Gate of God

by Stayrr

This is a strange and inexplicable world…Mountains, water, stones, flowers, grass, trees, wood, the Sun, moonlight, stars… All creation under the Heavens and Earths are sources of energy. In this world, there are all the classics from his previous world, but there is a new addition: The Law of Dao. Fang Zhengzhi was conflicted. I can obtain power from reading books? Should I read T

17. 522

Read Gate of God - Chapter 522 - She has feelings for him? online free - Light Novel Full

Chapter 522: She has feelings for him?

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Everyone in the crowd stared at Fang Zhengzhi. They were shocked to hear what Fang Zhengzhi just said.

"Your brother's murderer? In front of you?"

"What is he trying to do?"

"Is he tired of living?"

"Isn't he the murderer? Didn't he kill the Crown Prince of the Southern Region?"

No one could understand what Fang Zhengzhi's intentions were. He had already gotten himself out of the situation by using the name Fang Zhengzheng. Why he would step out at such a time and raise this issue was a mystery.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's expression darkened when he heard this. He knew exactly what Fang Zhengzhi was trying to do.

However…

He couldn't believe it.

The arrival of the Queen of the Southern Region was a big deal! Why would Fang Zhengzhi raise this issue right now and in this manner?

How could he be this audacious?!

The expressions of the other officials were equally contorted and ugly. Fang Zhengzhi had already been deemed a guilty man.

Now, Fang Zhengzhi was still alive and in the city. Why would he choose such a time to reopen this case?

Everyone's eyes were on the verge of popping out of their sockets. They had a bad feeling when they saw Fang Zhengzhi step forward.

It was a feeling…

A feeling that eventually materialized. Fang Zhengzhi did bring up this issue! And he did so in front of the Queen of the Southern Region.

What were they to do now?

What was going to happen?

Wen Dabao wanted to go forward and stop Fang Zhengzhi. However, he was not Yan Xiu and he knew that he was in no position to stop anything.

Emperor Lin Mubai squinted when he saw Fang Zhengzhi appear. His golden robe danced in the breeze.

He was the leader of the Empire…

He was furious at the fact that his welcoming of the Queen of the Southern Region had been disrupted by one man. However, he contained his anger.

The reason was simple. He was the leader of the empire.

Every decision of his would be recorded in the annals of history. He had to wait, think, and consider his options…

Xing Yuanguo, Chi Hong, Ping Yang, and many others were waiting as well. Their expressions were all different, but they didn't speak.

King Duan and the Crown Prince were waiting as well.

Silence. Pin-drop silence.

The breeze caressed everyone in the crowd.

Shan Yu didn't speak.

Shan Yu remained silent throughout the entire time. It was almost as though she didn't even see Fang Zhengzhi.

However, she was clearly staring at Fang Zhengzhi.

She had been looking at him from the moment he appeared. It was almost as if she wanted to see right through him.

Time ticked away…

Yet, no one made a sound. It was pin-drop silence.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong smiled when he saw that Princess Shan Yu didn't move. Fang Zhengzhi may be audacious, but Shan Yu was no idiot.

The Southern Region…

They were a vassal of the Great Xia…

Without the support of external powers, the Southern Region would never have dared to betray the Great Xia Empire and antagonize him.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong didn't think that Princess Shan Yu would do something that idiotic.

Princess Shan Yu had been smart to lay low and maintain the peace over the past year. Furthermore, if the Southern Region wanted to overturn the case…

They would not possibly pin their hopes on Fang Zhengzhi.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong shot a look at one of the officials behind him.

"Royal Guard, what are you waiting for? Arrest this audacious revel!" The official on the receiving end of the look understood the Crown Prince's intentions instantly.

"I'm sorry, Young Master Fang!" Bai Qi grit his teeth. Just as he was about to strike, he saw a figure appear in front of him.

At the same time, a red light screen appeared from the ground.

It was like a crystal wall, but it was icy and hellish, almost as if it was made up of the souls of the fallen.

The Dao of Asura.

"Young Master Yan, today is a big day for the Emperor and the Southern Region. Are you not afraid that Prince Yan would be implicated as well?" Bai Qi's arm trembled.

He didn't dare to strike without the Emperor's orders.

There were 3000 Yan Cloud Cavalry still camped out at the Ten Mile Lake with Yan Qianli.

"The Royal Guards should act like the Royal Guards!" Yan Xiu's expression was just as icy as before.

Bai Qi was stunned but recovered quickly.

As the deputy commander of the Royal Guards, he did not report to the officials. However, he did have a responsibility to ensure that today's event ran smoothly.

As such…

He stepped forward to stop Fang Zhengzhi.

There was nothing wrong with that. However, Yan Xiu's words reminded him that neither the Emperor nor the commander had given any orders.

He released his grip on his spear.

Even though his spear was still held at Fang Zhengzhi's throat, Bai Qi did not speak anymore.

"Deputy Commander Bai, what are you waiting for?" The official asked again.

However, Bai Qi ignored the official. He closed his eyes and stood his ground like a statue.

The crowd looked at each other in disbelief and confusion.

Why didn't the Royal Guards arrest Fang Zhengzhi?

At that moment, Fang Zhengzhi chuckled. He didn't hesitate any longer. He turned and looked at the Royal Guards around him.

Then, he began to walk back into the crowd.

The guards instinctively looked to Bai Qi for instructions. Bai Qi looked at the walls of the palace and the silent figure on the walls.

That was an armored figure. However, that person's armor was clearly different from that of Bai Qi.

Because…

That was a lady's armor.

The only lady's armor in the 50,000 strong Royal Guards.

She was the only lady, and she was also their commander!

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's eyes glittered as he shuffled forward. He was not going to let this opportunity slip past.

"Father, are you really going to let him leave like that?" The Crown Prince prompted.

"Yes, your highness, this man is incredibly audacious! We cannot let him off scot-free!"

"Your Highness, please order his arrest!"

"Your Highness, please give the order!"

The officials followed the lead of the Crown Prince and fell to their knees.

King Duan felt rather conflicted. He could tell that Chi Hou was looking at him. However, when he thought about how Fang Zhengzhi had rejected him days earlier…

He decided not to step forward.

Emperor Lin Mubai turned behind and looked at the kneeling officials. His eyes glittered and he spotted someone out of the corner of his eye.

This was a figure who had stepped forward.

Emperor Lin Mubai was slightly shocked to see this figure.

However, his shock did not last very long. A figure in red lunged in front of him.

"Father, I am hungry! We have been standing out here for so long. Just start the banquet already! I am sure the Queen of the Southern Region is hungry after traveling for this long." Ping Yang pouted.

"Mm, Ping Yang is right. I am quite hungry as well." Emperor Lin Mubai ruffled Ping Yang's hair.

When Eunuch Wei heard this, he immediately walked over to the kneeling officials.

"The time has come. Start the banquet!" A shrill voice echoed through the air and this command was repeated throughout the palace.

"Start the banquet!"

"Start the banquet!"

"Stop there!"

Just as the orders to start the banquet rang out, a voice echoed out from the top of the White Jade Stone Elephant. The officials looked at each other.

They heard this voice.

Everyone was slightly stunned as they turned to look at the figure atop the White Jade Stone Elephant.

At that moment…

The figure stood up from the dais and stepped out of her carriage. She walked forward and onto the head of the White Jade Stone Elephant.

The leather robe was wrapped tightly around her curvy body. Her beige skin glistened under the sun.

Her eyes were as dark as black gems.

She was not talking to Eunuch Wei or the officials. She was staring at the youth who was about to re-enter the crowd.

"Have you made preparations?" Shan Yu ignored the officials as she looked at Fang Zhengzhi.

When Shan Yu said this…

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's expression changed as he looked at Princess Shan Yu with daggers in his eyes.

All of the officials felt equally perplexed when they heard what Princess Shan Yu had said.

They had all heard about what happened in the Southern Region.

They were all extremely well informed. However, they simply chose not to reveal certain things.

That being said, they were all shocked to hear Princess Shan Yu ask such a question.

"Could there be unexpected developments?"

"Why would Shan Yu ask Fang Zhengzhi if he has made the necessary preparations?"

"What does he need to prepare for?"

The officials turned to look at Fang Zhengzhi with anticipation and panic in their eyes.

Their emotions were in turmoil.

Fang Zhengzhi stopped in his tracks, his blue long-sleeved shirt dancing in the wind. He shook his head lightly without turning back.

"No."

"If you haven't even made preparations, how dare you appear here and question me? Aren't you afraid that I would kill you?" Princess Shan Yu's chest heaved in anger.

The Southern Region soldiers sprang into action when they heard this. They raised their spears and pointed them at Fang Zhengzhi.

"Die!"

"Kill him!"

Their roars filled the air.

"Stand down!" Another voice rang out from within their ranks.

Then, a skinny figure walked out from within the formation. He wore an exquisite red leather robe and he stared at Fang Zhengzhi.

He was Fiery Crow, the Settlement Chief of the Fiery Crow Settlement!

The Southern Region soldiers calmed down when they heard Fiery Crow's command. They lowered their spears and stood at attention.

It was a quick series of events.

However, the crowd instinctively took a step back.

The Southern Region…

Home of the brave and the courageous!

Even though the crowd was slightly frightened, they were excited to see what would happen. All of them stared at the lady atop the White Jade Stone Elephant.

The Queen of the Southern Region, Shan Yu.

Everyone knew that even though Fiery Crow had given the order to stand down, the person who was behind that order was Shan Yu.

That being said, they couldn't understand why Fiery Crow would stop the soldiers when Princess Shan Yu was clearly angered. What did Fang Zhengzhi do to piss off the Queen of the Southern Region?

Did she really have feelings for Fang Zhengzhi?

No, that can't be!

If Princess Shan Yu had feelings for Fang Zhengzhi, why would Fang Zhengzhi kill Crown Prince Shan Ling?

Everyone was confused and lost.

After all, the Crown Prince had reported that Fang Zhengzhi was being escorted back to the capital after he had violated Princess Shan Yu.

He then killed Shan Ling in order to escape.

If that was the case, why didn't Shan Yu just kill Fang Zhengzhi where he stood?

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Chapter 523: F*ck me! That works?!

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Fang Zhengzhi had no intention of answering the questions in everyone's mind. He felt a sense of dejavu when he saw the anger on Shan Yu's face. It reminded him of the time he accidentally slapped her.

After more than a year…

Was her go to threat still death?

"If you think that there is an issue, you can retake your seat." Fang Zhengzhi pointed at the carriage behind her.

"What?"

"How dare he talk to the Queen of the Southern Region like that?"

"Does he think that the Queen of the Southern Region is still the same princess he violated over a year ago?"

The eyes of the crowd were about to pop out of their sockets. The person on the White Jade Stone Elephant was the Queen of the Southern Region!

"How dare he?! This is ridiculous!" The officials were all enraged when they heard this.

They felt that none of the Southern Region soldiers would be able to tolerate such rudeness.

However, none of the soldiers raised their spears.

They continued to stand in their positions silently, almost as if they didn't hear what Fang Zhengzhi had said.

The expression of Crown Prince Lin Tianrong changed at that moment. He didn't want this conversation to continue. He knew the relationship between Shan Yu and Fang Zhengzhi.

If not for Fang Zhengzhi rejecting her…

Actually, if not for the fact that Fang Zhengzhi had claimed that he did not have very long to live, he would have already been Shan Yu's husband by now.

"Father, this is a disgrace to the Great Xia! He is ruining our reputation!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong pleaded.

The officials prepared to fall to their knees once again.

At that moment…

Emperor Lin Mubai waved them off and rubbed his temples with his hands. He seemed rather tired.

"The Emperor is tired, bring him a chair for him to rest." Eunuch Wei told the servants standing beside him.

The servants disappeared to get the chair.

Before long, a throne was carried over and placed behind Emperor Lin Mubai. Then, two servants placed a soft cushion on the throne.

Emperor Lin Mubai took a step back and sat down. He closed his eyes and rested.

The officials looked at each other in confusion when they saw this. They decided to keep their mouths shut.

There was a light breeze.

It caressed the face of Crown Prince Lin Tianrong.

He was rather pale, embarrassed, and helpless.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong wanted to step forward as he watched the Emperor. However, he could not say anything until the Emperor did so.

All he could do was wait.

King Duan smirked when he saw this. At that moment, he saw the look that Chi Hou was giving him.

"This time?" King Duan shook his head slightly when he saw Emperor Lin Mubai resting.

Ping Yang straightened her back when she saw Emperor Lin Mubai sit down. She felt a wave of confidence.

She looked at Bai Qi, the deputy commander of the Royal Guards, with crystal clear eyes.

"What are you waiting for? Stand down!"

Bai Qi shuddered when he heard this. He instinctively looked back at the figure on the walls of the palace. That figure nodded.

"Yes, ma'am!" Bai Qi replied and stood down.

The crowd was confused to see this change of events. Why did the Royal Guard stand down after Fang Zhengzhi had been that rude to the Queen of the Southern Region?

The courts…

Politics was complicated.

Since Emperor Lin Mubai was taking a break, the attention of the crowd turned back to Shan Yu.

No one bothered with the actions of the officials and the royal family.

Shan Yu didn't reply to Fang Zhengzhi. It felt as though she had been muted by Fang Zhengzhi's words.

Five minutes passed…

15 minutes…

Princess Shan Yu bit her lip, her black eyes glittering in the sun. She seemed to have made her decision.

"How confident are you?!"

"Before you came, 30%." Fang Zhengzhi replied calmly.

"And now?"

"Still 30%."

"Rubbish…" Princess Shan Yu clenched her fists as her chest heaved. She was about to berate Fang Zhengzhi when she realized something.

She had not been this agitated over the past year.

As the leader of the Southern Region, she had to remain calm and composed even under the most stressful of circumstances.

However, for some reason…

She couldn't keep calm when she saw Fang Zhengzhi. She nearly lost her temper twice in such a short period of time.

She was slightly taken aback by this.

This was not a good thing, but Shan Yu felt quite good about this. She enjoyed bickering with Fang Zhengzhi. She felt like that was a channel for her to vent her frustrations.

What was happening?

Princess Shan Yu didn't quite understand it, but she felt like there was something about Fang Zhengzhi's words that she hadn't quite figured out.

30% before she came!

And now…

It was still 30%?

"I see!" Princess Shan Yu's eyes brightened. She finally understood what Fang Zhengzhi was thinking and what she had to do.

This was not the first time Fang Zhengzhi had told her about his confidence level in a plan.

She remembered her time in the Southern Region with Fang Zhengzhi. Back then, when she asked Fang Zhengzhi how confident he was about a certain battle, his answer would always be…

100%!

As such, she knew for a fact that Fang Zhengzhi would never do something in which he only had a 30% confidence level. That meant that this 30% was not firm.

In other words…

The other 70% was not up to him.

She stared at Fang Zhengzhi.

Then, Princess Shan Yu chuckled. She laughed so hard that she trembled in her spot.

"Hahaha… 30%?! You dare to step forward with only 30% confidence?" Shan Yu chuckled and leaped off the White Jade Stone Elephant.

She landed lightly on her feet.

The wind caused her leather robe to fly and this revealed her slender legs.

"Yes!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

"Don't you think that you are too naive?" Shan Yu's gaze was icy as an aura of fury circled her body.

"No." Fang Zhengzhi replied.

"Humph, who do you think I am? I didn't kill you previously because I took into account your contributions to the Southern Region. However, if you continue to spout rubbish, I will kill you on the spot!" Shan Yu bellowed.

The crowd looked at each other when they heard this.

"Shan Yu wants to kill him!"

"It is true that he did contribute greatly to the victory in the Southern Region…"

"Yes, it is understandable that the Queen of the Southern Region would spare his life after what he did."

The crowd nodded.

Over the past year, the stories of Fang Zhengzhi's exploits in the Southern Region had spread throughout the Empire. Even though no one mentioned his name…

Everyone knew that…

Fang Zhengzhi was the key reason for the victory!

Fang Zhengzhi had convinced the Southern Region to cooperate with the Great Xia and he had single-handedly stalled till the reinforcements arrived.

Furthermore, Fang Zhengzhi had dueled the half-sage Canyang and repelled the demon army.

Fang Zhengzhi had been the key to their victory.

However, no one mentioned these exploits because of his actions thereafter. He had violated the Princess, killed Shan Ling, and injured Crown Prince Lin Tianrong.

However…

The facts remained the same.

Furthermore, the Queen's words had reaffirmed their belief that Fang Zhengzhi was the main reason behind the victory in the Southern Region.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong heard the discussions within the crowd. He didn't know if Shan Yu had mentioned Fang Zhengzhi's contributions on purpose.

Either way, that was something that he didn't want to hear.

"Nonsense? Did I say anything that was false? Is Shan Ling's murderer not standing in front of you?" Fang Zhengzhi replied.

"So what?" Shan Yu replied in a fit of anger.

"Whoa!" The crowd couldn't believe their ears.

Everyone knew that the Crown Prince's murderer was Fang Zhengzhi. However, they didn't understand why he would admit to it so readily!

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's expression darkened. He knew exactly what Fang Zhengzhi and Shan Yu were getting at.

Even though Fang Zhengzhi had not pointed it out…

He was extremely uncomfortable with this. He felt as though he had just swallowed a fly.

However, Fang Zhengzhi and Shan Yu didn't seem to notice the Crown Prince's expression. She looked like she was ready to explode at any moment.

"Did you just say 'so what?'" Fang Zhengzhi asked.

"Yes, I did!" Shan Yu nodded.

"Since you have admitted to saying that, let me ask you this. You are the Queen of the Southern Region, a land of courageous warriors. How can you let the murderer of their Crown Prince go unpunished?" Fang Zhengzhi pressed.

"He's already dead. There's nothing we can do to bring him back to life." Shan Yu fumed.

"That is true, but how can you not avenge his death?" Fang Zhengzhi was not backing down.

"You…" Shan Yu grit her teeth as balls of fire flickered in her eyes. The aura around her became increasingly unstable.

"Is the Queen of the Southern Region really going to let this slide? Don't the warriors of the Southern Region deserve an answer?" Fang Zhengzhi continued to press her.

"There is no fairness in this world." Shan Yu clenched her fists.

"Yes, there is rarely any fairness in this world. However, heaven watches what we do and it is up to us to fight for justice. As the Queen of the Southern Region, how can you lead your people if you don't even have the courage to fight for justice?" Fang Zhengzhi replied with disdain.

"Are you trying to force me to kill you?" Shan Yu's eyes were filled with rage.

"If you really think that I am the murderer, you can kill me now!" Fang Zhengzhi replied calmly.

"Hahaha… do you think I won't do it? My brother died within the borders of the Southern Region. There were only three people there, yourself, the Crown Prince, and Official Su. Official Su is now in the Northern Region. If you didn't kill him, are you telling me that the Crown Prince did it?!" A column of flame shot out from her body and the cloud patterns glowed faintly on her skin.

There was a sizzling sound…

The aftermath of the column of flame.

One could only imagine how furious Shan Yu was.

However…

The crowd was stunned to hear what Shan Yu said.

"If you didn't kill him, are you telling me that the Crown Prince did it?!"

At that moment, everyone turned to look at Crown Prince Lin Tianrong. Lin Tianrong was pale and on his knees.

All of the officials were equally shocked.

They knew that Shan Yu was furious. Furthermore, they thought that Shan Yu had already decided to pin the murder of her brother on Fang Zhengzhi.

They didn't expect her to turn her attention towards the Crown Prince.

"Did Fang Zhengzhi and Shan Yu plan this from the… no, they didn't even meet before this!"

"What is happening?"

"Is this a coincidence, or was this premeditated?"

The officials could tell that things were taking a turn for the worse. However, they didn't know why this was happening.

Furthermore, the most important thing was…

It was too late.

Shan Yu had already said those words.

It may have been said on impulse, but it was also a form of doubt. She, on behalf of the Southern Region, doubted the Crown Prince and the Great Xia.

Wen Dabao was completely floored when he heard this. His eyes were on the verge of popping out of his sockets and his jaw dropped. He murmured to himself, "That works? F*ck me, how is this even working? F*ck me…"

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's expression darkened and his knuckles whitened. When Fang Zhengzhi and Shan Yu began bickering…

He could guess where the conversation was going…

However, he couldn't stop them.

He was only the Crown Prince, not the Emperor. More importantly, he would seem guilty if he stepped forward to stop them.

As such…

All he could do was swallow his pride and tolerate it.

He couldn't do anything even though Shan Yu's finger was pointed at him…

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Chapter 524: This guy is mad

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

The atmosphere in the palace felt extremely tense. It was difficult to tell if it was because of what Shan Yu said, or because of her rage.

Fang Zhengzhi didn't look at Lin Tianrong. He smiled at Shan Yu, "What if I told you it was?"

"What?!"

The crowd was in uproar.

Why would Fang Zhengzhi say that? Even if he talked in hypotheticals, this was also equivalent to pushing the blame to the Crown Prince.

Such audacity…

"Is he really trying to push this to the Crown Prince?"

"He could be executed for this!"

"Well… he would be executed anyways… right?"

The crowd looked at each other, eyes on the verge of popping out of their sockets.

The officials standing behind the Crown Prince were equally shocked. They were not shocked by Fang Zhengzhi's audacity…

They were shocked that Fang Zhengzhi would say such a thing with no evidence on hand.

However, they did not say anything. They simply looked at Shan Yu and waited for her reply.

"You bloody b*stard, how dare you accuse the Crown Prince?" Shan Yu replied in fury.

"This isn't a false accusation. You will find out the truth if you investigate it but would you dare to?" Fang Zhengzhi replied calmly.

"Why won't I?"

"Okay then, what if you find out that the Crown Prince was guilty?"

"If what you said is true, I will fight for justice till my very last breath! But if you lie to me, I will kill you where you stand!" Shan Yu replied ferociously.

"Good! We will do as you say!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded and turned to look at the Crown Prince, "Your Highness, what do you say?"

"Rubbish! Fang Zhengzhi, how dare you slander me? It is a heinous crime to sabotage relations with our valuable allies!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong couldn't take it any longer.

He bellowed when he heard Fang Zhengzhi's question.

He didn't even wait for the officials behind him to speak.

"Your Highness, do you have a guilty conscience?" Fang Zhengzhi smirked and asked when he saw the Crown Prince lose his cool.

"Your Highness…"

"Your Highness, don't let him get to you!"

"Yes, he is just spouting rubbish, why bother with him?"

The officials were slightly anxious when they saw the Crown Prince confront Fang Zhengzhi.

"Humph, I know that I am innocent. This case was closed over a year ago! You killed Shan Ling. Why would I falsely accuse you?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong peeked at Emperor Lin Mubai and he clenched his fists.

"Your Highness, what evidence do you have?" Fang Zhengzhi asked.

"Evidence?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was stunned. The case had been closed over a year ago.

Fang Zhengzhi should be the one to provide evidence to reopen the case. The burden of proof was not on him.

However, he still grit his teeth.

"Official Su was the only one who was there. Furthermore, I was stabbed by you! There is a witness and physical evidence. What more can you say for yourself?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong added.

"I'm afraid not. Your Highness, you are now a suspect as well. According to the law, you cannot testify against me. What physical evidence do you have?" Fang Zhengzhi replied.

"Are you trying to wiggle your way out of this?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was furious.

"The law clearly states that a judgment cannot be passed based solely on a human witness. Am I wrong?" Fang Zhengzhi added.

The expressions of all the officials changed at that moment.

They couldn't possibly stop the confrontation between Crown Prince Lin Tianrong and Fang Zhengzhi. Furthermore, Fang Zhengzhi was right. If Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was a suspect, there was only one witness to the crime.

Under such circumstances…

A judgment could not be passed.

That being said, who would have suspected that the Crown Prince would kill Shan Ling?

Things were changing much too quickly.

The officials remained silent and the Crown Prince grit his teeth. He couldn't tolerate being questioned by a peasant.

This was a direct challenge to his authority.

"Fang Zhengzhi, you claim that the Crown Prince killed Shan Ling. What motive would he have? If he did not have a motive, why would he murder Shan Ling?" One of the officials stepped forward when he saw the look the Crown Prince shot at him.

The other officials recovered quickly when they heard this. Their eyes brightened up instantly.

"Exactly, why would the Crown Prince kill Shan Ling? That is a ridiculous accusation!"

"Official Li is right!"

"He can't be a suspect if he doesn't have any reasonable motive. Fang Zhengzhi, don't try to fool us!"

The officials began to step forward and berate Fang Zhengzhi.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong heaved a sigh of relief. If not for the fact that the official had stepped forward, he would have completely forgotten about this.

By law, he couldn't be a suspect if he didn't have anything to gain from the murder.

"Well done, Fang Zhengzhi! You nearly made me fall into your trap!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong smirked. He did have a motive for killing Shan Ling.

However…

No one would dare to say it.

Shan Ling wanted to be an Emperor.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong would never let him live. He would only cause more trouble if he took over the leadership of the Southern Region one day. The Crown Prince had decided to kill him the moment he met Shan Ling in the Iron Hill Settlement.

However, this was a huge crime! He needed a valid reason or a good scapegoat.

Fang Zhengzhi provided him with both.

Violating the Princess!

Then, having gained Shan Ling's trust, he would kill him and pin it on Fang Zhengzhi. He would gain so much in this one maneuver.

However, Crown Prince Lin Tianrong never expected that Shan Ling would release Fang Zhengzhi before his death.

This…

Was what resulted in today's stalemate.

"Fang Zhengzhi, you are the one with the motive to kill Shan Ling!" The official who had stepped forward first spoke up once again.

The crowd and the surrounding officials nodded their agreement.

Fang Zhengzhi had violated the Princess.

This gave him a reason to kill Shan Ling. Furthermore, Lin Tianrong had no reason to kill Shan Ling. Fang Zhengzhi was the clear suspect here.

"Fang Zhengzhi, what do you have to say for yourself?"

"You claimed to be Fang Zhengzheng at the city gates. Now, you are admitting to both the crime and your identity. You can't run anymore!"

"Men! Arrest this criminal!"

The officials began shouting when they saw that Fang Zhengzhi was silent.

"Who dares?!" Ping Yang's voice rang out, her red and golden dress dancing in the wind. She looked at all the officials.

"Your Highness, this case is clear as day…"

"Yes, why are you protecting him, your highness?"

"Let the law do its thing."

The officials knew that Ping Yang was domineering and that she was a bully. However, they were not prepared to let Fang Zhengzhi off.

Over the past 10 days…

Wan Chong had been incarcerated…

Then, the trail of letters had sent many of them into panic. Afterward, Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping and two Assistant Ministers of Law had been arrested. Minister of War Shen Ming was also kneeling at the Ten Mile Lake.

This told them one thing…

Fang Zhengzhi had prepared for his return to the capital.

No one knew who his next target was, but they knew that they would feel safer without him around.

"Your Highness, please move aside. Young Master Yan… I am sure Prince Yan doesn't know about what you did today!" The officials closed in.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong smirked.

The courts.

This was not a place for the peasants. He had already solidified his position in the courts over the past year.

Fang Zhengzhi would not be able to topple him so easily.

"Naive!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong chuckled. He could already foresee Fang Zhengzhi's fate.

Once Fang Zhengzhi was in jail, he had 101 ways to kill him.

Even if the Minister of Law was Wen Chuan and not Wan Chong…

He would still be able to make things happen.

As long as he was still the Crown Prince, he would be able to ensure that Wan Chong and Yu Yiping would not be convicted.

Princess Shan Yu turned to look at Fang Zhengzhi, her eyes filled with panic. She could guess what Fang Zhengzhi was planning.

She had tried her best to follow his plan.

However, just as they were about to succeed…

This had happened. This was something that she did not expect and could not have predicted.

"What do I do now?" Princess Shan Yu began to weigh her options. Could she call for his arrest?

Yan Xiu's body was surrounded by a red aura.

A red light began flickering at his fingertips. He could see the position Fang Zhengzhi was in. In fact, Fang Zhengzhi had excluded him from this plan.

Fang Zhengzhi didn't even greet him when he walked out of the crowd.

Yan Xiu had no way of knowing what Fang Zhengzhi's trump card was. He also had no idea if Fang Zhengzhi had a way to get himself out of this.

"Yes, I did have a motive to and the Crown Prince didn't!" Fang Zhengzhi turned to look at the officials.

"Since you admit to it, why aren't you surrendering?!"

"Do you really want to see the Princess and Young Master Yan commit a crime because of you?"

"This case is closed. There is nothing more that you can say."

The officials smirked as they said this. Fang Zhengzhi was a dead man walking.

At that moment, a figure stepped forward from the line of officials. His eyes were glittering.

This was Chi Hou of the Divine Constabulary.

"Fang Zhengzhi, everyone knows that you were a key factor in the victory in the Southern Region. You may have killed Shan Ling in a moment of impulse, but if you surrender now and ask for forgiveness, you may still live!" Chi Hou's voice reverberated throughout the palace.

The crowd fell silent when they heard this. They all knew how important Fang Zhengzhi was in the battle.

Even if Fang Zhengzhi had killed the Crown Prince of the Southern Region by accident, one couldn't ignore all of his contributions.

Furthermore…

Shan Yu had said so herself.

She did not strike Fang Zhengzhi down where he stood because of what he did. Shan Yu did not plan on executing Fang Zhengzhi.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's eyes glowed icily when he heard this. Chi Hou sounded as though he was asking Fang Zhengzhi to stand down.

However, he was effectively throwing Fang Zhengzhi a lifeline.

"Yes, Fang Zhengzhi did contribute much to our victory in the Southern Region. However, the law is impartial! He will have to die for his crimes! He killed the Crown Prince of the Southern Region! That is a heinous crime!" The Crown Prince had no intention of letting Fang Zhengzhi live.

"The Crown Prince is right! The country must be governed by law and order! We will reward him for his contributions but he must be punished for his crimes! They cannot cancel each other out."

"Yes, they must be treated separately!"

"A murderer must die for his crimes. Even if the Queen of the Southern Region is merciful, we cannot let a murderer run free in our lands!"

Countless officials stood forward to push the Crown Prince's arguments.

Chi Hou frowned. Just as he was about to step forward and say something else, he noticed that Fang Zhengzhi was smiling radiantly.

"Why is this guy smiling when he is staring death in the face?" Chi Hou couldn't understand it. Even though he wasn't close to Fang Zhengzhi, he did not want to see Fang Zhengzhi die this way.

At that moment, Fang Zhengzhi's voice rang out.

"Yes, the murderer should die for his crimes. A country must be anchored in law and order. This man should be executed even if the Queen of the Southern Region decides to be merciful!" Fang Zhengzhi smiled.

However…

Chi Hou was stunned.

"Has this guy lost his mind?"

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Chapter 525: The final piece of the puzzle

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Chi Hou was not alone. Wen Dabao, Yan Xiu, and even Ping Yang and Shan Yu were equally stunned.

At this time…

Shouldn't he be asking for mercy?

Executed!

Was he trying to court death?

Chi Hou looked at Fang Zhengzhi in confusion. He couldn't tell if Fang Zhengzhi had lost his mind or if he truly had a death wish.

Or had he simply given up?

The crowd also looked at each other in shock and confusion.

"Is he crazy?"

"I heard that people do stupid things when faced with overwhelming pressure!"

"Mm, I've heard of that happening too!"

The crowd stared at the smiling Fang Zhengzhi. The only reason that they could think of was that he had lost his mind.

The officials chuckled when they heard this.

Even though they didn't know why Fang Zhengzhi had said such a thing, they knew that Fang Zhengzhi had sealed his own fate.

As for Emperor Lin Mubai's attitude…

The officials couldn't figure it out but based on how Emperor Lin Mubai had reacted just now…

It looked as though he wanted to spare Fang Zhengzhi's life.

However, with what had just been said, it would be difficult for Emperor Lin Mubai to save Fang Zhengzhi.

"Very good, Fang Zhengzhi! You are a man for owning up to your actions! If you surrender now, I can consider showing you some mercy and keeping your body whole!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong chuckled.

He was about to put an end to something that had bothered him for over a year. Once Fang Zhengzhi was dead, there was nothing that could threaten his position.

"Surrender? Why should I surrender?" Fang Zhengzhi asked.

"Are you trying to resist? Haha… you're a crippled man. Even if you had your abilities one year ago, you would not be able to get out of the city!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong chuckled.

"Your Highness, you make a good point. Since I am crippled, how could I possibly be a murderer?" Fang Zhengzhi smirked.

"What are you saying?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong squinted.

"Yes, I had a reason and the motivation to kill Shan Ling, but I did not have the ability to. How can someone who doesn't have the ability to kill, kill?" Fang Zhengzhi added.

"Humph, I knew that you would use this reason to defend yourself!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong chuckled icily. "Everyone on the battlefield that day can testify that you stopped Ping Yang's attack with your hand. Do you deny it?"

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's gaze was icy.

All of the officials smiled when they heard this. Crown Prince Lin Tianrong had furnished them with the necessary details and evidence.

They already had a counter prepared for this reason.

Ping Yang's expression changed.

She had participated in the battle. Fang Zhengzhi had stopped her attack with his hand after his duel with Canyang.

"I didn't use my full strength when I struck…"

"Your Highness, you are right." Fang Zhengzhi knew what Ping Yang was about to say but he nodded before she could finish.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong beamed radiantly when he heard this. Ping Yang's reason would never hold. There were too many witnesses then.

"Yes, this proves that you had the ability to kill Shan Ling back then. Even though your pocket dimension may have been destroyed, you still had some residual energy from the duel!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong asserted.

"Yes, the Crown Prince is right!"

"You can forget about using that as an excuse."

"Fang Zhengzhi, you will not live past today! The law is impartial and fair! You said so yourself!"

The officials chimed in.

"Did I say that I couldn't kill him because of my cultivation state?" Fang Zhengzhi replied with disdain.

"What do you mean?"

"Do you have any other reason?"

"What is this guy trying to do?"

None of the officials knew where Fang Zhengzhi was going with this.

"What I meant was, I had absolutely no energy to even try and kill Shan Ling." Fang Zhengzhi turned to look at Crown Prince Lin Tianrong.

"No energy? What do you mean?" The officials were all stunned.

They looked at each other in confusion, unable to figure out where Fang Zhengzhi was going with this. After all, not many of them were in the Southern Region during the battle.

Xing Yuanguo was one of them.

The others were Princess Ping Yang, Chi Guyan, and the previous Minister of Rites.

The former Minister of Rites had been 'killed in action'. Xing Yuanguo, Ping Yang, and Chi Guyan had returned to the capital immediately after the battle.

In other words…

The only people left in the Southern Region were Crown Prince Lin Tianrong, Fang Zhengzhi, and the other candidates. Nangong Hao was not there either.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's body jerked when he heard this. He could guess where Fang Zhengzhi was going with this.

However, he managed to regain his composure quickly.

That was not an easy thing to prove.

"Fang Zhengzhi, you did have quite a bit to drink that day! Even though you were drunk, you still have to take responsibility for your actions!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong clenched his fists.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong had prepared well for the poisoning. At the banquet, he had spoken highly of Fang Zhengzhi and asked the candidates and generals to toast him.

Having drunk that much, it was only natural for Fang Zhengzhi to be drunk and lose his awareness…

It was not too far-fetched that he would enter the wrong room and climb into Princess Shan Yu's bed.

Then…

All he had to do was have Shan Ling catch Fang Zhengzhi.

That night, all of the generals and candidates present had witnessed how much Fang Zhengzhi drank. It was only normal that he had lost consciousness.

As for the next morning…

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong allowed the candidates to take point and prove themselves whilst he escorted Fang Zhengzhi at the rear of the convoy.

That way, no one else would know if Fang Zhengzhi had 'woken up' from his 'drunken stupor'.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong calmed down when he heard this.

After all, not many people knew about the poisoning. Shan Ling, who had administered the poison, was dead whilst Su Qing was far away from the capital.

"Your Highness, you claim that I was drunk?" Fang Zhengzhi chuckled.

"Yes!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong nodded.

"I remember that the Crown Prince had wanted to try the food made by the current Queen of the Southern Region. Am I right?" Fang Zhengzhi nodded and added.

"So what if that is true?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's tone was icy. There were many witnesses that day so there was no point in denying it.

Furthermore, he didn't think that this fact would help Fang Zhengzhi's case.

"I wonder if you would like to have a taste of it now?" Fang Zhengzhi stared at the Crown Prince.

"What do you mean?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's expression changed

"The lamb would be killed on the spot and would be killed with the same techniques using the same ingredients. Would you dare to try it?" Fang Zhengzhi turned to look at Shan Yu.

"You…" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong had a bad feeling about this. Just as he was about to say something, he swallowed his words at the last possible moment.

The Southern Region soldiers stepped to the side.

At the same time, four heavily armored Southern Region soldiers carried a lamb over.

When he saw this…

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong began to panic.

He could guess what Fang Zhengzhi was trying to do. He was trying to reenact the scene! But how was that possible?

Shan Ling had administered the poison.

However, that happened more than a year ago. He had slipped that poison into the spices! How could that still be present in the meat?

Then, his eyes widened in disbelief.

Shan Yu, Queen of the Southern Region, reaches behind her and retrieved a leather pouch.

"I still remember the Crown Prince's request a year ago. I kept all the ingredients I used back then. If you don't mind, I can cook the lamb again for you!" Shan Yu opened the bag, revealing the multicolored spices inside.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong paled.

He had guessed what was about to happen when the Southern Region soldiers brought the lamb over.

However, he never expected that they would have kept a portion of the ingredients from back then.

"Your Highness, this is too valuable a gift. You have traveled far and long. I simply cannot accept!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's eyes glimmered icily.

"It's no bother. This is a gift I prepared specially for you!" Flames danced in Shan Yu's eyes as she looked at Crown Prince Lin Tianrong.

"You are in a different position than you were a year ago. I really cannot accept!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong grit his teeth.

"No matter how different my position may be, I am still a citizen of the Great Xia. You do not need to be so formal and polite with me!" Shan Yu insisted.

"Do you really want to do this?!"

"Of course!"

"What if I choose not to eat it?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's gaze was icy.

"That would be an insult to me and the culture of the Southern Region. We would have no other choice but to return to the Southern Region immediately!" Shan Yu asserted.

"Hahaha… what are you talking about? Why would I ever look down on your culinary skills? Please… continue!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's knuckles whitened.

"Thank you!" Shan Yu's hands moved and the leather robe flew into the air and landed on the ground.

At that moment, two daggers appeared in Shan Yu's had.

At that moment, fiery red cloud patterns began to spread all over her body.

This was an awe-inspiring sight.

Members of the crowd couldn't believe their eyes.

"Is this how the Queen of the Southern Region cultivates?"

"I heard that they cultivate blood and bloodline. Is that her blood?"

"No, that is definitely not as simple as blood!"

The crowd began to whisper amongst themselves in awe and curiosity as they observed the cloud patterns on Shan Yu's skin.

All of the officials were in shock.

They were just talking about Fang Zhengzhi's case. How did it lead to a 'gift' for the Crown Prince?

Did this lamb have something to do with the case?

The crowd couldn't understand what was happening. They turned to look at some of the recently appointed officials.

