On her wedding night, she went into exile with her pharmacy arsenal

Chapter 2288 Three Corpses

"Chen San? Li Wu?" Huo Changhe's heart tightened when he heard these two names.

He naturally recognized these two men. Back in Shanghai, they had followed him. They were reliable and skilled. How could they have disappeared without a trace?

It seems something went wrong along the way.

He immediately shouted, "Silver ingots!"

Yin Ding hurried in immediately: "Your Highness."

"Take some men and search carefully along the official road from Shencheng to Youcheng, as well as the side roads, inns, and post stations around the official road, and inquire about them one by one."

The focus of the investigation should be on the whereabouts of Chen San, Li Wu, and Wang Gui. Report back immediately if there is any information.

"Yes, sir!"

Xiao Chiye looked at Huo Changhe and asked, "Your Highness, what exactly happened in Youcheng? It was said that someone was causing trouble. It almost triggered an epidemic."

Huo Changhe then briefly recounted the whole story, explaining the key points of the entire incident in just a few words.

"How could such a thing happen? These people are utterly despicable!"

Xiao Chiye's face was full of anger, but then he exclaimed with admiration, "The princess is truly amazing!"

Not only was he highly skilled in medicine, able to stabilize the epidemic in a timely manner, but he was also so meticulous that he could find clues from the slightest signs and identify the troublemakers.

Anyone else would have found it difficult to stabilize the situation and protect the people of Youcheng in such a short time.

Huo Changhe's lips unconsciously curled up, his eyes filled with pride: "The princess is always meticulous and her medical skills are superb. I am extremely fortunate to have married her."

He changed the subject, looking at Xiao Chiye with a solemn expression: "When you return this time, you must guard Shencheng well. It is the gateway of this dynasty and of utmost importance."

Although we are living in a peaceful era, the neighboring countries beyond the Great Wall have always been eyeing our land with covetous intent, never truly giving up their desire to seize our territory, but simply haven't found the opportunity yet.

"Youcheng has just gone through a turmoil and is temporarily unable to attend to other matters. The situation in Shencheng will depend entirely on you."

Xiao Chiye cupped his hands, his expression solemn, and his tone resounding: "Your Highness, rest assured, this humble general will certainly do his duty to the utmost, defend Shencheng to the death, protect the border gates, and never give anyone outside the pass any opportunity to take advantage of us!"

If there is any unusual activity, I will immediately send a message by carrier pigeon to inform Your Highness.

Huo Changhe nodded, gesturing for him to sit down, and then they discussed the defense matters of Shencheng and Youcheng.

Just then, Yan Ruyu returned.

She was holding a ledger of medicinal herbs in her hand when she looked up and saw Xiao Chiye sitting in the hall, somewhat surprised.

He then stepped forward, slightly surprised, and asked, "Commander Xiao, why have you come so suddenly? Is there something you need?"

Huo Changhe invited her to sit down, poured her some tea, and told her the purpose of Xiao Chiye's visit.

Yan Ruyu frowned slightly: "Such a thing actually happened?"

"I have sent Yinding to look for it, and we should have news soon."

Yan Ruyu nodded slowly and looked at Xiao Chiye: "Since you've come, we must treat you well. I'll go and instruct the kitchen to prepare a welcoming feast for Commander Xiao."

Xiao Chiye cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness is too kind. I came in a hurry and did not have time to announce my arrival. I apologize for the inconvenience."

"No need to be polite," Yan Ruyu waved her hand and turned to Linlang, "Go to the kitchen and tell them to add a few of your signature dishes."

The lunch was very lavish, and the three of them sat around the table, eating and chatting.

The meal lasted for nearly an hour, and by the time it ended, there was still no news of the silver ingots.

After resting for another afternoon, as the sun began to set, Xiao Chiye got up to say goodbye.

His heart was with Shanghai, and he really couldn't linger in Youcheng any longer.

Moreover, given his special status, he couldn't let anyone know that he left the city at will.

Huo Changhe and Yan Ruyu escorted him to the gate of the Prince's Mansion. Huo Changhe handed him a bulging cloth bag filled with dry food and a water bag.

"Take this with you on your journey and take good care of yourself. If you receive any news about Chen San and the others, whether it's good or bad, send me a message immediately by carrier pigeon. Do not delay."

Xiao Chiye took the cloth bag and water bag, put them in his bosom, and bowed to Huo Changhe and Yan Ruyu, saying, "Your Highness, Your Highness, farewell."

"I will send word immediately upon receiving any news. I will visit you both again once things in Shanghai are settled."

Having said that, he mounted his horse and rode away, raising a cloud of dust.

Huo Changhe and Yan Ruyu had just returned to the front hall and were about to discuss their business when Yin Ding hurried in.

Upon seeing his expression, Huo Changhe's heart sank.

"How is the situation? Have the three of them been found?"

Yin Ding bowed his head and nodded, his eyes filled with unconcealed sorrow.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, your subordinates have found the bodies of Chen San and the other two..."

Huo Changhe felt a rush of blood to his head, his vision suddenly went black, and he swayed.

Yan Ruyu immediately reached out and grabbed his arm, while using her other hand to firmly support him on his back.

She said softly, "Your Highness."

Huo Changhe leaned against her for a few breaths before he could barely suppress the dizziness and surging grief.

He raised his hand and pressed his temples, his eyes bloodshot: "Lead the way, I'll go take a look."

Looking at Huo Changhe's pale face, Yin Ding whispered, "Your Highness, it's getting late, and the forest is dark. I've already had the body removed. Why don't we have it carried back to the city?"

Yan Ruyu, supporting Huo Changhe, said to Yin Ding, "Let's go take a look."

"Looking at where they were buried might leave some clues that could help us figure out why they were murdered."

Upon hearing this, the silver ingot responded "Yes" and led the way.

The night was as dark as ink, enveloping the entire secluded city completely. The lanterns on the streets had been extinguished, and a few torches from night patrols occasionally flickered by.

Horse hooves shattered the night as they marched out of the city.

The shadows of the trees on both sides of the official road swayed in the night wind, their branches intertwined like countless outstretched hands.

Huo Changhe felt his heart being gripped tightly.

About half an hour later, they arrived at a grove behind a post station. Several torches had already been lit in the grove, flickering in the wind and casting dappled shadows on the trees.

The men Yin Ding brought were guarding the woods. When they saw the group approaching, they all bowed and paid their respects.

"Your Highness, Your Highness."

Huo Changhe's gaze fell on the three corpses on the ground, and he felt a tightness in his chest, making it hard to breathe.

It was hot, and the body had been buried for some time, so it had already begun to decompose, and a stench of decay mixed with the stench of the soil permeated the forest.

Huo Changhe stood motionless before the corpse, seemingly oblivious.

His facial features were no longer recognizable; only the outline of his body still showed some familiarity.

Huo Changhe recalled his days in Shanghai, when he was the governor of Shanghai and Chen San and a few others followed him.

They risked their lives, serving him faithfully.

Each scene is so vivid, as if it happened just yesterday.

But now, his former brothers-in-arms have become like this, and Huo Changhe's heart is breaking.

Yan Ruyu walked to his side, gently took his hand, and whispered to comfort him: "Your Highness, now is not the time to be sad. Finding out the truth about their murder and avenging them is the best way to comfort them."

Huo Changhe closed his eyes, took a deep breath, suppressed his surging emotions, and nodded to Yan Ruyu: "Go ahead and test it."