Wang Han's loud shout instantly flustered the two pursuers!
The moment "Empress" was uttered, their mission had already failed. Their fierce eyes swept over Wang Han, but Yan Chi's carriage was now within reach, accompanied by five guards. What was supposed to be a surefire live burial had taken an unexpected turn. These two stood no chance against Yan Chi's men, let alone killing Wang Han in an instant. Escaping unscathed was now their best possible outcome. Without the slightest hesitation, they dashed into the nearby mountain forest.
Under the cover of night, fleeing into the woods was the wisest choice. Moreover, the terrain sloped upward, and once they reached the burial mounds, pursuit would become even more difficult. Immediately, Bai Feng commanded, "After them—"
Four riders behind the carriage spurred their horses and vanished into the forest. Seeing how swiftly these four moved, Wang Han felt a wave of relief—their martial skills were on par with the two pursuers! Four against two—those two wouldn't escape.
Only when the tension eased did Wang Han realize he was in excruciating pain. He collapsed to the ground, too weak to stand. Bai Feng dismounted and approached him. "What's your name? Why is the Empress targeting you?"
Wang Han glanced at Bai Feng, then at the still-drawn carriage curtains, and pressed his lips together in silence.
Bai Feng's expression turned cold. "It seems we'll have to send you to the Imperial City Bureau."
Wang Han's face instantly paled. "No, please don't send this humble one there... I... I truly am a member of the imperial guards. I... I used to handle tasks for Her Majesty the Empress. But I bungled the mission, which is why they brought me here. They were trying to bury me alive just now..."
Bai Feng narrowed his eyes. "Why would the imperial guards work for the Empress? What exactly did she need you to do? If you have no proof, the Imperial City Bureau is unavoidable—"
Trembling, Wang Han shifted into a kneeling position. "This humble one wouldn't dare deceive you. Thanks to His Highness, I've been spared. I wouldn't dare speak falsely. If it weren't true, why would the Empress send assassins after me?! I... I truly shouldn't have served the Empress, but in the palace..." As he spoke, his eyes suddenly lit up as if remembering something. "His Highness must be aware of the most contentious case stirring up the court recently! What I did for the Empress... is related to that case!"
Before Bai Feng could respond, the drawn carriage curtain was lifted by a hand with distinct, prominent knuckles.
A tall, imposing figure emerged from the dark interior of the carriage. Wang Han's pupils involuntarily contracted. Even though the pitch-black night obscured Yan Chi's features, the overwhelming aura made him tremble uncontrollably. During his past service in the palace, he had occasionally glimpsed Yan Chi from afar, but never had he felt such bone-chilling fear as he did now.
Back then, he was a respectable imperial guard; today, he was a discarded pawn forced into the shadows. His life had been temporarily spared, but he understood all too well—he had merely escaped the claws of the Empress to fall into the hands of Prince Rui's Heir.Yan Chi stepped down from the carriage, his sweeping black robes particularly mesmerizing against the night. He approached with leisurely, unhurried steps, yet Wang Han felt as though a tempest raged within the sway of his sleeves, forcing him to lower his head until he could scarcely breathe. Yan Chi halted three paces away. "The case of Prince Jin Manor?"
His voice was deep, carrying an air of lofty nobility, but now Wang Han detected a more dangerous undertone. Instinctively, he bowed his head further, cold sweat dripping onto the back of his hand—whether from pain or fear, he couldn't tell. "Yes…" Wang Han stammered.
Yan Chi narrowed his phoenix eyes, his gaze sharp and intimidating. "It seems you know quite a bit."
Wang Han trembled and hastily prostrated himself. Yan Chi's gaze lingered above his head for a moment. Uncertain of his intent, Wang Han blurted out, "Not the case of the corpse found at Prince Jin Manor this time… It’s… it’s the case of Prince Jin from a year ago…"
As he spoke, Wang Han felt the weight of Yan Chi's gaze intensify, crushing him with dread. He thought bitterly that encountering Yan Chi might not be a blessing after all.