These officials, many of whom were in the court examinations and the war, were shaking their heads.

After all, none of them had managed to try the lamb back then.

Shan Yu's hands moved quickly. Before long, she had butchered the lamb.

Then, the bonfire was started.

It was just about noon and the sun was nearing its peak.

The officials and citizens couldn't understand how things had come to this. However, they continued to watch in amazement as Shan Yu danced around the fire.

With every step she took, the flames on her body became more intense. It was almost as though she was a fire elf.

Elegant and animalistic. She was extremely attractive.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong squinted as he watched Shan Yu. His gaze was icy.

Fang Zhengzhi was watching as well. However, he seemed extremely relaxed. He even described the meat to Yan Xiu.

"Crispy skin! The meat is so tender it melts in your mouth. Most importantly, the spices are not overpowering. Her culinary skills are leaps and bounds ahead of mine!"

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Chapter 526: I've waited for more than a year

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"If it is that good, I want to have some too!" Ping Yang interrupted when she heard this.

"Haha… this is a gift to the Crown Prince from the Queen of the Southern Region." Fang Zhengzhi shook his head when he saw the anticipation on Ping Yang's face.

"Humph, don't you think I know that? But the Queen of the Southern Region is definitely more generous than you." Ping Yang pouted.

The aroma of the roasted lamb wafted through the air.

Fang Zhengzhi's description was apt. Even though Shan Yu used many spices, they were not overpowering. In fact, each additional spice only served to make the meat even more tempting.

However, the Crown Prince's expression was darkening by the second.

He didn't believe that Shan Yu would have kept the spices she used over a year ago. However, this lamb smelled exactly the same as it was back then.

"Impossible! It must be a scam, it has to be!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong grit his teeth and looked at Shan Yu and Fang Zhengzhi.

Shan Yu had finished with the roasting.

The crowd swallowed the mouthfuls of saliva that had formed when they smelt that aroma. Some of them felt their stomachs rumbling.

The roasted meats of the Southern Region were a delicacy. Occasionally, there would be merchants from the Southern Region who would come and peddle the roasted meats.

However, none of their culinary skills even came close to Princess Shan Yu.

"I wish I could try a mouthful."

"Yes, I can already tell that it's going to be delicious just by looking at it."

"What I would give just to have a taste of it…"

The crowd seemed to have forgotten about Fang Zhengzhi's case. Everyone was focused on that delicious lamb in the middle.

The officials were confused when they saw this.

They didn't know why the Queen of the Southern Region would roast a lamb right now, but they could tell that something was up from the Crown Prince's expression.

"Could it be that this lamb holds the key?" The officials began to guess in their hearts. However, no one said anything out loud.

At that moment, Shan Yu sheathed her daggers. At the same time, a few Southern Region servants walked forward and placed the leather robe on Shan Yu's shoulders.

"Your Highness, please!" Princess Shan Yu looked at Crown Prince Lin Tianrong.

"Thank you!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong nodded as he looked at the lamb. "It looks absolutely delicious! I must enjoy it in my own time! Men, pack this up and send it to my residence…"

"Your Highness, slow down!" Shan Yu interrupted the Crown Prince even before he could finish his orders.

The guards who were just about to step forward remained in their position.

"Haha, does the Queen of the Southern Region have other gifts for me?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong squinted but smiled.

"No, I just think that as the future leader of our great empire, you don't seem to know much about good food." Shan Yu said scornfully.

"What do you mean?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's expression changed. He looked at Emperor Lin Mubai. Seeing as he didn't react, Lin Tianrong had no choice but to swallow his pride.

The other officials were slightly shocked to hear what she just said. Even though she was the Queen of the Southern Region, it was still a disrespectful thing to say.

However, it was not appropriate for them to say anything.

After all…

This was a conversation between a Crown Prince and the Queen of the Southern Region. They had no place in this conversation.

Shan Yu could see the expressions on the faces of Crown Prince Lin Tianrong and the other officials. However, she wasn't going to back down.

Over the past year, Shan Yu had no idea if the poisoning was the Crown Prince's idea or Shan Ling's idea.

However, when she heard that the Crown Prince wants to bring the lamb back to his residence, she could already guess what happened a year ago.

The Crown Prince used Shan Ling to administer the poison.

Then, he killed Shan Ling and pinned the murder on Fang Zhengzhi.

After confirming this fact, Shan Yu was not going to back down now. As the Queen of the Southern Region, she would not be humiliated this way.

Shan Yu clenched her fists and a ball of fire burst out in her palms.

"I roasted the lamb in front of everyone. Even though it is a gift to you, you want to take it back to the East Palace. Don't you know how to share?" Shan Yu's voice was icy and her eyes began to glitter.

"You…" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's expression darkened, the smile wiped off his face.

He knew exactly what Shan Yu was getting at.

He knew that he should share such a delicacy, but how could he possibly share this lamb with everyone present?

"Your Highness, did I say anything wrong? The food is right in front of them all, yet, you refuse to share it with them. I am disappointed by your selfishness!" Shan Yu pressed.

"How dare you?! Shan Yu, you may be the Queen of the Southern Region, but…" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's gaze was icy.

At that moment, Emperor Lin Mubai moved in his seat. Then, he took a deep breath.

"Mm, that smells good!" Emperor Lin Mubai opened his eyes and looked at the freshly roasted lamb.

The officials fell to their knees.

"Long live the Emperor!"

"Mm, please rise." Emperor Lin Mubai nodded and turned to look at Eunuch Wei, "Who made this?"

"Your Highness, the Queen of the Southern Region roasted this lamb for the Crown Prince." Eunuch Wei reported when he heard the Emperor's question.

"Oh? That's nice of her. This is a truly special gift!" Emperor Lin Mubai nodded and turned to look at Shan Yu.

"However…" Eunuch Wei spoke up hesitantly.

"What's the matter?" Emperor Lin Mubai asked.

"The Crown Prince wanted to bring this back to his residence. However, the Queen of the Southern Region wanted to share it with everyone else." Eunuch Wei found a different way to express their opinions.

"Share it with the officials? Good, the Queen of the Southern Region is reasonable!" Emperor Lin Mubai spoke up and interrupted the Crown Prince. He looked at Lin Tianrong, "my son, you must be generous. Please remember what the Queen of the Southern Region said today!"

"… yes, father! I will!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong wanted to say something but decided against it.

"Okay then, since the Queen of the Southern Region is so willing to share, I will decide on behalf of the Crown Prince! Please give every official a slice!" Emperor Lin Mubai announced.

All of the officials were extremely excited to hear this.

It was almost noon and many of them were quite hungry. Furthermore, the golden lamb in front of them was much too tempting.

However…

Since this was a gift to the Crown Prince, they did not dare to ask for a slice. Furthermore, they had initially thought that something was amiss.

That being said, they let down their guard when they remembered that they were in the capital.

Shan Yu…

Shan Yu couldn't possibly poison them at the gates of the palace!

At that moment, the officials fell to their knees and thanked the Emperor, the Crown Prince, and Shan Yu.

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Then, the officials licked their lips and swallowed their saliva. They were excited to finally be able to try this lamb.

The newly appointed officials, who were the candidates in the court examinations the previous year, were the most excited.

"We finally get to try it!"

"I've been waiting for this day for more than a year!"

Those officials salivated as they eyed the lamb on the rack.

At that moment, a few servants in short skirts walked over and began to carve the lamb up.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong grit his teeth as he watched them carve up the lamb. His expression was dark and solemn.

"I want some too!" Ping Yang replied excitedly.

"To think that you are a Princess?! Can you let others go first? The Emperor already told you that you need to be generous and gracious!" Fang Zhengzhi replied in scorn.

"Humph, did father say that?" Ping Yang was visibly unhappy.

Eunuch Wei was about to take a plate from the servants and hand it to Emperor Lin Mubai when he heard this. He turned to look at Emperor Lin Mubai.

Emperor Lin Mubai nodded, then added, "Mm I did say that! We should let the officials enjoy it first!"

"Thank you, your highness!"

The officials fell to their knees and thanked the Emperor.

Then, the officials stepped forward and began getting their plates from the servants. They examined the slice of lamb on their plates.

"What great skills! She is a culinary genius!"

"Yes, this has all the marks of a great piece of meat. The skin is golden and crispy and the meat is juicy and tender. This is heaven on a plate!"

"Indeed, indeed!"

As officials of the Great Xia, they had the courtesy to resist the temptation for a few moments to praise the food presented to them.

Some of the officials decided to use this opportunity to show off their intellectual and artistic capabilities.

"I heard that Official Li is a renowned food critic. Why don't you compose a poem for this delicacy?"

"Official Wang, you are too kind. But since you requested for one, I have to oblige!"

"We are excited to hear it!"

The officials were all holding the meat and praising it excitedly.

Once that was done, they began to carve up the meat with their small knives.

The moment they placed it in their mouths…

Their faces flushed.

"Awesome! Absolutely fantastic!"

"The first bite is heavenly!"

"This is a true delicacy! I have been a food critic for many years, but this is the best thing I've had in more than 50 years!"

"Thank you, Shan Yu!"

The officials began to sing praises of the meat. Many others began to thank Shan Yu for he generosity.

Even those officials who were a little more cautious began to let down their guard and eat the meat.

The meat melted in their mouths.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong paled when he saw this. He stared at all the officials.

Ping Yang pouted as she watched the officials enjoy themselves. She licked her lips, visibly tempted.

Yan Xiu was much calmer.

Yan Xiu enjoyed his food as well.

However…

He knew how to carry himself. He maintained an icy expression and red light flickered on his body.

Time passed quickly. More than half of the officials had finished the meat on their plate. The rest were still enjoying the delicacy in their hands.

The crowd licked their lips as they watched the officials enjoy this food. They could tell that it was delicious.

Wen Dabao was equally tempted…

Having starved for so long, he could only watch on as the officials enjoyed this delicacy. As for himself, he was still without food. He was extremely bitter.

However, this bitterness didn't last long. He spotted his father in the crowd and realized that his father had yet to take a bite of the meat.

"Is he saving it for me?" Wen Dabao rubbed his hands together excitedly as he eyed the meat in Wen Chuan's hands.

At that very moment…

A loud 'dong' jolted him. '

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Chapter 527: The Crown Prince administered the poison?

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"What's happening?" Wen Dabao instinctively turned to see the source of the noise. His eyes widened when he saw what happened.

Because…

That sound came from someone fainting.

Most importantly, the person who fainted was one of the six ministers, Minister Yue.

As one of the six ministers, Yue Hu was one of the first to receive the slice of meat. As such, he was also one of the first to finish devouring it.

However, he was now lying prone on the ground. His feet were spread out and the whites of his eyes were showing. There was a red mark on the side of his head.

He looked extremely forlorn.

"Official Yue has fainted!" One of the official's voice echoed through the air.

"What happened to Official Yue? Is he suffering from heatstroke? But…" another official looked at the sun above them. He had never heard of anyone suffering from heatstroke in spring.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's expression changed when he saw Yue Hu faint. He began to shiver.

Just as he was about to speak, another sound pierced through the air.

"Dong!"

Yet another official crumpled to the ground, unconscious. No matter how hard he was shaken by the others, he did not show any signs of regaining consciousness.

"Official Li, Official Li, what happened to you?!" The officials were all stunned. This was also a rank two minister.

Two in a row…

Furthermore, these were both high ranking ministers! The officials started to panic.

However, it was far from over.

"Dong!"

"Official Wang! What happened to you? Official Wang fainted?"

"Dong!"

"Official Zhang… aish… I feel like my body has been drained of energy."

"Dong!"

The expressions of the other officials changed drastically when they saw more and more officials fainting. One thought flashed through their minds.

"Could it be… that the meat was poisoned?!"

Just as they were thinking about it, more officials paled. Some officials even stuck their fingers down their throats in an attempt to make themselves vomit.

However, it was too late. The meat had been ingested.

"Dong, dong, dong…"

More and more officials began to faint and crumple to the ground. It was almost as if the breeze had toppled them all.

The officials who had eaten the meat all turned green when they saw the others fainting.

They never expected that…

Shan Yu would have poisoned the meat! Why would she do it on such an occasion? What was she planning?

Ping Yang was stunned as well.

She stared at all the officials who fainted, her mouth agape.

"Wow?! They're all dead?!" Ping Yang exclaimed. Then, she added, "Oh, they've all fainted?!"

"Dead?" Fang Zhengzhi turned to look at Ping Yang. What's wrong with this woman? What is she even thinking? How could she probably be a princess?

How could she be happy about these officials dying?

Yan Xiu was also slightly perturbed by this. However, he recovered quickly and an iciness filled his face once again.

Xing Yuanguo and Chi Hong didn't eat the roasted meat. As the leaders of the 13 Constabularies, they had better discipline and awareness than the other officials.

The 13 Constabularies had helped to build this empire.

Even though the Emperor had asked the officials to enjoy the delicacy first, they wouldn't actually try it before the Emperor.

When the two of them saw the officials crumple to the ground, they frowned and looked at Shan Yu.

The two of them clenched their fists and prepared to strike.

The crowd was stunned.

As citizens of the capital, they were used to seeing some scheming and plotting but this… this was on another level.

Poisoning hundreds of officials in broad daylight?!

"Poison?!"

"Shan Yu poisoned the meat?!"

"How is that possible?"

"That is impossible! She is the Queen of the Southern Region!"

Everyone refused to believe what they were saying. However, it was an irrefutable fact that the officials had fainted.

Bai Qi's eyes widened. Poison? The Queen of the Southern Region poisoned the meat?

He was a seasoned veteran who had been through countless incidents. However, even he was taken aback by this. He never imagined that this was possible.

King Duan was equally shocked.

He too didn't understand what Fang Zhengzhi meant when he said he was unable to kill. But now, King Duan was beginning to understand.

He instinctively turned to look at Crown Prince Lin Tianrong. He smirked when he saw the dark and solemn expression on the Crown Prince's face.

At that moment…

A shocked voice pierced through the air.

"What's happening? How did this happen?" Shan Yu was shocked by what she saw.

Panic and helplessness filled her eyes as her jaw dropped. She sounded like she was gasping for air.

Everyone could see how shocked and panicked Shan Yu was.

Fang Zhengzhi was initially shocked to see what happened. However, he quickly recovered and sighed to himself

"They are all great actors!"

Fang Zhengzhi thought that Shan Yu would have acted stunned.

But now…

It was obvious that she had chosen to take the panic route. If not for the fact that he knew this would happen, he would have been taken in as well.

It would seem…

Shan Yu had matured a lot over the past year. Her acting skills were significantly better now.

When everyone saw that Shan Yu was panicking…

Everyone began to doubt their initial hypothesis that Shan Yu was the one who had administered the poison.

"Could it be that she wasn't the one who administered the poison?"

"But… she was the one who had roasted the lamb!"

"Even though she was the one who roasted the lamb, she may not be the one who poisoned the officials! Would she really poison half the court in front of the Emperor? You must be mad!"

"That's true!"

The crowd began to guess and discuss amongst themselves.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong swallowed the words at the tip of his tongue. He began to grind his teeth as he glared at Shan Yu.

He knew exactly what Shan Yu was thinking…

He had already thought of a plan to turn things back into his favor.

However, he never got the chance to implement his plan. He didn't manage to strike before the episode…

And whilst that was unfolding…

Shan Yu had taken the initiative and made her stand clear.

He couldn't speak now!

"Why would this happen? Ah… who was the one who set me up?!" Shan Yu showed no signs of slowing down. "These are the exact ingredients I used last year! I've kept these by my side all this while! These couldn't have been compromised!"

"What happened?!"

"How could this happen?"

Shan Yu kept screaming at the top of her lungs.

The officials who hadn't eaten the meat were busy trying to wake the unconscious officials. They frowned when they heard what Shan Yu said.

They thought of a few possibilities.

For example…

The spices may have changed over the past year? Could someone have sabotaged or compromised the spices?

However, they rejected all these reasons almost instantly.

Ordinarily, spices could be stored for an extremely long time. Even half a decade was not a problem.

Furthermore, the aroma the meat gave off when it was roasted was testament to the freshness of the spices.

Secondly, it was unlikely that anyone would have sabotaged the spices. After all, no one could have predicted today's events.

Most importantly, the officials who had lost consciousness were in stable condition. It was almost as though they were all drunk.

Wait a minute!

Drunk?!

When the officials thought about this, they felt a chill down their spine. They all felt extremely uncomfortable at that moment.

Then, a voice pierced through the air.

"Shan Yu, you've kept the spices in great condition!"

"Great condition?!" Shan Yu turned around and looked at a figure close by. "Fang Zhengzhi, what are you talking about?!"

"What I mean is, no one has compromised or changed the spices from a year ago." Fang Zhengzhi added as he pointed to the leftover spices.

"No one sabotaged it?" The crowd looked at each other in shock and confusion.

If the spices hadn't been sabotaged…

That would mean that… Shan Yu was responsible for the poison!

"You're saying that I poisoned the spices myself?" Shan Yu's eyes glittered icily.

"Of course not." Fang Zhengzhi shook his head.

"Then what are you saying?" Shan Yu seemed slightly angered.

"Your Highness, there is no need to get angry. What I am saying is someone had already added the poison to the spices before the banquet a year ago!" Fang Zhengzhi chuckled and explained.

"The banquet a year ago? How do you know this?" Shan Yu's gaze was icy and flames began dancing on her body.

Fang Zhengzhi had to admire this lady's acting skills. She had matured greatly over the past year.

However…

He knew exactly where to go with this anger.

"Of course I know! I was the victim of this same poison!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded as he pointed at the Crown Prince. "He was the one who administered the poison!"

"The Crown Prince?!"

"He administered the poison?"

"What is happening?"

The other officials stared at Fang Zhengzhi in confusion when they heard this.

The crowd was in uproar when they heard this. Countless eyes stared at Crown Prince Lin Tianrong in disbelief.

"Rubbish! Fang Zhengzhi, how dare you slander me?! The person who administered the poison was…" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong never expected Fang Zhengzhi to turn the case on him now.

Why would Fang Zhengzhi point the finger at him?

That was ridiculous.

He immediately hit back.

However, when he said the last few words, he felt a chill down his spine and shut his mouth.

It was so close…

If he was just a tad more enraged or impulsive, that sentence alone would have given Fang Zhengzhi the victory.

"Who was it?" Fang Zhengzhi asked.

"How would I know? I was wining and dining with the King of the Southern Region and never left the banquet. Everyone can testify! How would I know who administered the poison?" The Crown Prince replied calmly.

"Is that so?" Fang Zhengzhi's mouth twitched.

He had wanted to bait the Crown Prince into revealing the truth. However, the Crown Prince had saved himself in time. It was a pity, but it was not a deal breaker.

"Fang Zhengzhi, do you know that it is a crime to slander the Crown Prince?" Lin Tianrong wiped the sweat off his forehead.

"I was merely guessing. Since you denied it, then there is only one person who could have administered the poison!" Fang Zhengzhi added, virtually ignoring the Crown Prince's question.

"Who?!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's heart tightened. He had no idea where Fang Zhengzhi was going with this. He just wanted this nightmare to end.

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Chapter 528: Most shameless act ever

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Su Qing!" Fang Zhengzhi asserted.

"No way! There is no way Su Qing could have administered the poison. He does not have the clearance to be able to even attempt it." Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's expression darkened.

He knew that Fang Zhengzhi knew the truth.

Fang Zhengzhi knew that Shan Ling was the one who administered the poison. The reason why Fang Zhengzhi would say that it was Su Qing…

He wanted to drive a wedge between the Crown Prince and Su Qing.

As such, he decided to recount the situation back then to prove that Su Qing could never have administered the poison.

"Who else could it be if it wasn't Su Qing? He was the only one who wasn't at the banquet. Your Highness, you can't possibly think that Shan Ling was the one who added the poison, right?" Fang Zhengzhi smirked.

"Why not…" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's eyes glittered icily. He knew that if he said that the poison was administered by Shan Ling…

Fang Zhengzhi would definitely ask for Shan Ling's motivation.

Then…

Things would begin to unravel.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong could not let this happen! As such, he couldn't say anything that would pin this on Shan Ling.

"Your Highness, is your silence reflective of your indecision?" Fang Zhengzhi chuckled.

"Fang Zhengzhi, I suggest that you refrain from guessing when you do not have evidence on hand. Else, you can be charged with slandering an official!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was not going to let Fang Zhengzhi continue with this line of questioning.

Things were already out of his control.

He did not have a good feeling about this. It felt like he had stepped right into Fang Zhengzhi's trap.

This was a terrifying thought, one that sent shivers down his spine.

Most importantly, he had no way of denying that there was poison in the spices. The fainting of countless officials had already made that an irrefutable fact.

Any doctor worth their salt would be able to determine what poison it was. Then, the truth would come to light.

All he could do was try to calm himself down.

The officials who had not eaten the lamb all nodded when they heard what the Crown Prince said. They began to shed doubt on Fang Zhengzhi's suspicions.

Fang Zhengzhi chuckled lightly. "Your Highness, are you really planning on pushing this to the late Shan Ling?"

"I do not know what happened then, so I will not comment! I will not accuse anyone until I have evidence!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong asserted.

"It is actually a very easy problem to solve. All we have to do is bring Su Qing in for questioning." Fang Zhengzhi suggested.

"Hahaha… Fang Zhengzhi! You are quite naive! For starters, your accusations are baseless and unbelievable! Furthermore, Su Qing is watching over the Northern Five Constabularies! You are in no position to recommend that he be brought in for questioning!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong chuckled icily.

"What if I have evidence?"

"You have evidence?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was shocked.

He knew that he had not left any evidence behind.

He had already killed the eight mercenaries! Su Qing was also fiercely loyal to him! There was no way Fang Zhengzhi could have gotten hold of any evidence.

However, could he reveal these facts?

Of course not!

"Of course I have evidence! Your Highness, do you think that I would really accuse an official without any evidence?" Fang Zhengzhi replied calmly.

The eyes of the other officials were on the verge of popping out of their sockets.

"Su Qing administered the poison?"

"How is that possible?"

"How else would Fang Zhengzhi have evidence?"

The officials were all extremely confused. Things had changed much too quickly, so much so that even they couldn't keep up.

The crowd was almost equally confused. They had thought that Fang Zhengzhi would try to run his mouth but no one expected that Fang Zhengzhi would actually have evidence.

Ping Yang stared at Fang Zhengzhi.

In fact, when she saw the officials crumple to the ground, she finally understood why Fang Zhengzhi would ask the officials to eat the meat before the royal family.

However…

Did this shameless fella really have evidence on hand?

Ping Yang refused to believe this but Fang Zhengzhi looked extremely calm. She had no other choice but to believe what he was saying.

Xing Yuanguo and Chi Hong both looked on doubtfully.

Evidence? How could Su Qing possibly be the one who administered the poison? They refused to believe that Fang Zhengzhi would have any evidence on hand.

"What evidence… could you possibly have?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong looked on in disbelief.

"Do you really want to hear it?" Fang Zhengzhi smiled.

"Of course!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong nodded.

The other officials perked up their ears and waited for Fang Zhengzhi to tell them the evidence he had on Su Qing.

"Okay then… but even though you want to hear it, I can't say it." Fang Zhengzhi shook his head in exasperation.

"F*ck!"

"Is he playing us?"

"How does someone like that even exist?"

The officials couldn't resist the urge to swear when they heard this. All of them looked at Fang Zhengzhi with scorn.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's expression darkened.

He was the Crown Prince! How dare someone play him like this in front of so many people?! He was infuriated.

"Fang Zhengzhi! What do you mean?"

"Nothing… Your Highness, you should know that some evidence is easily destroyed. I can't tell you the evidence just yet." Fang Zhengzhi explained calmly.

"You say you have evidence, yet you refuse to tell us?"

"I do have evidence but I can't reveal it right now. Is there a problem with that? Your Highness, why are you in a hurry to know?" Fang Zhengzhi asked.

"You…" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong clenched his fists and felt a wave of fury. He had no choice but to suppress it. "When do you plan to tell us?"

"When the trial starts!" Fang Zhengzhi replied calmly.

"The trial?!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was stunned but recovered quickly. "This case is closed, why would we have a trial?"

"Your Highness, did you not see that countless officials had been poisoned?" Fang Zhengzhi pointed at the unconscious officials.

"So what?"

"I already said that I was poisoned in the same way over a year ago. I couldn't have possibly killed Shan Ling."

"Humph! Why should we believe you? How can you prove it?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong grit his teeth.

"You need me to prove this?" Fang Zhengzhi queried.

"Of course! Everyone knows that you're prone to spouting nonsense! How can we believe you without proof?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong pressed.

This was honestly quite a ridiculous request.

Fang Zhengzhi had already proven that Princess Shan Yu's spices had been tampered with and the officials were all poisoned.

This had already shown everyone that Fang Zhengzhi had been poisoned.

However…

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong had to try this.

He needed to pray that Emperor Lin Mubai was still on his side.

He knew for a fact that Emperor Lin Mubai could never pin the murder of Shan Ling on him as long as he was still the Crown Prince.

Even if he had killed Shan Ling, he had done it to quell the rebellion and bring peace to the land. It was a good deed.

Emperor Lin Mubai needed a reason.

It didn't matter even if the reason was a ridiculous one.

He instinctively looked at Emperor Lin Mubai. He could tell that the Emperor was thinking.

This had reaffirmed his belief.

As the Crown Prince, Fang Zhengzhi would never be able to get any charges to stick as long as he kept denying involvement.

"If that is the case, we will have to do an experiment to find out." Fang Zhengzhi nodded accommodatingly.

"What kind of experiment?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's gaze was icy.

"If my guess is correct, the officials should have been drained on all energy. However, they are still conscious. That means that they can still hear us." Fang Zhengzhi added.

"What can that prove?"

"I experienced the same thing a year back. If I am right, this will prove that I was poisoned by the same toxin a year ago."

"Okay! We will have the Ministry of Law interview them when they wake up!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong hesitated but nodded.

This was one of the few experiments that he would agree to.

When it came to the officials, he was absolutely certain that they would take his side.

"No need for that. We can wake them up now." Fang Zhengzhi shook his head.

"Now?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong squinted.

"Mm, after I was poisoned by this a year ago, I began to search for the name of it. I brought along some of the antidotes just in case. Your Highness, you seem rather anxious. Are you afraid?" Fang Zhengzhi explained.

"Afraid? What do I have to be afraid of?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong grit his teeth.

"I will be impartial. Do you have any objections if I administer the antidote to Yue Hu?" Fang Zhengzhi added.

"You're choosing Yue Hu?!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was stunned.

He had thought that Fang Zhengzhi would choose one of the neutral officials. To think that Fang Zhengzhi would choose Yue Hu…

How could he not be shocked by this choice?

He was not alone. Ping Yang, King Duan, Xing Yuanguo, Chi Hong, and Wen Dabao were all equally shocked.

Why would he choose Yue Hu for this experiment?

Was he trying to court death?

"Your Highness, do you think that he is an inappropriate choice? I can always choose someone else." Fang Zhengzhi added.

"No need for that. Yue Hu has served five years as a minister and is known to be impartial! I have no objections!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong had no idea why Fang Zhengzhi would choose Yue Hu.

However, he knew that Fang Zhengzhi had signed his own death warrant by choosing Yue Hu.

"He is? Oh wow, I guess I picked the right candidate." Fang Zhengzhi nodded and walked over to Yue Hu.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong chuckled icily to himself when he saw Fang Zhengzhi walk over.

He wanted to say one thing to Fang Zhengzhi.

Don't you know that Yue Hu is in my camp?

Chi Hong stared at Fang Zhengzhi and shook his head. Fang Zhengzhi was just one step away from success.

But he made such a choice at the last moment.

His heart ached.

Yue Hu was the Minister of Finance and has spent decades in the court. He had been loyal to the Crown Prince even before he was the Minister of Finance.

How could Fang Zhengzhi succeed by choosing Yue Hu?

Emperor Lin Mubai watched as Fang Zhengzhi walked over and bent down to Yue Hu's ear. The Emperor saw a glimmer of iciness flash through Fang Zhengzhi's eyes and waved to Eunuch Wei.

Eunuch Wei saw that and brought over a cup of hot tea.

Emperor Lin Mubai lifted the lid and took a whiff. Then, he took a sip and thought about the flavors.

At that moment…

A resonating voice echoed through the air.

"Yue Hu, your concubine "Liu Lan" is currently having sex with your second son Yue Tianxiao in room two of the Qingtian Motel. Did you hear me?!"

"Sh*t!" Emperor Lin Mubai spat out the mouthful of tea immediately.

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Chapter 529: Everything Is Messed-Up

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

As the leader of an Empire, Emperor Lin Mubai rarely lost his composure in such a manner. He had impeccable self-control, especially in front of the other officials.

But this time…

He spat out his tea.

When he heard this, he couldn't believe his ears. The tea instantly stained his golden dragon robe.

"This fella is really…" Emperor Lin Mubai shook his head speechlessly as he looked at Minister of Finance Yue Hu.

He was not the only one who had been rendered speechless.

All of the other officials were equally speechless. They stood in their positions, stunned by what they just heard.

"Cheating?!"

"The concubine and his son?"

"Room two of the Qingtian Motel?"

The officials exclaimed to themselves when they heard Fang Zhengzhi say this.

"How could someone be this shameless?"

"How dare he accuse a rank two official's concubine and son of having sexual relations in broad daylight?"

"Does he have any values? Does he even have any sense of shame?"

The officials were all rendered speechless. They never thought that it was possible for someone to be this shameless.

If they could…

They would have beaten Fang Zhengzhi to death where he stood.

They had to suppress the urge to give him the middle finger. He had just insulted one of their own.

However, they couldn't because Fang Zhengzhi was in the middle of an experiment.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was stunned.

He never expected Fang Zhengzhi to say something like that, much less in front of so many people.

These were unspeakable things!

Most importantly, how dare he make such groundless accusations? Did he have any respect for the courts?

Silence…

Everyone fell silent.

The crowd watched on by the side as they watched Minister of Finance Yue Hu. They were all rendered speechless.

Ping Yang's mouth was agape and her crystal clear eyes were filled with shock. Then, she blushed and lowered her head, muttering 'shameless' as she did so.

"This fella…" Chi Hong shook his head and turned to look at Xing Yuanguo. Xing Yuanguo's expression was equally strange.

If there was one man who could remain calm throughout all this.

It was Yan Xiu. Even though Yan Xiu blushed slightly, he did not lose his composure like those around him.

At that moment…

Minister of Finance Yue Hu regained consciousness.

After Fang Zhengzhi had said his piece, he had given Yue Hu a dose of the antidote. Yue Hu opened his eyes soon after.

He did not seem lost and did not try to look around to get a feel of where he was.

Minister of Finance Yue Hu's face was completely flushed and his eyes were bloodshot. He looked slightly off balance.

"Fang Zhengzhi, I, I…" Minister of Finance Yue Hu clenched his fists and his knuckles whitened as he glared at Fang Zhengzhi. He wanted to shred Fang Zhengzhi where he stood.

"What's wrong? Official Yue, are you feeling alright? Did you hear anything whilst you were unconscious?" Fang Zhengzhi didn't seem shocked by Yue Hu's expression.

"You… I didn't hear anything!" Minister of Finance Yue Hu knew what Fang Zhengzhi was trying to do.

He was furious! He wanted to kill Fang Zhengzhi right now but he couldn't. If he did so, the Crown Prince would be finished.

As for Fang Zhengzhi's words…

He had heard them loud and clear, but he couldn't possibly admit to that.

"Did you really hear nothing?" Fang Zhengzhi asked again.

"Of course!" Minister of Finance Yue Hu nodded solemnly. His only option was to suppress his anger. His face turned purple, then paled.

"Oh wow, you do have quite a high tolerance." Fang Zhengzhi chuckled.

Everyone could tell what was happening. Yue Hu was trying to suppress his fury and embarrassment.

Anyone with some semblance of intellect and sight could see that Yue Hu was extremely uncomfortable. He had clearly heard what Fang Zhengzhi said.

However…

Yue Hu chose to deny it.

He grit his teeth and denied it.

Fang Zhengzhi couldn't do anything about it. This experiment would have gone in the Crown Prince's favor.

Shan Yu frowned. Even though she knew that Fang Zhengzhi was shameless, she never expected him to say this. His words would have been quite effective.

However, Fang Zhengzhi should never have chosen Minister of Finance Yue Hu. To be one of the six ministers, he had to have extraordinary tolerance.

If he chose to grit his teeth and deny it.

What could Fang Zhengzhi do?

Everyone felt equally doubtful.

"What are you talking about? I don't understand!" Yue Hu was in pain, but he tried to keep a calm expression.

"You really don't? How about I repeat it for you?" Fang Zhengzhi remarked.

"You…" Yue Hu wanted to add 'wouldn't dare' behind that. However, he swallowed the words as he felt a chill down his back.

He had no idea why Fang Zhengzhi had chosen him.

If he had a say in this matter…

He would have never agreed to it.

However, he didn't have the right to choose. Fang Zhengzhi had chosen him and the Crown Prince had given the go ahead. He had no choice but to swallow his pride.

"Official Yue, if you don't object to it, I'll repeat it one more time." Fang Zhengzhi added.

"You… carry on!" Minister of Finance Yue Hu stammered.

"Actually, I have another question before I repeat myself."

"What is it?!"

"Official Yue, do you want to know if what I said was true?" Fang Zhengzhi smirked as he looked at Yue Hu.

"Fang Zhengzhi!" Minister of Finance Yue Hu was stumped. He grit his teeth, "I don't know what you're talking about and I have nothing more to say to you!"

"Is that so?" Fang Zhengzhi nodded and turned to look at the crowd. "The Qingtian Motel is just 15 minutes away. Do you all want to take a look at the second room there?"

"Whoa!"

Everyone burst into chatter.

Commoners and officials alike looked at Fang Zhengzhi in disbelief. They had no idea what Fang Zhengzhi was trying to do.

Could it be…

Did he just speak the truth?!

Impossible!

Something like this would never happen! It was unfathomable!

But if it wasn't true…

Why would Fang Zhengzhi know the name of Yue Hu's concubine? Why would he accuse Yue Hu's son so openly?

He even invited the crowd to go and watch them in action!

If this ended up being a farce, Fang Zhengzhi would definitely have to pay for it with his life!

Everyone turned to look at Minister of Finance Yue Hu. His expression was darkening with each passing second.

His concubine was cheating on him with his son?!

What was happening?

This was the capital! This was a society which emphasized loyalty and values. Such adulterous behavior…

Was unfathomable!

Yue Hu paled when he heard this. He didn't want to believe what Fang Zhengzhi said. But what if it was true?

He was being put through an emotional roller coaster.

"Impossible! This is impossible! He is definitely lying to me. Liu Lan and Tianxiao would never do this to me. Tianxiao… no!" Minister of Finance Yue Hu tried to convince himself but his body continued to tremble.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's expression changed.

He could tell that Yue Hu was rather emotional right now. Anyone in his position would be too.

The fact that he could remain composed even up till now…

That was quite the extraordinary feat.

"You have to keep calm! He is just trying to agitate you! Official Yue, don't fall for it!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong exclaimed in his heart.

He could not say this out loud.

Because…

Emperor Lin Mubai was staring at him.

He knew what that look meant. Right now, he had to pray that Yue Hu could stomach this.

At that moment, the crowd began to grow restless. They couldn't suppress their curiosity any longer.

More and more people began streaming over to the motel.

Wen Dabao also began to move. He was not going to miss out on this!

Furthermore, he needed to satisfy his curiosity.

"Come on! I know exactly where this is! Come with me! Let's catch this adulterous pair! Don't let them escape!" Wen Dabao hollered.

The crowd was reinvigorated when they heard this.

The thought of catching the Minister of Finance's concubine with his son set fire to their veins.

"Come…" Yue Hu wanted to shout at the crowd and gave them come back. However, he swallowed his words before he could say them.

He glared at the crowd rushing towards the motel. Right now, he had the urge to commit suicide.

If what Fang Zhengzhi said was true…

He would be embarrassed in front of such a huge crowd! How could he still face anyone ever again?

There was a light breeze.

It messed up Yue Hu's hair and Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's confidence. It also ruffled the crowd outside the palace.

It was quite chaotic…

However, nothing could match the chaos…

In their hearts!

Time seemed to slow as all the officials waited anxiously for the results.

It was a strange feeling.

To be honest, they hoped that Fang Zhengzhi had made it all up, but they were still anxious to see the results.

It was inexplicable.

"Yan Xiu, do you think that the shameless fella was telling the truth?" Ping Yang raised her head and looked at Yan Xiu.

"Mm, it's true." Yan Xiu nodded.

"You trust him that much?" Ping Yang couldn't understand it. The possibility of something like that happening was unbelievably low.

"Yes." Yan Xiu nodded and didn't give any further reasons.

This conversation was overheard by Lin Tianrong and Yue Hu. Both of them felt a shiver down their spines.

The Crown Prince looked at Yue Hu and saw nothing but pain in his eyes. Yue Hu was pleading…

He was begging the Crown Prince to think of a way to ameliorate the situation. If what Fang Zhengzhi said was true…

This involved his concubine and his son!

King Duan saw the interaction between Yue Hu and Lin Tianrong. Even though he didn't believe Fang Zhengzhi…

He made his decision quickly.

He turned and shot a look at a figure nearby. That figure nodded and shot off into the distance.

Chi Hong seemed rather calm but he was looking at Fang Zhengzhi differently from before.

He thought of something else.

If…

If Fang Zhengzhi was right…

How did Fang Zhengzhi know about this? The fact that the concubine of the Minister of Finance was cheating on him was not something easy to find out.

Most importantly, he had to know this even before he had this confrontation with the Crown Prince!

This was getting more unbelievable by the second!

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Chapter 530: 17th on the Holy Rankings

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"How can he possibly know this?" Chi Hong squinted as he thought about what happened a few days ago.

Fang Zhengzhi had just entered the city.

That was the day…

That was the day Fang Zhengzhi confronted then Minister of Law Wan Chong and had him arrested for corruption.

If these events were not coincidences, this would mean that Fang Zhengzhi knew the unspeakable secrets of many in the city.

Chi Hou get a shiver down his spine. If this was true… the capital would be in for a ride.

Fang Zhengzhi never did things through the conventional routes. He was a maverick, someone who acted without considering the consequences.

Most importantly…

He was an independent with no known allegiances.

Just as he was thinking about this, he heard a loud sound in the distance. The crowd was streaming back to the palace.

Chi Hong's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. Disbelief and shock filled his face almost instantly.

He was not alone.

The rest of the officials, the Royal Guard, and the crowd who stayed behind were in shock and disbelief as well.

They saw two figures dressed rather messily.

One man and one woman.

They were both in their twenties.

Furthermore, the two of them kept struggling and screaming bitterly. They looked as though they feared for their lives.

"It's true?!"

"Fang Zhengzhi… wasn't lying?!"

"How could this happen? How did he know that they would be at the Qingtian Motel? How is this possible?"

The officials couldn't believe their eyes. They stared at the two figures being dragged over by the crowd.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was stunned. He recognized the two figures instantly and was equally in disbelief.

