Chapter 20: The Assassination Attempt

As he reached the door, he saw Gu Nanshu dressed in splendid and noble attire, and then glanced at the elegantly adorned Huan Tao; his face darkened even further.

Zhong Muqiu bowed his head and said firmly, “You’re workers from the Xie family dock, right? Perfect timing. I’m done with work at the Xie family dock! Don’t rush me to go back to work—I’ll find another job myself. If Leader Xie asks, just tell him Zhong Muqiu quit voluntarily!”

With that, Zhong Muqiu slammed the door shut, clearly disdaining the people from the Xie family.

Seeing this, Gu Nanshu quickly stepped forward to hold the door and said, “You’ve misunderstood. We’re not from the Xie family dock. My surname is Gu, and I came to discuss something with you.”

Zhong Muqiu froze. Not from the Xie family? He frowned slightly. “Discuss what?”

“I…”

“*Cough cough...* *Pfft!*”

Just as Gu Nanshu was about to explain, from the inner room came a violent cough. Sitting on the bed, Jiang Qiaozhen suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, swayed dangerously, and nearly collapsed.

This sight made Gu Nanshu’s heart tighten sharply. Her phoenix-like eyes flickered as she rushed to Jiang Qiaozhen’s side, calling anxiously, “Auntie, Aunt Jiang!”

Zhong Muqiu also hurried after her, his expression grave as if disaster had struck. “Mother!”

Jiang Qiaozhen collapsed into Gu Nanshu’s arms, her hands still clutching the needlework and the nearly finished shoes. She lifted her head, her eyes hollow, and weakly smiled at Gu Nanshu, “How did you know this old woman’s surname is Jiang?”

Gu Nanshu looked at the shoes in Jiang Qiaozhen’s hands, at the vividly embroidered irises, and fought back tears threatening to spill. Her lips trembled as she opened and closed her mouth, wanting to reveal the truth instantly—but she couldn’t. She had promised Lu Heng not to let a sixth person know.

“*Cough cough...*” Jiang Qiaozhen coughed again, her face turning bluish with each ragged breath. Gu Nanshu was frantic. “Aunt Jiang, please don’t speak anymore. I’ll take you to the city to see a doctor right now.” She looked up at Zhong Muqiu. “Quick, help me. I have a carriage just outside.”

Zhong Muqiu nodded hurriedly. “Alright, thank you, Miss Gu, for your help.”

“Miss Gu is truly a kind-hearted person!” Jiang Qiaozhen gasped.

On the carriage.

Gu Nanshu found a comfortable spot and let Jiang Qiaozhen lean against her. She didn’t mind the old woman’s shabby clothes or the pungent scent of poverty; she held Jiang Qiaozhen’s hand tightly, afraid she would slip into unconsciousness. Fortunately, the coughing stopped, but Jiang Qiaozhen was extremely weak and sorrowful.

Zhong Muqiu reached out to support his mother’s hand but hesitated. He was puzzled as well—this noble-looking Miss Gu suddenly showing up, calling his mother “Aunt Jiang,” and seeming even more anxious than himself. They must be well acquainted. Who was she?

Zhong Muqiu wanted to question her, but the urgency of the situation made casual talk impossible. Getting to the city was paramount; his mother’s illness couldn’t be delayed. So he held back.

Huan Tao carefully covered Gu Nanshu and Jiang Qiaozhen with a blanket and hurriedly instructed the driver outside, “Uncle Fang, please hurry to the best clinic in the capital.”

“All right. Everyone, hold tight.”

The carriage left Fangyin Village and sped away.

But less than two miles down the mountain path, from the grass and hidden bushes on either side, a group of masked men dressed in black suddenly leapt out. Their ferocious faces brandished sharp knives, blocking the way.

The driver, Uncle Fang, saw the impending danger and widened his eyes in alarm. He reined in the horses abruptly, which reared up, neighing loudly, almost overturning the carriage.

Inside, the four passengers were jolted violently, nearly toppling over. Each looked around in horror. Zhong Muqiu steadied Jiang Qiaozhen and Gu Nanshu, while Uncle Fang shouted outside, “Danger! Assassins!”

Assassins?

Gu Nanshu was startled awake, her brows knitting tightly. What on earth was happening? The Gu family had no enemies in the capital, and Prime Minister Gu Lianxu was known for his incorruptibility and had made no enemies. Where had these assassins come from?

Could they be targeting the Northern Star Princess? Or those who opposed Lu Heng?

Or perhaps they were after Zhong Muqiu?

She exchanged a glance with Zhong Muqiu, and both were stunned and confused. Huan Tao beside them was already panicking and babbling, “What’s going on? Why would we get attacked out of the blue?”

“Ah!”

Outside, Old Man Jiang was stabbed in the chest by one of the assassins, emitting a miserable scream. The carriage curtain was suddenly torn open, and a sharp knife lunged swiftly at Gu Nanshu.

“Gu Nanshu! Prepare to die!” the assassin shouted.

The voice was clearly meant for Gu Nanshu. She was horrified, and instinctively used her body to shield Jiang Qiaozhen, fearing the blade would strike her.

Zhong Muqiu’s sharp eyes flashed as his rough hands grasped the knife’s handle. The blade was stopped midair, unable to push forward or retreat. The assassin glared at Zhong Muqiu and growled, “Big guy, you’re asking for death!”

“I think it’s you who’s asking for it!” Zhong Muqiu roared in anger, thrusting his palm forward. The knife, along with the assassin, was flung from the carriage, crashing to the ground in a sorry heap. Around the carriage, about twenty black-clad assassins now stood.

Zhong Muqiu’s mind raced. Who was this Miss Gu? Why were there so many people trying to kill her? Without hesitation, he said to Gu Nanshu, “Miss Gu, don’t be afraid. Please take care of my mother. I’ll deal with these scoundrels.”

Gu Nanshu knew Zhong Muqiu’s strength and martial skill and nodded immediately. “Alright!”

Zhong Muqiu leapt from the carriage and engaged the assassins, while Gu Nanshu couldn’t help but wonder who wanted her dead.

They had acted so quietly, waiting for a chance when she was out. It was clearly premeditated. Luckily, Zhong Muqiu was here, or she would have died today.

Suddenly, a thought struck her.

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