, though his expression conveyed a deepening unease.

"He claims the title of War God, yet..." Qi Jingyi scoffed.

"You are forbidden from doubting Fifth Brother!" Qi Jingrong exclaimed, his temper flaring.

"Is there a need for doubt?" Qi Jingyi chuckled coldly. "Is he not currently a captive?"

"You..." Qi Jingrong retorted, instinctively reaching for his weapon. "Say one more word, and do you truly believe I wouldn't strike you?"

"Dare to try? I'm hardly afraid of you," Qi Jingrong countered, also drawing his treasured sword. "It remains to be seen who will emerge victorious."

"Rather than expending this energy on each other, why not turn your attention to the enemy?" Gu Qingheng interjected calmly. "What kind of hero engages in conflict amongst his own ranks?"

With his words, both men lowered their weapons and retreated to the sidelines, engaging in a tense glare-off.

"I surmise that King Yun is likely not within the Nanzhao military encampment," Gu Qingheng stated, tapping his finger thoughtfully on the map laid out on the table.

"Then where might he have been taken?" Qi Jingrong inquired immediately, his eyes widening as he looked towards Gu Qingheng.

"The Nanzhao forces are concentrated in this region," Gu Qingheng explained, tracing a line with his finger. "However, advancing approximately a dozen miles from here leads into the territory of Miaojiang."