He turned to look at Minister of Finance Yue Hu almost immediately.

"Not good!" When he saw Minister of Finance Yue Hu's expression, the Crown Prince knew that things were about to take a turn for the worse.

Yue Hu was extremely pale. His body was trembling and the aura around his body was highly unstable.

"Sh*t!" He spat out a mouthful of blood.

Then, his face turned purple and green as the veins on his forehead throbbed. He looked like he was going to explode at any moment.

"No way! Xiaotian would never do this to me!"

"This is impossible…"

"Liu Lan! Liu Lan! I have treated you well! Why would you seduce my son?!"

"No… why?!"

Minister of Finance Yue Hu bellowed as his bones began to crack. His hair was extremely messy.

His white hair was dancing in the wind.

The officials knew that things were going to get messy. Yue Hu was quickly approaching his breaking point.

"Fang Zhengzhi, I will kill you!"

After he muttered to himself, Yue Hu's expression darkened and he snarled ferociously. A green ray of light shot out from his body.

"No!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong wanted to stop it instinctively but it was too late. Yue Hu had attacked.

"Are you going to attack me just because I told you the truth?" Fang Zhengzhi knew how flustered Yue Hu was. After all, Yue Hu was the Minister of Finance.

However, Fang Zhengzhi didn't move. He simply smiled as he watched the ray of green light shoot towards him.

At that moment…

A red light lit up behind Fang Zhengzhi. It looked like a red crystal screen that extended from the ground. It flew to the front.

Yan Xiu had struck.

Yan Xiu reacted the moment Yue Hu attacked.

"Boom!"

The green light crashed into the red screen in a flash of white. Then, a huge wave of power dissipated through the air.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was stunned.

The officials, the Royal Guard, and the crowd was equally stunned.

Even the adulterous couple was stunned by what they saw.

They never expected that things would end up this way. The Minister of Finance had attacked Fang Zhengzhi in front of other officials and the Emperor.

This was…

Punishable by death!

Everyone watched the two days of light clash. They were shocked by the turn of events and shocked that Yan Xiu would try to block the attack.

"Yue Hu is in the nascent Rebirth State!"

"Yan Xiu… actually blocked it?"

"He blocked an attack from a raging Yue Hu? How did he do it?"

"Could it be… is Yan Xiu already…"

All of the officials were in disbelief. After all, Yan Xiu was only 18-years-old. If he could go up against a Rebirth State cultivator…

"No! He didn't!" One of the officials exclaimed in shock as his eyes widened.

Everyone's jaw dropped when they heard this. After the wave of power dissipated, they saw the green light pierce through the red screen.

However…

It had drifted slightly!

This ray of light was no longer trained on Fang Zhengzhi. It brushed past his neck and headed straight for the person behind him…

"No! Crown Prince, your highness, watch out!"

"Protect the Crown Prince!"

"Block it! Block it!"

All of the officials were panicking.

However, the ray of green light was traveling too quickly! It was in front of the Crown Prince within moments.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was stunned.

He never expected this to happen. Why would Yue Hu attack him? He didn't prepare for this.

In fact, even if he did, he would not have managed to block this attack.

Even though he was powerful as the Crown Prince, his cultivation state was mediocre. He was only in the Supernatural State. He would not be able to block this attack.

Terror and shock.

He didn't want to die but the ray of light was traveling too quickly.

"Save me!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong screamed in desperation.

At that moment, a ray of light shot out from the palace walls. This was a figure encased in gold light.

It was fast.

It was extremely fast.

It was so fast that it left a black crack behind her. She had ripped through the very fabric of reality.

There was a similar crack left behind when Fang Zhengzhi used the Sun Shooting Bow to fire the Million Sword Illustration.

She was as quick as an arrow!

The world fell silent.

All that was left was the green light and the golden figure.

It was extremely quick!

Everyone held their breath and stared.

Finally.

The figure arrived next to the Crown Prince when the green light reached the Crown Prince's throat. However, it was still too late.

"Oh no!"

That same thought flashed through everyone's mind.

Then, the strangest thing happened. The golden figure rose and fired off a punch.

This was a fist encased by golden armor. However, it was not a callous or large fist. On the contrary, it looked rather refined.

However, when she threw the punch, it felt as though the entire area had been shook by a wave of force.

"Boom!" A loud crash echoed out.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's body flew into the air before crashing back into the ground.

"Boom!" A dull thud echoed out and the ground cracked.

Everyone was silent.

Everyone looked at the Crown Prince anxiously.

"Sh*t!" At that moment, the Crown Prince shuddered and spat out a mouthful of blood.

"Your Highness!"

"Your Highness!"

All of the officials rushed forward.

A long figure walked out of the golden light. This was a lady in golden armor.

Her figure was accentuated by the armor and accessories.

She had tied up her hair and had exquisite features. Her skin was snow white and it glimmered under the sun.

She was the Commander of the Royal Guard.

Ranked 17th on the Holy Rankings.

The Hidden Dragon Roll were for people under 18. The Rising Dragon Roll were for talents under 28. There was one more roll, the Holy Rankings!

That was the all encompassing ranking system! There was no age limit here!

Of course…

There was a reason why it was named the Holy Rankings!

The Sages were a part of these rankings!

The fact that this lady ranked 17th was a testament to her abilities. She was the 17th most powerful person in the empire.

Her name was Chen Feihua.

She had another identity that made everyone respect her even more. Even the Princes and Princesses knelt when they saw her.

Consort Fei!

Once upon a time, Chen Feihua's name was on everyone's tongue.

Before Chi Guyan had come along and shocked the world, everyone thought that Chen Feihua was the most talented lady.

The pride of the 13 Constabularies…

It was only a matter of time before Chen Feihua entered the courts.

In all honesty, there was no other choice for her. Before she entered the courts, Emperor Lin Mubai almost never attended court sessions.

It was a difficult time for the empire.

The barbarians in the North tried to invade, the demons were trying to test their luck, and the Divine Constabulary and Stabilization Constabulary were out to quell the unrest. It was chaos.

At that moment, Chen Feihua entered the palace covered in blood from head to toe. Her armor had been shredded and her sword was broken but she hugged a three month old baby in her arms.

When Emperor Lin Mubai rushed out from the palace, Chen Feihua fell to her knees and said only one thing.

"Your Highness, I brought her back!"

That was the day Chen Feihua became consort Fei.

That was also the day Emperor Lin Mubai returned to the courts and gave his orders. He was carrying that baby.

That was also the day the city learned to fear this name.

That name…

Ping Yang!

Ping Yang's name represented peace as well as the light at the end of the tunnel!

Three months later, Chen Feihua became the commander of the Royal Guards.

The officials were initially confused by the appointment. However, they eventually understood it. Even though Chen Feiyu was the number one consort, she never bothered with the affairs of the other consorts.

Even though there was no queen, she didn't try to take that position.

"Auntie Hua!" A crisp voice rang out and Ping Yang, dressed in her golden red dress, hugged Chen Feiyu.

Chen Feiyu didn't stop her. She smiled when she saw this. Her smile was radiant and her snow white hands ruffled Ping Yang's hair. It was almost as if Ping Yang was her own daughter.

All the officials shook their head in exasperation.

Ping Yang.

The biggest bully in the capital! She could frustrate and annoy everyone. She was not only the Emperor's favorite princess.

She was also Consort Fei's favorite princess.

She had the Emperor and the commander of the 50,000 strong Royal Guards backing her! Who would dare to antagonize her?

"Consort Fei!" The officials greeted.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong also fell to one knee. He was pale and there was blood trickling down the edge of his mouth.

Even so, he still bowed to Chen Feiyu.

"Consort Fei, thank you for saving my life!"

"Your Highness, you need not thank me." Chen Feiyu helped the Crown Prince up even as a golden light flickered in her palm.

Then, she turned around and bowed to Emperor Lin Mubai. After which, she turned to look at all the officials.

She scanned over the officials quickly before finally resting her eyes on Yan Xiu and Fang Zhengzhi.

She frowned…

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Chapter 531: Your Majesty, I Was Wronged…

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Ah, the Imperial Concubine Hua Fei of today, ranked 17th in the Imperial Roll, commander of the Imperial Army, Chen Fei Yu's elder sister, Chen Feihua!" Fang Zhengzhi thought to himself.

If this were a year ago…

He would have been shocked upon that sight. Well, it was an appalling scene indeed.

And he would never have expected that the commander of the Imperial Army would be Hua Fei.

Not to mention the thought that Hua Fei would even be ranked in the Imperial Roll.

Chen Feihua's gaze laid on Fang Zhengzhi momentarily, then slowly shifted towards the Ministry of Finance official Yue Hu.

"I deserve to die, I deserve to die…" A shivering Yue Hu dropped to a kneel. He was absolutely petrified.

"Yue Hu, do you know your mistake?" Chen Fei Hua asked with a nod, her tone bland and emotionless.

But virtually all the officials present shuddered. Chen Feihua had never once questioned the Imperial Government. Besides her duty of defending the palace, she had never said something like this to an imperial official.

But now…

She had said it.

And this meant the Ministry of Finance official Yue Hu could never stand to free himself of this shame.

He lowered himself, with his head on the ground and his body trembling. He did not fear death because death, to him, was ultimately a relief. It would set him free.

But he was spiteful.

He yearned to kill Fang Zhengzhi with his own hands.

While everyone believed Yue Hu acted in a fit of rage, nobody knew that his mind had remained been calm and composed.

Having served in the Imperial Government for decades, he had a wealth of experience under his belt.

He had truly mastered the control of his emotions. Even when his second son had an affair with a servant, he never allowed his reason and rational thought to be engulfed by rage.

Hate.

Of course, he hated.

Yet, what he did was not totally due to his hate; he knew that, at this juncture, if Fang Zhengzhi lived, Crown Prince Lin Tianrong would be in imminent danger.

For this, he was furious.

Yue Hu acted in full control of his emotions.

However, he did not expect Yan Xiu to block his enraged blow, and never did it cross his mind that he would accidentally hit Crown Prince Lin Tianrong.

Of course, there was only one thing he knew…

That he was now as good as dead.

"I know my mistake!" Yue Hu did not raise his head. He clenched his fist. There was only one chance, and missing it meant death.

If he could kill Fang Zhengzhi in a blow, maybe in a few years when Lin Tianrong ascended the throne, he could still have a glimmer of hope for survival.

But now, all had come to naught.

"Bai Qi." Chen Feihua turned towards an Imperial Soldier standing still a stone's throw away.

"Present!"

"Lock up official Yue."

"Right away!" The Imperial Army's second-in-charge Bai Qi promptly nodded. Without hesitation, he walked toward Yue Hu.

Yue Hu slowly stood up and looked at the couple rooted in their positions.

He did not say a single word.

But it was apparent to all that this Rank Two official's strength had completely left his body. He summoned every ounce of energy. Every step was excruciating.

And this was how Yue Hu was brought away.

The man and woman were brought away too. Yue Hu's crime was so serious that they were unfortunately implicated.

Harming the Crown Prince in public.

This was not a crime that could be forgiven in light of the contributions of a Rank Two official.

As a matter of fact, the moment Chen Feihua intervened in that total chaos, no one dared to move a muscle.

Even Wen Dabao, who wanted very much to scream aloud, stayed silent.

Every single person turned their attention to Chen Feihua, waiting for the most prized Imperial Concubine to calm the situation and protect the Crown Prince.

Yet, Chen Feihua did not do that.

She did not check Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's wounds, but gave a quick salute towards Emperor Lin Mubai, who was on the throne, and then walked through the Palace entrance.

Very quickly…

Chen Feihua once again vanished into the Palace.

All of this happened in the very same place. But without that scene a few moments ago, no one would have realized Chen Feihua had been present.

A cough broke the uncanny, deafening silence.

Everyone turned towards this abrupt noise, where an imperial official stood awkwardly, his face red in embarrassment.

H was innocent in every meaning of the word.

The official was slightly ill and could not contain his cough. Never did he expect this tiny disturbance turned all eyes on him.

He quivered.

"I am guilty, I am guilty…" The imperial official hastily knelt, frantically kowtowing in a plead for forgiveness, his skull knocking audibly on the ground.

Upon witnessing this sight, the other officials could not help but smile wryly.

Actually, Chen Feihua only did so in her duty as the commander of the Imperial Army and saved the Crown Prince.

Yet, it is this act of professionalism…

That utterly astounded the imperial officials, the surrounding commoners, and even transformed the atmosphere around the Palace entrance.

Was this the power of her rank of 17th in the Imperial Roll?

Or her influential impact as the current top imperial concubine!

That imperial official continued to pound his head on the ground, but everyone's attention had shifted towards another man. A man dressed in a blue robe.

In any case, what happened moments ago was too unsettling.

The Ministry of Finance official Yue Hu did, in fact, initiate the attack, but as everyone knew, he would never in his wildest dreams think of hurting the Crown Prince Lin Tianrong.

Yet, it was an undeniable fact that he did so.

Was it an accident, or a deliberate attack?

If it was an accident, it seemed too coincidental. Yet, if it was the latter, who would do such a thing intentionally?

Each imperial official at present had only questions upon the confusion, and it happened so quickly no one had observed clearly.

"It's getting late, let us start the feast!" Emperor Lin Mubai's voice rang, rousing the imperial officials who were still processing what they had just witnessed earlier.

Eunuch Wei stood up.

"It's time for the feast!"

"Feast! Feast!" echoed in the Palace.

With that, a chatter resumed in the Palace. The same ordinary sounds that came through from there not long ago.

The initially tense atmosphere loosened up. The officials seemed to have reached some conclusions, put their thoughts aside, conjured courteous smiles as they tidied their clothes as they prepared to enter the Palace.

But at this moment…

A figure walked towards Lin Mubai, his robe swaying lightly in the breeze. Behind him followed Yan Xiu.

"Your Majesty, I have a grievance to raise!" Fang Zhengzhi bowed lightly, but he did not pay heed to hierarchical rules of speaking to the Emperor, using the word "I" informally to represent his identity.

The officials halted in their tracks. Their smiles froze on their faces, their eyes fixed on Fang Zhengzhi.

Of course, they knew what Fang Zhengzhi was up to.

But…

How dared he intervene as the Emperor's order was carried out?

The surrounding commoners stared at Fang Zhengzhi, stunned. At this very moment, they seem to know what Emperor Lin Mubai was thinking.

Fang Zhengzhi had already revealed the truth to all, and the Ministry of Finance official could hear their conversation. Fang Zhengzhi was under the effect of this same poison a year ago.

Yet, Emperor Lin Mubai could still initiate the feast.

His attitude was obvious.

"What is he trying to do?"

"Is he really trying to overturn the case?"

"Would the Emperor let him have his way?"

Questions arose among the commoners.

Emperor Lin Mubai's gaze turned towards Fang Zhengzhi as he stood from his throne.

"Minister of Rites, must you voice this grievance now?" Emperor Lin Mubai's was tone showed nothing besides tranquillity.

But all the imperial officials and commoners instantly felt a wave of peculiarity.

Because Emperor Lin Mubai called Fang Zhengzhi…

The Minister of Rites!

Everyone was clear that a year ago when the war with the Southern Region ended, the Emperor had promoted Fang Zhengzhi from a Rank Four Sword Envoy to the Minister of Rites.

However, Fang Zhengzhi did not return to the Ministry of Rites, nor did he take over the Ministry of Rites Seal.

This was because Fang Zhengzhi killed a Southern Region Noblelite and injured the Crown Price.

But now, Emperor Lin Mubai addressed Fang Zhengzhi as the Minister of Rites, wasn't this an unbelievable sight?

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was stunned.

His fiery eyes glared at Fang Zhengzhi and Emperor Lin Mubai as blood leaked from the corner of his mouth.

Rage and indignation filled every vessel in his heart.

Yet he understood that when Emperor Lin Mubai addressed him this way, it meant Fang Zhengzhi was cleared of the grievances from what happened in the Southern Region.

Chi Hou also froze.

Today, when Fang Zhengzhi emerged from the crowds and blocked Southern Region Prince Shan Yu, he never thought that Fang Zhengzhi would succeed.

At that moment, he only wished to save Fang Zhengzhi.

But now…

Fang Zhengzhi had indeed succeeded.

Even if did not attempt to overturn the case, he had already succeeded. Succeeded in clearing the grievances from the Southern Region, which was hitherto unfathomable.

Not only did Emperor Lin Mubai not pursue Fang Zhengzhi's fault, but recognized Fang Zhengzhi in another light and restored his position as an imperial official.

This meant a silent acknowledgment of sorts.

The Southern Region case would see tremendous progress in time to come.

"Was Your Majesty talking to me?" Fang Zhengzhi's voice lit up again.

"Do you think there would be a second Minister of Rites here, alive?" Emperor Lin Mubai then glanced at the official on the floor.

"Your Majesty was speaking to me indeed, but did Your Majesty address me incorrectly?" Fang Zhengzhi replied.

"Incorrectly?!"

"He actually said the Emperor addressed him incorrectly?"

The officials could not believe the conversation.

"Fang Zhengzhi, don't spout nonsense! How would Your Majesty address you incorrectly? Stop your behavior!" Chi Hou felt things would not end up well for Fang Zhengzhi.

Certainly, he knew what Fang Zhengzhi was thinking.

But it was also important to weigh the urgency and importance of matters and the setting in which they were raised.

In this day, the Southern Region King, Southern Region soldiers, countless commoners and personnel of the Imperial Army had gathered in the Palace.

In this situation…

How would Emperor Lin Mubai make an immediate decision?

Hanging the proverbial dirty laundry, especially with the reputation of the Crown Prince at stake, did not seem like a good idea.

Now that Emperor Lin Mubai had publicly acknowledged Fang Zhengzhi's identity, overturning the Southern Region case would only be a matter of time.

Chi Hou was clear on this point, hence he could not help but worry for Fang Zhengzhi.

"Official Fang, the feast is about to begin and could not be delayed. If you have any important matters, you should address them later." Eunuch Wei said sharply while displaying an exaggerated respectfulness.

With that, Emperor Lin Mubai did not comment further.

Slowly, he walked down from his throne, briefly looked at the Palace door and strode towards it.

"Official Fang, the feast has begun, and a place has been reserved for you." Eunuch Wei bowed at Fang Zhengzhi and promptly followed behind Emperor Lin Mubai.

Among the crowd, Wen Dabao watched in envy.

"Bravo! Just like that, he has become the Minister of Rites? Indeed, I have not followed the wrong person!" Wen Dabao lit up in joy as though he had become a Minister himself.

And at this moment, Fang Zhengzhi took a step forward.

"Your Majesty, last year at the Southern Region celebratory dinner, I was plotted against and poisoned. In my delirium, I was brought into Southern Region King's room. While unconscious, I was accused of killing the Southern Region Noblelite. But I was so weak, and I had no grudges with these people, how would I kill the Noblelite? I plead for Your Majesty to address this injustice of mine!"

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Chapter 532: Go Away

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Fang Zhengzhi's voice was not as loud compared to when he was defending the Ministry of Finance official Yue Hu, but its intensity was ten times as much.

"He has spoken! He has really spoken!"

"He actually blocked the Emperor!"

"Doesn't he fear offending the Emperor at all?"

Fang Zhengzhi's voice reverberated in the officials' ears, distressed their hearts and turned their stomachs. His fearlessness was unbelievable.

In any case, to these officials…

Fang Zhengzhi need not do all of this.

Initially, they could understand Fang Zhengzhi's gamble, because it was for the public to acknowledge the matter, for the Emperor to see the truth.

But now, with the truth revealed, why was there a need to shoulder such a risk?

Nobody could understand.

But deep in everyone's hearts, they knew that once the Emperor was angry, everything would have been as good as gone. Fang Zhengzhi's efforts would be in vain.

"Fang Zhengzhi, presently the Emperor is hosting the Princess of the Southern Region, how would he find the time to address your grievances! Stand down immediately!" Chi Hou was growing very impatient.

But he did not expect that Fang Zhengzhi would really stop the Emperor.

Emperor Lin Mubai halted momentarily and continued walking towards the Palace gate.

"Your Majesty, I have a grievance!" Fang Zhengzhi cried again.

"Ah!"

The officials and surrounding commoners were now seething. Emperor Lin Mubai's unwavering decision was obvious.

Yet, Fang Zhengzhi kept pleading.

How was this any different from protesting?

"Does he really have a death wish?"

"Since the Emperor ascended the throne, there has never been an incident like this!"

"Exactly. The Emperor's dignity cannot be infringed, doesn't he understand this simple logic?"

The officials muttered in their minds, but practically no one came forth to persuade Fang Zhengzhi otherwise, nor did any of them voiced their opinion.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong, who was originally spiteful at the matter, revealed a smirk when he saw Fang Zhengzhi's many futile attempts to stop Emperor.

No one shall stand in the mighty Emperor's way!

Even the Crown Prince did not dare disobey the Emperor, not to mention Fang Zhengzhi.

"Please, Your Majesty, address Fang Zhengzhi's injustice!" Yan Xiu, who had been following behind Fang Zhengzhi, finally spoke.

His words were cold and emotionless, yet unshakably firm.

"Even Yan Xiu has spoken?"

"How would he?"

"Although he is a friend of Fang Zhengzhi, surely he should persuade Fang Zhengzhi to stop now? Does he not know the consequences if they irritate the Emperor?"

A wave of terror was once again felt by the officials. Their expressions could only convey their utter astonishment.

Emperor Lin Mubai stopped in his tracks. Rooted at his position, he did not turn back.

Chi Hou was in disbelief.

With outstretched hands in the way of Fang Zhengzhi, he was prepared to discourage his pleas once again. At this moment, he saw Stabilization Constabulary Xing Yuanguo who had been standing beside him shook his head at him.

"Brother Yuanguo, this…"

"Wait!" Xing Yuanguo said only this word.

Chi Hou fretted slightly, but he had lost his resolve to speak and retreated into the crowd.

Wait?

What is there to wait for?

Chi Hou did not understand. But Xing Yuanguo, who never interfered with the Imperial Government, had spoken, and that was unbelievable.

A sad, still silence.

Even Eunuch Wei was wide-eyed at the spectacle.

He ventured an attempt to dissuade Fang Zhengzhi, but when he caught a figure in the corner of his eye, he withdrew the foot that stepped forward.

That figure reached beside Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu.

It was the Princess of the Southern Region, Shan Yu.

Her black eyes glistened into the distance, her long, beautiful hair cascaded upon her shoulders. Her lightly tanned skin radiated charm among the soft sunrays.

Her expression, too, showed adamantine resolve.

"Your Majesty, my brother Shan Ling vowed to defend the Southern Region, and in the war, loyally fended off our enemies. His bravery was witnessed by every Southern Region warrior and Great Xia soldier. The murder of my brother has brought us much grief, and now that we have a new lead, I plead for Your Majesty to ensure justice is served!"

Princess of the Southern Region Shan Yu ended with her tears welling in her eyes.

The surrounded onlookers were completely stunned.

"Even the Princess of the Southern Region has spoken!"

Although everybody would have predicted that Princess of the Southern Region might speak when she stood beside Fang Zhengzhi, it felt totally unusual.

Protest!

Indeed, this was a protest.

Starting with Fang Zhengzhi, then Yan Xiu, and now the Princess of the Southern Region Shan Yu. Together they strode towards Emperor Lin Mubai, without a shred of doubt.

The officials and commoners remained flabbergasted.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong started having second thoughts. With the support of the Princess of the Southern Region, it could mean a completely different outcome for Fang Zhengzhi.

Only then did Emperor Lin Mubai begin to slowly turn towards them.

From his expression, there wasn't much anger. But as everyone noticed that when he turned, there was an effervescent aura.

The Emperor's aura.

And his fists were tightly clenched.

"The Emperor's dignity!"

This appeared in virtually everyone's mind. They knew that the Emperor was raging inside, although his expression may seem otherwise.

At this moment, few thousand Southern Region soldiers started to move.

"Your Majesty, please ensure justice is served for the Southern Region!" said their voices in unison. Thousands of soldiers then knelt in their plea.

The commoners were awestruck.

The officials, too. With the Southern Region protesting at the palace gates, in the presence of the public, this movement would indubitably strain diplomatic relations near their breaking point.

From this moment on, any decision Emperor Lin Mubai could make seemed inappropriate.

Because if Emperor Lin Mubai gave in, this would mean that the honor and dignity of the Great Xia Dynasty would be jeopardized. If other states had done so, what would become of the Emperor's rule?

But if Emperor Lin Mubai did not give in…

The relationship between the Great Xia Dynasty and Southern Region would be strained once again.

How should it be, then?

Everyone turned their attention to Lin Mubai, waiting for the mighty Emperor to make his decision.

Emperor Lin Mubai instead remained silent and stared ahead. Staring silently at Fang Zhengzhi, Yan Xiu, and Shan Yu. His nerves calm, his gaze fluid.

This seemed like a stalemate.

Then a figure emerged from behind the Emperor Lin Mubai. A youth who wore a white, luxurious gown. He displayed a marked calmness compared to those around him.

"Father!" The youth dropped to his knees and groveled.

Emperor Lin Mubai faced the youth, furrowing his brows. His face shone with a fierce, icy gleam.

"Who let you here? Get back." Emperor Li Mubai scowled.

"Father!" The youth once again kowtowed to his father, his body shivered in fear, but he did not back down, insistent in his pleas.

Emperor Lin Mubai looked at groveling youth a little surprised. Then he turned towards Fang Zhengzhi and finally sighed.

"Say it."

"Yes, I have no skills or talents, but I stand for fairness, and I plead Father to ensure Southern Region's justice is served!" The youth cried.

"Is that all you want to say?" Emperor Lin Mubai's knitted his brows once again.

Begging in front of him was Ninth Prince Lin Yun. In fact, he had not paid much attention to Lin Yun. If he weren't his child, he could have even forgotten his name.

The emperor of a dynasty.

A father of hundreds of children.

In a few decades of his reign, Emperor Lin Mubai already had over a hundred children.

And within them were many mediocre and unambitious ones. There were those of low intellect, or emotionally unstable, or physically weak, or even those, like Lin Yun, who could not hold a proper job.

Too many to supervise.

So…

All he could do was to not bother.

Actually, ruling for a generation without dispute nor discord may not be a bad thing either. If they loved merrymaking, then let them be.

Emperor Lin Mubai was never a stern nor old-fashioned father, but he only wished for his playful sons to not cause too much trouble.

If they could appear less frequently in his presence, that would be a plus.

And this was Emperor Lin Mubai's wish for Lin Yun.

Yet, Lin Yun appeared at this very moment, while all the other princes kept to their positions. This made him rather surprised.

Emperor Lin Mubai felt a pang of doubt… had he misunderstood Lin Yun?

But when Lin Yun finished his appeal, he felt that he had indeed not misunderstood Lin Yun. Because his words weren't what he wanted to hear.

Certainly, this was not about the meaning of Lin Yun's words.

As a matter of fact, when Lin Yun stood out, Emperor Lin Mubai had guessed that Lin Yun would plead for Southern Region's justice.

But what he did not expect was…

Lin Yun only said one sentence! To serve justice for Southern Region, that's all? Was that it?

What were the reasons? The facts? The references and citations?

He could have at least referenced a past example of an emperor's magnanimity, right? What did that mean to him?

Emperor Lin Mubai could tolerate those who may have unknowingly infringed imperial codes for lack of experience or knowledge, but as a prince, pleading to the Emperor in such a manner was utterly ridiculous.

"Yes! I wish for Father to ensure Southern Region's justice is served!" The Ninth Prince Lin Yun seemed unperturbed by his father's reaction.

"Go away!" Emperor Lin Mubai was finally fuming mad.

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Chapter 533: A Mirror

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

As the ruler of this dynasty, Emperor Lin Mubai could remain calm in the presence of the Southern Region Princess and Yan Xiu, but he could not tolerate the disgrace of this worthless "Prince".

"Your Majesty, please calm down!"

"Your Majesty, please take care of your health!"

Upon witnessing such a sight, the officials promptly got down on their knees.

The surrounding commoners started panicking. Although they lived in Yan Capital city, seeing the Emperor this furious was rare.

"Father!" A clear voice rang. A figure in a red dress with gold stitches floated in front of Emperor Lin Mubai.

Her presence seemed to calm Emperor Lin Mubai. His fury waned, and tranquillity was restored.

"Ping Yang, do you have anything to add?" Emperor Lin Mubai lovingly caressed her hair.

"Yes, I was about to scold Father!" Princess Ping Yang pouted her lips slightly, her arms akimbo, thrusting her youthful, swelling chest forward.

"Oh? How would my dear princess wish to scold me?" Emperor Lin Mubai smiled. He was certainly happier seeing Pin Yang in this way.

"Father is not a wise emperor!" Ping Yang said candidly.

"Nonsense! How am I not a wise emperor!" Emperor Li Mubai's expression turned blank.

The officials and commoners broke out in a cold sweat. Openly reprimanding the Emperor for his lack of wisdom? Indeed something like this could only be mentioned by Ping Yang.

"Hm, I think you're not! As a wise emperor, it is not enough to only have powerful abilities and grand strategies." Ping Yang continued, curling her lips.

"What else do I need?" Emperor Lin Mubai grinned. Well at least, Ping Yang praised him for his abilities and strategies.

"A mirror!" Ping Yang said.

"Mirror?" Emperor Li Mubai wondered.

"That's right. It was recorded in ancient texts that Emperor Taizong's empire flourished by his Reign of Zhenguan, and much of that owed to the efforts of Chancellor Wei Zheng. Father, if it weren't for Emperor Taizong's wisdom and magnanimity, how would he gain Wei Zheng's loyalty and trustworthiness?" Ping Yang stated confidently.

(Translator's note: the Reign of Zhenguan refers to the success and achievements of the Tang Dynasty under the rule of Emperor Taizong. Tang Dynasty flourished economically and militarily, and this era was regarded a golden age in Chinese history.)

"Go on." Emperor Lin Mubai nodded, though he couldn't believe his ears.

"In his life, Wei Zheng authored more than 200 critiques examining governance, economics, culture, foreign affairs, and even Emperor Taizong's personal life. What he knew and discussed were virtually boundless, and sometimes even made Emperor Tai Zong feel ashamed!"

Ping Yang paused for a second.

"But he also helped Emperor Taizong establish the policy of shifting the focus from military activities to cultural education, consolidating his power during the early Tang Dynasty while developing the country. He helped Emperor Taizong understand that the people could support a regime or overturn it and that listening to both sides is always wise. These are key principles of governance. Father, although you have great abilities and strategies like those of Emperor Taizong, you lack a mirror like that of Wei Zheng!"

(Translator's note: Emperor Taizong once wrote this of Wei Zheng "Using copper as a mirror allows one to keep his clothes neat. Using history as a mirror allows one to see the future trends. Using a person as a mirror allows one to see what is right and what is wrong. When Wei Zheng died, I lost a mirror.")

Ping Yang then looked at Emperor Lin Mubai in hopeful anticipation.

A mirror?

Emperor Lin Mubai thought for a moment. His face mood changed completely, his eyes sparkled, gazing lovingly at Ping Yang.

"Great, my princess has really grown up!" The atmosphere lifted considerably.

The officials exchanged looks and heaved a sigh of relief. Little did they expect the impish Princess of Yan Capital could articulate her point so coherently and convincingly.

"Oh, the princess understands governance?"

"Of course! As part of the royal family, how can she not be interested in the affairs of the state?"

"That's true… but she's Ping Yang!"

The officials discussed softly.

Chi Hou looked at Ping Yang in surprise. He knew that with Ping Yang's support, this matter may eventually turn out well.

"Your Highness, Princess, you have really matured in the past year!" Chi Hou sighed to himself. He glanced at Xing Yuanguo, realizing why Xing Yuanguo had previously stopped him.

At this moment, another youth appeared behind Emperor Lin Mubai. His eyes gleamed a trace of sharpness.

"Father, the Princess of the Southern Region was right. I think this case has more than meets the eye. Although today might not be a good time to settle this, it will be an honorable act for you as a wise emperor to serve justice for the Southern Region and give them a reasonable answer!" Prince Lin Xinjue finally voiced, as he dropped to a kneel.

This matter had developed beyond his expectation.

In any case, everyone was certain of Emperor Li Mubai's attitude.

It was said that if an emperor had made a mistake, he should be punished like a commoner. But since when had an emperor been interrogated by the court?

In the same vein…

Even if the crown prince had made a mistake, how would he, as the future successor of the throne, be scrutinized in full view of the public?

Lin Xinjue, raised in a royal family, could naturally empathize with this more than anyone else. This sentiment was shared by all the officials too.

But now, it was different.

Pressured by Fang Zhengzhi, Yan Xiu, and the Princess of the Southern Region, and with the Ninth Prince Lin Yun's tantrum and Ping Yang's enlightenment, the situation was completely different.

Lin Xinjue seized this golden opportunity to say his opinion.

"I also feel that there is something suspicious in this case. Your Majesty, please investigate further!" Chi Hou added as he stood out.

Neither did Chi Hou waste this opportunity.

Among the crowd, Wen Dabao watched as Prince Lin Xinjue and Divine Constabulary Chi Hou kneeled, his eyes lit up with optimism.

"There's a chance, now there's really a chance!" Wen Dabao was elated.

But Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's look was extremely grave as he glared bitterly.

The officials exchanged looks as they noticed Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's expression. Some finally spoke up after a few moments of hesitation.

"Your Majesty, that was only one side of the story with many unverified claims. If this case were overturned so simply, we would make a fool of ourselves. How about…"

"Yes, Your Majesty, this is an issue with vast implications, please deliberate carefully!"

"Your Majesty, it has already been a year since, yet there is insufficient evidence for the Southern Region case. May I suggest sending someone to verify the facts before making a decision!"

These officials knelt as they spoke.

"This matter requires swift judgment, yet you try to hinder its progress. With such indecisive officials, how would we ever achieve great success?" Chi Hou glared coldly at these kneeling officials as he shot back.

In this situation…

With the Ministry of Finance official Yue Hu brought away, the Minister of Rites, the Minister of Manpower and the Minister of Works unconscious, how could these Rank 3 or 4 officials rally against the Divine Constabulary's authority?

These officials shivered and laid low.

The rest of the officials swiftly lowered their heads. Southern Region Princess Shan Yu's roast lamb had poisoned a large portion of officials.

More importantly…

Most of these officials held Rank 1 or 2.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's influence in the Imperial Halls went down with most of the officials on the ground. Many of those left standing held merely Rank 3 or 4.

To make matters worse, only a handful held Rank 3.

How could they compare to Chi Hou?

How could a few Rank 3 or 4 officials argue against a mighty Rank 1 Army Marquis? Naturally, they fell silent.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's expression was utterly grim.

Although he was part of the case, he could not say his thoughts. Furthermore, his injury made speaking too difficult.

But…

He couldn't accept this.

He simply couldn't. He had not expected nor prepared for what happened today. It was all too sudden, too unbelievable.

Among all the officials, more than 80 percent has chosen their side.

With that, would they still lose?

If he hadn't witnessed this today, Crown Prince Lin Tianrong would have never believed his advantage had entirely reversed.

Usually, for all matters above the Imperial Halls, provided he did not resort to violence, even Emperor Lin Mubai let him have his way.

But what happened today?

How did it become like this?

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong itched to rush up close. Yet he could not, for he was now the Crown Prince. He could not defend himself.

And so, he could only clench his teeth and endure.

At this moment, Emperor Lin Mubai turned toward Crown Prince Lin Tianrong, then took a sweeping glance at the many commoners in shock and disbelief.

Finally, he looked at all the officials.

"Wen Chuan." Emperor Lin Mubai finally spoke.

"At your service!" a figure scurried out from the crowd of officials and knelt on the floor. As the newly appointed Law Official, he was under the spotlight. He was Wen Dabao's father, Wen Chuan.

Emperor Lin Mubai glanced at Wen Chuan, then at Crown Prince Lin Tianrong.

"You are the Law Official. What do you think is suspicious in this case?" Emperor Lin Mubai asked.

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Chapter 534: An Unbelievable Outcome

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Upon hearing Emperor Lin Mubai's question, the officials waited for Wen Chuan's response in anticipation. After all, he was the one of the most clear-headed among them.

As the Law Official, a member of the distinguished Six Council Officials, it was only natural for Emperor Lin Mubai to ask of Wen Chuan's opinion.

But…

How would Wen Chuan answer the Emperor?

After all, although the Crown Prince and Prince Lin Xinjue took a liking to his new role as the Law Official, Wen Chuan had only been on the job for a short period of time.

But whose side would Wen Chuan be on was still a mystery.

Upon hearing Emperor Lin Mubai's question, Wen Chuan briefly froze. He mulled it over, with his head lowered, his expressions conveyed a trace of anxiety, as if he had not noticed Emperor Lin Mubai's gaze.

And then he spoke.

"Your Majesty, in my opinion, this case has numerous suspicious points, and Fang Zhengzhi has stated that he has evidence. Therefore, I think… it should be investigated!" With that, he kneeled, with his head kept low.

Wen Chuan was apparently petrified. But the other officials were stupefied as they heard his response.

Anyone could've understood Lin Mubai's gaze at the Crown Prince, yet Wen Chuan had completely missed the point?

Was he stupid?

It was impossible!

Though Wen Chuan had not held office as the Law Official for long, he had worked in the Law Council for over a decade. Had he not learned to observe the Emperor's expressions? Had he really failed to interpret Emperor Lin Mubai's gaze?

In the end, Wen Chuan had completely ignored Emperor Lin Mubai's hint and gave a clear response.

Such a clear, direct response.

"It should be investigated!"

This could not happen in the Imperial Halls where one naturally put his safety before his principles. After all, every official should be adept at guessing the Emperor's sentiments, not to mention one who has recently taken office.

Even if he could not guess the Emperor's sentiments immediately, Wen Chuan should have given an ambiguous response to protect himself. How could he straightforwardly reply that this case should be investigated?

All the officials stared at a kneeling Wen Chuan in utter disbelief.

Even Crown Prince Lin Tianrong and Emperor Lin Mubai could not believe this.

In fact, when Crown Prince Lin Tianrong saw Emperor Lin Mubai looking towards him, he felt a moment of relief. Emperor Lin Mubai's message was evident.

Even if Wen Chuan did not fully take Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's side, surely, he could not have opposed the Emperor in public?

Well, he had indeed missed the hint, as if he had ignored Emperor Lin Mubai.

Emperor Lin Mubai could not accept this outcome!

"What nonsense are you talking about? As the Law Official, how could you make such a hasty decision with no evidence at all!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was enraged.

He had to be enraged.

He was under immense pressure. There was no way out for him.

The conclusion of this case was definitely a matter of life and death for Crown Prince Lin Tianrong. Though he knew he was supposed to remain silent, he spoke up nonetheless.

"Your Highness, this is based on facts. Fang Zhengzhi had already proved that he did not have the ability to kill, and he has said that he has the evidence. According to the laws, this case should be investigated!" Wen Chuan said, kneeling, with his head kept low.

He was shivering in fear.

The officials were speechless. No one would have expected Wen Chuan to openly argue with the Crown Prince.

"You…" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong struggled to find words. How could he say anything after this Rank 2 official countered him with the laws?

