I started out with seven husbands, and I worked hard to support my family while crying.

Chapter 464: Pei Zuo's Conspiracy

With her keen observation skills and accurate analysis of clues, Fang Xiaoxiao led Pei Yan and the others on a long journey and finally arrived at the location where the princess had been captured.

This was a desolate suburban forest. Scattered footprints and broken branches on the ground indicated a fierce battle had once taken place here. Fang Xiaoxiao carefully examined her surroundings, silently praying to find traces of the princess.

Pei Yan also searched carefully, not letting go of any small clue. However, after searching for a while, they found that the place was deserted, with only the rustling sound of the wind blowing through the trees.

"How could this happen? Where exactly was my wife taken?" Pei Yan frowned, filled with anxiety.

At this moment, the prince also rushed over. He arrived full of hope, but seeing this scene, he was struck dumb, his body swayed, and he almost lost his balance.

"Wan'er... my Wan'er isn't here?" The prince's voice trembled, his eyes filled with despair and grief.

"Your Highness, please don't worry, we will definitely find the Princess." Fang Xiaoxiao quickly stepped forward to support the prince, trying to comfort him.

The prince wept uncontrollably, "My daughter, what would I do if anything happened to her?"

Seeing the heartbroken prince, Pei Yan secretly vowed to find the princess. "Your Highness, we cannot lose heart. My wife has already found this place, which means we are on the right track. As long as we continue our investigation, we will definitely find the princess."

Fang Xiaoxiao nodded firmly, "Yes, we can definitely find more clues here. Let's search carefully again."

The group resumed their search, leaving no corner unchecked. Fang Xiaoxiao crouched down, carefully examining the footprints on the ground, trying to determine the direction in which the princess had been taken away.

Suddenly, she noticed a strand of hair. "Could this be the princess's?"

Pei Yan leaned closer and said, "It's possible. Let's search in this direction again."

The group continued forward in the direction indicated by the strand of hair, and along the way, everyone felt incredibly heavy-hearted.

"We must find the princess..." the prince murmured to himself, his eyes filled with anticipation.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, they came to a stream. The babbling water seemed to conceal some important clues.

Fang Xiaoxiao gazed at the stream, lost in thought. "Could it be that they followed the stream?"

Pei Yan shook his head. "It's unlikely. The stream would wash away the footprints. They wouldn't choose such a risky route."

Just when everyone was at a loss, a soldier found a piece of clothing on a tree by the stream.

"This looks like fabric from the princess's clothes," the guard said.

Fang Xiaoxiao picked up the hem of the garment and examined it carefully. "That's right, this is the princess's clothes. It seems they've headed in this direction."

Hope rekindled in the prince's eyes. "Quick, let's chase after them!"

The group quickened their pace and continued to follow the clues.

On the other side, Li Wan'er was led through several winding paths, finally arriving at a secluded courtyard. This courtyard looked ordinary, yet it exuded a mysterious aura.

Li Wan'er was pushed into a room, her heart pounding with fear.

At this moment, the mastermind behind her capture appeared. This man was none other than Ouyang Tuoba, Fang Xiaoxiao's husband. He was dressed in black, his face was covered, and only his narrow eyes were visible, which looked particularly sinister in the dim light.

Li Wan'er backed away in fear, her voice trembling as she asked, "Who...who are you?"

Ouyang Tuoba let out a low laugh, "Princess, don't be afraid, I won't hurt you."

Li Wan'er's body trembled uncontrollably. "What exactly do you want to do?"

Ouyang Tuoba approached Li Wan'er and said slowly, "Princess, I just want to make a deal with you."

Li Wan'er's eyes widened. "A deal? What deal?"

A sly glint appeared in Ouyang Tuoba's eyes. "It's simple. I need you to pass on a message to the Prince."

Li Wan'er looked at him warily, "What did you say?"

Ouyang Tuoba lowered his voice and said, "Have the prince help introduce the crown prince."

Upon hearing this, Li Wan'er was so astonished she couldn't close her mouth. "This is outrageous! I will never agree to this!"

Ouyang Tuoba snorted coldly, "Princess, you have no right to refuse now. As long as you obey me, I guarantee I will release you and ensure the safety of you and the Prince's Mansion after it is done."

Li Wan'er said angrily, "Don't even think about it! I would rather die than submit to such treason!"

Ouyang Tuoba's face darkened. "Princess, you should think this through. If you don't agree, the consequences will be more than you can bear."

Li Wan'er bit her lip, her heart filled with conflict and fear. She knew that if she agreed to this unreasonable demand, it would bring great disaster to the Prince's Mansion and the country; but if she refused, her life might be in danger.

Just as Li Wan'er was caught in a dilemma, the door was suddenly pushed open, and a voice rang out: "Stop!"

Everyone turned around and saw Fang Xiaoxiao rush in.

"Tuoba, how could you do such a thing?" Fang Xiaoxiao glared at Ouyang Tuoba.

Ouyang Tuoba was also taken aback when he saw Fang Xiaoxiao. "Wife, what brings you here?"

Fang Xiaoxiao walked to Li Wan'er's side and shielded her behind her. "You actually kidnapped the princess and even tried to get her involved in such a conspiracy. Have you lost your conscience?"

Ouyang Tuoba frowned. "Wife, don't worry about it. This concerns my great cause."

Fang Xiaoxiao said angrily, "Your grand plan? Is your grand plan to betray the country and harm the innocent?"

Ouyang Tuoba was silent for a moment, then said, "My wife, you don't understand. As the prince of the enemy state of Dayu, I must find a way out for my country and my people."

Fang Xiaoxiao said, "You can't use such despicable methods!"

Just then, a commotion arose outside.

"Oh no, someone's coming!" one of his men shouted.

Ouyang Tuoba's expression changed. "Take them away first!"

Pei Yan and Ouyang Tuoba resolutely decided to cover the rear, blocking the pursuing enemies and buying time for Fang Xiaoxiao and the others to escape.

A group of men in black, wielding long swords, rushed in like a tidal wave, instantly engaging Pei Yan and Ouyang Tuoba in combat. The clash of blades and the clanging of metal echoed through the air.

Pei Yan moved with agility, wielding his longsword with each strike carrying a sharp and fierce aura, repelling the approaching men in black one by one. Ouyang Tuoba was not to be outdone; despite his complex emotions, he knew he had to give it his all.

"Pei Yan, watch out behind you!" Ouyang Tuoba shouted, kicking away the black-clad man who had ambushed Pei Yan.