Years turn into wind

Chapter 168 Ling Xiaotian's Hidden Worries

The calm before the storm is always brief. Despite Ling Xiaotian's orders to heighten security, the shadow of war looms. Meanwhile, within the Marshal's Mansion, there's also some unrest, with those hidden villains beginning to stir.

Although Wei Tianheng has fled, the forces he secretly left behind have not been completely eliminated. An unassuming orderly, codenamed "Shadow Snake," is quietly operating within the Marshal's residence. Disguised as a loyal subordinate, he silently observes all actions within the residence and secretly passes this information to the enemy.

That morning, Cheng Yuwei was basking in the sun in the courtyard, a book in hand, looking quite relaxed. Not far away, Shadow Snake was pretending to clean the courtyard, occasionally casting inquiring glances at her.

"Young Madam, is it time to water the flowers?" he asked in a low voice, his tone cautious.

Cheng Yuwei raised her head, glanced at him, and said casually, "Sure, but don't water it too much, or the flower roots will rot easily."

Shadow Snake nodded, turned around and picked up the kettle, his expression growing even colder. He glanced around, making sure no one was paying attention. Then he slipped a note under his shoe, ready to send the message in the dead of night.

Cheng Yuwei didn't notice his unusual movements and continued to flip through the book in her hand. However, her personal maid Xiaoju showed a puzzled expression. She quietly approached Cheng Yuwei and whispered, "Young Madam, that person seems a little strange."

"What's so strange about that?" Cheng Yuwei was slightly startled and put down the book.

Xiaoju whispered, "He's clearly Lao Zhang's replacement, but lately he seems to be deliberately getting close to us, and he's frequently entering and leaving rooms that we don't normally use."

Cheng Yuwei frowned slightly after hearing this, and secretly became alert. She lowered her voice and ordered, "Xiaoju, continue to observe. Don't alert the enemy."

Meanwhile, Ling Xiaotian was analyzing the latest intelligence with Shen Zhaoning in his study. The enemy's plan of action had become increasingly clear. The northern warlords planned to launch a surprise attack on their defenses from three directions in five days, with the southwest line being the most dangerous.

"The enemy plans to concentrate its forces to break through the southwest line. It seems that they want to go straight to our supply base." Shen Zhaoning analyzed calmly.

Ling Xiaotian tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his eyes stern. "The enemy has clearly figured out our weakness, but they've overlooked one point—the terrain in the southwest, while treacherous, is also suitable for an ambush. As long as we deploy properly, we can counterattack and annihilate them in one fell swoop."

"But," Shen Zhaoning hesitated, "it seems there are still spies in the mansion that have not been completely eliminated. If the enemy learns of our defense plan, the consequences will be disastrous."

Ling Xiaotian nodded, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes: "In this case, we must first resolve the internal hidden dangers."

Secret investigation in sweet daily life

That evening, when Ling Xiaotian returned to his bedroom, Cheng Yuwei was busy at her desk. Seeing him come in, Cheng Yuwei put down her pen and said with a smile, "You're back so late, are you busy with military matters again?"

Ling Xiaotian walked forward and took her into his arms: "Yes, but no matter how busy I am, I have to accompany you."

Cheng Yuwei leaned in his arms and asked casually, "Has anything happened in the mansion recently? I see some people acting suspiciously."

Ling Xiaotian was stunned for a moment, then pulled her to sit beside the bed and said in a serious tone, "Weiwei, what did you find?"

Cheng Yuwei repeated Xiaoju's words and mentioned the anomalies she had noticed: "I guess there may be enemy spies in the mansion. But I'm not sure who they are."

Ling Xiaotian frowned after hearing this. "It seems your intuition is correct. Don't worry, I will arrange for someone to investigate secretly. Pay close attention to your surroundings these few days. If you see anything unusual, tell me immediately."

Cheng Yuwei nodded, then whispered, "Xiaotian, what do you think it would be like if one day we could live a completely peaceful life?"

Ling Xiaotian chuckled and reached out to touch her cheek. "When everything is over, I will take you to the mountains and build a small courtyard. I will plant flowers and raise chickens every day, and accompany you to read and take walks. That will be our peaceful life."

Cheng Yuwei blinked and smiled, "Then remember, don't break your promise."

"Ling's words are as good as gold." Ling Xiaotian kissed her forehead, his eyes full of tenderness.

Shadow Snake's Defeat

The next morning, Xiaoju secretly handed Ling Xiaotian a note detailing Shadow Snake's suspicious behavior the previous night. Ling Xiaotian quickly arranged for Shen Zhaoning to set a trap to lure Shadow Snake out of his shell.

Sure enough, as night fell, Shadow Snake quietly sneaked into the remote courtyard, ready to hand over the information to the contact outside. However, just as he took out the note from the sole of his shoe, the surrounding lights suddenly lit up, and a dozen soldiers surrounded him with guns.

Ling Xiaotian slowly walked out of the shadows and said coldly, "Shadow Snake, right? Your acting skills are good, but unfortunately you met Ling, and there is no way to escape."

Shadow Snake gritted his teeth and tried to swallow the note, but Shen Zhaoning was quick-witted and slapped his throat with a palm, snatching the note back.

"Take him away and interrogate him thoroughly." Ling Xiaotian ordered in a cold voice.

The soldiers present all stood in awe of him. Ling Xiaotian's stern presence seemed to freeze the night air. Cheng Yuwei stood not far away, watching all this silently, her trust in Ling Xiaotian deepening.

However, she also understood that this was just part of the undercurrent and the real storm was still brewing.