He clenched his fists, his face a pallor while he gasped for breath.

"Blargh!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong could not contain it any longer. A mouthful of blood splattered on the floor.

The officials and countless commoners were absolutely stunned. Did Wen Chuan really argue against the Crown Prince?

How did this happen?

No one understood. But with the situation having developed this way, even Emperor Lin Mubai could not favor him even if he wished to.

Under the watchful eyes of so many commoners, Emperor Lin Mubai could not be seen to plainly do so. And thus, the case was approaching its conclusion.

But…

Not a single person could comprehend how did this seemingly impossible case progress so fast?

Fang Zhengzhi's appearance disrupted the meeting between the Emperor and the Princess of the Southern Region.

This was punishable by death!

Yet Fang Zhengzhi did not die and even confronted the Princess of the Southern Region. Thereafter, the blame landed on the silent Crown Prince Lin Tianrong beside them.

And in a fit of rage, Crown Prince Lin Tianrong disputed against Fang Zhengzhi.

And then…

The matter has developed irreversibly.

It began with the Princess of the Southern Region presenting her gift, her roast lamb, which poisoned many officials. Then, Fang Zhengzhi revealed that the Ministry of Finance official Yue Hu's son had an affair with a servant. Finally, he fearlessly interrupted the Emperor.

Any of these could be punishable by death.

But in the end?

The newly appointed Law Official Wen Chuan surprisingly said: "it should be investigated!"

How was this in any way conceivable? Although the matter was reaching its end, the officials and commoners were still lost in their thoughts.

Emperor Lin Mubai, too, momentarily looked as though he was in a trance, visibly shaken.

He was about to speak when he saw Ping Yang, who was by his side.

A word raced through his mind.

Mirror!

Then he was lost deep in his thoughts. Was I not a wise emperor?

Time seemed to stop at this moment.

There were neither noise nor movements, besides the occasional breeze.

Everyone turned their attention to Emperor Lin Mubai, waiting for the esteemed emperor to make the final call on this issue.

After some time, Emperor Lin Mubai's eyes lit up.

"Since Official Wen believes this case has suspicious points, then we shall investigate!" said Emperor Lin Mubai, as he stared intently at Fang Zhengzhi.

The officials were all bewildered, but none dared to voice their objections. After all, this was an irrevocable outcome.

"The case is really overturned?"

"Wouldn't this implicate the Crown Prince?"

"The Emperor actually called for a public investigation?"

Although the officials had expected this outcome, it felt totally different hearing it from the Emperor.

Well, this matter had developed too peculiarly, too unbelievable.

When Emperor Lin Mubai declared the re-examination of this case, the officials had only one thought. Fang Zhengzhi did it. He really did it.

He had accomplished an impossible task.

Was this a coincidence, or was it deliberate? What if it was deliberate? How much wisdom would it take for such an elaborate plan to fall into place?

It was truly shocking.

Another thought arose among the officials. If Fang Zhengzhi wasn't handicapped, if he maintained the same standard as he did in the Southern Region…

Was Chi Guyan really the Chosen One as foretold in the Heavenly Prophecy?

Fang Zhengzhi's was constantly evolving. From being the Capital Examinations double roll Champion, Prefectural Examinations double roll champion, Imperial Examinations double roll champion, and now the Court Examinations…

He excelled consistently. Perhaps too good to be true.

But, there was someone even better.

Chi Guyan.

Regardless of talent or origin, Fang Zhengzhi was dwarfed in comparison to Chi Guyan. Strangely, everyone pondered about this.

When Fang Zhengzhi became a handicapped man, they sobbed in their hearts and thought of this. A notion they would never have dared to think of.

The surrounding commoners were roused.

In addition to the commoners, thousands of Southern Region soldiers behind Southern Region Princess Shan Yu cheered in their hearts.

"It has been a year, and finally the case is overturned!"

"Finally, justice can be served!"

The Southern Region soldiers remained still in their position, but their faces beamed with excitement.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Southern Region Princess Shan Yu saluted Emperor Lin Mubai, though she knew for a fact that this was only a re-examination of the case, not its conclusion.

But…

To her, this was already an extraordinary feat.

"Your Majesty, I have another request." Yan Xiu said, after saluting Emperor Lin Mubai.

The astonished yet excited officials and commoners grew silent upon hearing Yan Xiu.

Doubt and confusion were now in their minds.

Since Emperor Lin Mubai has declared to re-examine the case, what else could Yan Xiu ask for?

"What is your request, Yan Xiu?" Emperor Lin Mubai looked at Yan Xiu, his smile carrying a trace of doubt.

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Chapter 535: Re-announcing the Golden Roll, to Imperial Decree Hall!

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Your Majesty, do you remember what you said a year ago at the Imperial Decree Hall, during the announcement of the Imperial Examinations Golden Roll?" Yan Xiu asked directly, showing no signs of hesitation.

"A year ago, the Imperial Decree Hall…" Emperor Lin Mubai squinted slightly at Yan Xiu, then glanced at Fang Zhengzhi.

"I remember!" he replied.

"Your Majesty, you once said that if Fang Zhengzhi stood before you and stated that he did not kill the Southern Region Noblelite, you would personally mention him in the Golden Roll. Or have I remembered incorrectly?" said Yan Xiu.

"You didn't." Emperor Lin Mubai said as he shook his head.

"In this case, your Majesty, please honor this promise!" Yan Xiu said with a straight face as he saluted the emperor once again.

Hearing this, the officials dropped their jaws, exchanging looks.

Of course, they had remembered clearly this incident a year ago at the Imperial Decree Hall.

That day, when Yan Xiu nominated Fang Zhengzhi for the Golden Roll, not only did Emperor Lin Mubai refuse, he was furious.

After that, Yan Xiu left Yan Capital and refused to participate in the Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test.

Since then, Yan Xiu has stayed in Western Liang for over a year and never stepped foot in Yan Capital. And today, he decided to bring up the past…

How was this act any different from challenging the emperor?

Moreover, it was nearly two years since that Imperial Examination. If the next Imperial Examination was imminent, then they could've waited for it. What was the point of bringing up the previous Imperial Examination?

For fairness!

Indeed, this made sense. But Yan Xiu's mention of this matter seemed even more outrageous than the overturning of Crown Prince's case. Because this would implicate the emperor himself!

Emperor Lin Mubai's expressions started to change, while his gaze swept across the encircling band of shocked officials and confused commoners nearby.

He had to think quickly.

A year ago, he had personally announced the Golden Roll. If he were to change its mention, he would have to announce it all over again.

It was like slapping his own face.

Indeed, Emperor Lin Mubai felt embarrassed, but it was also a fact that he had announced personally announced it in the presence of all the officials.

But how could he go back on his word?

After a moment of thought, he laid his eyes on Fang Zhengzhi. With his eyes lit up, he cleared his throat.

"Fang Zhengzhi, what do you think?"

"Since it is mine, why would I reject it? Of course, even if it is not mine, while others are willing to give, I won't mind keeping it." Fang Zhengzhi said candidly as he stepped beside Yan Xiu.

"Aren't you afraid that it would be too much?" Emperor Lin Mubai retorted. He took a good look at his surrounding and waved at Fang Zhengzhi.

"Why would it be too much?" Puzzled, Fang Zhengzhi stayed rooted in his position.

"Official Fang, Your Majesty wants you to get closer!" Eunuch Wei pointed out as he saw Fang Zhengzhi remained motionless.

"Get closer? Oh…" Fang Zhengzhi, too, surveyed the surroundings. With a dazed expression, he reached beside Emperor Lin Mubai, and then asked, "Your Majesty, how may I help you?"

Emperor Lin Mubai looked at Fang Zhengzhi and shook his head in frustration. Although Fang Zhengzhi was superbly intelligent, he could also be a real annoyance.

"Regarding the Golden Roll, you should give it more thought. Since you cannot train now, that ranking in the Imperial Examinations would be useless for you now, isn't it?" Emperor Lin Mubai said audibly. Yet his words were heard only by Fang Zhengzhi, as though an imaginary veil separated them and the rest of the world.

"How is it useless? I think it's useful." Fang Zhengzhi replied immediately.

"What use would it be? For honor? Or reputation? If you wanted these, here I could better compensate you. If you don't enjoy being an official, how would you like some money?" Emperor Lin Mubai, too, said candidly. At this juncture, knowing Fang Zhengzhi's personality, he didn't seem to mind anymore.

"No, I have enough money!" Fang Zhengzhi shook his head.

"How much?" Emperor Lin Mubai said, a little startled. That felt strange, as though a greedy person said he had enough money.

"Ten of Southern Region's largest gold mines." Fang Zhengzhi said as he pointed to Southern Region Princess Shan Yu, revealing a contract.

"Oh…" Emperor Lin Mubai was surprised.

Looking at the red seal and Shan Yu's signature on the contract, he finally understood why Fang Zhengzhi could not return to Yan Capital from the Southern Region.

He had seized ten gold mines in the Southern Region.

If it were anyone else, they would have killed him after the war.

"Your Majesty, if there is nothing else, please honor your promise." Fang Zhengzhi said while he kept the contract, as Emperor Lin Mubai fell silent.

"Wait a minute. Can you tell me, why do you want so badly for me to mention you on the Golden Roll?" Emperor Lin Mubai said, roused and determined to know Fang Zhengzhi's motive.

"It is for an agreement." Fang Zhengzhi replied after giving it some thought.

"An agreement?"

"Yes, an agreement established long ago."

"Can you tell me what agreement it is?"

"Sure."

"Go on."

"I will naturally say it after Your Majesty has mentioned me on Golden Roll."

Emperor Lin Mubai was stunned. He finally understood how Crown Prince Lin Tianrong felt when he was fooled by Fang Zhengzhi.

"Can't you say it now?"

"No!"

"Alright, can you at least tell me when it was established?" Emperor Lin Mubai said. At this moment, a memory of one agreement flashed in his mind.

An agreement Fang Zhengzhi established at the Divine Constabulary.

During then…

Fang Zhengzhi had just passed the Prefectural Examinations and attended the feast at the Divine Constabulary. It was then when Chi Guyan publicly said he had some agreement with Fang Zhengzhi.

That matter occurred long ago, and no one expected had the agreement would come to fruition. But times have changed, and Fang Zhengzhi now held a completely different status. If this was the agreement Fang Zhengzhi was talking about, then Emperor Lin Mubai had to give it some deep thought indeed.

"When was it established? It was around… after the Imperial Examinations." Fang Zhengzhi recalled.

"After the Imperial Examinations?" Emperor Lin Mubai, startled, started searching for answers in his mind. It was also after the Imperial Examinations when Fang Zhengzhi was appointed the Rank 4 Sword Envoy. In the period, hadn't he returned to Northern Mountain Village to visit relatives? With this thought, Emperor Lin Mubai said: "Was it established at the Northern Mountain Village?"

"Yes." Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

Indeed, his agreement with Chi Guyan was established at the Northern Mountain Village. So, he replied as such.

"I see. It seems that you insist on me mentioning you in the Golden Roll?" Lin Mubai nodded. Considering Fang Zhengzhi's background as a plain villager, it seemed natural for him to have reached some agreement with his parents or elders in the village before attending the Court Examinations.

"Of course." Fang Zhengzhi replied firmly.

"Not at all negotiable?"

"No!"

"Alright. So, you want me to mention you in the Golden Roll at the Imperial Decree Hall, but do you wish to let my great officials lay on the ground forever?" Emperor Lin Mubai said as he scanned through the many officials sprawled on the ground.

With the situation developed this way, if he hadn't guessed the relation between Shan Yu's roast lamb and Fang Zhengzhi's plan, he wasn't fit to be the emperor.

"Oh… there aren't many antidotes left, and it's pretty expensive." Fang Zhengzhi seemed embarrassed.

"Don't bargain with me and wake them up now. Don't you own ten gold mines?" Emperor Lin Mubai retorted sternly.

"Okay." Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

"Prepare the carriage for the Imperial Decree Hall!" Emperor Lin Mubai's voice filled Yan Capital.

"Yes!" Eunuch Wei replied immediately. He raised his voice: "Prepare the carriage for the Imperial Decree Hall!"

This cascaded through the palace in a series of echoes.

But the officials couldn't help but wonder. Was the emperor really going to re-announce the Golden Roll? Wasn't this… quite unbelievable?

While Emperor Lin Mubai slowly strode toward the Palace gate, Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu distributed the antidote to the officials.

When the other officials saw this, they exchanged looks as they hesitated to help them.

But…

From a short distance away, they noticed Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's eyes held with the purest form of evil and hatred.

Fang Zhengzhi did not notice Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's expression as he hastily withdrew his antidote and passed some to Yan Xiu.

"Yan Xiu, after my mention in the Golden Roll, let's participate in the upcoming Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test. When that happens, I hope you won't be my burden!" Fang Zhengzhi said while he distributed the antidote.

"Plonk!"

The surrounding officials fell as they heard this.

A handicapped person shamelessly telling the one with the boundless potential to not be his burden? How ridiculous.

But hold on!

He's participating in the upcoming Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test?!

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Chapter 536: A surprise For All, And Su Qing's Motive

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"He's crazy!" thought all the officials. How could a handicapped man even think of participating in the Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test?

Did he really think he could pass Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test by luck too?

Not a chance!

The biennial Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test was hosted personally by the Heaven Dao Pavilion. With no exception even for the Great Xia Dynasty, only the top three in the Court Examinations could attain the right to participate. Merely the right to participate.

Each Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test saw no less than 100 candidates.

In other words, besides the Great Xia Dynasty, brilliant contestants from many countries competed in this test. A congregation of the most distinguished elites.

On that day, countless elites would appear.

Every single one would be superbly talented. As a matter of fact, having attained candidature for the Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test, they had to possess exceptional mastery in their skills.

But what about Fang Zhengzhi?

As a person handicapped in his abilities, how could he even expect to survive?

The officials were dumbfounded.

Even Emperor Lin Mubai, who had reached the palace gate, stopped when he heard this.

"This person wants to participate in the Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test?" Emperor Lin Mubai turned around and looked at Fang Zhengzhi, who was chatting with Yan Xiu. He, too, was astonished.

But Yan Xiu wasn't. He simply replied: "I am powerful!"

"That's great. When the time comes, I'll just simply get the first place, but I'll leave the second for you." Fang Zhengzhi nodded in a bright smile.

"Oh!"

"Must you really be this shameless?"

"His face is indeed thicker than the city walls. What does he think the Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test is? A game? Is it that simple to get first place?"

The officials were speechless.

They had better not comment, for Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's maddened expressions were obvious for all see.

So…

The biggest problem still lay with the Crown Prince.

Had Fang Zhengzhi simply attained the first place, the officials could only laugh it off.

"Official Fang, it's not that I don't support you, but it's just that… Haha!" Wen Dabao couldn't help but giggle hysterically.

Two hours later…

The officials stood while they waited at the Imperial Decree Hall, their expressions totally different compared to when Southern Region Princess had just arrived in Yan Capital.

Especially so for the Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Rites, and Ministry of Works officials.

These few officials felt profound injustice that they were poisoned by a piece of roast lamb. But that had already happened, what else could they do about it?

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong looked awfully bitter. Though he had sustained serious injuries, with his face in a sickly pallor, he had not excused himself.

The reason was simple…

He wanted to see Fang Zhengzhi's proudest moments and etch them deeply in his mind.

Compared to Crown Prince Lin Tianrong, Lin Xinjue's expression was much better. Overturning the Southern Region case brought him the greatest reward and opportunity.

"Fang Zhengzhi, listen up!" Eunuch Wei's voice rang.

"Yes." Nodded Fang Zhengzhi. He stepped toward the entrance of the Imperial Decree Hall and saluted to Eunuch Wei and Emperor Li Mubai.

Eunuch Wei did not like this.

He did not appreciate Fang Zhengzhi's faults in formalities, but since Emperor Lin Mubai didn't seem to mind, he certainly could not reprimand Fang Zhengzhi.

"This is the Emperor's decree. Fang Zhengzhi holds the first place in the previous Court Examinations. He obtains the top results and shall be mentioned in the Golden Roll!" Eunuch Wei's sharp, piercing voice rose again.

Emperor Lin Mubai slowly walked towards the golden rock erected outside near the entrance of the Imperial Decree Hall. Upon motioning his fingers in a few swipes, a name appeared on the golden rock.

"Fang Zhengzhi!"

Right beside Nan Gonghao's name.

Seeing the name imprinted on the golden rock, the officials looked at one another with mixed expressions.

He made it to the Golden Roll!

Fang Zhengzhi, an average villager of Northern Mountain Village, in the Law of Dao Examinations, started off from the Capital Examinations. He then made his way as the Capital Examinations double roll Champion, Prefectural Examinations double roll champion, Imperial Examinations double roll champion, Court Examinations double roll champion…

This was a legend one that no one could surpass. Because no one could ever surpass him at his current position.

The whole city celebrated his entry into the Golden Roll!

Since the decree, the palace was filled with excitement.

"Fang Zhengzhi ranked first in the combat examinations and tops the Court Examinations!"

"Fang Zhengzhi ranked first in the combat examinations and tops the Court Examinations!"

As these voices emerged from the palace, Royal Guards who were guarding its entrance began to distribute the flyers.

In Yan Capital, as countless commoners read the flyers held upon their hands, all were shocked by the news.

"What is going on?"

"Hasn't the Court Examinations yet to commence?"

"Today, at the palace gate, Fang Zhengzhi was absolved of his misunderstandings. The emperor re-announced his position as the first in the Golden Roll!

"Really? The Southern Region case would implicate the Crown Prince!"

"It is true, and this has spread all around Yan Capital. With the Southern Region case overturned, Fang Zhengzhi is re-announced as the first in the Golden Roll, no doubt with that!"

To all the commoners, this was unbelievable.

Among this chatter, a few softly discussed Fang Zhengzhi's intention of participating in the upcoming Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test. But these voices were insignificant.

Because everyone laughed it off.

"Participating in the Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test? Haha… How is this possible? I believe he just mentioned that thoughtlessly. When the time comes, he might just hide away with an excuse."

"This makes sense. Fang Zhengzhi seems to be someone who would do something like that!"

"Ha ha ha…"

Although the people did not believe Fang Zhengzhi would actually participate in the Heaven Dao Pavilion selection test, none of them held any doubts about him attaining the first place in the Court Examinations.

As a matter of fact, Fang Zhengzhi's performance while fighting the war in the Southern Region had spread throughout the whole Yan Capital and Great Xia Dynasty.

The golden imperial flyers hung on Yan Capital's four entrances, while the soldiers stationed at these gates spread the message to every state and residence of the Great Xia Dynasty.

Although this Golden Roll mention came a little late, but…

It had a much greater impact compared to the previous one. Because this mention came entangled with a big case, the Southern Region case.

At Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince's residence.

"Clink!" A white jade cup was smashed on the ground to a million pieces.

Two imperial doctors hastily dropped to their knees, petrified. Behind the imperial doctors, more than 10 officials dressed in court attire lowered their heads.

"Get out!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong roared.

"Yes, yes…" The two imperial doctors walked out of the room immediately as they wiped sweat dripping from their foreheads. They were completely soaked.

Upon seeing this, the officials exchanged looks. Then an official stood out and walked to the center of the study.

"Your Highness, the only solution left is to push the blame to Su Qing!"

"Yes, Official Wang has a point. Didn't Fang Zhengzhi mention that he has Su Qing's murder evidence? Since he had said so, we should simply follow his plans, when the time comes he won't have anything else to comment." Another official said.

"That's right. A man of great ambition does not bother about trifles, and every warrior has a weakness. Your Highness, there is no meaning in continuing to protect Su Qing."

"It is great that the emperor still wishes to protect Your Highness. As long as the Southern Region case produces no concrete evidence, Your Highness remains the successor of the Eastern Palace. In a few years' time, Your Highness would still ascend the throne!"

"Your Highness should be patient for the time being. With Fang Zhengzhi now handicapped, he could only remain as an official. When Your Highness becomes the emperor, how would seeking revenge be any difficult?"

One by one, the officials cautiously advised the pale-faced Crown Prince Lin Tianrong.

"What are you waiting for? Arrange for someone to go to the Northern Lands immediately!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong said with his fists and teeth in a tight clench.

"Yes!" an official accepted the order.

"Your Highness, you can't do this!" another official stopped.

"Why not? Shall we wait for Su Qing to come here for a confrontation?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong scowled, staring coldly at the official who stopped him.

"Of course not. But Su Qing has trained for about a year in the Northern Lands. If we were to suddenly attack Su Qing, he would react adversely."

"What do you suggest?"

"I believe the best way is to lure Su Qing into Yan Capital, attacking him on his way here. Even if the assassination failed, it is still better for Su Qing to be in Yan Capital than the Northern Lands!"

"How to lure him here? He is now the Chief of the Northern Lands Five Constabularies. With the news of Fang Zhengzhi's mention in the Golden Roll and overturning of the case spreading far and wide, how would he enter Yan Capital?"

"This…" The official was lost for words.

The rest of the officials shook their heads. It was too difficult to lure Su Qing into Yan Capital. With this situation, nothing could fully convince Su Qing for such a visit.

"A bunch of idiots!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong berated, tightening his fists. Compared to Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping, these officials significantly lacked intelligence.

This made him mad.

"I want to meet the Left Prime Minister, go arrange a meeting!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong said spitefully, grinding his teeth. Fang Zhengzhi, you cut off my arm, do you think I would let you off this easily?

"This…" The officials hesitated.

"Is there a problem?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong sulked. As the esteemed Crown Prince, the next emperor of Great Xia Dynasty, he was unable to meet someone he wanted. This certainly made him furious.

"Your Highness, as you know, the Law Council is headed by Wen Chuan. As you have seen today, Wen Chuan is obviously working for King Duan!" The officials shook their head dejectedly.

"So what? I cannot meet him?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong said coldly.

The officials fell silent once again and lowered their heads. It was too difficult to meet Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping. Especially in this situation, without the Law Council arranging this secretly, it was an impossible task.

The Law Council!

As though a fish bone had stuck in their throats, the officials were kept silent.

At this moment, a thought arose within the officials: why was the Law Official Wan Chong the first target of Fang Zhengzhi once he entered the Capital?

Could it be that…

This was all in Fang Zhengzhi's plan?

If that was true, it was scary indeed.

Silence ensued.

Suddenly, two gentle knocks came from the door, and a voice from outside the study soon followed.

"Your Highness, the Law Official has sent for me to deliver a letter!"

"Wen Chuan?!"

"Why would he write us a letter?"

The officials could not believe this.

"Come in!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong quickly said, though he also had doubts.

All the officials stared at the study door.

As the door creaked open, a servant dressed in black walked into the study. In his hands carried a sealed envelope.

The servant walked toward the center of the study, dropping to his knees, he presented the envelope.

An official received the envelope, walked to Crown Prince Lin Tianrong and passed it to him.

He opened the envelope quickly, and suddenly his sullen expression changed.

"Your Highness, what did Wen Chuan say?" an official asked cautiously.

"Read it yourself." Crown Prince Lin Tianrong passed the letter to the official.

His eyes scanned the letter, then stopped, staring straight at the letter while his jaw dropped.

Seeing this, the other officials gathered closely.

But…

As they saw the letter, they had the same reason. As if they had just seen a ghost.

Because its contents were so clear. Too simple.

It was only a sentence!

"Su Qing has entered the capital!"

But more importantly, this was clearly not Wen Chuan's handwriting. Wen Chuan had served as an official for more than a decade, how could they not recognize his handwriting?

But this was obviously not the main point.

The main point was…

Why would Su Qing enter the capital? Entering the capital at a time like this? Without notifying the Crown Prince beforehand?

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Chapter 537: The Suspicious Impersonation

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

It would require about 10 days to travel, without stopping, from the Northern Lands to Yan Capital. Yet, Su Qing arrived at Yan Capital at this moment.

How would the officials not be shocked?

Because it had also been about 10 days since Fang Zhengzhi's arrival. In other words, when Fang Zhengzhi had stepped foot in Yan Capital, Su Qing had departed from the Northern Lands.

No matter how one wrapped his head around this, it simply seemed impossible.

Were Fang Zhengzhi's arrival in Yan Capital and Su Qing's departure from the Northern Lands a coincidence? Or was it a deliberate move?

More importantly, as the Chief of the Northern Lands Five Constabularies, his needed a reason to enter the capital. What was his reason then? What was his motive?

None of these officials could make sense of it.

"Your Highness, now that Su Qing has entered the palace, should we… make some preparations?" One of the officials asked after hesitating, though he wasn't quite sure if it was the right question to ask.

Because no matter Su Qing's intention for his visit, granted the current circumstances, they could not let Su Qing live. They could not let him meet the emperor, nor step into the Law Council hall.

"Yes, regardless of the reason of Su Qing's visit, Your Highness, please make a decision quickly!"

"Your Highness, Su Qing cannot live!"

"Su Qing's arrival in Yan Capital means he knew of Fang Zhengzhi's overturning of the case. Your Highness, please do not hesitate any longer!"

After a brief exchange of looks, the officials poured their suggestions.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong grasped his fist. In the contest for the throne, a single misstep would cost him everything. Every decision had to be deliberated carefully because it might just change everything.

He wanted very much to slowly think through the most appropriate course of action or to meet Su Qing and inquire the reason for his visit.

But it seemed that he had not much time left.

Because this letter was ordered to be delivered here by the Law Official. If everything had gone smoothly, at that moment when the Law Official sent this letter here, the action had already begun. How could he hesitate any further?

Just as he wished to respond, another official stood out.

"Your Highness, I think there is something suspicious about this…" he said, furrowing his brows in a worried expression.

As the subordinates of the "real dragon", there was no chance of backing out for them. When this "real dragon" becomes a "useless dragon", they wouldn't see better days ahead too.

"How is it suspicious?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong asked intently.

"In my opinion, Su Qing would not step into the capital at this moment. Even if he wanted to, he would've notified Your Highness. To depart ten days ago, how is that possible…"

"Are you saying this is a ruse?!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was shocked. Perturbed by this thought, he could not think straight.

But when he had calmed down, he realized that this matter seemed suspicious too.

Ten days ago, Fang Zhengzhi entered Yan Capital.

Then, the Law Official Wan Chong, Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping and the Ministry of Defence official had not been imprisoned. Even the overturning of the case had not been mentioned.

How could Su Qing have predicted these and entered the capital in advance?

"Yes, since Fang Zhengzhi's arrival in the capital, we have been under his control. I think this is part of Fang Zhengzhi's plan, to bait us into action so that he could have our murder evidence!" The official replied after some thought.

"Official Wang has a point. Had he not raised this, we would've played into the hands of this shameless fellow!" Another agreed.

"Exactly, that was close!"

"In my view, we should immediately send a message to the Northern Lands. Once we have fully grasped the matter at hand, then it would be a better time to strike!" Official Wang added.

"Wouldn't it be too late to send a message to the Northern Lands? What if it isn't a ruse, and Su Qing had indeed entered the capital…" another doubted.

Sending a message to the Northern Lands and waiting for their response would take about two to three days. But with the situation at hand, someone named Su Qing had entered the capital!

Was this really the case?

No one had an answer!

"Today we had lost the fight at the palace gate. If we strike suddenly and get caught red-handed by Fang Zhengzhi, we would really have nothing to say!" Official Wang debated.

"It is ancient wisdom to combat change with consistency. We must remain calm when faced with challenges. Although this matter is urgent, we can still wait for two or three more days."

"Yes. Even if the Law Council calls for an investigation, they will need time to prepare. And to investigate the Chief of Five Constabularies, the emperor would have to approve of it. The Law Council could only lock him up as a suspect, they can't do much to him!"

"That's right. I agree with Official Wang. For the time being, we shall not make any moves!"

Upon hearing Official Wang's reasoning, the other officials nodded in agreement.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was in a dilemma. As the officials had discussed, no one could confirm whether the person who had entered was actually Su Qing.

If they were to act rashly, there may be worse implications.

Three days…

"Send a letter to the Northern Lands now, check if Su Qing had indeed entered the capital!" After a moment of hesitation, Crown Prince Lin Tianrong ordered.

The reason was simple. He had such a thought.

The person who sent for the letter was the Law Official. In other words, Prince Lin Xinjue deliberate wanted him to know that Su Qing had arrived in the capital.

With that, he also decided to wait for a few days.

"Yes!" The officials nodded their heads in agreement.

At Yan Capital, King Duan's residence.

King Duan's residence seemed much livelier than before. Surrounding a feast, more than ten officials drank till their faces flushed pink.

"Congratulations, Your Highness. With the crown prince mired in the Southern Region case, your dream of ascending the throne is one more step closer to reality!" An official raised his cup in a toast.

King Duan, Lin Xinjue, smiled slightly.

It wasn't a novel sight for Lin Xinjue's subordinates to curry his favor. In fact, a year ago, this was displayed even more frequently.

At that time, in the Imperial Halls, more than half of the officials sided with the crown prince, but quite a significant portion of them secretly favored Lin Xinjue too.

Yet, in a little more than a year, his residence had been considerably empty and desolate. Until today, when it restored some of its former glory.

Only some, though.

"Official Li's words came a little too early. The Southern Region case hasn't concluded, and now everyone is pointing the blame at Su Qing, seemingly unrelated to the crown prince," Lin Xinjue replied.

"Your Highness, you are just being humble. Even if the blame is pointed at Su Qing, there are some things that are clearly obvious to us. And even if the Southern Region case fails to crush the crown prince, the emperor's trust in him would still be weakened. Is this not the best chance for Your Highness re-enter the Imperial Halls?" Official Li said, smiling in another bow.

"Is that so?" Lin Xinjue's eyes flashed a gleam.

He did not immediately respond to the officials, because he knew that it was still too early for a celebration. But, he remained confident that his residence would grow even livelier in time to come.

And that day wouldn't be too far away.

"Your Highness!"

At this moment, a golden-armored guard ran here from a far distance away, then kneeled in front of Lin Xinjue.

"What's the matter?" Lin Xinjue fretted slightly.

"Law Official Wen Chuan delivers a letter." The guard replied while reaching into his shirt for the letter sealed in an envelope.

"Wen Chuan?" Lin Xinjue wondered. He seemed have reached a thought to which he smiled. "Hand it over."

"Yes!" The guard presented him the letter.

Upon seeing this, the officials exchanged looks and saw a hint of a smile in one another. Wen Chuan's letter meant something obvious.

Today at the palace entrance, Wen Chuan publicly declared that the Southern Region case should be investigated. This showed his stance on this matter.

And now, he has sent a letter.

Naturally, it wasn't suspicious.

With this line of thought, the officials began to calm down. As a matter of fact, they took a gamble by choosing their sides when the Southern Region case had not yet concluded.

But it seems…

This risk was very worthwhile. Because once Lin Xinjue had Wen Chuan's favor, it would be very advantageous for his situation.

Lin Xinjue was also considerably excited.

If Wen Chuan had really sided with him, it would effectively silence the crown prince. In time to come, the cases of the Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping, the two Law Ministers, and the original Law Official Wan Chong would see the light of day.

Especially the Law Official Wang Chong's case. Nearly half the entire Imperial Hall was involved in it. But once it has been investigated, each case would follow suit.

When all the crown prince's officials had been punished, who would still dare to side the crown prince?

With this thought, Lin Xinjue smiled brighter than ever. But as he opened the envelope, his smile froze.

Because…

The letter was not about forming alliances, instead, it only bore a single sentence. The words did not bear Wen Chuan's handwriting, its content clear and concise.

"Su Qing has entered the capital!"

Lin Xinjue immediately furrowed his brows. With this letter in his hand, the joyful smiles have been wiped off from his face.

The officials wondered what had brought such a sudden change.

"Your Highness, what does the letter say?" an official asked cautiously.

"Su Qing has entered the capital!" Lin Xinjue glanced at the official, then the rest of the officials. He inhaled deeply and gave his reply.

"What?!"

"Su Qing has entered the capital?!"

"So fast? Shouldn't he be in the Northern Lands?"

The officials were shocked after hearing the news.

Mister Hua, sitting beside Lin Xinjue and dressed like a scholar, also revealed a confused expression.

"Your Highness, this is a ruse!" Mister Hua exclaimed after giving it some thought.

"How do you see this, Mister Hua?" Upon hearing that, Lin Xinjue nodded slightly and turned to Mister Hua, seeking his opinion.

"If I have guessed correctly, this is part of Fang Zhengzhi's plan to bait the crown prince into action. He sent us this letter, so we could stop the crown prince!"

"Stop the crown prince?"

'Yes, there are two possibilities here. First, Fang Zhengzhi wants to use our power to catch the crown prince's current state, and second…" At this point, Mister Hua squinted slightly, was not sure if he should continue.

"What is the second possibility?" Lin Xinjue asked intently.

"If it were another person, this would not be too probable, but if it's indeed Fang Zhengzhi, then this possibility is high. And it is for a pretense to become true!"

"For a pretense to become true? Mister Hua, what do you mean?"

"Fang Zhengzhi wishes to convict the crown prince using a fake Su Qing. Then, once the crown prince's emotions are ruffled, he would make mistakes and thereby reach a verdict!"

"Huhh!"

All the officials gasped after hearing Mister Hua's predictions.

Sending someone to act as Su Qing and setting up a trap for the Crown Prince.

Something like this…

No one could have even ventured such a thought!

Because this would be equal to lying to the Imperial Court, a crime of lying to the emperor. But, if this was really planned by Fang Zhengzhi, then it could be possible after all.

"But if the emperor sent a message to the Northern Lands, would Fang Zhengzhi's plan still succeed?" One of the officials asked after pondering for a moment.

"Before today, how could we even fathom Fang Zhengzhi could overturn the case?" Mister Hua asked while looking at the officials. His eyes gleamed and he continued: "We cannot underestimate Fang Zhengzhi, he isn't one who does things by conventional logic!"

"Mister Hua as a point!"

"What should we do now?"

"Should we help him?"

The officials looked at one another and nodded.

"Help him, of course, we will help him!" Lin Xinjue smirked. "No matter what happens, the outcome won't implicate us. Why should we not help?"

"Your Highness' opinion is wise!"

"Correct. If the plan worked, it would be our credit. Otherwise, the blame would all be shifted to Fang Zhengzhi. This matter would only bring us benefit and we would have nothing to lose!"

"That's right!"

The officials nodded in agreement once again.

But at this moment, another guard hurriedly ran here. He seemed petrified.

"Your Highness, Your Highness…"

"What's the matter again?" Lin Xinjue stowed the letter, his eyes shot an icy gleam. For today's feast with the officials, he had ordered it not to be interrupted unless it was an urgent issue.

"Your Highness, the Chief of the Five Constabularies wishes to see you!"

"Chief of the Five Constabularies? Which Chief of the Five Constabularies?"

"The Chief of the Northern Lands Five Constabularies, Su Qing, is outside the residence and wishes to see you!"

"Su Qing? At my residence?"

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Chapter 538: The Truth About Su Qing's Arrival in the Capital

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

King Duan, Lin Xinjue could not believe this, because as Mister Hua and other officials guessed, this Su Qing character was planned by Fang Zhengzhi.

Why, then, would he arrive here at his residence?

Could it be that…

Shouldn't he be walking around Yan Capital to lure an attack from the crown prince? Or perhaps, while the crown prince hadn't the time to investigate the matter, go directly to Imperial Halls to submit the "evidence"?

Why would he come to the Lin Xinjue's residence?

Not only was Lin Xinjue puzzled, the officials were also momentarily shocked.

"What exactly is Fang Zhengzhi doing?" Lin Xinjue shot an icy glare. His face only showed confusion, and he felt very uncomfortable being unable to see through his plans.

"Let's adapt to the situation. Your Highness, why don't you speak to this Su Qing to find out?" Mister Hua advised after thinking for a moment.

"Hmm, Mister Hua has a point. Let him wait in my study." Lin Xinjue nodded upon hearing Mister Hua's suggestion.

"Yes!" With that, the guard promptly left.

The officials grew silent, unsure if they should leave or wait here for the news.

"Everyone, please rest here for a while. I'll be with Mister Hua for a moment." Lin Xinjue saw through their sentiments and said.

"Alright, Your Highness, as you please!"

"I'll just wait for myself here."

The officials understood Lin Xinjue's meaning and stood up.

Lin Xinjue hesitated no longer. He cupped his hands in a farewell to the officials and walked toward the study. After all, like everyone in the room, he was immensely curious too.

At Yan Capital, Ping Yang Residence.

Chi Hou stared intently at Fang Zhengzhi in front of him, trying to see through his smile. After a few attempts, he eventually gave up.

Because…

Fang Zhengzhi's expression hasn't changed much. With his slight smile, he seemed like a mere observer.

But Chi Hou was very clear that Fang Zhengzhi was at the center of this matter.

"I'll ask you one last time. Did you send someone to impersonate Su Qing?" Chi Hou asked with a stern face.

Ping Yang Residence.

To others, it was naturally a forbidden place.

But to Chi Hou, it wasn't, because he had a daughter, an extraordinarily beautiful daughter. More importantly, his daughter was the only one who could control Ping Yang.

In that case, Ping Yang Residence wasn't an obstacle.

Of course, a crucial reason why Chi Hou could ask Fang Zhengzhi this question so directly, was because Ping Yang wanted to know this answer too.

Her soft, pink lips pouted slightly, her clear eyes were filled with anticipation.

From her expression and attitude, for Chi Hou, Ping Yang gave the impression of a little girl brimming with curiosity.

"Has my lord come to drink tea, or to interrogate a criminal?" Fang Zhengzhi steadily raised a cup and drank a sip. Then, he lifted the teapot and poured some for Yan Xiu, and some for himself.

"Fang Zhengzhi, I don't have time for your games. Just tell me if you had sent someone to impersonate Su Qing!" Chi Hou was getting impatient.

Su Qing's arrival in the capital was such a big issue.

And more importantly, as the Lord of the Northern Lands Divine Constabulary, he knew of these later than Fang Zhengzhi. How could he not be shocked?

Unless…

He had planned something before he left.

In other words, if there was any activity from Su Qing, the people of Northern Lands would notify him immediately. But truth was, Su Qing had entered the capital, yet he didn't know!

"What do you think?" Fang Zhengzhi continued smiling.

"If you did that, I suggest you stop this immediately. Although the crown prince had lost today, he is not stupid. The people around him are not stupid too!"

"And then?"

"I know what you're trying to do, but can you shoulder the crime of deceiving the emperor? Even if you're not afraid, what about Wen Chuan? Can he shoulder this too? With the current situation in mind, we need to win consistently. When the emperor concludes Wan Chong's case, and then with another blow…"

"Lord, actually, I don't really care about the Imperial Government." Fang Zhengzhi waved off Chi Hou's concerns.

"You don't care about the Imperial Government? Didn't you get the original Law Official Wan Chong in prison? And the Left Prime Minister Yu Yiping, the two Law Ministers, the Ministry of Defence official who was about to return to the capital, and the Ministry of Finance official who went crazy today, didn't you implicate all of them? At this juncture, you're telling me you don't care about the Imperial Government?" Chi Hou was getting angry.

It was like one devouring his meal but saying he wasn't hungry. Who would believe?

"Yes, I did all of these. But I really don't care about the Imperial Government." Fang Zhengzhi nodded, answering with certainty.

