Emperor Shang defends Mark

About an hour later, the Ji Clan representatives retrieved the hostage who was found to be unconscious at an inn. In the meantime, the princess was also informed. She arrived at the location, shortly after them.

Suspecting that they might harm them after getting back their kid, Zhan Tai, the deputy of Feng Wu, had long fled the inn but stayed hidden while roaming in the neighborhood.

Once he confirmed that Ji Guanli is with them, Zhan Tai abandoned Huo Fen and returned to the hideout.

As for whether Huo Fen betrays them or not, the prince himself doesn't worry about that. Why should he care?

The princess took them to the Imperial palace while also intending to interrogate Huo Fen about the location of Kunyu bandits as well as Lu Zhen's involvement in this crime.