232 Defending the servan (2/2)

”But he went back on her promise and tried to use Wildhorse and Meng Mingshi to kill you several times.” Shangguan Ru said faintly. Without knowing it herself, she had excused Slave Huan. However, her heart ached terribly whenever she thought about Master Yu.

”So I could only have gone to seek the Ninth Young Master for help. I couldn't have let Master Yu know about my plan.”

Shangguan Ru forgave Slave Huan. She started to trust him even more than before. She had lost Master Yu and Slave Huan was the only person left whom she felt she could trust. Hence, she treasured him greatly. She started finding reasons for Slave Huan's actions and was oblivious to the dubious nature his explanations.

Thus, when Lady Meng exposed Slave Huan's betrayal and dishonesty, her daughter defended him.

Gu Shenwei hung his head and felt slightly guilty. He had lied to Shangguan Ru and used her as a protective shield. However, he quickly quashed such thoughts. Compared to the years of torment and humiliation that he had suffered, Shangguan Ru's little sacrifice was nothing.

Lady Meng was livid. Her daughter actually stood up for Slave Huan. This was inexplicable to her. From her perspective, this act was also a form of betrayal. ”Shangguan Ru, do you still regard me as your mother?”

”Mother,” Shangguan Ru spoke in a soft but firm voice. ”Let Slave Huan go. We have plenty of enemies around. Why would we still have to kill one of our own?”

”One of our own? If he was indeed one of ours, he wouldn't have tried to sow discord between you and Shangguan Fei; he wouldn't have pledged his loyalty to the second master; and he would already have brought the old Eighth daughter-in-law's head to me a few days ago.”

Shangguan Ru stood beside Slave Huan. Her killing desire had vanished a long time ago and was almost non-existent. However, her temper was as quick as before. ”Mother, brother hates me and that has nothing to do with other people. I know everything about what Slave Huan had done. He had simply followed my orders and had no will of his own. The Eighth Sister-in-law has had her bases destroyed completely, so why do you still have to kill her? Moreover, she is still holding on to something that we need. We can't kill her for this very reason.”

”Outrageous.” Lady Meng was not one to act on her emotions. She had already made preparations to eliminate Slave Huan. The only thing that she did not anticipate was how her daughter was actually standing in the way at that very moment. She was speaking up for an outsider and had not appreciated her mother's care for her.

The five masked killers got the hint and they appeared at the same time. The three surrounded Slave Huan and Shangguan Ru. The other two stood before Lady Meng to protect her from any harm.

Shangguan Ru's exploded in vehemence just like the time she and the others were trapped in Mister Guo's house. She would had rather died than fail to protect the ones whom she loved. She pulled out her saber in front of the killers and said: ”Don't you dare to come any closer.”

The killers did not dare to hurt the Tenth Young Master but neither did they want to be cut by her blade. They thus waited for Lady Meng's orders. As long as she gave her approval, there was no person whom they could not kill.

For the first time ever, Lady Meng softened and relented. ”Ru'er, I'm aggrieved. How did you turn out to be like this? Is Shangguan Yushi really that important?”

Shangguan Ru wished that her mother had never mentioned this name. Shangguan Yushi mattered, yes, but what's more important was the fog that clouded her vision. Her love affair with Meng Mingshi and his feelings for her were all true to her. The opinions of the others were varied and only confused her.

Shangguan Ru then sent Slave Huan out of the Inner Residence personally, reminding him to be careful. ”Let the Eighth Sister-in-law hide the best piece of the wooden board. Your life depends on it.”

Gu Shenwei had just escaped from the Blademaster Shen Liang. Now, he had to confront an even stronger enemy. The longer he stayed in the Stone Castle, the harder it would be to keep his secret. He started to think of an escape plan. However, before that, he had to carry out his plan to assassinate the Supreme King.

There was only one such opportunity. He thought that as long as he was still alive, he would continue to hide.

Luo Ningcha waited impatiently. As soon as he had seen Slave Huan, he asked: ”How are things? Will the Madam let me off?”

”No way, she even wanted to kill me.”

”But...but I have already returned the board.”

”The Lady is cruel and vengeful. I would advise Miss to not mention anything about the board from now onwards. Maid Lotus and I will ensure your safety.”

”Can you really protect me? The Lady has all the killers at her disposal.”

”Miss, you need not be too worried. Not everyone listens to Lady Meng. The Stone Castle belongs to the Lord and not to her. We still have a chance.”

”A chance? The Bighead Kingpin is dead. What sort of a chance do I still have?” Luo Ningcha started to cry. She felt like a cornered rat. She was beseiged by pain and terror and she had no means of defending herself or escaping.” Take me away then, Slave Huan. Take me away from this cold Stone Castle. I've never liked it. I have countless treasures. We can all escape.”

Indeed, Gu Shenwei had plans to escape. However, now was not the time for escape.