"…" Chi Hou moved his lips, but he realized it was meaningless to continue pursuing this question. "Alright, I shall ask you another question. You said you have the evidence of Su Qing killing the Southern Region Noblelite, what is this evidence? Can you tell me?"

"No." Fang Zhengzhi shook his head.

"Then what exactly can you tell me?" Chi Hou could not stand this any longer.

"Hadn't I already told you what I could tell you?" Fang Zhengzhi casually raised his cup and took another sip.

"What have you told me?" Chi Hou froze briefly.

"Su Qing has entered the capital!" Fang Zhengzhi sighed as he repeated.

"Just this?"

"Yes."

"What's the difference between telling me this and not telling me anything?" Chi Hou asked, slightly embarrassed.

"Alright, let me reveal something. If I guessed correctly, Su Qing has already approached King Duan. If Lord wants to know if I had sent Su Qing, why not go to King Duan's residence for a look?" Fang Zhengzhi spread his hands in annoyance.

"Su Qing is at King Duan's residence?! How… How is this possible?" Chi Hou expression had completely changed. He was utterly astonished.

"If Lord doesn't believe me, there's nothing I can do." Fang Zhengzhi shook his head again.

"Alright, I'll trust you once more. I'm going to King Duan's residence now!" Chi Hou looked at Fang Zhengzhi seriously, but he quickly stood up. As he moved his body, he transformed into a ray of green light and flew out of Ping Yang Residence.

Ping Yang's mind flashed back to reality.

"Now that Chi Hou has left, can you tell me why you sent someone to impersonate Su Qing?" Ping Yang asked as she blinked at Fang Zhengzhi.

"Did I say I send someone to impersonate Su Qing?" Fang Zhengzhi looked at Ping Yang in surprise.

"Do you even need to say it? Even Chi Hou didn't know Su Qing arrived in the capital, yet you knew. And why would Su Qing enter the capital now? He is not stupid!" Ping Yang said matter-of-factly.

"Yes, he isn't stupid. In fact, he's very clever!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded in agreement.

"So, how would Su Qing enter the capital? Yan Xiu, am I right?" Ping Yang said, her expression revealing an air of confidence. She then looked at Yan Xiu who remained taciturn.

Yan Xiu heard Ping Yang's question. He thought for a moment and resumed his indifferent expression.

"Since Fang Zhengzhi said that Su Qing has entered the capital, then he has indeed entered the capital!" Yan Xiu said, raising his cup and drank a sip.

"Do you really believe this?" Ping Yang could not imagine this.

"Yes!"

"Why?"

"Because Fang Zhengzhi never lies."

"This shameless person doesn't lie? Yan Xiu, I'm really…" Ping Yang said in exasperation. Yan Xiu's joke was too awful for her.

But, in a moment, her expressions froze as if she came to a realization.

Fang Zhengzhi never lies…

Suddenly, Ping Yang stared intensely at Fang Zhengzhi.

"You shameless person, is it true that you never lie in Yan Xiu's presence?"

"Yes." Fang Zhengzhi nodded frankly.

"So… Su Qing really entered the capital? How is this possible? Why… would he enter the capital? And why has he arrived so quickly?" Ping Yang was bewildered.

"I have said earlier. Su Qing is very clever!" Fang Zhengzhi simply replied.

At the entrance of King Duan's Residence.

Ten figures dressed in black cloaks stood silently at the entrance of the residence. Taciturn, unmoving, like ten black statues.

"Your Excellency, His Highness invites you in." A guard emerged from King Duan's residence and greeted the forwardmost person.

"Yes, thank you!" The figure nodded. Then he slowly glanced at the nine other figures cloaked in black behind him.

The nine figures saw that and immediately retreated, then vanished into the night, as though they had never appeared at the entrance of King Duan's residence.

The guard was shocked as they saw this.

Nevertheless, they allowed this figure through the gates of the residence.

With the guard's lead, the black figure passed through the patio and shortly arrived outside the study.

"I'll go in by myself." The black figure said, looking at the study.

"Al… alright." The guard who was about to report at the door heard this and hesitated, but eventually nodded in concession.

The black figure thanked the guard and slowly walked toward the door of the study, and in no time, he reached the door. This looked surprisingly normal, as though it was nothing special at all.

"Crack!"

A sound rang softly.

The figure walked into in King Duan's study.

His face was covered by his black cloak, but his imperial shoes were very exquisite, revealing his supremely high status.

"Su Qing pays his greetings to Your Highness and Mister Hua." The figure immediately greeted Lin Xinjue and Mister Hua upon stepping into the study.

"Oh? As the Chief of the Northern Lands Five Constabularies, you are too courteous to a mere foreign guest like me, I find it a little hard to accept!" Mister Hua looked at this figure covered completely by the black cloak, his eyes gleamed as he sized up Su Qing.

"When Mister Hua began serving here as a special guest, I was still a mere Rank 4 official. No matter my status, Mister Hua will always be an elder in my heart!"

"Hehe, I don't deserve such a praise. Furthermore, we aren't that close, right?" Mister Hua revealed a wry smile.

"It seems… Mister Hua thinks I am an impersonation?" Su Qing nodded as his eyes gleamed under the black cloak.

"I don't seem to understand what you are trying to say." Mister Hua replied. He fretted while looking coldly at Su Qing.

Lin Xinjue in his higher seat was also staring at Su Qing. But since Su Qing walked into the room, he had never said a word.

Su Qing didn't reply, instead, he slowly raised his hands and removed the cloak covering his head.

In an instant, a fair and youthful face was unveiled among the black cloak. Indeed, it was the Chief of the Northern Lands Five Constabularies, Su Qing.

With Su Qing having revealed his face, Lin Xinjue and Mister Hua stared intently at him with troubled expressions.

"Your Highness, although I seemed to have followed the crown prince around in the past year, my purpose has always been to work for Your Highness. But because the crown prince is easily suspicious, to protect my identity, I could not visit you or send you letters. Does Your Highness really feel that I am an indecisive villain?" Su Qing's words conveyed a tinge of sadness.

"Your Excellency, I do not understand your words!" Lin Xinjue's expression changed slightly, though he still shook his head.

"Your Highness! Do you remember this jade ring? You gave it to me the first time we met. Three years ago, Your Highness arranged for me to serve in the Imperial Halls. If it weren't for Your Highness, how would I have today's achievements?" As Su Qing replied, he withdrew an exquisite jade ring and held it on his outstretched arms.

"You… are really Su Qing?!" Lin Xinjue stared keenly at the jade ring. Then his expression finally changed.

Of course, he recognized the gift that he gave to Su Qing. And more importantly, what Su Qing had described had happened three years ago.

At that time…

Fang Zhengzhi had yet to even participate in the Law of Dao examinations!

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Chapter 539: Getting Rid of the Crown Prince

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Yes, Your Highness, I really am Su Qing!" Su Qing nodded certainly. Then, he dropped to his knees and exclaimed: "Your Highness, please save me!"

"Save you?" Lin Xinjue's eyes flashed a gleam at the kneeling Su Qing. Now he was sure the person in front of him was the real Su Qing.

But if he was real…

Why would he appear in Yan Capital?

Furthermore, he coincidentally arrived in Yan Capital at this point in time? This seemed highly improbable.

Mister Hua furrowed his brows when he saw the kneeling Su Qing. He stared at Su Qing's face in hopes of reading something beyond his words.

But no sign of falseness was shown in Su Qing's urgent expression.

Mister Hua could not fully understand the situation, but he felt a strong urge that Su Qing's arrival in Yan Capital was unlikely to be a coincidence.

"Your Highness, Chi Hou wishes to meet you!" At this moment, a voice emerged from outside the study.

"Chi Hou?" Lin Xinjue froze briefly. He glanced at Su Qing, and hesitated a moment before asking: "Is it alright?"

"It's alright, the Lord works for Your Highness too." Su Qing nodded.

"Okay, please invite the Lord in!"

"Yes!"

Ping Yang's residence.

Fang Zhengzhi lifted his teacup and sipped lightly from it, his lips curled into a smile. He looked at the bewildered Ping Yang and shook his head helplessly.

Some things might seem very complicated at first sight, but upon viewing them from another perspective, they could not be simpler.

"Do you really want to know why Su Qing arrived in the capital?" Fang Zhengzhi asked.

"Yes… but wait, you wish to fool me again, right?" Ping Yang nodded, but she instantly saw Fang Zhengzhi's playful smile.

"So, do you want to hear it?" Fang Zhengzhi asked nonchalantly.

"Yes!" Ping Yang bit her lip and eventually responded.

"100,000 pieces of silver."

"Sure!"

"Okay, first imagine you are Su Qing. If you have heard that I am still alive, what would you think?" Fang Zhengzhi asked after he heard Ping Yang's agreement.

"About killing you, of course!" Ping Yang answered without hesitation.

"How would you kill me?" Fang Zhengzhi asked again.

"It would be ideal to convict you of some crime and openly kill you, but if that can't be done, then I would assassinate you." Ping Yang answered after some thought.

"That's right. Now, do you think Su Qing would remain in the Northern Lands if he wants to kill me?" Fang Zhengzhi nodded and continued questioning her.

"You are saying… Su Qing actually left the Northern Lands a long time ago?!" Ping Yang's eyes lit up brilliantly.

"Yes, Su Qing is very clever. Since he wants to kill me, naturally, he couldn't just wait for things to happen at the Northern Lands, because there is a complete difference between controlling things from here and from the Northern Lands." Fang Zhengzhi said confidently.

"Therefore, Su Qing has always been in Yan Capital?"

"Previously I wasn't sure, but now I am certain that Su Qing arrived in Yan Capital with me." Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

"But doesn't he fear the punishment of leaving his post?"

"Do you think Su Qing has not done anything for the past year in the Northern Lands? With Chi Hou's departure from the Northern Lands, it's not difficult for Su Qing to do something under the table."

"Hmm, that makes sense. But… why did he choose to reveal himself now?" Ping Yang nodded but queried once again.

"Because he knows that the crown prince wants to kill him." Fang Zhengzhi replied.

"Third Brother wants to kill Su Qing? Hmm, that's true. But what does this have to do with Su Qing revealing himself now?"

"If Su Qing hadn't revealed himself, there could only be two outcomes. First, the crown prince sends someone to the Northern Lands to kill him. Second, the crown prince allows him to enter the capital, and ambushes him on his way here! So, Su Qing doesn't have a choice." Fang Zhengzhi smiled slightly.

There had never been a retreat in a contest of the throne. Especially with Lin Tianrong's position as the crown prince, why would he risk himself for a mere official?

To the crown prince, all the officials were his tools. Regardless of their rank, no official could defy such an order.

"You mean Su Qing wishes to strike first and gain the upper hand? But how do you know that he is now at Sixth Brother's residence?" Ping Yang seemed to understand better, though she still had doubts.

"Because in his mind, the only one who could protect him was King Duan!"

"So, he would definitely visit Sixth Brother's residence first, right?"

"Yes."

"I understand now, but there is something I am still not sure. Even though you knew Su Qing has been in Yan Capital, how are you certain that he would choose to reveal himself today?" Ping Yang still had some questions in her heart.

"100,000 pieces of silver!"

"Again?" Ping Yang pouted.

"So, are you giving me or not?" Fang Zhengzhi said, apathetically pouring himself another cup of tea, then added some for Yan Xiu.

"I'll give. I'll crush you in silver!" Ping Yang exclaimed.

"Haha, go ahead and crush me! It's simple, Su Qing said so himself!" Fang Zhengzhi laughed nonchalantly.

"He said so himself?!"

"Yes. Su Qing sent someone to notify Wen Chuan, then used Wen Chuan's name to send a letter to the crown prince and King Duan."

"Why did he do that?"

"It's a well-known strategy to muddle the genuine with trickery, but Su Qing is enhancing his deception with genuineness. To survive, he must fool the crown prince into thinking he is a fake. The best way to do this is to notify the crown prince of his arrival in the capital. Only then could the crown prince be suspicious and send someone to investigate in the Northern Lands, effectively buying him some time."

"Su Qing is clever indeed! Then… what are you going to do?" Ping Yang praised him intuitively, then looked at Fang Zhengzhi in anticipation.

"I'll go with the flow!" Fang Zhengzhi didn't bother keeping her in suspicion anymore and answered straightforwardly.

At the study in King Duan's residence.

Su Qing had stood up from his prior kneeling position, but he didn't take a seat. Instead, he stood respectfully in the study, facing Lin Xinjue, Mister Hua, and Chi Hou.

Lin Xinjue and Mister Hua remained silent.

Chi Hou sat on the chair, his finger knocking lightly its backrest. He frowned slightly, but his intense stare never shifted away from Su Qing's face.

"My lord, do you have any more questions?" After a brief hesitation, Su Qing asked politely.

"No." Chi Hou shook his head.

In fact, after he stepped into the study, he was almost certain of Su Qing's identity. With Su Qing's elaboration of the events in the Northern Lands in the past year, Chi Hou had no more qualms on that.

"It is heaven's blessing for me to work together with My Lord!"

"Save the nonsense. I know best what you have done in the Northern Lands for the past year. But with only your side of the story, you wish to convict the crown prince as the real perpetrator of the Southern Region case, isn't that quite impossible?" Chi Hou spoke straightforwardly.

"If I say that I can do it, will My Lord believe me?" Su Qing's into a smiled.

"Of course not. The crown prince has strong backing in the Imperial Halls. Although the Left Prime Minister is jailed, and the Ministry of Law, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Defence officials are in danger, but he is still the crown prince, the successor of Great Xia Dynasty. As long as the emperor favors him, his ascent to the throne remains steady!" Chi Hou said confidently.

"My Lord is correct, but nothing in this world is set in stone. As you have said earlier, as long as the emperor favors him, his ascent to the throne remains steady, but what if the emperor doesn't favor him?"

"What do you mean?"

"I have a plan to get rid of the crown prince immediately. In addition, it will allow Your Highness to then immediately gain control of the Imperial Halls and solidify your position!" Su Qing said with conviction.

"Get rid of the crown prince? Immediately?" Chi Hou was bewildered.

Although there were there many cases of removing the crown prince's position in previous generations of dynasties, doing so was a very big deal indeed.

And…

More importantly, from the emperor's behavior today…

He still favored the crown prince. This meant that he had pinned high hopes upon the crown prince, so why would he immediately remove the crown prince?

Chi Hou could not believe this.

In fact, Lin Xinjue and Mister Hua could not believe this too.

"Su Qing, you know I don't like listening to empty promises. And with the current situation, I do not wish to take any risks." Lin Xinjue said.

"Your Highness, please rest assured. There would not be any risks involved in this plan." Su Qing nodded and replied positively.

"Can Your Excellency really remove the crown prince without taking any risks?" A baffled Mister Hua added.

"Yes." Su Qing nodded once again.

"Your Excellency, let's hear your plan!" Mister Hua's brows furrowed. He had always thought highly of himself, but in the end, he was just a strategic adviser.

Two years ago, Su Qing had already gained Lin Xinjue's trust, but his status was merely a Rank 4 official.

At that time, Mister Hua didn't think much of Su Qing.

But…

A year ago, when Su Qing returned from the Southern Region, he had leaped from a Rank 4 official to a Border Governor, in charge of the Northern Lands Five Constabularies.

How could Mister Hua not be jealous?

And now, Su Qing stepped into King Duan's residence, saying that he had a plan to rid the crown prince immediately without taking any risks.

How could he believe this?

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Chapter 540: Lady of the Shadows

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"Mister Hua, you need not worry. Just wait patiently for 3 days!" Su Qing shook his head.

"Three days?!" Mister Hua squinted and glanced at Lin Xinjue and Chi Hou. Gritting his teeth, he replied: "Okay, we shall wait three days. But what if you haven't fulfilled your promise within 3 days?"

"I shall be at your disposal!" Su Qing smirked.

The night sky was dotted with countless stars. A soft glow cascaded from a brilliant moon up above, lighting up the entrance of Ping Yang residence.

"Young Master Fang, are you leaving the residence?"

"Yes."

"At this hour… Do you need a few bodyguards?" The guard keeping watch at the entrance of Ping Yang residence looked up at the night sky and asked in concern.

"No."

"Alright. Young Master, please take care."

"Thank you." Fang Zhengzhi nodded and exited through the residence gates.

A few guards exchanged looks, yet none of them intended to inform Ping Yang, standing by the residence gates as usual.

Because they were clear that these were matters instructed by Ping Yang.

Fang Zhengzhi could enter and leave Ping Yang residence as he wished, without any supervision.

Fang Zhengzhi walked slowly into the night and shortly he was out of Ping Yang residence's sight. At this moment, a black figure leaped out from a roof of a house.

"Greetings to Your Excellency!" The black figure lifted his head slightly, revealing her alluring lips, though her body was shivering.

Qing Yi, who once confronted Chi Hou at the Northern Mountain Village.

"Why have you called me here tonight?" Fang Zhengzhi asked after a glance at Qing Yi.

"Master has arrived. She wishes to meet you."

"Wu Yuer?" asked Fang Zhengzhi, surprised.

"Yes!" Qing Yi nodded.

"Didn't this girl say she won't ever enter Yan Capital? Would it really be appropriate for a rendezvous in the middle of the night?" Fang Zhengzhi complained in annoyance.

Qing Yi froze momentarily.

If this was asked by any other person, she would have stabbed him in a heartbeat, no questions asked.

But coming from Fang Zhengzhi, she wasn't at all surprised.

"Your Excellency, please follow me!"

"Okay." Fang Zhengzhi nodded and followed Qing Yi. They turned into an alley and shortly found themselves in front of an exquisite restaurant.

Fang Zhengzhi had previously visited this restaurant.

Fragrance Restaurant.

As the oldest restaurant in Yan Capital with hundreds of years of history, it was the gathering place for many elites from various origins. It was also one of Ping Yang's favorite restaurants.

Of course, that was a matter of the past. Now as Fang Zhengzhi stepped in front of this restaurant, he felt something had changed.

For example, when he visited in the past, he would be welcomed by a waiter. But now, it was the owner who had been expecting him for a long time.

"Greetings to Your Excellency!" The restaurant owner saw Fang Zhengzhi and greeted him as respectfully as he could. If it weren't for Qing Yi by his side, the owner seemed as if he would kneel too.

"Is Fragrance Restaurant this girl's enterprise too?" Fang Zhengzhi said, a little taken aback. Then he remarked softly: "Well, apparently she loves enjoying life, but judging from the amount of money she had spent acquiring Fragrance Restaurant, she's indeed a wastrel."

"Cough!"

Just as Fang Zhengzhi finished his sentence, an angry cough emerged from above, followed by a falling vase.

"Oh, what a sharp ear. Even that could be heard?" Fang Zhengzhi quickly sidestepped, avoiding a disaster. Then he looked suspiciously at the half-open window above.

The owner was aghast. He glanced above, and for fear of hesitating further, he led Fang Zhengzhi into the restaurant.

"Your Excellency, please!"

"Alright." Fang Zhengzhi nodded as he followed the owner into the restaurant.

Usually, nights in Yan Capital would be bustling with activity.

But it was different for the restaurants.

They would be very lively in the morning and afternoon and their businesses would dwindle by night. It was now Fragrance Restaurant's closing time, and naturally, there wouldn't be anyone else here.

Qing Yi did not follow Fang Zhengzhi into the restaurant. Instead, she leaped away and vanished into the darkness of the night.

The restaurant owner led Fang Zhengzhi to an elegant pavilion.

"Your Excellency, we have reached." The owner bowed.

"Okay, you may leave now." Fang Zhengzhi nodded and waved at the owner.

"Yes!" The owner replied as he backed off.

Fang Zhengzhi opened the door and walked in.

In the pavilion, Fang Zhengzhi spotted the lady seated on a chair. She was dressed in a long, black muslin dress, her skin bore a fair, radiant complexion. Her brows were perfect like those of paintings, with a dot of cinnabar sat between them. An alluring beauty indeed.

The current Shadow Sect Leader, Wu Yuer!

"Didn't you say you won't ever enter Yan Capital?" Fang Zhengzhi forgot what happened a moment ago, curling his lips in disdain as he asked.

"I did. But didn't you say you wouldn't act rashly?" Wu Yuer smiled slightly. She didn't mind if Fang Zhengzhi had forgotten what happened a moment ago, instead, she showed a loving expression.

Fang Zhengzhi was unfazed with Wu Yuer acting like this. Having spent a year with Wu Yuer, naturally, he would not be "puzzled" by her expressions.

So what if he knew for a fact that Wu Yuer would never show such an expression to anyone else? It could never hide her "true nature".

Wu Yuer could be described in such a sentence: her intelligence was vastly different from that of Chi Guyan or Yun Qingwu.

Put simply, when Yun Qingwu was plotting something, he would deceive others with them thinking he was doing something open and honorable.

But Wu Yuer would do this differently.

Wu Yuer loved to sow discord. She enjoyed watching people argue and fight, then reaping the fruits of labor with a peace of mind.

To her, it was like this: When shepherds quarrel, the wolf has a winning game.

Wasn't it interesting? Take the Southern Region war as an example. With the Demon Race, Southern Region, and Great Xia all in a messy battle, but eventually after the war, they still belong with one another.

Fang Zhengzhi was furious then, but it was in vain. Because she indeed left without a trace.

Besides, this lady hid within multiple hideouts. Even Fang Zhengzhi didn't know how many sanctuaries she had.

Take Fragrance Restaurant for instance.

If it wasn't for Wu Yuer meeting him here today, he still wouldn't have known that Fragrance Restaurant was Shadow Sect's business.

For a lady like her who always concealed herself within the "shadows", how would Fang Zhengzhi naively believe her loving expressions?

"Did I act rashly?" said Fang Zhengzhi. Maintaining a certain distance, he sat opposite her, then nonchalantly throwing a snack in his mouth.

"You didn't act rashly? Entering Yan Capital unprepared aside, do you know how dangerous the situation was today?" Wu Yuer nagged while she shifted beside Fang Zhengzhi. Then she picked up the teapot and poured Fang Zhengzhi a cup of tea. "Your favorite scented tea."

"Dangerous? I don't think so." Fang Zhengzhi shook his head and drank a sip. "Actually, Fragrance Restaurant's tea is pretty good too."

"Better than mine?" Wu Yuer smiled.

"Haha… Tell me, what brings you here?" Fang Zhengzhi smiled, skipping the question. He knew the restaurant owner would be in trouble if he answered "yes".

"I'm here to help you, of course." Wu Yuer smiled lovingly at Fang Zhengzhi once again as she leaned against him. A fragrant scent of wafted from her body.

"How would you help?" Fang Zhengzhi sat cautiously still.

"How would you like me to help?" Wu Yuer lightly lifted a side of her skirt, revealing her smooth, fair calves.

"Besides gathering intelligence, Shadow Sect's other noteworthy skill could only be broadcasting. Law Official Wen Chuan has Su Qing's handwritten confession, can you circulate this confession throughout Yan Capital by tomorrow morning?" Fang Zhengzhi said as lowered his head, ogling at Wu Yuer's calves.

"Tomorrow morning?" Wu Yuer seemed a little disconcerted.

As the Shadow Sect leader, she wasn't the spendthrift like Fang Zhengzhi had described her to be. On the contrary, under her leadership, Shadow Sect's businesses had been growing steadily.

And most importantly…

Wu Yuer knew her priorities very well.

In other words, as far as work matters were concerned, she would never show hesitation nor ambiguity. Efficiency was her style.

"Are there any difficulties?"

"No. I'll get going." Wu Yuer stood up and walked toward the door.

"Wait a second. Do you have any news of Nangong Mu?" Fang Zhengzhi said as he suddenly remembered this, staring at Wu Yuer who had reached the door.

"If all goes according to plan, Nangong Mu will arrive at Yan Capital tomorrow and participate in the Imperial Examinations. As far as I know, his potential is still not on par with Nangong Hao. But for this matter, it is better if you do it yourself." Wu Yuer left as she finished her piece.

"Do I need to?" Fang Zhengzhi smirked as he looked out the window. His eyes lit up brilliantly. Anyone would be shocked if they saw this.

Because more than a year ago, someone's eyes shone just as brilliantly.

And his name was…

Chi Guyan!

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Chapter 541: A Man, A Woman, Ignite!

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

A brilliant display of stars.

They were dazzling in Fang Zhengzhi's eyes. The pattern of the stars quickly formed various pictures, from picturesque mountainous landscapes to towering ancient trees. Eventually, these pictures merged into an expansive galaxy, within which flowed innumerable sparkling stars, twisting and turning freely.

After an unknown period, Fang Zhengzhi finally ceased the glorious light show in his eyes. In an instant, the brilliant galaxy of stars vanished. Now there was only pitch blackness.

Fang Zhengzhi glanced at the table in front of him. Beside the lukewarm tea sat a white jade bottle.

The jade bottle bore no words, no patterns, but it was a top-quality suet jade bottle without any trace of impurities.

"It is time already?" Fang Zhengzhi muttered. Surprisingly, he didn't remark anything about her profligate expenditure. Instead, he opened the bottle and poured out a dark green pill.

"Gulp!"

He swallowed it with the lukewarm tea!

"Boss." Fang Zhengzhi shouted toward the door.

"Yes, Your Excellency!" The restaurant owner's voice emerged from outside the door, but he never stepped into the pavilion.

"Bring me some of your signature dishes and a few pots of your best tea, I'll take away." Fang Zhengzhi ordered.

"In a moment, Your Excellency!" The restaurant owner replied immediately.

Shortly after, the restaurant owner personally brought a few exquisite delicacies and two pots of brewed tea, then left after a bow.

Fang Zhengzhi stretched his hands and lightly loosened his blue gown.

A silver Heart Protection Mirror was revealed. But this was different from the Heart Protection Mirror that Chi Guyan gave him. Although they were of the same material, this one had a stone etched on it. A square stone.

This stone had a special name.

The Vast World!

Fang Zhengzhi caressed the stone while he immersed in deep thought. But in a moment, he snapped back to reality and kept the delicacies and tea.

Fang Zhengzhi stood up and walked out of the pavilion.

The abyss of the night.

Most of Yan Capital's lights were out, except for the occasional surveillance street lights and a lanky figure.

A solitary figure walking on the street.

With a slow and steady speed.

And finally stopped upon reaching its destination.

As the largest state in Great Xia Dynasty, the Southern Region had set up a traveler's lodge in Yan Capital. It had a simple name, Southern Lodge.

The design and décor of Southern Lodge were similar to those of the Southern Region palace. If it wasn't for the differences in construction quality, it could be described as a scaled-down Southern Region palace.

Fang Zhengzhi was standing outside the Southern Lodge.

Four Southern Region guards in rattan armor stationed at the entrance stared closely at Fang Zhengzhi.

"Has the Southern Region Princess slept?" Fang Zhengzhi asked.

"No!" The four Southern Region guards answered without hesitation.

"Please inform her that I am here." Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

"Young Master Fang, please come in, Her Highness has been waiting for you for a long while!" The four Southern Region guards exchanged looks, then respectfully stepped aside, revealing a path into the Lodge.

"Thank you." Fang Zhengzhi thanked them and entered.

To many people, the Southern Lodge was a forbidden place. Without the emperor's approval, even the Minister of Rites, who oversaw the Southern Lodge, dared not venture a step in.

But Fang Zhengzhi entered the Southern Lodge.

As he passed the numerous guards in the main hall, none of them stopped him. Instead, they were very respectful.

"Young Master Fang, here, please!"

"Young Master Fang, please walk here!"

"Young Master Fang, turn left in front!"

With the help of these guards, Fang Zhengzhi reached a door. But this door was different from the rest. Stationed at the door were four female guards in rattan armor!

"Young Master Fang, please!" A female guard seemed to heave a sigh of relief upon seeing Fang Zhengzhi. Then, she lightly opened the door, and respectfully motioned a Southern Region bow.

Being treated like this…

Fang Zhengzhi indeed felt a little uneasy. He intended to bring some delicacies to the Southern Lodge and have a morning tea with Shan Yu, but there was still some time till sunrise.

But he had already reached the Southern Lodge.

Then he asked that question.

But little did he expect that Shan Yu was still awake, and even predicted that he would visit the Southern Lodge. This made him suspicious.

Speaking of plans…

Indeed, initially, he did not have such a plan. But after meeting with Wu Yuer at Fragrance Restaurant, he thought Shan Yu hadn't tasted Fragrance Restaurant's delicacies, so he decided to bring some here.

So, how did Shan Yu predict his arrival?

Fang Zhengzhi stepped into the room. Behind a desk was Shan Yu with a luxurious animal hide draped upon her body.

Bright lights illuminated her beautiful, smooth, tanned skin. On her hands was an ancient book.

Titled Law of Dao.

"You're here." Shan Yu closed the book and sat upright. Her black eyes gazed at Fang Zhengzhi as he walked into the room.

"I'm here." Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

But he felt a little awkward at this moment. In the dead of night, he had entered a lady's room, and she was the Southern Region Princess.

"Have a seat." Shan Yu pointed at a chair covered in animal hide.

"Alright." Fang Zhengzhi nodded again.

"Have you come to me for any matters?" Shan Yu asked while Fang Zhengzhi took his seat. She didn't address herself formally as the princess, but with a simple "me".

"No." Fang Zhengzhi shook his head.

"Oh…" Shan Yu fell into a silence, then reached a thought and said: "Shall I get them to bring us some food?"

"No." Fang Zhengzhi shook his head again.

"Aren't you hungry?" Shan Yu wondered.

"I brought some snacks." Fang Zhengzhi said as he brought out the delicacies and two pots of hot tea from within his gown.

Shan Yu gazed at Fang Zhengzhi a little differently, this time surprised. Seeing the delicacies on the table, she reached out and took one.

A snack in her mouth.

"This is really delicious." Shan Yu praised softly, then raised the teapot and poured tea for Fang Zhengzhi and herself.

She had a little sip.

"The tea is even better!"

Then she put the cup of tea back on the table.

"Fragrance Restaurant's tea has a rich heritage. It may not be the best in Yan Capital, but it is definitely authentic." Fang Zhengzhi explained.

"Yes, you have great taste as usual!" Shan Yu nodded and took another sip.

Fang Zhengzhi didn't continue but laid back on the chair in a relaxed slouch.

But…

At this moment, Shan Yu moved.

An icy dagger charged towards Fang Zhengzhi, its tip pointed straight at him, so swift it blurred into a shadow.

Yet, the dagger did not pierce Fang Zhengzhi's throat.

Because as the dagger as about to reach him, Shan Yu's body fell on Fang Zhengzhi, as though she had lost her balance.

And at this moment, Fang Zhengzhi shifted his body to the side.

"Plonk!"

Shan Yu fell on the floor, kneeling on one leg. Her head hit Fang Zhengzhi's thigh. She looked ridiculous, with her chair kicked aside.

"Your Highness!"

"Your Highness!"

The voices of two female guards emerged from outside and the door was pushed open. Four female guards entered with pikes in their hands.

Time seemed to stop.

Fang Zhengzhi looked at Shan Yu, Shan Yu looked at the four female guards. The four female guards looked at Fang Zhengzhi and Shan Yu, aghast.

"I deserve to die!"

"I deserve to die!"

The four female guards froze for a moment, then dropped to their knees.

"Get out. Without my order, do not enter again." Shan Yu slowly stood up, massaged her knees and waved the guards away.

"Yes!" The four female guards left immediately.

Fang Zhengzhi shifted his body forward to reach the food, took a snack and ate it.

"After more than a year, I thought you would've become gentler." Shan Yu picked up her chair and sat on it.

"I should be the one telling you this." Fang Zhengzhi curled his lips.

In fact, he had almost believed Shan Yu's gentle appearance a moment ago. But some things just couldn't change.

Especially a person's true nature.

Just like Shan Yu.

In the span of a year, a wild lady had transformed into a gentle, calm lady who only wanted to drink tea and chat.

Was that possible?

"You're still so shameless!" Shan Yu rebuked, then her expressions darkened: "Why did you return to the Southern Region a year ago to explain?"

"Do I need to?" Fang Zhengzhi quipped.

"Don't you need to?" Shan Yu asked again.

"If you trusted me, I need not explain. If you don't trust me, no matter how well I can explain, you would still not accept it. Isn't it?" Fang Zhengzhi answered.

Shan Yu fell silent. A moment later, she nodded and asked: "You took the sword of the Icy Monkey Settlement, right?"

"That's mine, to begin with." Fang Zhengzhi did not deny that.

"Why did you want to meet when you were at the Southern Region?"

"If we had met, what happened at the palace gate would not be possible."

"I'll leave Yan Capital by the end of one month. Is there… enough time?" Shan Yu didn't probe further and kept her dagger.

"For the Southern Region case, there is no need for a month. It will be solved in three or four days." Fang Zhengzhi replied after some thought.

"So fast?" Shan Yu was astonished.

If it was anyone else who said a year-long grievance could be solved within three or four days, Shan Yu would never have believed.

But since this was Fang Zhengzhi…

Then she believed this.

"Yes." Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

Shan Yu did not comment or ask further. Instead, she picked up a snack and stuffed it in her mouth, then drank a sip of hot tea. "Tasty snack, delicious tea!"

"Then you should eat more!" Fang Zhengzhi smiled.

Morning.

The earliest rays of the sun shone through the windows of a room in the Southern Lodge. In this room, a man and a woman sat opposite each other, enjoying delicacies and a morning tea. A peaceful sight indeed.

Yet, outside the lodge in Yan Capital, the atmosphere was tense.

The news of Su Qing's arrival in the capital was only passed to King Duan and the crown prince in the evening the day before. In other words, most of the officials in Yan Capital had already returned to their residences.

Besides the officials who were in the crown prince's residence and King Duan's residence, not many knew of Su Qing's visit.

But…

When everyone woke up in the morning, everything changed. They couldn't believe the news or think straight.

"Su Qing has arrived in the capital!"

"How is this possible? Why would he suddenly arrive at the capital?"

"Furthermore, he even wrote a confession explaining what happened in the Southern Region case. What is going on?"

Countless commoners were engrossed in discussions. They simply could not believe what happened. As a matter of fact, the sheer suddenness and strangeness of this were staggering.

But they had to believe.

Because the news had been spread throughout Yan Capital. In every street and alley, the same posters were hung for all to see. Su Qing's confession.

With impassioned words, the confession described the entire process, including the intents and details, and even enumerated a few pieces of evidence. Quite immersive indeed.

From that, Su Qing's writing skills were surprisingly outstanding.

"Is it true?!"

"Even if this confession was even more detailed, this can't be true, right?"

"Well, how could we not believe? Even the Law Council has this confession pasted at the entrance. There's Su Qing's handwriting, his fingerprint, and the official stamp!"

"Are you sure?"

With the original confession hung on the entrance of the Law Council, the officials and commoners were completely bewildered.

In a night, Yan Capital was torched into a burning mess.

If it could be said the people were still recovering from yesterday's unbelievable outcome, then the arrival of such news was the spark to a pile of firewood.

Burning into a fire that would engulf the capital!

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Chapter 542: A Changed Person

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Vox populi!

It had always been a weapon of the greatest scale. Because it would spread like wildfire, from one to ten, ten to hundred, and so forth.

And the rate at which it would spread was equally terrifying.

Even more so if one had intentionally instigated it.

In the short span of time from the first rays of dawn till noon, the news of Su Qing's entry into the capital and his confession had spread throughout the Great Xia Dynasty.

It had become such a hot topic, enough to exert pressure on the Law of Dao Examinations.

"So, it turns out that the mastermind behind the Southern Region case is actually the crown prince?!"

"Yeah, if it wasn't for crown prince's indications, how would Su Qing dare to kill the most coveted hero of the Southern Region war? Furthermore, didn't you realize that Su Qing had been promoted to the Chief of Northern Lands Five Constabularies upon his return to the capital?"

"Fang Zhengzhi was wronged indeed!"

As the news spread from mouth to mouth, more people believed in the story and it eventually became the "truth".

Besides the commoners, the officials who had just finished their morning ritual were also softly discussing the matter too, though markedly more cautious.

"The crown prince's face looked terrible today. He was silent for the entire ritual, and seemed as though he had completely lost his glory…"

"Of course, the news had spread throughout Yan Capital and the Great Xia Dynasty. Even though the emperor did not mention it this morning, everyone knew what was going on."

"That's pretty ruthless of Su Qing. Who could've known that he would enter the capital at this juncture and immediately expose the details of the Southern Region case? This determination is… admirable!"

"That couldn't be helped. If Su Qing did not expose the crown prince, he wouldn't live for long either. Once the Southern region case is investigated, someone has to take the blame."

"Official Li is right. Now we can only watch the crown prince's next move!"

As the officials discussed the matter, they began to guess the crown prince's next move.

Eastern Palace, Crown Prince's residence.

The afternoon sun shone brilliantly while flowers bloomed in the residence courtyard, emanating a pleasant fragrance. Yet, even this couldn't mask the heavy smell of blood permeating through the air.

Outside the study, three officials of the Crown Prince residence lay in pools of blood. Their plates of food shattered on the floor. A short distance from them stood more than thirty imperial officials, all with blood under their shoes, and their solemn faces reflected the intensity of the atmosphere.

An enraged emperor shakes the entire dynasty. How would the Eastern Palace be peaceful with an angry crown prince?

Servants around the courtyard dropped to their knees, and none of them dared to raise their heads, while they sweated profusely in the blistering afternoon sun.

Silent, yet tense.

The study was unusually dark. Because with the structure of the study in mind, it required only an open window for it to be completely illuminated, especially in afternoon.

But all the windows were shut and covered with black curtains.

This made the interior of the study awfully gloomy.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong sat in his chair, his expressions scarily grim.

It was a horrifying sight, but what made it worse was that there were no officials in the room. Except for a figure completely concealed in a black cloak.

"Your Highness, do we still wait further?" The figure stepped in front of Lin Tianrong, with no intention to kneel or salute him.

"Haha… do you think I would be associated with people like you?" Lin Tianrong laughed mirthlessly, clenching his fists.

"If Your Highness doesn't wish to be associated with us, why would I be here?" The figure spoke calmly, unperturbed by Lin Tianrong's words.

"Now you can… get out!" Lin Tianrong hollered.

"In this world, there are no permanent enemies and no permanent friends, only interests. Since we both have a common enemy, why shouldn't we work together?" The figure continued.

"Didn't you know that I had once said this sentence to someone a year ago? In the end, this person died!" Lin Tianrong laughed coldly.

"It wasn't you who said this to the Southern Region Noblelite, but Su Qing, am I right?"

"How did you know?"

"I know even more. For instance, Your Highness's plot in the Northern Lands, and that Your Highness's share compared to the Ministry of Rites official is nine to one, and Your Highness ranking the Nine Generals as the 军门 with the help of the Ministry of Defence official, and Your Highness in Ministry of Manpower…"

"Shut up! How do you know of these?" Lin Tianrong's expressions changed. The teacup in his hand shattered to pieces.

"Whatever Su Qing knows, we know." The figure said plainly.

"What do you mean? Is Su Qing your…" Lin Tianrong was stunned.

"Your Highness guessed correctly. Therefore, you would have known what Su Qing would do next. And he only does so to save himself."

