Chapter 597: Receiving the Decree
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
The team transporting the provisions had been traveling day and night for four days. Be it humans or horses, they were already tired.
Seeing that it was dark, the accompanying inspector took the initiative to suggest to Duke Lang.
“Your Highness, I’m afraid the horses won’t be able to take it if this continues. Why don’t we set up camp tonight and rest? It won’t be too late to travel tomorrow morning.”
Xiao Juan looked at the dark sky and then at the horses, which were trembling with exhaustion and panting heavily. He nodded slightly and agreed to the inspector’s suggestion.
Knowing that they could finally rest tonight, everyone was very happy. They hurriedly set up camp and started a fire to cook.
In the dead of night, other than the few soldiers on night duty, everyone was sleeping soundly.
The camp was silent except for the rustling of leaves as the cold wind stirred them.
At this moment, Xiao Juan suddenly opened his eyes.
He heard footsteps approaching outside the tent and immediately sat up. He looked in the direction of the door and asked in a low voice.
“who?”
A moment later, the inspector’s voice came in. “Your Highness, someone from the palace has come. They said that the emperor has something to instruct you. Please receive the decree immediately.”
Xiao Juan casually pulled on his outerwear, picked up the No Return Saber by the bed, and strode out of the tent.
The cold wind blew in his face, fluttering the hem of his shirt.
He looked at the respectful inspector and asked.
“Did he say what it was about?”
The inspector said, “I don’t know what it is exactly, but from the looks of those people, it should be something very important. I hope you can go over quickly and not delay.”
Xiao Juan asked, “Where are they?”
The inspector said, “They’re just ahead. Please follow me.”
Xiao Juan instructed the two shadow guards standing beside the tent.
“Go wake everyone up and follow me to receive the decree.”
The inspector hurriedly said, “No, the person who sent the imperial edict specially instructed me to keep this imperial edict a secret and not let outsiders Imow. I hope Your Highness won’t tell anyone.”
Xiao Juan looked at him deeply.
The inspector felt a chill run down his spine and subconsciously shrank back.
“Your Highness, don’t take offense. I’m just following orders.”
Xiao Juan turned to the two shadow guards and instructed, “Call Meng Xizhou over.”
‘Yes!”
The inspector wanted to say something, and his lips parted. When he met Xiao Juan’s cold and sharp gaze, he shut his mouth resentfully and swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue.
In just a moment, Meng Xizhou rushed over.
Because he had come in such a hurry, he had not even fastened his clothes and his hair was messy.
“What can I do for you, Your Highness?”
Xiao Juan said, “The emperor sent someone to send an imperial edict. Follow me to receive it.”
Meng Xizhou did not think too much about it and quickly replied, “Okay.” As he straightened his clothes and hair, he followed Duke Lang.
The three of them walked through the night and through the cold wind.
Seeing that they were about to leave the camp, Meng Xizhou could not help but ask.
“If they’re sending an imperial edict, why don’t they enter the camp?” The inspector led the way, lantern in hand.
He explained without looking back, “This is a secret decree. The fewer people who know, the better. There are many people in the camp. It won’t be good if the news gets leaked. They’re waiting for His Highness near the camp. They’ll leave after delivering the imperial edict.”
Meng Xizhou muttered in his heart, feeling that this matter was strange.
However, seeing that there was no change in Duke Lang’s expression, he did not say anything and followed obediently.
The three of them walked out of the camp and through the forest for a while before seeing the person the inspector had mentioned.
There were more than twenty people on the other side, all wearing armor and carrying weapons. The leader was a burly general.
Xiao Juan knew the general and said, “General Dou, how have you been?”
General Dou cleared his throat. “Time is tight. It’s not too late to exchange pleasantries after we’re done with business. Is Duke Lang going to kneel down to listen to the decree?”
With that, he took out a thin piece of silk from his sleeve.
Xiao Juan and Meng Xizhou knelt on one knee and lowered their heads.
General Dou unfolded the silk and slowly read, “Someone reported that Duke Lang abused his power, used his official position for personal gain, and framed a loyal person. After investigation, the situation is true. He has committed an unforgivable crime. I specially ordered him to be killed on the spot!” Meng Xizhou suddenly looked up and shouted in disbelief.
“That’s impossible! Without evidence, what right does the emperor have to convict Duke Lang?! ”
General Dou sneered. “Are you questioning the emperor’s decision? Don’t tell me you want to resist the decree?”
Meng Xizhou wanted to say something, but Xiao Juan raised his hand and suppressed him.
Xiao Juan’s expression was calm. “If you want me to die, I have no choice. Since the emperor is determined to take my life, I can only accept my fate.” General Dou said, “I hope Duke Lang can hand over your saber.”
With that, he winked at the two soldiers beside him.
The two soldiers immediately strode forward and walked up to Xiao Juan.
Xiao Juan took off the No Return Saber at his waist and handed it over with both hands.
Just as the soldiers reached out to take the saber, Xiao Juan suddenly unsheathed it.
A snow-white cold light flashed.
There was a deep wound on the necks of the two soldiers.
Blood splattered!
Before either soldier could scream, his eyes widened and he fell straight down. They were no longer breathing.
General Dou was shocked. “Xiao Juan, how dare you?!”
Xiao Juan stood up, his eyes condensed with ice.
“You were the ones who kept assassinating me along the way, right?”
General Dou avoided his gaze and denied loudly, ‘What nonsense are you talking about? Why would I do such a thing?!”
In fact, he had indeed assassinated Xiao Juan several times along the way, but he had always failed.
He could not be blamed for being incompetent. Xiao Juan’s martial arts were really too good.
The people he sent could not even touch the corner of Xiao Juan’s clothes, let alone kill him.
Later, he even thought of using a scheme like poison.
However, other than the dry food and water he brought, Xiao Juan did not eat anything else, so General Dou could not find an opportunity at all.
There was really no choice. General Dou could only change his plan.
Since it couldn’t be done in the dark, he would do it openly.
He used the excuse of accepting the decree to lure Xiao Juan here, planning to get rid of him here.
General Dou knew that this was his last chance. If he still could not kill Xiao Juan tonight, the mission given to him by the emperor would be a complete failure.
When he returned to the Imperial Capital, the emperor would definitely not let him off easily.
He gritted his teeth and steeled himself.
“Xiao Juan, not only did you resist the decree, but you also killed someone in public. You’re really bold and lawless! I must take your life tonight!”
With that, he swung his saber and cut the rope tied to the tree trunk beside him.
The rope suddenly broke, and the net hanging from the branch fell, covering
Xiao Juan and Meng Xizhou!
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