"A year ago. The Prince Jin case."
Yan Chi murmured the words indifferently, his tone as chilling as the autumn night breeze. Wang Han pressed his lips together and hurriedly added, "Yes… This time, a body was discovered in the backyard of Prince Jin Manor. They later claimed it was Prince Jin’s guard, but… but a year ago, that guard actually… died in the palace…"
Wang Han swallowed hard, as if only this could suppress the terror gripping his heart.
Yan Chi remained silent, showing no surprise. Yet his quietude felt like a wall of ice pressing down on Wang Han. Unsure of Yan Chi’s thoughts, Wang Han grew more anxious—the matter was too bizarre and far-reaching. With Prince Rui’s residence recently embroiled in turmoil, would Yan Chi intervene? If not, would he simply kill Wang Han to silence him?
The mountain wind howled, whipping at Yan Chi’s robes, yet he stood as immovable as a statue before Wang Han. Wang Han’s heart pounded, his breath more stifled than during his earlier escape. He could feel Yan Chi’s gaze sweeping over him like a blunt knife, weighing, hesitating. Wang Han’s hands shook with fear, for he knew deeply that, in essence, Yan Chi was no different from the Empress—both wielded power, both treated the lives of minor figures like his as worthless.
The only difference was that Wang Han was now a discarded pawn in the Empress’s eyes, while to Yan Chi, he might still hold some value. Or perhaps this Crown Prince, freshly grieving his father’s death, would be too preoccupied with court affairs to bother—maybe he would mercifully let him go?
No sooner had this thought crossed Wang Han’s mind than the scent of blood wafted from the forest. The next moment, several figures leaped out from the woods. Wang Han saw clearly that their swords were stained with blood.
Bai Feng, seeing the four return, quickly asked, "Where is he?"
"We subdued him, but he took poison and died," one replied, raising his bloodied sword. "He’s confirmed dead. We stuffed him into a burial cave—no traces left."The night wind suddenly grew stronger. Tonight, there were no stars or moon in the sky, and dark clouds pressed in from the horizon. It seemed an autumn downpour was about to fall—a rain that would wash away all traces in the forest.
Bai Feng looked at Yan Chi, and Wang Han suddenly lifted his gaze to glance at Yan Chi as well.
Everyone was waiting for Yan Chi to make a decision. After a moment, Yan Chi said, "Take him back."
Wang Han’s anxiously suspended heart plummeted, and his body went limp. A guard stepped forward, grabbed Wang Han with one hand, and as Wang Han stumbled forward on one foot, the guard hoisted him by the belt and tossed him onto a horse. In the end, Wang Han rode with the guard toward the capital…
The capital—this was the place Wang Han now feared most.
If possible, he only wished to flee far away. But as the capital’s towering city gates drew near, Yan Chi’s guards showed no intention of hiding him. Wang Han’s nerves were on edge, his hair standing on end. Yet when they reached the gates, the city guards didn’t even dare to look closely and let their party pass through. The Imperial Road in the deep night was desolate and empty. Wang Han’s heart slowly settled back into place—at least for tonight, he wouldn’t die…
Back at the royal residence, Wang Han was hauled off the horse once more.
The guard had a strong grip and, noticing his severe injuries, never loosened his hold. Wang Han didn’t dare hope for anyone to carry him in; being supported like this was enough to bring him nearly to tears of gratitude.
Wang Han was taken to the rear courtyard, while Yan Chi went straight to the main hall.
The side room was simple and clean. When Wang Han sat down, he let out a deep sigh of relief. His clothes were soaked with sweat, and he was utterly exhausted. Soon, a guard brought ointment, swiftly applied it to his wounds, and tossed him a few bottles to treat his abrasions himself. Wang Han felt like kneeling in gratitude—he knew now that Yan Chi truly wouldn’t kill him.