"Hmm, you wish to let Su Qing expose my plot in the Northern Lands. Do you really think that exposing me given his current status, anyone would believe so?"

"No, but if it exposed by a different person, say, Northern Land Divine Constabulary's Chi Hou. Your Highness, do you think anyone would not believe?"

"You…"

"Your Highness, let's talk about cooperating instead. If Your Highness is willing to, we would leave Su Qing without hesitation. In the end, the crown prince would remain in his position and Great Xia Dynasty would be unchanged. The black figure stretched out a hand toward Lin Tianrong, showing that he need not be agitated.

"How would I believe you?" Lin Tianrong took a few deep breaths, calmed his nerves and squinted at the figure.

"Your Highness doesn't seem to have a choice."

"No. I can kill you, then expose Su Qing's identity, then report to Father. Father will surely believe me!"

"Then… what's stopping you?"

"Do you think I don't dare?"

"Of course, Your Highness dares. But I believe Your Highness would not do so. Because first, you may not be able to kill me. Second, by exposing Su Qing's real identity, you will lose His Majesty's trust. When that happens, how will you be as glorious as before? Will you give up the quest for the throne and enjoy your life as a carefree prince?" The figure said straightforwardly.

"A carefree prince?" Lin Tianrong leaned a little closer. Of course, he could be a carefree prince. In fact, this would be an envious choice in the hearts of many.

But…

He was in a royal family!

From birth, he had enjoyed wealth and riches and was appointed as the next successor to the throne. How would be willing to return to his previous life as a carefree prince?

Wealth and riches were the pursuits of the poor, not as a descendant of a royal family. Because already possessed these things from young.

For the past ten, twenty years. Hence, they would never be his aim in life.

The only thing that would fulfill him was that position. The position to control the world from a high and mighty place, to decide the life and death of millions of troops and people.

"Who are you to care if I become a carefree prince or not?" Lin Tianrong snapped back to reality, his fists clenched tightly once again.

"Of course, but what about Fang Zhengzhi? Does Your Highness still wish for him to be alive?" The figure nodded, then reminded the crown prince.

"Why would I fear him?"

"Your Highness, do you really not fear him? Before Fang Zhengzhi entered the capital, you seemed to have said exactly this, right? But what happened in the end?"

Lin Tianrong fell silent again.

As the Eastern Palace crown prince, the next emperor of the Great Xia Dynasty, it would seem ridiculous to say that he feared Fang Zhengzhi, who had humble origins.

But it was a fact that it was exactly this person, who was born in the villages, that troubled him time and time again to the brink of death.

He wasn't scared!

But he didn't want Fang Zhengzhi to live.

"Do you… have a way to kill Fang Zhengzhi?" Lin Tianrong looked at the figure and asked after a long period of silence.

"Of course, Fang Zhengzhi will die. But not for now." The figure nodded, then shook his head.

"What do you mean?"

"Currently, Your Highness is still the crown prince. But when Your Highness controls the world, will you still be concerned that Fang Zhengzhi would not die?" The figure asked.

"The world? Haha… The world has always belonged to me. I am the crown prince, the next emperor of the Great Xia Dynasty, the future heir to the throne!"

"Yes!" The figure nodded earnestly.

"Do you think so?"

"Of course."

"Why so? Give me a reason!"

"If you aren't, I wouldn't be standing in front of you."

"Haha, you're right. In two days, the Imperial Examinations will commence, and everyone will be focused on it."

"Does that mean that Your Highness is willing to work with us?"

"I won't reveal myself. Whether or not it would be a success depends on you."

"Haha, of course!" The figure nodded and slowly walked to a wall. His body magically morphed into the wall as he touched it. "Your Highness, please don't forget our agreement once this matter is settled!"

When Fang Zhengzhi exited the Southern Lodge, the sun was already setting. Of course, it wasn't that he had important matters to handle at the Southern Lodge, but he had not slept for more than a day and he was tired.

And then…

He took a nap in the Southern Lodge.

It was a very simple reason.

Shan Yu watched quietly as Fang Zhengzhi slept. Even till Fang Zhengzhi woke up and left, she had not said or asked much.

Fang Zhengzhi left the Southern Lodge full of energy.

But the surrounding commoners were surprised.

They watched as he openly walked out of the Southern Lodge, rubbing their eyes in disbelief.

"The Southern Lodge… Fang Zhengzhi actually walked out of the Southern Lodge?!"

"It's where the Southern Region Princess is staying. How could he walk out from here?"

The commoners could not believe what they had seen. But none could ask him about this.

Of course, Fang Zhengzhi would not explain himself. Furthermore, how would he explain it? Saying that he took a nap in the Southern Lodge? How was that possible?

But he couldn't get used to attracting attention everywhere he went.

"It seems that Wu Yuer had done a good job circulating the news!" Fang Zhengzhi said to himself as he smiled, watching the crowds discuss the matter.

Power lay in the voice of the people.

Although it couldn't kill someone immediately like a sword, it could generate vast amounts of pressure where one would eventually crack under.

Compared to a year ago, Fang Zhengzhi now knew and understood more, especially in the direction and goal of his training, and the dynamic relationship between factions.

And…

Also, strategic intelligence.

He had so much information gathered constantly from various sources, and this allowed him to know many things that others did not.

Thus, he believed that it was not difficult to achieve the things he did.

But Wu Yuer did not feel this way.

She felt that Fang Zhengzhi did things differently compared to other people and hence he would achieve different results with greater efficiency.

"The Imperial Examinations are commencing again?" Fang Zhengzhi raised his head as he thought. The sunset painted the sky in a brilliant tone of red. It was a glorious sight.

He recalled the previous Imperial Examinations.

World of the Sage!

It was then Fang Zhengzhi met the first person he could not openly defeat, Vice Domain Chief of the Ying Domain, Ying Shan, a warrior in Supernatural State. Besides him, there was also a sword.

A sword which had always accompanied him to this day.

In the blink of an eye, two years had passed. The Imperial Examinations were about to commence, and many talented people would gather in Yan Capital and participate in the examinations that could change the fate of their lives.

People seemed to have left.

But rules remained the same.

No!

Speaking of people, it seemed that one had remained!

"Nangong Mu!" Fang Zhengzhi shifted his gaze toward the front, at a calm, normal, unmoving figure.

The setting sun shone upon the figure, projecting to his side.

His attire was ordinary, just like two years ago, with a plain shirt and a ribbon draping down upon his head.

Especially those dull eyes without any hint of glimmer.

Of course, there was some difference. His face had two more wounds, apparently very deep.

But they were not caused by swords or knives.

Instead, by beasts!

The sharp claws of beasts had left these scars.

"It's been a while." A faint voice emerged from his mouth. This should have been said with the joy of reunion, but it was completely emotionless.

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Chapter 543: Burning the Eastern Palace

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"You have become ugly." Fang Zhengzhi said seriously as he nodded and pointed at the scars on Nangong Mu's face.

They had not met for almost two years.

Yet Fang Zhengzhi first sentence was to remark that he became ugly.

If another person had said this, he would've been beaten to a pulp.

But Nangong Mu didn't do that.

He froze for a second, then revealed a dull smile on his otherwise expressionless face.

"Indeed, it's the same old Fang Zhengzhi!" Nangong Mu didn't find fault with Fang Zhengzhi. After all, this was the Fang Zhengzhi he knew.

And he didn't know why but he felt as if they had not separated for two years, though Fang Zhengzhi only said a sentence.

Maybe…

Only within true friends could one speak so freely and straightforwardly?

"Have you eaten?" Fang Zhengzhi spoke again.

"No."

"If you're buying the meal, I could consider eating with you." Fang Zhengzhi seemed to give it some thought and said.

"But I didn't bring any silver." Nangong Mu said earnestly.

"Let's eat at Ping Yang Residence then. We don't have to pay there." Fang Zhengzhi nodded. Of course, he knew Nangong Mu's status.

The second young master of the Nangong Nobles!

No one would have believed that he didn't bring any silver, but Fang Zhengzhi didn't seem to hold any suspicions.

"Alright." Nangong Mu agreed.

They turned around and walked toward Ping Yang Residence, to the surprise of surrounding commoners.

"Have they really not met in two years?!"

With Nangong Mu's visit, Ping Yang Residence seemed a little livelier. But Nangong Mu had been silent, like Yan Xiu.

Yet, they were different.

Yan Xiu was apathetic, but Nangong Mu was bored.

With one apathetic and one bored, naturally, the conversation was sparse. So, when Yan Xiu saw Nangong Mu, he greeted coldly and Nangong Mu responded flatly.

It seemed…

Very awkward.

But this did not affect the liveliness of Ping Yang Residence.

Because in Ping Yang Residence, there was Ping Yang, a chatty lady who couldn't stop talking. And Wen Dabao, who was thrown out from his home.

Wen Dabao was pitiful.

He said so himself.

According to him, the Law Council was especially busy at this period, with so much work to handle., and this made him an eyesore to his father, Wen Chuan.

The reasoning was simple.

The father was working to death, yet he had a useless son idling away around him. Anyone would have been sickened by this and gave him a scolding.

When scolding wasn't enough, Wen Chuan threw him out.

Out of sight, out of mind!

Then Wen Dabao wailed pitifully at the entrance of Ping Yang Residence, acting as if he didn't have a home.

And coincidentally, he met Fang Zhengzhi and Nangong Mu. Fang Zhengzhi didn't mind this, neither did Ping Yang, so naturally, no one else did.

When he met Nangong Mu, his response was markedly different from Yan Xiu.

When Wen Dabao saw Nangong Mu, his expression was exaggerated, especially so as his eyes lit up when he saw the two scars on Nangong Mu's face.

"What handsome 'manly scars', they are so cool!" Wen Dabao fawned over Nangong Mu.

At the same time, he used the words that Fang Zhengzhi often described himself.

To him, flattery like this could be interpreted as compliments. In fact, these words were coined by Fang Zhengzhi, using them would only be a good choice.

But when Nangong Mu heard this, he gave a plain response.

"Someone said they are ugly."

"Who? Who dared to call Young Master Nangong ugly? Say it and I'll bash him to death right now!" Wen Dabao turned angry with his arms akimbo, as if he were about to seek revenge.

"I said it." Fang Zhengzhi spoke.

And then…

Nothing happened.

Because Wen Dabao had run to the corner at the far end of the room, his eyes locked on the food that the servant was bringing out. He was drooling, yet he did not dare take a step near it.

In the courtyard, the fragrance of the flowers wafted in the air, among the crisp sound of flowing water.

The dinner had been going on for more than two hours with no less than five pots of wine being drunk, but tacitly, no one mentioned the current state of imperial affairs.

This was a gathering of friends, and it had to be so.

Wen Dabao stared hungrily from afar, occasionally slapping himself for drooling so much.

Ping Yang seemed a little excited as she had a bit too much to drink. Her cheeks flushed a light pink, her skin sparklingly smooth, her pink lips tender and alluring.

"I'm very happy today, let's have some fun!" Ping Yang said as she tilted to a side, waving her hands and fluttering her dress.

"Great, shall we go to Seven Stars Lane?" Wen Dabao's voice immediately rang from a distance away, unable to contain his excitement.

After the incident at Seven Stars Lane a few days ago, he hadn't visited there to enjoy music.

This made him a little moody.

Just like a person who was used to eating luxury delicacies suddenly could no longer enjoy such food and was only allowed to eat some wild vegetables. What a torture!

"Who suggested going to Seven Stars Lane?" Ping Yang stared at him.

"We're not going to Seven Stars Lane? How then are we going to have fun?" Wen Dabao was puzzled. Well, to him, seeking fun and seeking girls didn't have much of a difference.

"What do you say, shameless fellow?" Ping Yang ignored Wen Dabao and turned her attention to Fang Zhengzhi, asking him in anticipation.

"With regards to enjoying life… Besides merrymaking at brothels, feasting in Ping Yang Residence, what's left is having fun!" Fang Zhengzhi replied after some thought.

"Yes, where shall we have fun?" Ping Yang's eyes lit up.

"Shopping is one way to have fun, but shops are now closed for the night. Horse racing is another, but, again, now is not a good time for that. So…"

"So, what?"

"There's only one way left!"

"What is it?"

"Murder and arson, theft and robbery!"

"Huh?!" Wen Dabao almost fell from a shock. To think of committing murder and arson in the dead of the night…

If his father knew about this, he would be the one getting killed!

But unlike Wen Dabao, Ping Yang wasn't horrified. Instead, she was very excited and eager to do it.

"Great, what shall we burn?"

"The most heavily guarded place, of course." Fang Zhengzhi didn't spend any time thinking.

"The most heavily guarded? The palace is very heavily guarded, shall we set it on fire? But if I really burned the palace, Aunt Hua would…" Ping Yang seemed concerned.

Wen Dabao heard this and rolled his eyes.

To set the palace on fire…

Only Ping Yang would dare to say such a thing!

And most importantly, her concern wasn't about being beaten to death for setting the palace on fire, but if it would implicate Aunt Hua.

A spoiled lady indeed!

Wen Dabao had no words for this, but he understood there was truth in Ping Yang's words. Perhaps if Ping yang really set the palace on fire, the emperor would only scold her, right?

"If we can't set the palace on fire, we can try other places." Fang Zhengzhi nodded, equally concerned about doing so.

"Yes, yes, we should try other places!" Wen Dabao sighed in relief.

Ping Yang thought deeply once again.

"Try other places? Besides the palace, my residence is the second most heavily guarded place. I can't possibly set my own residence on fire, right? No, that wouldn't be fun. But the next in line should be… the Eastern Palace!"

"Eastern Palace?!"

This time, Wen Dabao was so shocked he fell on the floor.

"Your Highness, you can't go to the Eastern Palace. That's the crown prince's residence, you'll be beheaded if you burn it down!" Wen Dabao cried, with tears streaming down his cheeks.

He was absolutely astonished by Ping Yang's audacious suggestions.

If not the emperor's palace, then the Eastern Palace!

Indeed, it seemed exciting, but this would endanger lives!

"That's true too. If I really burned down Third Brother's residence, where would he stay?" Ping Yang realized this upon hearing Wen Dabao's words, but soon, her eyes lit up again. "Oh, I could burn only one or two of his houses, then there should be no problem!"

"No problem?! How would there be no problem? Burning only one or two houses… Your Highness, that is the Eastern Palace! The crown prince's residence!" Wen Dabao could never understand what she meant by "no problem".

Burning two houses of the Eastern Palace!

No problem?!

"Hey, shameless fellow, I have decided to burn houses in the Eastern Palace. Do you dare to come?" Ping Yang ignored Wen Dabao's cries, and instead, she challenged Fang Zhengzhi.

"Hmm, the Eastern Palace… Is it easy to enter?" Fang Zhengzhi looked at Ping Yang with a doubtful expression.

"Not easy… The Eastern Palace is not easy to enter. How about we change the place again? The Minister of Rites Du Wannian's residence is easy to enter. Let's burn his stable, there shouldn't be a problem!" Wen Dabao gritted his teeth and suggested his former enemy instead.

He would never have dared to set houses on fire.

But…

With Ping Yang taking the lead, his status as the young master of an official wouldn't be an issue. Furthermore, would Du Wannian spread the news of his stable being burnt down?

This wouldn't kill Wen Dabao!

"The Eastern Palace is easy to enter, of course. I've been there a few times, it's just that I didn't tell you guys. I'm smart, am I not?" Ping Yang looked proudly at Fang Zhengzhi, brimming with confidence, as though she had not heard Wen Dabao.

"Your Highness, but it's you!" Wen Dabao could tell why she was able to enter the Eastern Palace for a few times. She was Ping Yang after all.

Even if she was seen by the Eastern Palace guards, what could they do?

But it would be different with Fang Zhengzhi, Yan Xiu, and others. How would the Eastern Palace guards simply let a group of people in?

"Shut up!" Ping Yang shouted with an icy stare. "I have already burnt the Law Official's residence, how could I burn a Minister's residence? Wen Dabao, if you are scared, then leave now, and don't ever come back to my residence again. We don't welcome you!"

"Princess…" Wen Dabao felt aggrieved.

Ping Yang once again turned toward Fang Zhengzhi. She reached for a bottle of wine and gulped a mouthful, provoking Fang Zhengzhi.

"Yan Xiu, what do you think?" Fang Zhengzhi did not respond to Ping Yang, instead, he turned to Yan Xiu for his opinion.

"Go ahead." Yan Xiu nodded.

"Nangong Mu, are you coming?" Fang Zhengzhi returned the nod and turned to Nangong Mu.

"If you guys are going, then I'll join in too." Nangong Mu answered after some thought.

"Let's go." Upon Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu's agreement, he had also decided to give it a shot and promptly stood up.

But…

Wen Dabao couldn't stand up.

Because his legs had turned to jelly.

Going to the Eastern Palace?

To burn it!

Did they need to play at such a high stake? With the Law Council already working on a few high-profile cases, should they add an Eastern Palace arson case to the burden?

"Yan Xiu, that is the Eastern Palace. The Eastern Palace!" Unwilling to give up, Wen Dabao stood up, ran to Yan Xiu and pleaded him.

"Yes, I know." Yan Xiu nodded emotionlessly.

"And yet you're going?" Wen Dabao asked.

Yan Xiu did not reply. He stood up and walked beside Fang Zhengzhi, without any intention of retreating.

Looking at Yan Xiu, Wen Dabao was at a loss for words.

Then he pinned his last hopes on Nangong Mu.

"Your Excellency Nangong, it's the Eastern Palace, the crown prince's residence. If this matter had spread to the Nangong Nobles, it wouldn't be good for you, right?" Wen Dabao asked worriedly.

"Not a problem, in the worst case, I'll just kneel on the grave for two more years!" Nangong Mu nodded, unperturbed by his concerns.

"…" Wen Dabao moved his lips. He wanted to say something but was stopped by Ping Yang's glare.

But this did not stop him from screaming out in his mind.

It's the Eastern Palace! The crown prince's residence!

Did they really have to play at such a high stake? Burning the Eastern Palace in the middle of the night could kill someone!

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Chapter 544: Something More Exciting

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Wen Dabao wanted to stop them so badly, yet he couldn't. Because Ping Yang had made this decision. Fang Zhengzhi did not object, and neither did Yan Xiu nor Nangong Mu.

So…

He could only reluctantly follow behind them.

Fortunately, Ping Yang did not brazenly enter the Eastern Palace. Instead, she changed into a black suit and masked her face with a black veil.

To witness her petite figure under the tight black suit was a small achievement indeed.

Fang Zhengzhi, Yan Xiu, and Nangong Mu changed into black suits too. With their faces covered by veils, they were unrecognizable.

Wen Dabao was the last to follow, and at this moment he had to be quick and agile in covering up his face and body. He even smeared black coal on his face for better concealment.

The team of five walked out of Ping Yang residence and dashed to the Eastern Palace.

The Eastern Palace was near the emperor's palace. With Ping Yang residence so close to the emperor's palace, the Eastern Palace was in fact not far away from Ping Yang residence.

In a moment…

Under Ping Yang's leadership, the team of five followed a secret path into a remote corner of the Eastern Palace.

With the aid of the moonlight, they leaped over a wall and silently made their way into a cluster of guesthouses in Eastern Palace.

Everything went successfully.

Ping Yang wasn't boasting indeed. From choosing the best position for climbing over the wall to the accurate grasp of time, everything seemed effortless to her.

"How was it? Easy as I said, right?" Ping Yang blinked her sparkling eyes, showing off to Fang Zhengzhi behind her.

"Yes." Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu exchanged looks but remained silent.

But Wen Dabao had been sweating buckets. Although his expression was concealed, his eyes darted back and forth, assessing the area warily, while shivering in fear.

"The Eastern Palace… I have really entered it…" Wen Dabao was petrified. Well, he could only be petrified. If his father knew of this, he would be beaten to death.

"Which house shall we burn?" Ping Yang looked around. They were at a part of the Eastern Palace which was not very well-guarded.

And not many people passed by here.

These guesthouses were usually for esteemed visitors or guests of the crown prince's residence during their stay here. No one else stayed in these houses.

"There is no one here, let's burn this place. And it'll be easy to leave once we're done." Fang Zhengzhi pointed at an uninhabited two-story house a short distance away.

"Alright, let's burn this place and leave immediately!" Wen Dabao agreed.

"Burn this place? Wouldn't it be too easy?" Ping Yang was unsatisfied. "I made this effort to sneak here, to just burn this and leave? Not fun at all!"

"Your Highness, burning anywhere would be the same. But most importantly, if we burn this place, we could run away right after we are done and not get caught. This is the best place!" Wen Dabao advised.

"Would I be scared of getting caught?" Ping Yang said unhappily.

"Your Highness, of course not. But… but…" Wen Dabao wanted so badly to say that he was scared, but the remained silent after seeing Ping Yang's death stare.

"How about we burn a house between the guesthouses and middle houses?" The taciturn Nangong Mu suggested.

"Okay, let's follow Nangong Mu's suggestion, we'll find a place to burn after we leave these guesthouses!" Ping Yang was still unhappy but eventually compromised.

But…

At this moment…

A voice emerged from a hidden corner far away.

"Who are you? How dare you…"

The voice wasn't loud, but it was extremely stern.

Wen Dabao jerked in shock. Obviously, they were noticed.

The Eastern Palace!

What a heavily guarded place!

Although it was just a cluster of guesthouses, there were many covert guards keeping watch. They were eventually discovered in the midst of a soft discussion.

But this voice didn't finish its sentence.

Because when it spoke, Nangong Mu dashed over in an instant.

All that could be heard was a crack.

And the voice immediately vanished.

Nangong Mu was fast and efficient without any flamboyant display. Then, a body in the Eastern Palace guard's armor was dragged out.

"It's alright now." Nangong Mu pointed at the unconscious guard, his voice bland and expressionless as if he never fought.

Wen Dabao was bewildered.

It's alright?!

The five had just entered the cluster of guesthouses and they were noticed. Had they taken a few steps further, wouldn't they be beaten up?

"Your Highness, we…" Wen Dabao was on the verge of tears.

"Let's go." Ping Yang looked ahead and walked toward the exit of the cluster of guesthouses as though she hadn't heard Wen Dabao's cries.

"Young Master Fang…" Wen Dabao begged Fang Zhengzhi instead.

"Relax. I am here, everything will be fine." It was a rare instance of Fang Zhengzhi consoling Wen Dabao.

But this made Wen Dabao more fearful. He wanted to say that it was exactly because Fang Zhengzhi was here that would complicate things. If a fight broke out, where would Fang Zhengzhi run?

Wen Dabao clearly remembered, when they were leaping over the wall, Fang Zhengzhi was the slowest. To put in more accurately, he "climbed" over the wall.

Yet, he didn't dare say it.

It was suffocating, yet utterly hopeless.

Even more hopeless was the fact that, despite knowing these, he still had to follow behind Ping Yang, Fang Zhengzhi, and others. He had no way out.

Eastern Palace, the crown prince's residence. In the place where the crown prince lived.

It was just a cluster of guesthouses, but it was big enough for the group of five to reach the gate after 15 minutes of walking in the dark.

And in the process, Nangong Mu and Yan Xiu each killed two sentries in hidden corners.

Both moved superbly fast.

But Wen Dabao's face was still pale as ever. The black coal he smeared on his face could never mask the fear in him. His shirt was completely wet from sweating so much.

Ping Yang was a little intoxicated and walked a little unstable, but Wen Dabao's gait was worse because his legs were weak from fear.

Away from the guesthouses, it was better lit outside.

Occasionally, Eastern Palace guards dressed in shining armor patrolled these interweaving alleys with torches in their hands.

"This is really fun!" said Ping Yang as she looked at the teams of patrolling guards. Her eyes gleamed with excitement.

"Fun? Oh yes, this is fun indeed…" Wen Dabao said, absolutely depressed. She was having fun while his heart was in his mouth.

"Hey, shameless fellow. Let's do something more exciting. Haven't you always said that I can't win you? This time, I'll show you what is true power. Do you dare to have a competition with me?" Ping Yang ignored Dabao and challenged Fang Zhengzhi.

"You're still playing?!" Wen Dabao wailed as a stream of tears flowed down his cheek.

Fang Zhengzhi did not object, instead, he simply asked a question.

"What are we competing?"

"It's simple. Let's see who'll reach there first!" Ping Yang pointed to a pavilion engulfed in darkness far away.

A house without any lights.

Erected some distance yonder and surrounded by a few towering trees, it seemed significantly more mysterious compared to the other houses.

It didn't take long for Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu to realize that Ping Yang wanted to set that pavilion on fire.

An unlit pavilion was the best target. As a matter of fact, burning a pavilion in the Eastern Palace didn't matter much to her.

But she didn't have any intention to burn anyone alive.

Although Ping Yang was willful, she was very particular in this matter.

But Wen Dabao did not feel this way. He would rather find a lighted house to set on fire, because that pavilion was too far away, and this made him anxious.

"Alright, I'll let you go first." Fang Zhengzhi looked at the pavilion and simply nodded without much thought.

"Haha… then I'll make my move first!" Ping Yang didn't bother being modest with Fang Zhengzhi. She rushed ahead and started following the grass by the side of the alley, moving in the direction of the pavilion.

Fang Zhengzhi saw Ping Yang scuttling over there, but he made no effort to chase her. Instead, he turned to Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu.

"I believe that once the Eastern Palace is on fire, panic would ensue. So, we need a few people here to secure a path to our exit." Fang Zhengzhi pointed at the cluster of guesthouses behind them.

"Yes, we need a path to exit!" Wen Dabao agreed immediately.

Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu exchanged looks. From their expressions, it seemed that they wanted to follow Fang Zhengzhi.

"Yan Xiu, your Dao of Asura would attract too much attention. It would be better for me to follow Fang Zhengzhi!" Nangong Mu suggested before Yan Xiu could speak.

"Okay." Yan Xiu nodded after some thought.

"This shall be the plan. Nangong Mu, you must protect Ping Yang from any harm." Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

"Rest assured. I fully understand." Nangong Mu agreed.

"What do you mean? Aren't you the one who needs the most protection?" Wen Dabao did not understand why Fang Zhengzhi would let Nangong Mu protect Ping Yang.

And more importantly, from what Fang Zhengzhi had said…

It seemed as if he would not be together with Ping Yang!

What was he trying to do?

While he was lost in his thoughts, Fang Zhengzhi moved. But he didn't move toward that pavilion. Instead, he was heading to somewhere more secluded.

"Fang…"

Just as Wen Dabao started to speak, he saw Yan Xiu's icy glare, which stopped him immediately.

"We'll stay here." Yan Xiu said coldly.

"Okay." Wen Dabao nodded earnestly. When he wanted to look at Fang Zhengzhi, he had already disappeared.

How did he suddenly disappear?

Where did he go?

Wen Dabao was puzzled.

At this moment, Nangong Mu moved. With great agility, he lay on the floor like a leopard and started charging in Ping Yang's direction.

Wen Dabao suddenly had a different thought.

"You guys are actually…"

"Fang Zhengzhi never does something without reason. Especially something dangerous." Yan Xiu replied before Wen Dabao could finish his sentence.

Dumbfounded, Wen Dabao did not continue. He looked at the teams of Eastern Palace guards with their torches, dazed.

"Then… is it really okay for Young Master Fang to be alone?" After some time, Wen Dabao finally snapped back into reality.

Yan Xiu did not answer Wen Dabao. He stood in his position silently, staring at a palace far away which was significantly more heavily guarded.

And suddenly…

A torch lit up in the night. Unlike the other torches held by the guards, this fire only grew bigger by the second.

Red flames rose toward the skies.

"Whoosh!"

The whole Eastern Palace was lit up by this ball of fire, which cast a bright reddish glow on numerous pavilions and the faces of countless patrolling guards.

A sunset is infinitely glorious, except for the impending dusk.

This sentence is often used to describe a sunset. The beauty of a sunset lies in its reddish glow in the horizon. And currently, the Eastern Palace had such a 'sunset'.

Because half the sky was cast in the same glorious reddish glow.

Accompanying this glow was a searing heat wave emanating from the fire.

Countless guards watched the rising 'sunset', so shocked they were stunned. Beside these guards were servants and maids working in the crown prince's residence.

No one understood what had just unfolded. Everyone just stared at the blazing inferno with their jaw dropped, absolutely astounded.

Until a terrifying exclamation rang from the crowd.

"Fire!"

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Chapter 545: The Highest Level of Arson

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"There's a fire?"

"It's burning!"

These voices, initially full of doubt and disbelief, slipped into the realm between reality and imagination.

After all, to them…

What they had just witnessed was unbelievable.

A fire broke out in the Eastern Palace! And it was such a big fire!

Who could believe it?

Though the Eastern Palace guards also couldn't believe what had happened, being highly professional guards, they grasped the situation at hand and reacted immediately.

The guards rushed toward the burning pavilion.

Meanwhile, the servants prepared the soil need to extinguish the fire. The scene was hectic, but not messy.

"Put out the fire, quickly!"

"Leader of Team 3, bring your team to the pavilion, salvage whatever that could be salvaged, now!"

"Yes!"

"Team 5, you'll evacuate the crowd! Team 6, seek our special guests for help!"

"I'll report to His Highness immediately!"

"Go ahead!"

Under these instructions, the guards played their parts, may it be putting out the fire, salvaging the goods, or notifying the crown prince.

At this moment, Crown Prince Lin Tianrong fretted as the commotion outside disturbed him.

And of course…

Most importantly, he could see the reddish glow through his window.

"Fire broke out?" Lin Tianrong was under the weather. In fact, his mood was terrible from bottling up all that rage within him.

If this had happened in the past, a fire breaking out might surprise him, but it wouldn't anger him.

But today he was furious!

The fire sparked his rage. Like a pot of oil poured into a fire, his fury was ignited.

"Snap!"

The study's door was kicked open.

Lin Tianrong stepped out of his study and looked in the direction of the fire. With a glance, he froze momentarily.

It wasn't due to the importance of the burning pavilion.

But the substantial size of the fire.

"Your Highness, fire… a fire broke out!" At this moment, a guard rushed toward Lin Tianrong, apparently petrified.

"A bunch of idiots!" Lin Tianrong berated. He then kicked the guard's face, which sent him flying 6 or 7 meters away.

He was bleeding profusely.

Yet, he did not complain.

After that painful kick, he crawled on the floor as if he was fainting.

Indeed, the guard had the smarts. After completing his job of reporting to the crown prince and sensing something was wrong, he faked unconsciousness to avoid further trouble.

But it seemed Lin Tianrong was angrier than usual.

Seeing the guard unmoving on the ground, his fury intensified. With a flip of his hand, he was now wielding a sword.

"Useless scum, you dare to feign death in front of me?" Lin Tianrong hollered as he walked toward the guard.

The sword shone an icy gleam under the moonlight, then it appeared on the guard's throat, piercing through it from the back of his neck and emerging from the front.

The guard's hands and legs jerked a little, his eyes full of disbelief.

Usually, when Lin Tianrong was angry, these guards would avoid excessively provoking him, feigning death or hiding away, and their lives would be spared.

But today, it was different.

He wanted to speak, but the coldness in his throat didn't allow him any movement. It was at this moment that he realized something.

When the guard reported here, his death was impending.

Whether he feigned death or not, he had to die. Because Lin Tianrong never intended for any bearer of such news to live.

"It pierced!"

The sword was then withdrawn from his throat.

Without even glancing at the guard, Lin Tianrong walked toward the burning pavilion, with his sword still dripping blood.

This was the difference between those had power and those who didn't.

Sometimes, there was no need for a reason to kill somebody.

If there had to be one, it was simply because he was the crown prince. His controlled the lives of everyone in the Eastern Palace.

"Your Highness!"

"Your Highness!"

While the people around the crown prince greeted him, screams reverberated in the air.

Lin Tianrong's sword was cold.

And stained by the blood of many slain under it.

The guards, servants, and maids stood rooted to the ground. One by one, they fell by the blade of his sword. They could only beg, in their hearts, that Lin Tianrong would eventually stop.

"It pierced!"

"It pierced!"

After killing seven guards and servants, Lin Tianrong's shirt was stained by a few drops of blood, and this made him unhappy.

As the mighty crown prince, he could kill people, but he hated his clothes stained with too much blood.

"Dispose of them!" Lin Tianrong threw his sword away, before wiping the bloodstains on his shirt onto a slain guard's armor.

"Yes!" A few guards did as they were told and dragged the bodies away.

At the same time, a few servants brought pails of water and washed away the blood on the floor. Another servant quickly brought a cape.

Everything seemed so natural.

And no one dared to say a single word.

When Lin Tianrong reached the pavilion, the fire had already been put out. The smell of smoke and ashes of burnt wood wafted through the air.

Countless guards and servants stood in front of the pavilion, shivering in fear.

There were also a few middle-aged men who dressed very differently from the guards and servants. One of them, who wore an exquisite shirt, even showed a tinge of haughtiness.

They were special guests of the crown prince's residence.

If it were the guards' and servants' efforts alone, the fire could never be extinguished.

After all…

This fire was too big.

The entire pavilion was ablaze, together with trees surrounding it. Even neighboring buildings a few meters away were affected.

Imagine if the special guests hadn't lent a helping hand, the fire wouldn't have burned only this pavilion.

"Who was responsible for guarding this place?" Lin Tianrong said as he looked at the remains of the pavilion, his fury rose once again.

A fire broke out in the Eastern Palace!

How would have imagined this?

For the royal family, this meant gross negligence and mismanagement, and their reputation would suffer for this. And to the commoners, this incident would only be a subject of mockery.

"It's… me… and this…" A guard rushed out from the crowd and kneeled in front of Lin Tianrong fearfully.

"Drag him out!" Lin Tianrong sent him flying from a forceful kick without giving him the chance to continue. Then his gaze swept across the crowd. "Why did fire break out?"

"This…"

All the guards and servants looked at one another.

They could tell that Lin Tianrong was extremely furious and they didn't wish to die. Yet, they knew that if they didn't give an explanation, they would all die.

Together with their families.

A guard stepped forward and was ready to speak, but a was overtaken by one of the special guests. He shook his head to the former.

The guard was instantly relieved and promptly stepped back into the crowd.

"Your Highness, this fire wasn't the fault of the guards. Someone deliberately burnt the pavilion!" The guest reported confidently.

"Deliberately burnt the pavilion? Why do you say so?" Lin Tianrong glanced at the guest, then the charred pavilion, squinting in doubt.

"There were powerful incendiaries on the ground. It was obvious that someone had planned well for this."

"What are you waiting for? Seal all exit routes in this palace. We must catch the arsonist!" Lin Tianrong ordered without hesitation, his voice cold and emotionless.

"Yes!" The guards sprang into action and rushed to their positions.

But…

They hadn't run far when they suddenly stopped.

Because at this moment, another blaze emerged. As if the sun was called summoned back above the horizon after it has set.

And suddenly, there was a mysterious, massive gust of wind.

The night…

Was silent!

But this wind howled deafeningly.

"Whoosh!"

The gale blew across the skies, creating a fiery arc from the inferno. The fire spread to a few neighboring pavilions.

Everyone froze their gaze upon such a sight.

They were petrified, and even Lin Tianrong was dazed. Because no one had would've imagined the arsonists hadn't escaped!

Instead, they had set another building on fire!

And most importantly, it was Lin Tianrong's study!

The guards and servants were bewildered.

This was the true meaning of adding fuel to fire. When Lin Tianrong was at the height of his rage, yet another pavilion was lit on fire.

Such audacity, such arrogance.

At this moment, everyone was terrified. They could feel Lin Tianrong's intense fury and his uncontrollable urge to kill.

The Eastern Palace's dignity had been utterly insulted.

"If the arsonist is not caught, all of you will die!" Lin Tianrong's voice rang once again, though seemingly uncontrollable.

The mighty crown prince of the Great Xia Dynasty…

Was utterly overcome by rage.

No one could swallow such an insult. Setting fire to the Eastern Palace in the dead of night, and instead of immediately escaping after doing it…

They did it once more!

A contemptuous act against the Eastern Palace.

The few special guests exchanged looks in disbelief. But they did not stay on for long.

As a matter of fact, they weren't sure if it was a deliberate act of arson in the first place.

After all…

This was Yan Capital, home of the emperor, and the security of the Eastern Palace was only second to the emperor's palace and Ping Yang residence.

Then, who would set this place on fire?

Hence, their first reaction would be to put out the fire instead of searching for the arsonist. But upon seeing the ashes on the ground, they were shocked.

Shocked at this person's fearlessness.

How bold would a person be to do such a thing to the Eastern Palace?

But they were now beyond shocked. Because they hadn't escaped, even after drawing so much attention.

And instead, they started another fire.

Right at the center of the Eastern Palace!

Acts like this couldn't be described by 'fearless'. It should be 'willfully seeking death'!

Some transformed into rays of light and zoomed toward the crown prince's study.

With such an impressive speed!

By the lead of the few special guests, the guards started to move. Almost everyone rushed toward the study.

Because the arsonist had to be there!

They encircled the area, rushing in the direction of the study like a contracting ring.

Moving toward the center of the fire.

Of course, Lin Tianrong was in this too.

His face was flushing red, perhaps due to the glow of the fire, or maybe the pressure of his rage.

"If I don't kill you today, I don't deserve to be a human!" Lin Tianrong's eyes gleamed viciously, his body emanating an aura of evil.

"Get away!"

A slower servant was kicked away by Lin Tianrong.

Then a gap was among the wave of people, where no one dared to come close. Because that was precisely the path of Lin Tianrong.

At the entrance of the cluster of guesthouses in the Eastern Palace.

Ping Yang, dressed in a tight black suit, spoke up. Her crystal-clear eyes were very alert, her alcohol-flushed cheeks had cleared up.

"This shameless fellow actually… actually… set Third Brother's… study on fire?!" Ping Yang loved setting things on fire, as she had burnt no less than twenty houses in her life.

From the Nobles' residences, Minister's residences, to the General's residence and Law Official Wan Chong's residence.

But she had her principles. There were places she would never burn, like the emperor's palace, her own residence, and few other places.

Including…

The crown prince's study!

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Chapter 546: The Death Flame

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Like the scales beneath a dragon's throat, everyone has a sensitive, crucial, precious spot. And for Lin Tianrong, it was his study. Because it was the place where he had meetings with guests and discussed politics.

In other words…

The study was the heart of the Eastern Palace.

If a random building was burnt, Lin Tianrong would only lose some face. But with his study being burnt down, it was totally different. He felt as if someone had slapped him in the face.

Most importantly, the building's furniture and decoration could be bought again, but how would he purchase the books, the letters from different people, and the memorials previously in his study?

Ping Yang understood this clearly.

Hence, she did not torch his study. But never did she expect Fang Zhengzhi to target precisely that.

Wen Dabao was also dazed.

Indeed, he saw Fang Zhengzhi running off to a different direction, but never would have imagined he would burn Lin Tianrong's study.

"The study is burning? The crown prince… should be insane by now, right?"

"Definitely!" Nangong Mu nodded as he answered Wen Dabao. But he was full of doubt, too.

Because with his understanding of Fang Zhengzhi, this was not as simple as it seemed.

Fang Zhengzhi's working style seemed willful indeed, but he would not do something without reason. And more importantly, Fang Zhengzhi did not like taking risks.

