Chapter 818: The Emperor's Fatal Test
Tianyuan solemnly accepted the task.
Back when Xuqing had requested her to craft the Jati flower incense for Xiangguo Temple's Buddhist rituals, he had vowed to assist her wholeheartedly whenever called upon.
His Majesty must have begun suspecting connections between Xiao Juesong, her, and Xiao Huayong. The most effective way to test her would be to see whether Xiao Juesong's followers would attempt to kill her indiscriminately.
She had already warned Xiao Changqing, conveying her stance: from the moment they chose to strike lethally against His Majesty, she became the Emperor's daughter-in-law, severing all ties with them.
His Majesty would surely create opportunities for these assassins to target her. Every retainer she could bring along had been thoroughly vetted by the Emperor. Within the palace confines, it was impractical to deploy additional guards now—hence her request for Master Xuqing's protection.
As these thoughts crossed her mind, a kick from within her womb formed a visible bulge beneath her robes before receding.
Shen Xihe cradled her abdomen, whispering softly, "Do not fear. Your mother will keep you safe. Once we pass this trial, nothing shall hinder your birth."
As if soothed by its mother's reassurance, Xiao Junshu grew still.
On the seventeenth day of the tenth month, in the twenty-third year of Youning's reign, the Emperor fell into a coma. Master Xuqing of Xiangguo Temple led monastic rites at the Hall of Bright Governance. All palace consorts and court officials gathered to pray for the sovereign's recovery.
Outside the hall, banners fluttered amidst rows of imperial guards. Chanting sutras intertwined with rhythmic wooden fish percussion, swirling through the cavernous space. Civil and military officials knelt to the left, while the Empress Dowager and Shen Xihe led imperial clanswomen in kneeling to the right. Between them, over a hundred monks chanted prayers.
Regardless of individual sincerity, the solemn altar emanated sacred gravity.
After approximately half an hour, a eunuch's elated cry pierced the air: "His Majesty approaches!"
The resounding announcement drew all eyes to the frail figure of the Youning Emperor, supported by Liu Sanzhi as he advanced slowly. Draped in a voluminous fur cloak, he moved through the parting sea of monks.
The Emperor approached Master Xuqing before the central altar.
Just as officials and noblewomen began exhaling in relief—anticipating an end to days of tension and gloom—a monk suddenly brandished a gleaming blade, lunging toward the Emperor now positioned at the epicenter.
Simultaneously, objects shattered against the floor, releasing billowing smoke clouds.
Moyu and Zhenzhu instantly shielded Shen Xihe on both flanks. Noblewomen and officials gasped in panic, many scrambling away blindly.
As white haze enveloped the space, Moyu detected killing intent closing in. Her sword arced through the impenetrable fog, steel clashing jarringly against steel.
Visibility nonexistent, combatants relied on instinct. Tianyuan and Jiuzhang, stationed peripherally, soon joined the fray, leaving only Zhenzhu guarding Shen Xihe.
Through the smog, Shen Xihe glimpsed occasional silhouettes of swinging blades.
Before one smoke cloud could dissipate, another surged forth. The acrid fumes assaulted Shen Xihe's senses, yet she remained composed, gradually closing her eyes.
By attuning to kinetic disturbances around her, she mapped her defenders' positions and the number of assailants engaging each.
"Moyu, behind you!"
Moyu reversed her grip, thrusting backward. The blade sank into flesh with a sickening tear. Withdrawing the steel, she unleashed a wave of metallic scent that permeated the haze.These individuals may not possess exceptional martial prowess, but by utilizing the smoke, lightening their footsteps, and holding their breath, they could stealthily approach from behind. These were definitely not Xiao Juesong's people, nor... did they seem to be sent by His Majesty.
It appeared someone was fishing in troubled waters.
Shen Xihe let out a cold laugh: "Tianyuan, southwest."
Tianyuan dared not hesitate, executing a sideways roll to evade an enemy ambush he had detected, simultaneously thrusting his sword toward the southwest direction from his position, killing another person with a single strike.
"Jiuzhang, above, northwest!"
None of them dared to venture too far from Shen Xihe. As this was a prayer ceremony, the number of attendants each person could bring was limited, and even fewer were permitted to stand beside their masters at this location.
Having accompanied Shen Xihe for a long time, she could distinguish each of their auras. No matter how silently the assailants approached, their bodily presence would betray their arrival. With Shen Xihe's guidance and their own considerable skills, her retinue remained largely unscathed amidst the thick fog.
Gradually, the smoke began to dissipate without replenishment.
Only then could Shen Xihe see the chaotic scene below. The increasingly heavy scent of blood began to impair her accurate judgment.
An assailant managed to sneak up behind her without Shen Xihe noticing, but Zhenzhu acted first.
Shen Xihe refrained from reckless movements. Fortunately, the smoke cleared rapidly, leaving only a thin, cotton-like layer. Once Moyu gained clear visibility, her strikes became swifter and more precise. However, the sheer number of assassins kept Tianyuan and the others fully occupied.
"Crown Princess, follow this servant." Liu Sanzhi suddenly leaped forward, killing an assassin approaching Shen Xihe, and grasped her wrist through her sleeve.
Shen Xihe offered no resistance. Given the precarious situation, she naturally followed Liu Sanzhi, soon finding herself escorted to the Emperor's side. The area around His Majesty was not easily accessible to anyone, guarded not only by well-trained imperial guards but also by the exceptionally skilled Embroidered Uniform Envoys.
"Are you unharmed?" the Youning Emperor asked upon seeing Shen Xihe.
"Your child is fine," Shen Xihe replied.
The exchange between father-in-law and daughter-in-law remained composed.
Having received her response, the Youning Emperor turned his gaze to the ongoing battle.
Shen Xihe noticed the most agile figure among them. Though masked, his attire slightly differed from the others, clearly marking him as a youth in his early twenties.
Shen Xihe had never seen any remnants of Xiao Juesong's followers, but she intuited that this person was not left by Xiao Juesong—rather, he was likely someone Xiao Changqing had separately chosen.
Though Shen Xihe knew no martial arts, she observed that the two Embroidered Uniform Envoys encircling him were deliberately holding back, allowing him an opening to break through.
If she could tell this person was too young, how could the Youning Emperor miss it?
He must be deeply disappointed at not finding the Xiao Juesong he sought.
Yet he hadn't abandoned his intention to test her. Soon, with his accomplices' assistance, the youth evaded the two Embroidered Uniform Envoys. Dragging a bloodied sword, he cut down several guards along his path, then leaped lightly, thrusting his blade toward the Youning Emperor.
Standing beside the Emperor, Shen Xihe had no intention of stepping forward to take the blow for him. But someone bumped into her, abruptly shoving her diagonally in front of the Emperor. The cold steel of the sword expanded in her pupils inch by inch.
The sword-wielder showed no hesitation in his thrust, and Shen Xihe similarly maintained composure—devoid of fear, panic, or alarm.Just as the sword was about to pierce her, a figure swift as lightning struck. Prayer beads wrapped around the longsword, binding it tightly, while a palm strike surged forth. The sword wielder barely had time to react, managing only to meet Xu Qing's palms before being forced back.
(End of Chapter)
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