The Wise Man stared fixedly at Gu Yanxi for a long moment before speaking in a hoarse voice, "Your Great Qing, arrogant as a major power, has always looked down upon us frontier people. But how are your actions any different from ours!"
"One hundred and eighty years ago, our ancestors showed your kind a shred of mercy, which led to the crisis Great Qing faces today. Since that's the case, why should I follow their example of leniency? Better to eradicate the root of the problem and spare our descendants from the suffering of war!"
Watching the grief-stricken and furious Wise Man, Gu Yanxi curled his lips coldly. After driving A Zhi to such extremes, leaving her covered in wounds and nearly costing her life, causing Great Qing to lose its pillar ministers and countless civilian casualties - what he was repaying now was nothing in comparison.
"Leave none alive." After one final glance at these people, Gu Yanxi turned and left. At this point, he no longer needed any confessions.
The Chao Li tribespeople were horrified. They had prepared for negotiations, believing that since Great Qing hadn't taken their lives initially and given Great Qing's usual way of handling matters, there should be room for discussion. But they never expected Gu Yanxi to be so ruthless!
As the Seven Constellation Bureau members closed in, some began struggling desperately. But the knots tied by the Bureau only tightened with struggle, making them increasingly frantic as they instinctively crowded closer around the Wise Man.
The Wise Man seemed unaware, appearing remarkably calm compared to his anxious tribespeople, even showing hints of relief on his face. Through gaps in the crowd, he looked toward where his daughter was - still struggling desperately to rush over, with two women much stronger than her barely able to restrain her. She looked so wretched, so helpless. Vaguely, he recalled how radiant she had been when she volunteered to infiltrate Ling Wang's side back then, saying 'I'll go.' She never knew it was all a calculation - from the very beginning, she was the only candidate. He had merely pretended to be troubled in front of her so she would volunteer willingly and carry out the mission wholeheartedly.
Reflecting on his life, only those years in Yangzhou with his wife and daughter had felt truly human. Yet both his wife and daughter, who had treated him with complete sincerity, ultimately died because of him.
Heaven's will cannot be defied, heaven's will cannot be defied!
He sat down, his unremarkable height among the Chao Li tribe completely concealed in this position. Xue Liang, fearing deception, immediately signaled everyone to act. But when they had killed all the outer circle, they froze.
The Wise Man who had caused Great Qing such great losses sat cross-legged, head bowed, a jewel-encrusted curved dagger plunged into his chest. Xue Liang stepped forward to check - he had already stopped breathing. With complex emotions, Xue Liang glanced at the peacefully composed old man before standing up and ordering, "Check again in half an hour for any feigned deaths, then take the bodies out of the palace and find a place to bury them."
"Yes."
Xue Liang glanced at Gu Yanze not far away before withdrawing with his subordinates. The Seven Constellation Bureau still had plenty of work to do.
Gu Yanze remained standing in place. Only after a long while did he cover his mouth while coughing and leave. He wanted nothing more - neither his mother, nor his father who hadn't shown his face since the incident began. His half-brother looked down on him anyway and likely wouldn't trouble him in the future. With just his family name, he could live in wealth and honor his entire life.His throat itching terribly, Gu Yanze erupted into violent coughs. Feeling moisture in his palm, he looked down to find his hand covered in blood. Suddenly, he laughed aloud—his life would probably be rather short.
The Crown Prince watched from a distance for a moment. "He likely won't be returning to Ling Wang's residence. Before a separate residence is arranged, let him stay in the palace. Xiao Shuang, move him to a chamber suitable for long-term stay and summon a imperial physician... no, request Yu Lao to examine him."
"Yes."
"Wait." The Crown Prince turned back. "Only if Yu Lao can be spared from Grand Tutor's side."
"Yes."
The wind rose, causing the lanterns to sway, their flames flickering between brightness and darkness.
Faint clamoring sounds drifted from various directions, making their surroundings feel excessively quiet. The Crown Prince clasped his hands behind his back, gazing at the starless sky as he released a long sigh. This night was truly endless.
"Your Highness." Lai Fu approached with surprising speed for his age. "The Imperial Guards have assembled. The Regent requests your presence."
The Crown Prince observed Lai Fu, who had aged rapidly since the Emperor's passing. "Once matters here are settled, Eunuch Lai Fu shall train a chief steward for me. When he becomes competent, I shall grant you leave from the palace."
Lai Fu abruptly looked up, face radiant with joy.
The Crown Prince smiled faintly. "But not beyond the capital."
"This old servant... thanks Your Highness for this grace!" Lai Fu knelt, body trembling slightly. He had truly waited for this—he could indeed secure a peaceful end!
Helping the old eunuch up, the Crown Prince moved forward.
Lai Fu hurried after him, hinting cautiously, "Regarding Xiao Shuang..."
"He once expressed willingness to be castrated for palace service, but I declined. The palace doesn't lack another inner attendant."
Still riding his excitement, Lai Fu ventured words he'd normally never utter: "If he doesn't enter palace service, his usefulness to you remains limited. How does Your Highness intend to arrange for him?"
"Grand Tutor saved him all those years ago not to condemn him to lifelong constraints." The Crown Prince's smile deepened. "My maternal grandmother bequeathed the entire Sun family assets to me, currently managed by Grand Tutor. Eventually, someone will need to take over—Xiao Shuang is well-suited."
Lai Fu bowed. "Your Highness is benevolent."
Benevolent? In the past, he'd never found castration for palace service objectionable. This change came only after Grand Tutor remarked that Xiao Shuang could manage commercial enterprises for him.
The imperial garden blazed with torchlight. The Crown Prince composed his expression and approached.
Gu Yanxi bowed with impeccable etiquette.
The Crown Prince nodded, scanning the Imperial Guards. Uncertain of the Regent's intentions, he opted for silence.
"Commander Fu."
Fu Gang, assuming the Regent intended to hold someone accountable for the palace's recent calamity, stepped forward anxiously. "Your subordinate is here."
"There are Chao Li Tribe infiltrators among the Imperial Guards."
Shock rippled through the assembly. Fu Gang jerked his head up. "Does my lord suspect me?"
"Until the specific individuals are identified, all Imperial Guards fall under suspicion. Uncovering them shouldn't be difficult." Gu Yanxi's piercing gaze swept across the crowd. "So many Chao Li tribesmen couldn't have remained hidden long in the palace. Investigate who was responsible for palace security yesterday evening and daytime—the answer will reveal itself. I give you the time one incense stick takes to burn. No one else may leave during this period."
Fu Gang accepted the order grimly. He had considered this possibility but dared not dwell on it deeply.
If the Imperial Guards were indeed compromised, he couldn't escape responsibility.Someone came to report a matter, and Gu Yanxi walked a few steps aside. At that very moment, a slender dagger shot straight toward the Crown Prince's chest.
Before anyone could even gasp in alarm, a long whip arrived first, striking down the dagger when it was still a step away from the Crown Prince. In the next instant, the whip coiled toward the assailant. From start to finish, the entire incident was resolved in mere seconds.
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