But what kind of place was the study?

It was at the heart of the Eastern Palace, located right in its center. It was, without any trace of doubt, the most heavily guarded place in the Eastern Palace.

And for Fang Zhengzhi to strike at such a place, it was the riskiest thing he could do.

The study…

Why would he burn the study?

Nangong Mu ventured a guess, but he couldn't be sure.

Yan Xiu, on the other hand, seemed a little anxious. His guess was different from Ping Yang and Nangong Mu, but he also couldn't be certain of Fang Zhengzhi's intention of burning the study.

But it wasn't his concern.

For him, since Fang Zhengzhi had burned Lin Tianrong's study, he had his own reasons, and that was enough.

But now…

With the first fire creating such a huge uproar, how would he escape after lighting the second?

"I need to be there!" Yan Xiu moved as soon as he spoke.

Another figure moved, appearing right before Yan Xiu, without showing any expression.

"You cannot go." Nangong Mu's voice was as bland as it could be. He didn't bother explaining, just this simple sentence.

And Yan Xiu stopped.

His clenched his fist and revealed a cold, arrogant expression. A ball of energy was moving through his body, emanating an aura of viciousness.

Upon seeing this, Wen Dabao tensed up.

At this juncture, if Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu fought due to differing opinions, who could stop them? They would likely attract the attention of the Eastern Palace guards.

And how then would they escape?

"Young Master Yan…" Wen Dabao was about to mediate the argument when he saw Yan Xiu return to his original position.

No longer had any intention to move.

This surprised Wen Dabao because he was very clear of the relationship between Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu, yet Yan Xiu was stopped by a simple sentence from Nangong Mu.

"We shall wait here!" Yan Xiu spoke.

"Good." Said Nangong Mu.

Both didn't say much and remained silent. The argument didn't happen, everything seemed peaceful.

But Wen Dabao could tell…

Yan Xiu was obviously not at peace.

But he tolerated anyway.

Four special guests of the Eastern Palace rushed into the study, then split up to four different corners.

Then they saw a person.

He wore a black suit and his face was masked by a black veil.

His lanky figure projected a shadow under the moonlight. In the breeze, his fitting black suit didn't make any noise. He looked exceptionally cool.

The four guests were astonished.

They exchanged looks in disbelief. Not only did he not escape, he stood at the entrance of the study.

It was…

At the center of the inferno, the most conspicuous place to be in.

"Are you the one who set the study on fire?" One of them looked at the masked man and asked, though he was certain of his behavior.

"Even a blind man could tell. Do you really have to ask such a question?" The masked man asked mockingly.

"I understand. Are you sure you don't want to escape?" The guest nodded and asked again.

"Why would I need to run?" The masked man shot back.

"It seems you don't care about life and death anymore. The next step is surrender, shall we help you with that?" The guest nodded again as he seemed to understand the masked man.

After all…

To him, how could someone expect to live after burning the Eastern Palace?

"What do you think?" The masked man smiled.

"In that case, we shall not embarrass ourselves by asking for your identity!" The guest spoke after some thought.

A man of sacrifice!

Every generation of dynasties had such men.

And it wasn't uncommon. After all, these men were the best choice to deploy in risky battles.

In the eyes of the guests, this masked man was a man of sacrifice.

Hence, there was no point asking further.

He had been surrounded from four directions. As they did not want to kill him immediately, they waited…

Waited for Lin Tianrong to interrogate him personally.

The fire continued burning.

Winds were blowing uncontrollably, lifting sparks which were lit on trees and wooden fences.

Countless guards surrounded him.

They didn't stand calmly in their position like the four guests. Instead, they started to put out the fire, though they were also shocked to see this.

Lin Tianrong finally reached.

He froze momentarily upon seeing the masked man, then his expression quickly transformed into one of extreme cruelty.

As if a predator had spotted a dying prey.

"I want him to be alive!" Lin Tianrong cut to the chase and didn't bother asking who had sent him, or if he wanted an intact dead body.

Because at that moment he saw the masked man, he wanted to torture him and make his life worse than death, even if he begged for mercy.

"Yes!" The four guests acknowledged.

One of the guests steadily stepped forward. Suddenly, a blue ray of light flashed in the corner of his eyes, and in an instant, a flame appeared on his body.

A dark blue flame!

This flame was called the "Death Flame".

Its name was derived from its properties. It was the fire of death. Besides the usual properties of fire, it could pierce through one's skin and reach into his bones. He would burn from inside, as though submerged in lava.

The Dao of all Creation was infinitely complex.

There was the Big Dao and Small Dao. Among countless Daos were a few special ones which were created by the fusion of two Daos.

And the Death Flame here…

Was one of them!

As the guests of the Eastern Palace, how could they be merely ordinary people?

The other three guests looked at him, without any intention to step forward. They had the airs of masters as they were.

Though Lin Tianrong had given his orders.

"This is the last time I'll say this. Surrender and I'll spare you the torture!" The guest said with a hint of haughtiness, a trait developed by many years of subduing his opponent with sheer power.

"Oh, stop the nonsense." The masked man replied plainly in a deep voice, his expression was calm like an underwater spring.

The guest did not continue.

Because actions didn't require speech. Furthermore, with the masked man's audacity, how could he grant any more mercy?

The dark blue flame intensified.

The flame charged at the masked man, pressing against him, while the guest transformed into a ray of light and fused with the dark blue flame.

Well, the use of force was not without brains too!

The guest appeared haughty, but he never underestimated his opponent. He was prepared to attack and defend at the same time. If his opponent overpowered him, he still had an opportunity to retreat.

But if his opponent was weaker than him…

The mighty Death Flame would torture him endlessly.

The flame attacked quickly.

In an instant, the flame appeared in front of the masked man, then wrapped around his body, with neither accidents nor resistance.

The other three guests were surprised.

Just like that?

That's it?!

Wasn't it a little too simple?

"Don't! He's deliberately seeking death!" One of the guests finally snapped back to reality and stopped the guest from attacking him.

"Don't worry!" The attacking guest nodded.

In fact, he had realized this when the dark blue flame touched the masked man. And of course, he wouldn't let himself be tricked by his opponent.

Death!

It wasn't so simple.

And he didn't wish for death upon his opponent.

The dark blue flame around the masked man didn't withdraw immediately, instead, its intensity weakened. This meant torture, one that would make him wish for a quick, painless death.

But it was a pity that…

The envisioned screams and cries, or the begging for mercy, were nowhere to be seen. The masked man seemed calm, as though nothing had happened.

After a few deep breaths…

The guest seemed a little puzzled.

He understood perfectly how painful it felt when one was burned by the Death Fire. Even the strongest man could not tolerate it so quietly. But this masked man didn't make a single noise.

He didn't even move.

He looked like…

A statue.

Or rather, a dead man!

This made the guest suspicious. His body returned to its original position and withdrew the flame from the masked man.

Then…

He saw a pair of eyes.

The eyes were revealed through the masked man's veil, and they were calm as ever. He looked at the guest quietly, with a hint of mockery.

"You… You're alright?" The guest looked at the masked man. He couldn't believe that actually happened.

"Yeah." Replied the masked man plainly.

"How is this possible? It's the Death Flame, able to burn in your bones and cause insufferable pain!" The guest's body jerked as he was completely bewildered.

"Do you want to try again?" The masked man seemed to agree with him and suggested.

"You… I'll kill you!" The guest was finally triggered. Never did he expect his mercy to be insulted.

Now he really wanted to kill.

The guest thought, if he accidentally killed the masked man in full force for his sheer arrogance, Lin Tianrong would pardon him, right?

With this line of thought, the flame rose again with thrice its prior intensity.

Then, the flame charged at the masked man once again, this time with a darker hue of blue.

It was smaller but more concentrated.

Pressing on the masked man, it wrapped around him once again. But this time, the guest would never show any shred of mercy.

Suddenly…

The masked man finally moved.

He took a slow step forward as if he had just exited a room.

And as the masked man moved, the flame around his body weakened.

He walked out from the flame!

Without a hint of injury, not even on his hair!

"You… how is this possible?!" The guest stared at him, his face ashen in disbelief. What a peculiar sight. He was so shocked he couldn't think straight.

And what followed was even stranger.

After the masked man walked out of the fire, his eyes seemed to change. A blue spark lit up from within, slowly increasing in size, concentrating, and finally encompassing his pupils.

Then…

"Whoosh!"

A flame appeared beside the masked man. It was the same dark blue flame as the guest's, but this was much stronger and powerful.

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Chapter 547:

Heaven Dao! He Is Fang Zhengzhi!

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

The guest was stunned.

Not only the attacking guest, but the rest of the guests standing aside, and the guards and servants trying to put out the fire, too.

Even Lin Tianrong was shocked.

"Death Flame?! He actually… mastered the Law of Death Flame?"

"How is this possible? It's a special flame, how… how could he master this?!"

"What is going on?"

No one understood the situation.

As the guards and servants of the Eastern Palace, naturally, they knew what a rare Dao the Death Flame was because it was a special Dao.

The attacking guest did not possess enormous power, only at the peak of Supernatural State, but he still held an important place in the Eastern Palace.

Thanks to the Dao of Death Flame.

But now, there was also another person with the Dao of Death Flame, how could such a coincidence happen?

The same Dao had collided.

The exact special Dao.

How would this not surprise everyone?

"Who exactly are you?" asked the guest with the Death Flame. He could not resist anymore, because the Death Flame was the sign of his identity and reputation.

Now, with someone who had also mastered the Death Flame before him, he could not help but ask for his identity.

"Do you wish to know?" The masked man asked with a smirk.

The guest froze. He wanted to say "yes", but then he came to a realization. Since this man was already masked, he would not actually reveal his identity.

If he had revealed his identity…

Then he would have insulted himself.

"Go to hell!"

"Wait!"

Just as the guest was about to charge at the masked man, another guest spoke, his outstretched hand blocking the former.

Stunned, he looked at the guest who spoke.

The guest who spoke looked at Lin Tianrong behind him, and countless surprised guards and servants, then he said gravely: "Together!"

With a single sentence, he had doubted the attacking guest's power.

This made the attacking guest clench his fists tightly. He glared at the masked man's Death Flame and pursed his lips.

But he quickly relaxed his fists.

"Alright!" He nodded. He understood the meaning in the other guest's words. He had lost. In fact, he had already lost when his opponent walked out of his Death Flame's grasp.

Without hesitation, the remaining two guards lit their flames of different colors, ready to strike any moment.

Upon seeing this…

The guards and servants heaved a sigh of relief.

As the special guests of the crown prince's residence, their powers were not weak at all. Even for the guest with the lowest level among the four, his special Dao reached the peak of Supernatural State.

And for the other three…

It was the Rebirth State!

Two with Rebirth beginning state, one with Rebirth intermediate state, and one with the Dao of Death Flame's peak of Supernatural State.

If they attacked together in the Eastern Palace, how could the masked man escape? Besides, innumerable guards stood by behind the four guests.

"Prepare the arrows!" Lin Tianrong finally spoke.

Although he really wanted to capture the masked man alive, he could not risk him making an escape. Thus, he needed backup.

If the masked man managed to escape from the four guests, the arrows could lend a support.

Under Lin Tianrong's orders, hundreds of guards armed with bows and arrows stood out from the crowd, each of them held a bow in their hands.

Then, razor-sharp arrows were mounted on the bows.

In fact, these were not average arrows, but specially enhanced arrows, one of the dynasty's most powerful weapons. In the entire Yan Capital, only three places had these arrows.

The emperor's palace, Ping Yang residence, and the Eastern Palace.

At the gates of the guesthouses in the Eastern Palace.

Ping Yang looked in the direction of the study anxiously. The fire was raging, and the study was completely charred. To make things worse, the fire seemed to spread outwards.

What a peculiar sight.

Ping Yang well aware of the Eastern Palace guards' capabilities. It wouldn't take too long for them extinguish the fire.

But…

The inferno that was engulfing the study had still not been extinguished.

And besides, countless guards gathered within the study, but they did not seem to be searching for the arsonist.

"Could the shameless fellow have been arrested?" Ping Yang had such a thought, but she dismissed it immediately.

Impossible!

This shameless fellow was so crafty, how could he be arrested this easily? He would've have planned his exit route before burning the study and then escaped.

It had to be like this!

But… why wasn't anyone searching for him around the Eastern Palace? If he had escaped, knowing Third Brother's character, the Eastern Palace would have been sealed.

Yet, why didn't it happen?

Ping Yang's worry compounded by the second.

In fact, it wasn't just Ping Yang; Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu had the same thoughts too because the activity at the study was simply too strange.

The noise that they had expected could not be heard. Instead, it was peaceful, with so many people surrounding the study as if waiting for something to happen.

But, shouldn't they be focusing on putting out the fire?

Could it be…

Something really happened to Fang Zhengzhi?

At the entrance of the study.

The four guests joined forces, attacking the masked man.

Three rays of light simultaneously charged towards from the sides and back of the masked man. At his front, a giant dark blue flame rose, ready to strike any moment.

The masked man finally moved.

He did not move as fast as the three rays of light, but he was retreating in the direction of the Death Flame. When the three rays of light approached him, he had moved beside the guest with the Death Flame.

"Die!" The guest with the growing Death Flame roared. If the masked man hadn't moved, he would not have been attacked for all four guests at the same time.

But he had done so.

Thus…

It wasn't the guest's fault.

With a mighty fist engulfed in Death Flame, strengthened by the insults against him, he struck mercilessly toward the back of the masked man's head.

Even if he didn't die, he had to be unconscious.

And it was approaching!

Though the punch had reached the back of his head, the masked man continued retreating toward the guest, as if he didn't notice at all.

"Go to hell!" The guest with the Death Flame yelled.

The fiery fist crashed on the back of the masked man's head.

And then…

Nothing.

Because when the guest with the Death Flame was delivering his punch, he suddenly stopped, as if he was frozen in time.

He was completely shocked.

He couldn't believe this. What had happened to his body? Why couldn't he move at all? He felt like he had been shackled.

Completely unmovable.

What was going on?

Thoughts raced through his mind. A stoppage in energy? No. Even in the event of an energy stoppage, this wouldn't happen.

Then it could only be…

"Heaven…"

A thought flashed through his mind. A scary thought. Too scary for him to say it.

And at this time, the masked man turned his head around and squinted at him.

His glance…

It was definitely an expression of mockery as if he was staring at a mentally challenged person.

Then, the masked man disappeared.

He swiftly moved behind the guest with the Death Flame without any hint of resistance.

"No!" The guest with the Death Flame screamed in his mind.

But it was too late. Because the three rays of light had charged into him.

"Boom!"

A terrifying blast wave rose from the collision.

The guest with the Death Flame stood still, unable to move. He could only let the three rays charge into him.

He couldn't even fall back to cushion the impact.

As if he was against an imaginary wall, he had to bear the full force without a chance of moving backward.

"Splat!" Red blood was spilled from his mouth and into the air.

The guest with the Death Flame could not believe this. But far greater than disbelief was the extent of his shock.

At this moment, he had ascertained his guess.

The masked man was more powerful than him.

By a huge margin.

"You are…" The guest with the Death Flame wanted to voice this out, but he could feel his energy drain rapidly.

His chest!

On his chest was a fist that had smashed his heart into pieces.

He could only look at himself with incredulity.

Was he dying?

Many thoughts flashed through his mind. He had been a genius since young and grown up in a respectable family.

But his family was killed.

Stomped out by the imperial army.

And from then on, he became a fugitive wandering in the streets. Until he came to the Eastern Palace, became a special guest, and changed his name.

Because he knew perfectly well who had killed his family.

The current emperor's sixth son, Lin Xinjue.

He did not have the ability to take a revenge, so he could only stand behind someone who was powerful enough, even if this person was equally as cruel.

But he still stood by this person, because he was the crown prince. When he ascended the throne, then he could have a chance at revenge.

But now…

He was dying.

Looking back at the things he had done in the Eastern Palace.

Like a puppet, he followed all kinds of evil orders by the crown prince and assassinated many officials who were of no use to him. Of course, he was also rewarded well.

For example, kidnapping an official's daughter, or when he had killed an official, he toyed with his concubine for three days and three nights before killing her.

He was an obsessive gambler and squandered his money freely, but no one dared to stop him.

Because he was supported by the crown prince.

But now, it was all coming to an end. He could never avenge his family, and his sins had caught up to him. His life reached an end.

No one would erect his gravestone, and no one would pity him. No one would remember his birth name, because he was the just a guest, one who had changed his name and followed the crown prince around.

"Idiots, a bunch of idiots!" Lin Tianrong's voice rang aloud. His sharp voice drained every remaining ounce of energy he had.

Indeed…

It had already been decided so when he could help the crown prince kill anymore, even though he had killed so many for him.

Idiots!

So that was his name right before his death?

"Heaven Dao. You possess Heaven Dao, and you dare to set a fire in the Eastern Palace and burn the study. There is only one person who can do all of this, right?"

The guest with the Death Flame really wanted to turn and look at the masked man behind him.

But he could not.

Yet…

He was already satisfied.

Because he had managed to guess the masked man's identity. A person whom everyone had forgotten and believed he was crippled.

A disabled man and an idiot!

What ludicrousness!

His lips curled as he smiled mirthlessly. He didn't say the masked man's name because he no longer had any more energy to do so.

"Fang Zhengzhi!" The guest closed his eyes slowly. Never did he expect that his name would be the last thing on his mind as he left his world.

But it was the only thing he could think of.

"Useless idiots! Kill him now!" Lin Tianrong shouted. He did not know how the masked man did all of these.

But he saw it very clearly.

The masked man had used the guest with the Death Flame as a shield against the attack of the other three guests, who had reached Rebirth State. This made surprised him and angered him further.

Lin Tianrong's voice echoed in the night.

All the guards and servants gaped at the falling guest and the black figure behind him.

While the three guests with Rebirth State stared closely at the masked man.

They did not understand why the guest with the Death Flame did not grab him but allowed the masked man to move behind him. Furthermore, he did not dodge when the three of them attacked.

"How did this happen? His movements weren't quick at all!" The three guests exchanged looks, completely baffled.

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Chapter 548: Blood

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Besides doubt, there was only astonishment. Absolute astonishment.

To the three Rebirth State guests, battles and murders were part of life, and they had learned the relationship between killing and being killed.

Therefore…

They had never once underestimated their opponents.

Even if they have realized early on that their opponents were not as powerful as them, they would not show any mercy or complacency.

And it was precisely due to this, that they were shocked at the strange sight that had unfolded.

After all, they were well-aware of the capabilities of the guest with the Death Flame. Although he had not achieved their level of mastery, in terms of technique and potential, he was not much weaker than them.

But now, the guest with the Death Flame had died.

Without any warning, he had died in front of them. He was killed by them when they could not stop the attack in time.

This made them extremely wary.

Normally, they would have stopped and tested their opponent's abilities once more. After all, it was only a fine line between killing and being killed.

But Lin Tianrong's voice reverberated in their ears with rising urgency.

"What are the three of you waiting for? Do you want to die with that idiot? Kill him now, I want him dead now!" Lin Tianrong's rage shot through the roof.

Even when they had attacked together, the masked man managed to kill the Death Fire guest with the attack of others. How humiliating! If he wasn't that weak, he would've fought.

The three Rebirth guests exchanged looks and immediately understood one another's thoughts.

They did not feel any pity for the fallen guest.

Because when they first stepped into the Eastern Palace, they were fated to be a weapon. A weapon used by Lin Tianrong according to his whims and fancies.

And now…

They were still a weapon.

But one used by another person.

Blame? Hatred?

They had neither. Because, like the guest with the Death Flame, they had a history that no one knew of. If it wasn't like this, with their Rebirth State abilities, why would they be a weapon so willingly?

"Kill him!" one of the guests shouted.

Without much nonsense or banter, this one phrase determined the path of their life, one which they could never turn back.

They still had the advantage of strength with three people.

Even if they had no advantage, or only one was left, they could not stop fighting. Because the result would be the same. It was either the masked man or them who had to die.

The three Rebirth State guards moved again.

But this time they did not attack from different directions, because they weren't exactly clear how the masked man used their attacks to kill the other guard.

Since they weren't clear…

It was an ambiguity.

And once was enough.

The trio stepped toward the masked man in the same direction. Rays of light emerged from their bodies in their respective colors: one red and the two green. Red signified flames.

The flames weren't any special Dao, but they were a powerful, ferocious Dao. And when one had achieved the Rebirth State in the Dao of the flames, he could feel his opponent's realization and control of the flames.

Green signified nature.

Nature is all-encompassing, with flowers, grass, vines, creepers…

But most importantly, nature arose from earth. Hence, when the two green light rays emerged, streaks of green lines simultaneously surfaced from the ground.

The green lines moved wildly, approaching the masked man's legs.

With impressive speed.

The masked man stood calmly at his position as if he didn't notice what was happening. In an instant, the green lines twisted around his legs, rooting him to the ground.

And at this moment, a ball of red flames reached in front of the masked man like a hungry predator about the devour his prey.

From the time the three guests moved to the ensnarement of the masked man, all happened in the blink of an eye, but it was in fact very visible.

A fiery red tooth pierced deep in the masked man's throat, sizzling as it penetrated his skin.

The surrounding guards and servants heaved a sigh a relief.

"Is he dead?!"

"With the combined force of the three Rebirth State guests, his fate was sealed even if he managed to defeat the 'Dark Death' by luck."

"Yes. It is impossible for a single person to survive this."

The guards discussed softly as they carefully observed Lin Tianrong's expression. After all, if the masked man was defeated, Lin Tianrong would calm down a little.

And the Dark Death they mentioned referred, of course, to the guest with the Death Flame.

A pseudonym.

No one knew his real name.

Lin Tianrong stared intently at the three guests and the masked man. He saw witnessed the flame piercing through the masked man's throat, but his rage did not quell.

Setting the Eastern Palace and his study on fire.

How could such a rage be quelled just by a simple death? He was full of hatred. He didn't want the masked man to die just like this.

If it was possible, he preferred slowly slicing the masked man apart with a knife.

But now…

He couldn't care anymore.

Death!

He could still let him rot in public!

Lin Tianrong had decided that he would expose his corpse in the public for seven days. He wanted to let everyone know that the royal dignity was not to be messed around.

Those who infringed the royal dignity only had one end: death.

The sizzling noise emerged from the masked man's body. It should have been a bloody sight, but strangely, it wasn't so.

Because…

There was no blood!

When everyone saw the fiery tooth pierce his throat and heard the sizzle, they knew the masked man in front of them wasn't just a persistence of vision. He did not dodge, but why had he not died upon such a blow?

This was their first thought.

But when they hadn't the time to develop this thought, they noticed something peculiar: the masked man's throat had no trace of blood.

They had seen it clearly: the fiery red tooth piercing deeply into his throat. By why was there no blood?

What a strange sight.

Everyone had the same doubts. Even Lin Tianrong was dazed. But there were no explanations for this.

And the most puzzled among them was…

Of course, the guest of the highest level of Rebirth State among the trio, the flaming guest.

"How is this possible?!" The flaming guest stared gravely at the masked man. He could not believe his eyes.

After all, he was certain that the fiery red really pierced his throat. He could feel it. Unmistakable.

But why…

Nothing happened?!

He could not comprehend.

The other two guests did not understand too. This level of strangeness had exceeded their knowledge. Even if one had seen it personally, it was hard to believe.

"Now, I want to see if you're a human or a ghost!" One of the guests couldn't resist anymore. With a motion of his hand, the green lines which previously entangled the masked man transformed into vines with the sharpness of knives. Then they pierced into his thighs.

And then…

Nothing happened.

Although the vines had pierced into his thighs, there was also no blood, not even a drop.

"What is going on?" The other guest who was holding the masked man down finally spoke. He could not make sense of this situation.

And at this time, the masked man shook his body and adjusted his neck, then looked at the green vines on his legs.

"So that was it?" The masked man said with a low voice. A relaxed voice with a hint of disappointment.

The guards and servants were utterly shocked.

Because they were certain that the masked man was not dead, and in fact, living well.

"What is happening?"

"He was obviously hit, but nothing happened to him?"

"What Dao is this? How have I never heard of such a Dao?"

The guards and servants were puzzled, but they were clear of one point. Since the masked man was still alive, all of these had yet to end.

They turned their attention to Lin Tianrong.

Just a glance was enough to make them shiver. Because Lin Tianrong has reached the peak of his fury, an air of unstable energy circulated around his body.

His expression was sinister as if his face radiated evil.

"Kill him, kill him! Shoot the arrows, now!" Lin Tianrong commanded without hesitation. He only had one single thought.

To kill the masked man.

To kill him regardless of anything.

Nearly a hundred archers heard Lin Tianrong and froze momentarily. Naturally, they looked at the three guests standing very close to the masked man.

But they eventually sprang into action.

"Whoosh! Whoosh!"

A series of arrows sprang out of their bows and into the air, gleaming brilliantly. Every arrow had a flowing light ray, and if one looked closely enough, he could see markings and symbols etched on it.

The arrows rained on the masked man and the three guests. With such a short distance, the archers did not have to shoot upward into the sky, instead, straight at them.

This also meant that the arrows' force could reach its maximum.

The three guests were also shocked at Lin Tianrong's order, and the wave arrows raining upon them.

But none of them spoke a word.

Because they knew that when Lin Tianrong gave these orders, he had already lost patience in them.

The trio gritted their teeth while the rays of light on their bodies transformed into shields, protecting them from the arrows.

But it was not the end.

And while the shields took shape, they charged at the masked man. They knew that the only thing that could stop these arrows was killing the masked man.

Although they still did not understand why this man hadn't died, they had no time to think.

"Kill him!"

"Die!"

"Go to hell!"

The three guests shouted simultaneously, and in an instant, they have reached beside the masked man. One red fist and two green fists punched toward his heart.

The masked man did not move.

He was so close to them!

But the three guests did not slacken, because while their fists had not punched on the masked man, anything could happen.

Their fists were tight and merciless.

Finally, in the instant when their fists reached his chest, the masked man moved. He took a small step back.

With that, the red fiery tooth and the green vines that had entangled him were instantly withdrawn from his body.

"This…"

The three guests were shocked.

Although they had seen this happen to the guest with the Death Flame, now it happened to them.

It was still as shocking.

"Boom!"

The three fists collided with the fiery red tooth and green lines, instantly annihilating them while generating a powerful blast wave.

But the trio did not intend to stop.

Charge on!

And they chased toward the masked man.

And at this moment, something peculiar happened again. When the three of them smashed the fiery red tooth and sharp green vines, more green lines emerged from the ground.

And these lines were much thicker, as thick as fingers, and instantly, they completely entangled the three guests.

And now, the bright red flame rose again, but instead of one, now there were three fiery red teeth.

"You…"

The guests were stunned. It was a little too bizarre.

Perhaps it was not that surprising that the masked man mastered the Dao of the flames.

But to refine the flame into a bright red and transform it exactly into three fiery red teeth, it was certainly extreme.

They really wanted to ask, how would this happen?

But they didn't get a chance. The three teeth were already in front of them and zoomed right into their throats.

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

Three defeating blasts was accompanied by a brilliant glow that lit up the whole sky, while a terrifying blast wave radiated outwards.

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Chapter 549: Change

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

At the epicenter of the blast wave, arrows permeated through the air. The whole scene looked ridiculous.

At the gates of the guesthouses in the Eastern Palace.

Ping Yang, Yan Xiu, Nangong Mu and Wen Dabao stared at the brilliance in the distance. They could guess what was happening.

"Young Master Fang seems to be… surrounded?!" Wen Dabao broke out in cold sweat. He did not know what happened in the study, but surely it wasn't something good.

So much activity was taking place.

It had been fifteen minutes since the fire started, and in this period, there were rising infernos and deafening blasts. It was impossible to not shake up Yan Capital.

"It seems that he is surrounded." Nangong Mu spoke, he nodded as he looked at the glowing light from afar.

"What now? Should we save Young Master Fang?" Wen Dabao asked in response.

"If he had been spotted, we must not go." Nangong Mu shook his head. The situation had developed beyond his imagination.

And most importantly, the person being caught was Fang Zhengzhi, and it was the crown prince's study which was burnt. How could he possibly save him?

If it was Ping Yang who had been caught, and it wasn't the crown prince's study being burnt, then it could possibly simply be viewed as her innocent playfulness and only reprimanded by the emperor.

But now…

How to save?

"We're not saving him?! Then what shall we do?" Wen Dabao said, still dazed in bewilderment.

"Let's get out first!" Ping Yang said. Her crystal-clear eyes suddenly calmed.

As though she had not been drinking.

"Get out?" Wen Dabao froze.

"Yes, it is too happening. People may rush in, so we cannot stay here. Let's get out of here and slowly think of a solution. Yan Xiu, what do you think?" Ping Yang said, looking at Yan Xiu in anticipation.

"Yes." Yan Xiu nodded in agreement.

Wen Dabao was surprised at Yan Xiu's nod. He had expected Yan Xiu to stop her, but Yan Xiu didn't disagree.

Naturally, he could not persist further.

"Let's go then." Wen Dabao looked at his surroundings guiltily. After all, he really did not wish to be apprehended. Burning the crown prince's study wasn't simply punishable by just a beating.

If he was convicted as an accomplice, his father would also be implicated due to the enormity of the crime.

"Great!" Nangong Mu said as no one else had differing opinions. He led the team out of guesthouses, his cold expression seemed remarkably cautious.

Ping Yang, Yan Xiu and Wen Dabao quickly followed.

As Ping Yang had guessed, Yan Capital became a complete mess. Although it was deep in the night, the activity in the Eastern Palace had woke everyone from their sleep.

Windows were opened as many stared at the inferno and the brilliant white light. Everyone was astonished.

"The Eastern Palace is on fire?!"

"How is this possible? And that place seems to be…"

"Oh my god, what is happening?"

Discussions in Yan Capital ebbed and flowed. No one could believe their eyes. The Eastern Palace was on fire? And it was even at the position of the study. It was simply impossible.

The imperial officials were startled too.

"Get me to the Eastern Palace, now!"

"Yes, my lord!"

Almost every official in their respective residents said something like that. They rushed out of their residences, some on carriages, some on horses, while some walked. But all were headed for the Eastern Palace.

But in King Duan's residence…

A guard kneeled in front of Lin Xinjue, his hand held an opened letter. It had just a few words, but its contents…

Even Lin Xinjue was shocked.

"Third Brother's study was set on fire?! And this person had not left? Who dared to do such a thing? Are you sure of this?" Surprised, Lin Xinjue asked the guard.

"Certainly. This person had first burnt a pavilion, then set the study on fire when the crown prince was away." The guard replied.

"This is interesting. Prepare a horse, I'm going to see Third Brother!" Lin Xinjue smiled.

As a dignified crown prince, he had his study burnt. Such a rare opportunity to witness his expressions.

"Yes!" The guard acknowledged.

When the officials approached the crown prince's residence, the blast wave had already died down. The arrows had also stopped.

A huge depression appeared on the ground, and within it kneeled the three guests in their luxurious clothing.

But…

Now their clothes were shattered in a mess. Shreds of cloth hung on their arms as they were pierced by the arrows. Their hair was also messy, and their bodies had many wounds. On their hands, legs, and backs, black charred skin mixed with their oozing red blood.

It was a sorry sight.

Their faces looked grave.

Because near them stood a figure dressed in a tight black suit, standing quietly with his hands behind him. His clothes hadn't the slightest mess.

There was a deafening silence.

Everyone had their eyes fixed on the masked man. No one moved, the guards did not pull on their bowstrings. Because it was obvious that the three guards had lost. Even though they had outnumbered their opponent by three to one, they were absolutely crushed.

"How did this happen?!"

"Who exactly is this man? How is he so powerful?"

"Three of them were of the Rebirth State! And one of them is even at the intermediate Rebirth State! They were so utterly defeated even when they had joined forces, yet the masked man still didn't have a tear in his shirt."

No one could believe this outcome.

It was truly unbelievable. In the Yan Capital, how many people could do this? And among them, who weren't of high status?

Lin Tianrong was also dazed.

When he ordered the guards to shoot the arrows, indeed he could tell that the three guests weren't the masked man's match. But he totally did not expect for them to be defeated by such a huge margin.

Three guests with the Rebirth State had lost!

Lin Tianrong clenched his fists so tightly it turned white. He stared at the masked man's veiled face. He could tell, from a slight show of skin, that the masked man wasn't old.

A powerful man who could defeat three guests with Rebirth State?

And yet wasn't old?

The emperor counts as one, but would the emperor burn his study? Impossible. And then there was also King Liqin. But he was old, so he was out of the question.

How about Xing Yuanguo?

No.

Xing Yuanguo was on the older side. Furthermore, considering his capabilities, although he could defeat the three Rebirth State guests, it would not have been this easy.

And most importantly…

The masked man's techniques were terrifyingly peculiar.

Could it be Hua Fei?!

Lin Tianrong thought of her. With Hua Wei's capabilities, she would have no problem defeating them.

But why would Hua Fei do this to him? And besides, this person was a man. Could she have posed as a man? Unlikely.

Who else?

Chi Hou? Impossible too.

Names flashed in his mind. But one by one he dismissed them until one caught his attention.

"Could it really be him?!" Lin Tianrong thought of this person. He was very young yet was mysteriously powerful. Most importantly, he was not from the Great Xia Dynasty.

No!

He wouldn't do this!

Lin Tianrong dismissed once again.

He wanted to continue thinking, but at this moment the masked man moved. With his hands behind him, he walked towards the three guests.

"Who are you?"

"With your status, why did you come to wreak havoc in the Eastern Palace?"

"What are you trying to do?"

The three guests stepped back as they saw the masked man approaching, their faces petrified.

"What am I trying to do? Actually, I'm not trying to do anything. I just wanted to see if His Highness was sleeping well." The masked man smiled as he said in a deep voice.

"If he was sleeping well?" The three guests fretted, but they quickly snapped back.

"Don't come any closer!"

"Even if I die here, I will not allow you to get any closer to His Highness!"

"Don't think of going there, unless we have died!"

The three guests looked at the approaching masked man. Their expressions changed. Biting their lips, they did not retreat further. Instead, they stood in front of him.

Lin Tianrong was shocked.

Since the beginning, he had only thought of killing the masked man, not whether the masked man would kill him.

Because this was the Eastern Palace, the most heavily guarded residence in Yan Capital.

This place had the strongest guards, the best bows and arrows, the three Rebirth State guests and a guest with the peak of Supernatural State boosting its security.

How would there be any danger?

But now…

Lin Tianrong took a step back. As he stared at the masked man, his first thought was: if the masked man were to attack him, how would he react?

"Protect His Highness!"

"Quick, block him, don't let him come any closer!"

The guards behind Lin Tianrong snapped back into reality. All of them shouted as they moved in front of Lin Tianrong.

But this angered Lin Tianrong.

Because the guards had formed such a tight barrier that he couldn't see the masked man. Only innumerable sets of armors moving in front of him.

And it felt awkward to be surrounded.

As the crown prince in the Eastern Palace of the Great Xia Dynasty, he was surrounded by guards in his own residence. If such word had gotten out, he would lose every inch of his face.

But even so, he did not stop the guards from surrounding him.

"Your Highness, please leave now. I'll stop him at all costs!" A guard said with much loyalty, raising his arm against Lin Tianrong's face.

But Lin Tianrong's face was darker than ever.

He wanted so badly to give this guard a kick, but he did not do it. He only took note of this arm, the arm which was attached to this guard's body… for now.

Helter-skelter.

Since the masked man's response, the situation had changed. The crown prince was surrounded, and everyone was on high alert.

Suddenly, a sharp voice rang from far away.

"The emperor has arrived!"

Then, its echoes got nearer and nearer.

"The emperor has arrived!"

"The emperor has arrived!"

Lin Tianrong fretted again, then he looked to the back. It didn't take long for him to notice a crowd, among which, were officials in court attire of various colors, the generals in their shiny armor, and even the Royal Guards in their golden armor.

And walking in front of them was none other than Emperor Lin Mubai.

His golden imperial robe shone in the night. And his face had a sternness that would make one shudder in fear.

Behind the emperor was a person dressed in a silver robe.

King Duan, Lin Xinjue.

But unlike Emperor Lin Mubai, Lin Xinjue had the hint of a smile, almost one of mockery.

"Sixth Brother, you have indeed come at the right time!" Lin Tianrong squinted a little as he shot an icy gleam toward Lin Xinjue.

Of course, he knew that Lin Xinjue would arrive here.

But now he didn't bother maintaining his grace as the crown prince as he let the guards push him to the back.

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Chapter 550: A Battle of Insults

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Hatred rose within Lin Tianrong.

As the crown prince, not only his study was burnt, he still had to be protected from being killed right in his own residence. It was an utter humiliation to be witnessed by so many officials.

In the future…

How would he stand tall in the dynasty?

The crowd of officials was completely speechless upon seeing the crown prince surrounded by the guards for protection.

Was there really danger?

What had happened in the crown prince's residence?

They stared at Lin Tianrong, observing his expression. They wanted to ask, but they did not. There were more urgent matters at hand.

"Careful, there's an assassin in the crown prince's residence!"

"Quick, arrest him!"

"Protect His Majesty!"

A few voices emerged suddenly, and the Royal Guards behind Emperor Lin Mubai reacted immediately, raising their gleaming pikes, ready to strike.

Following that, a few generals stepped forward from behind Emperor Lin Mubai, wielding their weapons.

"Your Majesty, we'll go save the crown prince!"

"Hmm." Emperor Lin Mubai was solemnly nodded. It was just that when he saw the burning study behind Lin Tianrong, he was a little shocked.

The generals understood the emperor, and without hesitation, dashed toward Lin Tianrong, their bodies emitting rays of all colors.

And in an instant, they reached beside Lin Tianrong.

"Your Highness, are you alright?" A general asked.

"I am fine. The assassin is right behind, General Li, please see to it!" Lin Tianrong replied. With the situation at hand, he couldn't care less.

"Alright, we'll take him down!" General Li didn't intend to attempt it himself. The assassin that could not be defeated by the Eastern Palace would not be an easy opponent.

The other generals nodded.

They quickly followed behind General Li and together they went around the formation of the guards protecting Lin Tianrong.

But…

Soon, they stopped.

Because they had already seen the huge depression on the ground, where the three petrified guests stood pitifully.

But there was no one in front of them. Not a single person.

"Your Highness, where is the assassin?" General Li asked.

"Isn't he behind?" Lin Tianrong started having doubts. He stopped running and looked backward.

He saw the three guests dazed in their positions.

But what about the masked man?

He had already vanished.

This shook Lin Tianrong.

What was going on? Where was the masked man? Where had he gone to?

As the crown prince, he had totally lost his face today. From fire breaking out in the Eastern Palace, to him being unable to fend for himself, all of these still couldn't match up to one thing.

And that was…

The criminal's escape!

"Where is he?! Where did he go?" As Lin Tianrong was ushered to the back, he did not notice the masked man's movements. And now that the masked man is gone, how could not be anxious?

"This…"

The three guests finally snapped out of their daze. The exchanged looks but could only see the terror in each other's eyes.

"I am asking you, where did he go?" Lin Tianrong asked again.

