Chapter 102: The Arrival of Shen Hezhi

“This really wasn’t me,” Ano replied.

But how could Shen Hezhi believe her? Ano’s words only fueled his anger. Slapping the table beside him in frustration, he stood up and grabbed Ano, who was kneeling on the ground.

“If it wasn’t you, then who else could it be? The entire station is guarded by so many secret guards. Tell me, if it’s not you, then who? Don’t think I don’t know you were sent here by the Southern Yang Kingdom. I’ve already investigated your background thoroughly. The only reason I haven’t taken action against you yet is because the Princess is protecting you. But now, you actually dare to lay a hand on the Princess? Seems like you’ve grown tired of living. I see no reason to keep you around any longer.”

After saying this, Shen Hezhi, filled with rage, released Ano, who immediately lost all strength and collapsed onto the floor.

She didn’t want to end her life like this. Raising her head, she looked at Shen Hezhi with unwavering determination and said, “If I truly did this, I would admit it without hesitation. But I didn’t. Even if you kill me, I won’t confess! The Princess has indeed shown me kindness. Even to prove my innocence, I am willing to go with you to find her. If we can’t find her, or if something has happened to her, I am willing to accept death as atonement.”

Seeing Ano like this, Shen Hezhi hesitated slightly. At that moment, Mo Yi also began pleading for Ano.

“Your Highness, I think what she says makes sense. Our top priority now is to find the Princess. Everything else can be dealt with afterward.” Mo Yi knelt on the ground as well.

Shen Hezhi rubbed his temples wearily and sat back down. “Send out everyone who can leave to find the Princess. If she’s not brought back, bring their heads to me!”

“Yes!”

In an instant, everyone able to leave the station began searching for Yan Heru. Upon hearing this news, Dongfang Qing sent out his own men who could leave, and Dongfang Ming, even if only for appearances, also dispatched people to look. Soon, the entire border region was engulfed in the search for Yan Heru. The commotion was so great that the men who had left the cave to gather food hurriedly returned.

“Second Brother, the Ninth Prince seems to have gone mad. He’s searching the entire city for the Ninth Princess.”

“What?!”

Meanwhile, Yan Heru, who was tidying up herbs nearby, heard the news and a faint smile appeared at the corner of her lips.

“You’ve heard such news? Then you should let me go back first. Look at this huge commotion—whether you’re innocent or not, you’ll surely face the Prince’s wrath.” Yan Heru shrugged helplessly.

The two men exchanged glances and pondered together. In the end, the man called “Second Brother” made the decision.

Yan Heru recognized that the one called “Second Brother” was the man who had frequently questioned her before.

“I think your reasoning is sound. But judging by the current situation, the Prince’s anger might fall on us too. So when you return, you must promise to speak well on our behalf! If you agree, we’ll release you immediately. How does that sound?” the man asked.

Yan Heru nodded. “Even if you don’t say anything, I would do the same.”

“Second Brother” nodded and prepared to escort Yan Heru away. At that moment, she voiced a question lingering in her mind.

“Now that I’m somewhat your benefactor, since you forcibly brought me here—though not with ill intent—you should at least tell me your names. Let me warn you in advance: your eldest brother’s illness won’t be cured so quickly. You’d better come to the station with me. That way, I’ll have more time to help treat your brother. So, tell me your names now.”

“My name is Yan Er, and he is Yan San.” The two men had no qualms about sharing their names when asked.

Upon hearing their names, Yan Heru instinctively glanced at the still unconscious man and then turned back to Yan Er, asking, “Your eldest brother isn’t called Yan Yi, is he?”

Yan Er laughed. “Yes! You really are quite clever to guess our eldest brother’s name. It seems entrusting him to your care is definitely the right choice.”

“Ah... is that so...” Yan Heru smiled helplessly and a little awkwardly.

Such a name was obvious to anyone with half a brain. If their eldest brother didn’t have that name, he probably wouldn’t deserve to be their eldest.

In the end, the two men escorted Yan Heru away.

Shen Hezhi, having found no trace of her in town, ventured into the nearby mountains to search. There, he encountered the two men trying to escort Yan Heru away.

They were walking one behind the other, protecting her. To Shen Hezhi, it looked like they were guarding her to prevent her escape.

Seeing this, Shen Hezhi’s anger flared. Using his lightness skill, he immediately appeared between the two men and held Yan Heru in his arms.

Startled by Shen Hezhi’s sudden appearance, Yan Heru would have struggled to get away if she hadn’t recognized his face.

“What are you doing here!” she exclaimed, looking happily at Shen Hezhi.

He had appeared gloomy earlier, but when he looked down at the young lady in his arms, his expression softened instantly.

“Do you know how worried I was when you disappeared? Luckily, I found you. Those two men must have taken you away.” Shen Hezhi’s face hardened again as he glanced at the two men.

Yan Heru helplessly covered her face with her hand.

She knew this wouldn’t be resolved so easily. Those two simple men had surely earned Shen Hezhi’s wrath.

Before Shen Hezhi could act in anger, Yan Heru hurriedly stopped him.

“Husband, this matter sounds complicated, but it’s not what you think. Let’s sit in the teahouse and talk it through.” She smiled brightly at Shen Hezhi.

Although Shen Hezhi hadn’t wanted to, when he saw the smiling young lady in his arms, he immediately lost his resolve.