In the end, the matter concluded with Concubine Rui being imprisoned. Shi Muyuan stepped forward and looked at the man.
"What do you plan to do with Concubine Rui? She still wields some influence in the court."
Knowing that Shi Muyuan was worried about potential chaos in the court, Cui Qizhou had already formulated a plan.
"To deal with someone like her, we must surely teach her a lesson. Otherwise, she will cause even greater trouble in the future. I remember that the Empress Dowager has always been experienced in such matters. Why do you need to ask me now?"
Shi Muyuan was taken aback. She locked eyes with the man in front of her and took a deep breath.
"I've long intended to be merciful. I'm not as proficient in such matters as before. The National Master's methods are no less effective than mine. Can't you come up with a good solution?"
The two of them taunted each other like this. Finally, Xiao Xiao, who was standing beside them, couldn't stand it anymore.
"Empress Dowager, the most urgent matter is to retrieve the supplies. Relying solely on the remaining rations, these commoners won't be able to hold out."
Her words pulled everyone out of their thoughts. Shi Muyuan squatted down and stroked the little girl's head.
"Little girl, do you still remember where you saw them smuggling the supplies?"
Qiner nodded and took her hand.
"I can lead you there."
Just like that, the group followed Qiner to the place where the supplies were hidden. However, to everyone's dismay, it seemed that this batch of supplies had already been privately appropriated. It would be extremely difficult for them to retrieve it.
Looking at the sentries everywhere, a look of confusion flashed across Shi Muyuan's eyes.
"Now that all these people are guarding outside, it's impossible for us to go in and investigate the situation. Moreover, when did these people appear? We didn't receive any news and knew nothing about it."
Cui Qizhou remained silent, seemingly deep in thought. From his expression, it was evident that he was extremely angry about this matter.
It was understandable. For someone like Cui Qizhou, seeing the much - awaited food gone like this, he must have been itching to vent his anger.
She was afraid that this man would lose his temper and charge straight at those people. There were so many of them. Even if he managed to kill those outside, there might still be others inside to take their place. He simply couldn't kill them all.
So, she gently tugged at the man's sleeve.
"Don't be so impulsive. Let's go back and discuss how to handle this matter. Besides, even if you have extraordinary martial arts skills, you can't defeat all of them."
The man snapped out of his thoughts slightly and glanced at the person holding his sleeve. He suddenly found it rather amusing.
"The Empress Dowager is overthinking. I'm just contemplating what to do next."
With his reply, the young Empress Dowager finally felt relieved.
She took the opportunity to observe the surrounding terrain. After everything was in order, they headed back.
However, how could it be so easy for them to leave? Just as they were about to turn back, they were immediately discovered.
When Qiner walked past a big tree, she accidentally stepped on a twig. With a "snap", those people immediately reacted.
"Who's there?"
Knowing that it was useless to be careful any longer, Shi Muyuan gritted her teeth and immediately handed the little girl to Xiao Xiao.
"Take the child and leave first. The child has rendered great service by leading us here. Make sure she doesn't get hurt."
Xiao Xiao was somewhat reluctant. Her mistress was still in danger, and it didn't seem right for her to leave with someone.
"No, Empress Dowager. If you don't leave, I won't either."
After saying that, she summoned the shadow guards in the dark without hesitation.
"Take the child back safely."
Hearing this, the shadow guards paused for a moment and then disappeared instantly.
Seeing this, Shi Muyuan was deeply touched, but she also thought Xiao Xiao was a bit foolish.
"Look, you could have left. Why did you stay? These people are definitely not easy to deal with."
Xiao Xiao didn't think too much. She always remembered her mission to protect her mistress.
"Today, even if I die here, I will ensure that the Empress Dowager leaves safely."
Helpless, Shi Muyuan had no choice but to stand beside her. Cui Qizhou hadn't moved an inch since before.
His gaze was deep. Listening to the sounds around him, he knew that those people were approaching.
"I wonder if the Empress Dowager will feel sorry for herself if she dies here?"
At this critical moment, he was still taunting. Shi Muyuan gritted her teeth and retorted.
"It would be a pity if the National Master died here. You've been dedicated to the commoners, but you haven't achieved much yet, and now you're about to die."
This woman was really infuriating. The National Master's mouth twitched slightly as he suppressed all his emotions and focused on the people slowly approaching.
"It's hard to say whether I'll die here. The Empress Dowager should worry more about herself."
As soon as he finished speaking, before the others could react, the man suddenly took out a long sword from somewhere and stabbed at Shi Muyuan.
Watching the figure getting closer and closer to her, Shi Muyuan slowly backed away. Was this man going to take advantage of the chaos to kill her today? It made sense. She had been opposing this man for so long. Now that he finally had the opportunity, how could he not seize it?
But she still hadn't found a way to return. She didn't know how her friends in the modern world were doing. If she died so easily, she would be extremely unwilling.
At this critical moment, Xiao Xiao reacted and was about to use her body to block the sword. "The National Master will surely regret what he's doing today."
Cui Qizhou looked impatient. He bypassed her, and the sword instantly pierced into a body, but not in the way they had expected.
Shi Muyuan, who had never seen such a thing before, was so frightened that her legs went weak when the sword came at her. If it weren't for Xiao Xiao supporting her, she might have knelt down without any regard for her dignity.
When she slowly turned her head, she finally saw clearly.
It turned out that those people's martial arts skills were so high that they almost took her life when she wasn't paying attention.
She had misunderstood this man just now. A look of guilt flashed across her face.
"I'm really sorry."
The National Master cast a fleeting glance at her and calmly shuttled through the enemy's encirclement. That tall and straight figure seemed to shine brightly in the world at this moment, and it also shone into Shi Muyuan's heart.
After she came to her senses, the image of the National Master fighting recklessly still lingered in her mind.
Shi Muyuan pursed her lips and said, "Go and help the National Master. There are so many of them. He can't handle them all alone."
Xiao Xiao looked back doubtfully.
"Empress Dowager, the National Master doesn't seem to be having any trouble at all. I'd better stay by your side."