"We deserve to die!" The three guests immediately dropped to their knees, looked at each other, then shook their heads and said: "We only saw him the jump into the study, and then, we…"

"The study?!" Lin Tianrong looked at the study that was almost burnt to ashes. It was impossible for the masked man to jump in there.

Suicide?

Impossible!

With his capabilities, he wouldn't be burnt to death by the fire.

When the generals heard this, they fretted. To jump into the burning study, during all that mess, was just an illusion.

After all, if he were able to control the flames, it was unlikely that he would be burnt. But the crucial question was…

Why did no one chase after him?

The surrounding guards looked at one another, puzzled. They did not even know when did the masked man jump into the fire, hence they were not of what happened a moment ago.

"He… is missing?" The guards were surprised.

This meant that the masked man had set the Eastern Palace on fire, then left unharmed after he was surrounded by so many people.

How ridiculous!

"Get away!" Lin Tianrong looked at the bewildered guards and screamed angrily. Then he pushed the guards who still surrounded him.

What an insult!

It was a total insult!

To enter the Eastern Palace in the dead of night and set fire to a pavilion and a study, then kill a guest with the attack of others, and even scared Lin Tianrong to retreat fearfully…

And in the end…

He actually left safely?

He left!

Lin Tianrong could not stand an insult like this. Such an insult aggravated him more than killing him. In the fit of rage, he grabbed a guard's knife.

Under the moonlight, the blade shone in a sharp, merciless gleam.

He needed to vent his hatred!

"Your Highness, don't!"

"Your Highness, please calm down!"

"Your Highness, please calm down!"

A few officials were stunned upon seeing this. After all, Emperor Lin Mubai stood before them.

If Emperor Lin Mubai saw Lin Tianrong killing people for no reason, it would be a huge matter indeed.

Lin Tianrong stopped.

Because he heard the officials and even saw Lin Xinjue's look of anticipation. He was furious, but he could never let Lin Xinjue get his way.

"You bastard, put down the knife!" Emperor Lin Mubai's voice finally rose. His brows furrowed tightly while he stared sternly.

As the emperor…

He would rarely shout at someone in the presence of all the imperial officials.

And, this person was the crown prince.

But when he stepped into the crown prince's residence, he could only smell blood. Among the crimes of hurting someone intentionally and showing disregard for human life, which of these wasn't a major crime?

Although these people were the guards and servants of the crown prince's residence, in the eyes of imperial laws, their lives were lives too.

"Ding!"

The knife dropped on the floor as Lin Tianrong loosened his hand. His face was full of unhappiness and rage, and a resignation to sheer bad luck.

These were two entirely different emotions.

The former was because he knew the masked man had left; the latter was because his reckless act in a moment of rage was witnessed by Emperor Lin Mubai.

As for remorse…

Of course, he didn't have any.

To him, a guard's life was nothing.

"You're not going to kneel?" Emperor Lin Mubai could not help but say this. After dropping the knife, Lin Tianrong remained standing.

"Father, I was only… overcome by rage, I didn't…"

"Kneel!"

"Father, the assassin had escaped, I…"

"Kneel!"

"Yes…" Lin Tianrong saw the Emperor Lin Mubai's grave expression. He eventually gritted his teeth and kneeled on the ground, albeit very unwillingly.

"As the crown prince, is this how you should behave?" Lin Mubai was disappointed.

"Father, my study was burnt, yet these useless people couldn't even catch one person, and even allowed him to escape…"

"Shut up!" Lin Mubai stopped Lin Tianrong, and at the same time, he glanced at the study. "In such a short period of time, even though the assassin had escaped, he could not have left the crown prince's residence. Follow my orders, the Royal Guards and the Eastern Palace guards, all of you are to seal the exits of the residence and let no one through!"

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

The Royal Guards and the guards of the crown prince residence acknowledged the order and rushed out in various directions.

"Tell me, what exactly happened?" Lin Mubai fretted as he turned his full attention to Lin Tianrong.

In the capital, in the crown prince's residence.

For an arson to happen here, he was shocked too.

"Father, it had been a peaceful night while I was reading, until a fire broke out in the residence, and…" Lin Tianrong quickly told him everything, and of course, omitting the bits where he killed the guards.

After he retold the events, all the officials looked at one another, flabbergasted.

"How dare he do such a thing?"

"He actually burnt two places in the residence, yet he didn't escape?"

"Who is he? Only a few masters in Yan Capital are powerful enough to defeat three people with the Rebirth State!"

As they exclaimed in their hearts, they had their suspicions too. Names flashed in their minds.

The emperor, King Liqin, Xing Yuanguo? Chi Hou? Or Hua Fei?

Who else could do such a thing? It couldn't possibly be the Owl Master Yan Qianli from Western Liang, right?

Emperor Lin Mubai had the same doubts.

In Yan Capital, only a few had such capabilities, and all of them held high positions, and anyone linked to them would be implicated.

"You said this person is very young?" Emperor Lin Mubai asked again.

"Yes, his age is… no more than thirty-five!" Lin Tianrong answered with certainty.

"Third Brother, how are you so sure? You must be joking, right? In Yan Capital, for such a powerful person younger than thirty-five, only the Imperial Concubine Hua Fei fit the bill. Are you saying that the Imperial Concubine Hua Fei burnt your study?"

Lin Xinjue's voice lit up, his eyes had a hint of mockery. Yet his words are very true.

"I did not say that. Why has Sixth Brother come to create sow discord?" Lin Tianrong had already been containing his anger but triggered by Lin Xinjue's words, his rage rose once again.

"Haha, you said it yourself, I didn't speak nonsense. Well, does Yan Capital have a master younger than thirty-five years old?"

Of course, he could see Lin Tianrong's anger. But he didn't mind if he blew up in this rage.

"Well said, Sixth Brother! Well, I am only speaking the truth. Although it isn't bright at night, I could see there weren't any wrinkles in the corner of his eyes. Why can I not say that he is under thirty-five years old?" Lin Tianrong clenched his fist while his body stiffened slightly, but he had it under control.

"What if it was a disguise?" Lin Xinjue smiled again.

"Disguise?!" Lin Tianrong was stunned. His expression changed as he recalled the masked man's low voice.

When the officials heard the word 'disguise', they exchanged glances, then nodded. After all, for a person to defeat three people with Rebirth State so easily while being less than thirty-five years old, it could only be Hua Fei.

But if it was approached from another perspective…

The masked man would have intentionally revealed such a clue. He could have changed his appearance before he came, to mislead everyone into thinking that he was less than thirty-five years old.

It was very likely!

After all, he must have planned this beforehand to accomplish this huge task of the burning the crown prince's residence. How could he have done this recklessly?

The officials looked at one another and nodded with certainty.

As for…

Any notion of Ping Yang being drunk and came to set fire to the Eastern Palace on a whim…

No one would have guessed so.

Well, everyone knew of Ping Yang's capabilities.

Not to mention three people of the Rebirth State, even one would have knocked her flat on the floor.

"Princess Ping Yang has arrived!" A voice shouted from a distance. Then, a group of people arrived in front of the officials.

The person in the center wore a long, red dress, her crystal-clear eyes sparkled, her soft pink lips smiled slightly, a little proudly.

Ping Yang.

And on her right was Yan Xiu with his cold, apathetic expression, dressed in a luxurious, painted gown which bore a few red clouds.

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Chapter 551: Unbearable Passion

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

As for the figure on the left, it was Nangong Mu. He was wearing an ordinary shirt and had an expression as calm as the still lake water.

"So Nangong Mu is already in the capital?" The courtiers were slightly surprised when they saw Nangong Mu. However, it was not something that was too shocking.

After all, Nangong Mu intended to take part in this Court Examination to begin with.

However…

It was a surprise for Nangong Mu to appear together with Ping Yang and Yan Xiu.

The Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was not exactly in a good mood. It was the first time he was publicly reprimanded by the Majesty Lin Mubai after all.

When he heard that Ping Yang had arrived, he subconsciously lifted his head to take a look. The moment he tried to speak, a cold presence flashed through his eyes.

This was because he saw Yan Xiu as well as Nangong Mu.

However…

He did not see Fang Zhengzhi!

Was he asleep? That's why he was absent?

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong naturally would not think so. After all, everyone knew that Fang Zhengzhi had stayed in Ping Yang Residence the entire time. Furthermore, judging from his personality, it was impossible for him to miss out on such a big occasion at the Crown Prince Residence.

"Yan Xiu had arrived but Fang Zhengzhi is nowhere to be seen. Don't tell me…" A thought flashed across Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's mind. Something that he would not, and could not think of.

Under thirty-five years old and…

Able to fight against three Rebirth State personnel on equal footing.

Furthermore, he was situated in Flame Capital City.

It was difficult to find someone who fit these criteria in Flame Capital City. The Imperial Concubine Hua Fei was one of them. However, there was another person, who had always been left out of the picture.

This person was not of noble descent. However, he had once had great exploits in the battle of the Southern Mountain Range. He was the biggest hero and key architect of the Southern Mountain Range victory in the battle.

Most importantly,

This person had once fought with the Demon clan's half sage Can Yang.

Fang Zhengzhi.

A person whom everyone had long thought became a cripple.

He would then naturally be ignored. In fact, he would not even appear in their thoughts. Who would have thought that a cripple like Fang Zhengzhi would enter the Crown Prince Residence, fight against three Rebirth State individuals and leave like nothing had happened?

But what if…

What If he was not a cripple?

In an instant, Lin Tianrong felt a shiver down his spine. If this was indeed the truth, then the result would be so disastrous, it would be unacceptable.

In the battle of the Southern Mountain Range, Fang Zhengzhi did not become a cripple!

Furthermore, in just over a year's time, he had grown strong enough to fight three powerful Rebirth State individuals. For a person who had just attained the Supernatural State to have grown strong enough to fight three Rebirth State individuals in a year was almost impossible.

However, if this person was Fang Zhengzhi….

It would be highly possible.

This was because Fang Zhengzhi had once grown from the Star Conglomerate State to the Heavenly Reflection State, then to the Supernatural State in a few months' time. He had even fought against the half sage Can Yang.

This was a terrifying potential and a horrifying sinister ability.

All of these pointed towards Fang Zhengzhi.

Apart from this, Fang Zhengzhi still had not reached eighteen years old. If this thing becomes a reality, then it would point to another issue.

The Double Roll Champion that would shock and bring peace to the world!

Lin Tianrong felt his body tremble. This was a heavenly prophecy. Even if he was the Crown Prince, he had to respect this divine message. Even his father, the Majesty had to do so.

Once Fang Zhengzhi was recognized as the Chosen One, the consequences were clear.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong thought about this first and foremost.

The other Courtiers who were beside Your Majesty Lin Mubai had also thought of the same thing. This was because Ping Yang, Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu were all present, with the exception of one person, Fang Zhengzhi!

A person who should have been beside Ping Yang.

"Fang Zhengzhi, is it possible that the person who will arrive at the Crown Prince Residence today is… Fang Zhengzhi?"

"That is not possible, wasn't he already crippled in the battle of the Southern Mountain Range? Unless he didn't…"

"If that is the case, I'm afraid…"

The Courtiers looked at one another and seemed to be thinking about the same thing. The moment this thought appeared in their minds, a sentence that Fang Zhengzhi said not long ago flashed across their minds.

"I am going to take part in the examination held in the Heaven Dao Pavilion!"

At that time, all of the courtiers looked at Fang Zhengzhi with a condescending look. How could a cripple even think about entering the examination?

Was it possible?

No one thought that Fang Zhengzhi had a chance of passing the examination.

However, if Fang Zhengzhi was not crippled by the battle, then the odds would be totally different. He not only had a chance to pass it, there was a high chance that he would ace the examination!

Just as the Crown Prince and the courtiers were horrified by their thoughts, Ping Yang, Yan Xiu and the rest had arrived in front of Your Majesty Lin Mubai.

"Your Majesty, what is happening?" Ping Yang stared at Lin Mubai with a curious expression. At the same time, he glanced at Crown Prince Lin Tianrong, who was currently kneeling on the ground.

"Why are you here so late in the night? You drank as well… aren't you afraid that you will catch a cold?" The moment Lin Mubai saw Ping Yang, his expression became gentle and was filled with love and compassion.

"I wouldn't!" Ping Yang said proudly.

"Yea… where is Young Master Fang? He didn't come together with you?" Lin Mubai's expression did not change, as though he had just asked a casual question.

However, all the courtiers understood.

Your Majesty Lin Mubai would never ask a question simply for casual purposes.

This was because as a Majesty, when nothing peculiar was happening, there was no reason for him to ask about the whereabouts of a Third Rank official. The possibility that he would ask why Ping Yang did not arrive with Fang Zhengzhi was then even lower.

But he did.

This meant that Your Majesty Lin Mubai was having the exact same thoughts as the courtiers.

"You mean that shameless guy? I, the princess was just about to…"

"Your Majesty is looking for me?"

Just as Ping Yang was talking, a voice sounded from afar. Following which, two figures walked towards them.

The first person was clad in a blue long coat and had a faint smile on his face.

Behind him was a terrified young man. He looked timid and his eyes darted around the whole time.

It was Fang Zhengzhi and Wen Dabao.

"Fang Zhengzhi!" The courtiers stared at the figure from afar and exchanged glances. All of them saw shock and terror from each other's eyes.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong had also squinted his eyes to get a better look.

A bladed resolve shone through his eyes as he kept his gaze on Fang Zhengzhi, hoping to see something different or peculiar on his face.

However, he was disappointed.

Fang Zhengzhi looked extremely fine and even seemed to be slightly tipsy. Clearly, he had some wine before coming.

He then thought about the drunken look on Ping Yang's face and a hint of doubt appeared in his heart.

Unless…

It's not him?

Then who could it be?

Lin Tianrong clenched his fist in secret. He would, of course, be happy if the person that appeared was not Fang Zhengzhi, however, if it truly wasn't him, it also meant that he had made another enemy.

A person who could enter the Crown Prince Residence as he wished but still maintained his identity a secret!

King Duan Lin Xinjue had also seen Fang Zhengzhi and a smile of condescension appeared on his face, "This person is still a cripple!"

Fang Zhengzhi looked as though he had no clue of what the Crown Prince Lin Tianrong, King Duan Lin Xinjue, and the courtiers were thinking. He headed straight towards the King Lin Mubai.

Lin Mubai was then taken aback.

He stared at Fang Zhengzhi, who was standing right in front of him with sparkling eyes. However, he quickly regained his composure and managed a faint smile on his face.

"Young Master Fang did not leave with Ping Yang?"

"Your Majesty, I, your lowly commoner, left together with The Highness. I simply walked a bit slower. Furthermore, Mister Wen felt a little bit uncomfortable in his abdomen area. Hence, we were slightly late." Fang Zhengzhi said as he pointed to Wen Dabao behind him.

The moment Wen Dabao heard this, his face changed for the worst.

He looked helpless and horrified.

"I see." Lin Mubai nodded and continued with a hint of disdain in his voice, "I have already restored Young Master Fang's rank, why are you still referring to yourself as a lowly commoner. Are you saying that you look down upon the Third Rank title that I conferred upon you?"

"Indeed, just a little bit." Fang Zhengzhi nodded and continued, "However, the most important reason is that there is still no news about the trial regarding the case of the Southern Mountain Range. Hence, I still have no intention of doing anything for the court for the time being."

"What rudeness! Who dares to look down upon the title the great emperor had conferred? Furthermore, you are not even 18 years old. To have already reached the rank of a Third Rank official at this age is already something that was almost unprecedented in the history of the Great Xia Dynasty. Not only did you not appreciate this, you even question the Majesty regarding the trial of the Southern Mountain Range? You wouldn't do anything for the Great Xia court? What kind of crime are you committing?"

As Fang Zhengzhi completed his sentence, another courtier's voice rang through the room. He sounded extremely furious.

"I agree, this is way too brazen!"

"In my opinion, we should kick out this kind of people!"

"If not for the Majesty's recognition of your ability in the battle of the Southern Mountain Range, why would he restore your official rank? You are already a cripple! Why aren't you satisfied?"

As the first courtier voiced out his opinion, many others voiced their discontent as well.

Lin Mubai did not expect Fang Zhengzhi to reply in this manner. He moved his lips but did not know what to say.

In the end, he could only sigh.

"Then we shall wait until the day the case of the Southern Mountain Range is resolved."

"Your lowly commoner thank your Majesty." Fang Zhengzhi bowed respectfully before he cast his gaze on Crown Prince Lin Tianrong and the fire that was about to be extinguished from the study room, "Oh, there is a fire!"

Everyone was dumbfounded upon hearing Fang Zhengzhi's words.

They knew that Fang Zhengzhi and the Crown Prince did not get along. However, the only person who dared to say such words in front of the Crown Prince himself was probably Fang Zhengzhi.

Sarcasm!

Pure Sarcasm!

If the courtiers who entered the Crown Prince Residence did so out of concern, then Fang Zhengzhi was merely here just to watch a show.

"Fang Zhengzhi, what did you say?" Lin Tianrong was enraged. He could accept the reprimanding he got from the Majesty, however, he would not accept being criticised by a cripple.

"I am referring to the Crown Prince's study. Why is it on fire? Are you telling me that I am not saying the truth? Is there anything wrong with what I said?" Fang Zhengzhi said as he sniggered.

"You…" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong wanted to say something to rebut this impudent fellow, however, he had nothing to say.

This was because the Majesty was right in front of him. There were also many courtiers around and even King Duan, Lin Xinjue.

"Alright, you are the Crown Prince. How can you get into an argument with a courtier?" The Majesty Lin Mubai shook his head. The reputation of the royal family had to be maintained, however, one should not be doing so by suppressing the courtiers.

The other courtiers also shook their heads profusely.

They were indeed shocked by Fang Zhengzhi's actions. However, it had sort of became a normal occurrence for Fang Zhengzhi to do this.

The Crown Prince?

He was an existence that was highly regarded by ordinary people.

However, he seemed to have no respect even for the Emperor.

Wen Dabao could not really wrap his head around what happened.

This had nothing to do with the words Fang Zhengzhi just said. This was due to him witnessing the huge pit behind Crown Prince Lin Tianrong as well as the three guests and the study room that had been completely charred from the fire.

In an instant, he stopped sweating from his back.

This was because only he knew the mastermind behind this ploy!

In fact, even Ping Yang was unable to react to this situation, when she saw Fang Zhengzhi, she was shocked.

At that moment, she thought her eyes were playing tricks on her.

That was until Fang Zhengzhi slowly walked towards her.

It was only then when she finally realized the pit behind Crown Prince Lin Tianrong, the shattered stones, and the shocking scene.

All these…

They were pointing her towards one conclusion.

"I am going to take part in the examination held in the Heavenly Dao Pavilion!"

"I have a promise to fulfill, I must go!"

Ping Yang's breathing started becoming heavier and her chest heaved up and down visibly. Her clear blue eyes stared at Fang Zhengzhi as her pink lips muttered inaudibly.

Are you telling me this shameless person…

Was not crippled!

As this thought appeared in her head, another scene flashed through her mind. Specifically, it was a letter, a letter that arrived from Heavenly Dao Pavilion a few months ago.

Ping Yang, I have to study now. I might not be able to write to you in the near future.

"Promise?!"

"Study?"

Ping Yang's face turned red. All these realizations were way too sudden and violent. She was unable to accept all these.

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Chapter 552: The Woman Who Alters Fate

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

"How can it be? This person was not crippled?"

Ping Yang stared at Fang Zhengzhi with enlarged eyes, looking at his dismissive expression and condescending smile.

Before today, she would definitely have thought that Fang Zhengzhi was arrogant, bold and naïve. To think that he would bargain right in front of her father!

However, Ping Yang felt none of those at that moment.

When a person was not strong enough, an arrogant expression would let others believe that he was overestimating himself. However, what if a person was strong enough?

Would anyone think that he was insane and dismissive?

That was a mistake!

Everything was a mistake!

Not only was she wrong, the entire room of courtiers, her third brother the Crown Prince, her sixth brother King Duan, as well as her almighty father, were all wrong.

"This shameless person has the capacity to be arrogant. He has the capacity to bargain with her father. Third Ranking Official? He was worthy of being the Law Official! If what happened today was really planned by this person, then we have truly conferred upon him a title not befitting of his capabilities!"

Ping Yang then subconsciously moved towards Fang Zhengzhi.

She wanted to see the features of this shameless person clearly. She wanted to determine if he was indeed as strong as she envisioned him to be

Her rosy cheeks were flushed as she continued forward. However, she seemed to not realize that she was moving a bit too close, her face was going to make contact with Fang Zhengzhi's one anytime soon.

This scene…

Was naturally captured in the eyes of the courtiers.

Everyone was shocked by the turn of events. They actually so Princess Ping Yang moving closer and closer towards Fang Zhengzhi.

And even closer…

"What a disgrace!"

If the person who did this was not Ping Yang, but any other woman, they would definitely have shouted that sentence out loud.

However, they didn't dare to!

This was because the person was Ping Yang. She was the most doted daughter of the Majesty and most importantly, the emperor was right in front of them.

"So this is the guy who made the Princess…"

"No wonder he dared to bargain with the emperor and even showed disdain at his official rank. He did not even care about the Crown Prince! To think that he had something to fall back on!"

"It seems like Fang Zhengzhi did not stop plotting while he was in Ping Yang Residence. To think that he did something of this sort to the Princess. This is way too shameless, the princess is not even married yet!"

"I sincerely hope he did not get what he wants? Or else…"

These thoughts immediately flashed through the courtier's mind. The then looked at Fang Zhengzhi again with new impressions in their head.

For example, things like a paedophilic beast! Or a shameless man who cheats on Ping Yang's innocent and pure feelings!

"Fang Zhengzhi, you dared to…" Lin Tianrong wanted to say out those words, but under the judging eyes of the courtiers, he swallowed them back.

A pair of eyes squinted and looked at Ping Yang while clenching her fists.

If…

Fang Zhengzhi and Ping Yang truly had that kind of relationship.

Then even he would not be able to do anything to Fang Zhengzhi. This was because the Majesty would never let Ping Yang come to harm.

As for widowhood?

That would be even more impossible!

The scene was awkwardly quiet.

Lin Mubai also fell speechless. The expression on his face became strange upon seeing this scene as his eyes widened in shock.

As a father!

He had always strived to give Ping Yang the best life and utmost protection.

However, he had never thought that Ping Yang would fall in love with Fang Zhengzhi. More specifically, he did not expect it to happen too fast.

"You beast, my daughter is still young! I still want her by my side for a few more years, how dare you…" Lin Mubai thought of these things in his heart, though he could not say them out.

This was because Ping Yang was the person clearly moving towards Fang Zhengzhi.

In other words…

His treasured daughter was the one who made the initiative. If he forcibly stops them now, it might have the opposite effect.

Marriage amongst the royal family.

This had always been a complicated thing.

Sometimes, it would be used to gain the support from powerful courtiers. On other occasions, it could also be used to achieve peaceful coexistence with the countries on the sidelines.

Of course, Lin Mubai had never thought of using Ping Yang for any political purposes. However, this did not mean that he would be willing to let anyone marry her.

Not to mention for her to make the initiative towards Fang Zhengzhi.

He did not think that Fang Zhengzhi wasn't good enough.

It was just…

Lin Mubai had never thought about this. Everything was too sudden, there just wasn't enough time for him to accept it. Should he really let Fang Zhengzhi become his son-in-law?

At that moment, Lin Mubai was seriously thinking about a problem that he had never once encountered.

Fang Zhengzhi naturally would not be able to guess the courtier's thoughts. However, he could feel a warm gush of air closing in towards him.

The moment he turned his head, his eyes widened.

This was because a pair of clear blue eyes was slowly approaching him, and under the pair of eyes, was a supple, pink lip.

For a moment, Fang Zhengzhi's thought processes became sluggish. He had never once thought that Ping Yang would make such a move.

Until…

He felt a warm soft sensation on his face.

"What is going on!" Fang Zhengzhi woke up from his trance and immediately retreated a few steps. He had always regarded himself as a reseller of his knowledge and not his body. What did the intimacy even mean?

Even if it was just the face!

Most importantly…

There were courtiers, the Crown Prince, King Duan and even Lin Mubai watching them. What did he just experience?

Fang Zhengzhi subconsciously stared at Lin Mubai.

He then saw the livid expression on his face.

Well… that would probably be the expression of any father who saw his precious daughter being taken advantage of. It wasn't an expression of rage, but it definitely wasn't happy.

"Shit, he is not going to suspect me of having an intimate relationship with his daughter, right?" Fang Zhengzhi felt extremely maligned. He needed to explain himself.

However, at that moment, Ping Yang had also recollected herself and took a look at Fang Zhengzhi who had retreated a few steps away. She did not react to what had just happened.

However, it did not take long for her to scream.

"Hm? Ah!"

At the same time, one of her feet went flying towards Fang Zhengzhi.

This was simply an ordinary kick in self-defense.

There were no flashy moves and no glow enveloping her legs. One could imagine that this was a kick out of embarrassment.

"Ouch!" After a cry of pain, a figure flew across the room and landed on his butt. Following which, an enraged voice sounded, "Are you crazy!"

Fang Zhengzhi was furious. After all, he suffered that kick for nothing. He should be awarded 500000 silver for that kick, no at least, 1000000 silver!"

As Fang Zhengzhi was fuming mad, Ping Yang was stunned.

Not only did Ping Yang freeze in her tracks, Wen Dabao was dumbfounded as well. Even Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu were slightly surprised. The four of them stared at Fang Zhengzhi and did not know how to react.

Was he hit?

How is that possible?

If Ping Yang could guess what happened in the study of the Crown Prince, how could Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu not? They had all guessed the mastermind behind this ploy.

However…

If Fang Zhengzhi was not crippled, then how could he be hit by Ping Yang's kick. That kick was completely unplanned and unamazing.

Did he do it on purpose?

They would not think so.

This was because Fang Zhengzhi was never someone who would deliberately make himself suffer. If he could escape the wrath of that kick, he would definitely have done so.

Then, what was happening?

Doubt loomed over the room.

When the rest of them looked at Fang Zhengzhi sitting helplessly on the ground, they also exchanged glances with one another.

Originally…

Although they predicted that the person who came into the Crown Prince Residence would not be Fang Zhengzhi, they still harbored some suspicions.

However, they had no more suspicions now.

This was because Ping Yang merely gave an ordinary kick. If Fang Zhengzhi did not truly become a cripple, he would have instinctively dodged that attack. This was a reflex.

But he didn't!

"This person is a completely cripple!"

A hint of disdain then flashed across the courtier's eyes. From their perspective, Fang Zhengzhi was merely still here due to his relationship with Ping Yang.

As for his strength? A person who could not even dodge Ping Yang's kick definitely could not defeat three Rebirth State individuals.

Lin Mubai also stared quizzically at Fang Zhengzhi, who was now getting up from his fall. From his actions, he seemed extremely clumsy.

It can even be said to be weak.

"Am I too paranoid?" Lin Mubai shook his head and frowned. He then looked at Ping Yang and stared into those clear blue eyes.

A warm fuzzy feeling rose from his heart.

"They look exactly the same. The nose, the lips, especially the eyes. Clean and clear, not tainted by a speck of dust…

Lim Mubai then closed his eyes momentarily.

In his mind, a figure appeared. That magnificent figure was dancing around in his mind, the long sleeves fluttered like a cloud of elegant smoke, swaying his heart

"Our daughter has grown up, do you know? Why have you not visited her after all these years?"

"It has been over ten years. Is there really no hope for us?"

"No, I will not give up!"

"There must be a chance, there must be. I have waited too long for this day…"

"I have actually pleaded with uncle you know? I really did, but he did not agree…"

"Look, our daughter has grown up, she has someone she likes."

"What should I do? I want to keep her by my side forever. But I know that is impossible. She will have to marry someday."

"But…"

"Do you really bear to not show up on your daughter's wedding? Are you truly that heartless?"

"Give me an answer, what should I do?"

"Father, father, are you alright?"

Ping Yang's voice sounded beside Lin Mubai, her arms shaking his one ever so gently. An expression of worry covered her face.

Of course…

An act of disturbing the emperor's thought processes.

Ping Yang was probably the only person in the entire Great Xia Dynasty that dared to and was allowed to do so. If anyone else had done it, they would directly be given the capital punishment.

"Hm?" Lin Mubai recollected himself and cast his gaze onto Ping Yang once again. He then reverted to his gentle expression and said, "Nothing much. Don't worry, Ping Yang, I am merely thinking of something."

"Is father thinking of mother again?" Ping Yang said as she blinked her crystal clear eyes, looking at him expectantly.

The courtiers broke out in cold sweat listening to Ping Yang's question.

As what Ping Yang had said, the Great Xia Dynasty did have Empresses. There were even more than one of them. However, that was already a thing of more than ten years ago.

As for the queen that Ping Yang mentioned, she should be the last queen the Great Xia Dynasty ever had. She was a woman who was directly named queen right after her first appearance.

Before that woman appeared…

The Great Xia Dynasty still had one queen, which was the mother of the Crown Prince.

However, once that woman appeared, the previous queen was immediately robbed of her title, though this incident was not as dramatic as one would have imagined.

Only because the person who suggested this was the previous queen.

More importantly, when the previous queen made this suggestion, not one of the courtiers made any objections.

No one had their suspicions or even doubt about this decision.

The previous queen was willing to let go of her title and allowed the new queen to take over. Everything was done perfectly and efficiently, as though it should have been the case.

It was also a period of prosperity and joy. At that time, the Great Xia Dynasty was not exactly strong in military, but they were feared by all.

In that year, all of the neighboring countries came to pay a visit.

All to see the new queen.

Alas…

The new queen did not stay in the Great Xia Dynasty for long.

Ten years ago, she left the Great Xia Dynasty. She stepped out of the royal palace into the Flame Capital City and then out of it. Until now, she had neither returned, nor even stepped into the territory of the Great Xia Dynasty even once.

After which, the Great Xia Dynasty was surrounded by enemies and ravaged by war.

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Chapter 553: Do You Need To Be So Fake!

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

Until Hua Fei's arrival together with an infant Ping Yang, Lin Mubai was still completely devastated by the queen's sudden departure. Ping Yang then awakened him from his depression and gave him the optimism to rule again, bringing life back to the Great Xia Dynasty.

The Dynasty prospered because of that queen.

But it fell with her departure as well.

Even their revival was due to her new-born child.

She was a person who could control the fate of the Great Xia Dynasty. She also strikes fear into the hearts of every courtier.

"Ping Yang has indeed grown up…" Lin Mubai did not answer Ping Yang's question. He merely said an abrupt sentence and changed the topic.

"Of course!" Ping Yang stood up straight and put on an arrogant expression. Her clear blue eyes then flashed with brilliance as she said, "Yes! Didn't father say that Ping Yang will be able to meet mother when I grow up? When can Ping Yang see her?"

"Your mother?" Emperor Lin Mubai was stunned for a moment as a bitter smile emerged on his face. He then quickly turned that into a gentle smile and said, "Don't worry, you will be able to see her!"

"But when will that be?" Ping Yang pouted expectantly.

"Soon… very soon!" Lin Mubai caressed Ping Yang's soft and supple hair as his eyes gleamed with a decade-long regret.

"Is that so? After seeing my mother, I will definitely challenge her in front of all the officials!" Ping Yang seemed extremely excited when she mentioned this point.

"Challenge your mother? Why?" Lin Mubai was slightly shocked.

"Didn't father said that mother is extremely powerful and no one can stop her? If Ping Yang can stop her, then I will be able to stop her from leaving the palace. Am I right?" Ping Yang said.

"Stop her from leaving the palace? This… Ping Yang is right. As long as we can defeat her, she will not be able to leave…" Lin Mubai replied mechanically and nodded his head.

The entire courtiers then exchanged glances after listening to Ping Yang's speech before shaking their heads in unison.

Defeating that woman?

As time passed, the royal guards and the guards from the Crown Prince Residence returned with the reports of their investigation. There was still no information regarding the Assassin that conducted the arson.

Such a result would undoubtedly be surprising to the courtiers present.

However, how far could that Assassin have gone in such a short time? One should know that the moment Lin Mubai was informed, the Crown Prince Residence was already surrounded by guards.

But…

The moment the courtiers remembered that the Assassin was someone strong enough to fight three Rebirth State individuals, they were able to accept the results better. After all, for a person of such caliber to escape the Crown Prince Residence under the eyes of the guards was not something too difficult.

The remaining things were simple. They simply had to clean up the burnt study room and clean up the blood stains around the area. These menial chores naturally fell into the hands of the maids and guards in the residence.

However, Fang Zhengzhi seemed to show interest in it, circling the study room and the area. This attracted Ping Yang, Yan Xiu, Nangong Mu and Wen Dabao to circle the room as well.

Lin Tianrong naturally witnessed such a situation.

His face suddenly turned serious. It was clear that Fang Zhengzhi was using this action to poke fun at him.

"Back to the palace!" Lin Mubai could care less for these tactics. He then stared at the sky then at the Crown Prince who had just gotten up from his kneeling position. Feeling helpless, he shook his head before saying, "The Emperor returns to the palace!"

"The Emperor returns to the palace!"

As the Majesty Lin Mubai spoke, many voices echoed his words.

Seeing that the Emperor Lin Mubai and all the courtiers were leaving while Fang Zhengzhi was still hanging around the study room, the Crown Prince could not hold it in anymore.

"Fang Zhengzhi, you are still not leaving?" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong sniggered.

"Oh, I'll leave now!" Fang Zhengzhi nodded his head. He seemed to not take offense at Lin Tianrong's tone.

Lin Tianrong also heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing those words.

It would be impossible if the study room had completely no evidence. However, the Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was extremely cautious in the way he did things.

He could not have placed the most important things in the study room.

In fact, he had hidden it in the secret chamber!

The location of the secret chamber was right below the study room. In order words, even if the study room was burnt to a crisp, the secret chamber below would not suffer any damages.

Furthermore, even his secret chamber contained no information regarding the battle of Southern Mountain Range.

Why the hell would he keep that sort of thing?

He had destroyed all forms of evidence and letters a long time ago.

This was also the exact reason why he allowed Fang Zhengzhi to circle around the study room for such a long time.

Of course, this was partly due to the fact that Fang Zhengzhi did not enter the study room, but merely circled its perimeter. As for what he was thinking, Lin Tianrong was well aware.

He was finding clues regarding the battle of Southern Mountain Range!

However…

There was an ancient saying that goes, the innocent will stay innocent while the guilty will become guilty himself. This was the exact state Lin Tianrong was in. Fang Zhengzhi seemed to be bent on searching for clues in the study room.

He would allow him to do so. IN fact, he had hoped he did it with more gusto.

It would help to prove his innocence in front of all the courtiers as well.

Just as he was having this thought, Fang Zhengzhi seemed to have found a treasure in the ruins. He then screamed loudly.

"Hey, there seemed to be a few letters that have not been fully burnt!"

"Letters?" Lin Tianrong was startled and stared at Fang Zhengzhi in disgust before saying, "How can that be? It was such a huge fire, any letters would have been burnt by now. Furthermore, you are outside the study room, how can you find any letters?"

He did not believe it.

However, the moment Fang Zhengzhi held up a few half-burnt letters, Crown Prince Lin Tianrong's eyes widened immediately.

"How can that be?" Lin Tianrong could not believe his eyes. Were these letters carried into the residence by the wind?

He regained his composure after having these thoughts.

Even if there were a few letters that were carried here by the wind, it was no big deal. The letters in the study room were mostly ordinary letters, there should not be any secretive messages written on them.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was not worried at all.

At this moment, Fang Zhengzhi had also walked forward, bringing Ping Yang and the others with him. He also held the charred letters in his hand.

"Crown Prince, I have found a few letters for you. Shouldn't you thank me? You can reward me with 80000 silvers or something, I won't mind." Fang Zhengzhi spoke as he walked.

"I will definitely thank Sir Fang properly for helping me to clean up this mess!" Crown Prince Lin Tianrong answered with a gloomy face.

"Hey, this letter seemed to be written by the Southern Region Noblelite?" Fang Zhengzhi stopped halfway and shouted quizzically.

"What? A letter from the Southern Region Noblelite?"

"Is it a letter from Shan Ling?"

"How can such a thing appear in the Crown Prince Residence?"

The courtiers who were already prepared to leave all froze in their tracks and looked at the charred letter in Fang Zhengzhi's hand, their faces overwhelmed with shock.

The Crown Prince Residence had a letter from the Southern Region Noblelite Shan Ling? It was something that could never have happened.

Not only the courtiers stopped in their tracks.

Even the Emperor Lin Mubai, who had already traveled at least 300 feet, turned back to look at Fang Zhengzhi, specifically, the letters in his hand in shock.

"A letter from the Southern Region Noblelite?" Lin Mubai frowned as he said.

As for Crown Prince Lin Tianrong…

He was slightly flustered.

A letter from the Southern Region Noblelite? Shan Ling? How can such a thing appear in his study room? Those things should have already been destroyed when he was in the Southern Region.

"Fang Zhengzhi, how dare you wrong me! When did I establish connections with the Southern Region Noblelite?" The Crown Prince Lin Tianrong replied without hesitation.

He would never admit to something he did not have.

Furthermore, letters with conversations between him and the Southern Region Noblelite Shan Ling was clearly a thing that did not belong in his study room.

"Oh? The Crown Prince did not establish any contact with the Southern Region Noblelite? Then it seems like these letters do not belong to the Crown Prince then." Fang Zhengzhi nodded as he heard Lin Tianrong's speech.

Following which, he then tore open the letters in his hand and read them brazenly. He did not have any respect for the person's privacy.

"What do you mean? Something that did not belong to me…" The Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was horrified when he saw Fang Zhengzhi tearing the letter apart.

In an instant, he seemed to have understood!

Fang Zhengzhi did not have the authority to tear open any letter within the Crown Prince Residence.

In other words, even if Fang Zhengzhi had found a letter, he had to hand it over without doing anything to it. However, since the Crown Prince himself had denied any relation to the letter, he had also indirectly claimed that the letters do not belong to the residence.

Fang Zhengzhi's actions all made sense now.

His intentions were displayed right in front of the Crown Prince.

Fang Zhengzhi tore open the letter immediately.

Furthermore, he did it in front of all the courtiers, the Emperor Lin Mubai, and lastly the Crown Prince himself. He openly tore open the letter that found its way to the Crown Prince's study.

"What is this person trying to do? If he is just trying to frame me, can he not make it so fake?" The Crown Prince Lin Tianrong still could not figure out Fang Zhengzhi's true intentions.

Framing?

On normal circumstances, Fang Zhengzhi's actions truly render such suspicions.

However, he simply circled the study room briefly and somehow managed to find an important "evidence". No matter how one looked at it, this framing technique was way too fake and immature.

Who would believe him?

All the courtiers? Or the Majesty Lin Mubai?

The Crown Prince Lin Tianrong did not believe that the courtiers and his father would believe Fang Zhengzhi unconditionally. After all, this technique seemed way too retarded.

He should have come up with something smarter.

For example, he could try creating a deceitful act or to include his ploy into a conversation they were having. He could even use a decoy for his plans or use a playful little trick up his sleeves. Basically, anything else would be better than this.

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