Wang Han felt a survivor’s gratitude, yet deep down, he knew Yan Chi would never save him without reason.
Now that he had severed all ties with his former master, Yan Chi’s aid felt especially precious. No matter what, he hadn’t been buried alive by the Empress’s lackeys—
Overwhelmed by exhaustion, Wang Han soon had food brought by an unfamiliar face. He wanted to ask about Yan Chi’s plans, but the person left without a word after setting down the meal. Once alone, Wang Han frantically shoveled the food into his mouth. After eating, he couldn’t fight off sleep and collapsed into a deep slumber. When he awoke, it was already the next morning.
Wang Han opened his eyes to see the faint light of dawn outside and, glancing around the room, remembered the events of the previous night. A wave of fear washed over him, and he grew uneasy about Yan Chi’s attitude. This was no small matter—if the Emperor found out, the Empress’s nearly twenty years of virtuous reputation would be ruined, and even the Crown Prince wouldn’t escape involvement.
Yet Yan Chi hadn’t pressed for answers—this was highly abnormal!
Wang Han grew inexplicably anxious. He wasn’t one of Yan Chi’s men; Yan Chi had no reason to save or protect him. If he couldn’t demonstrate his value, he could easily become prey on the Empress’s chopping block again…
Restless and sweating profusely, Wang Han paced the room alone, consumed by worry.Only those who have faced the threat of death truly understand its terror. Wang Han had never felt such a desperate urge to survive as he did now. Pacing restlessly in the room, he nearly rushed to find Yan Chi immediately, yet he knew this was no place for recklessness. Wang Han waited and waited until daybreak, when the same unfamiliar man from last night brought him breakfast.
Summoning his courage, Wang Han grabbed the man’s sleeve. "Brother, I... I wish to request an audience with the Crown Prince."
The man’s expression turned icy, his brow arching as if to say, Who do you think you are, demanding an audience so casually?
Wang Han swallowed hard. "Last year’s case involving Prince Jin... I... I know some inside details. These are matters His Highness ought to be aware of... I beg you, brother, to relay my request..."
The man’s raised brow gradually relaxed, and he shook off Wang Han’s grip before walking away without a word.
Wang Han’s heart sank, uncertain of the man’s intentions. The steaming meal on the table wafted an inviting aroma, yet Wang Han had no appetite. With his fate hanging in the balance, how could he think of eating?
Anxiously pacing back and forth, he frequently glanced toward the courtyard gate. After what felt like an eternity, Bai Feng, whom he had seen the previous night, entered. "You wish to see the Crown Prince?"
Wang Han nodded eagerly. Bai Feng paused briefly in thought. "Follow me."
Overwhelmed with relief, Wang Han thought, If he’s willing to see me, there’s still hope!
He followed Bai Feng toward the main compound, noticing stern-faced guards along the way. Though not numerous, each guard carried an air of sharp competence and severity that even the most elite imperial guards could not match. Suddenly, Wang Han felt reassured: Prince Rui’s residence was far from the rumored overnight downfall. Instead, though quiet and austere, the estate exuded a solemn, battle-ready dignity. If the guards were so disciplined, how could their master be disheartened or defeated?
This was exactly what Wang Han hoped for—only if Yan Chi had ambitions could Wang Han prove his worth!
They arrived at the study, its door slightly ajar. Bai Feng stood at the entrance and announced, "Your Highness, he is here."
Wang Han swallowed nervously. From inside, Yan Chi’s voice replied, "Enter.This time, his voice differed from the night before—less harsh and gloomy, yet still carried a calm as deep and still as frozen water, so profound it seemed to chill the very air. Beads of sweat formed on Wang Han’s forehead again.
Following Bai Feng inside, he kept his head lowered. Sensing they had reached the right spot, he dropped to his knees with a thud."I pay homage to the Crown Prince, and thank Your Highness for saving my life... I was being pursued by the Empress's men because I botched an assignment. This matter... is precisely related to last year's Prince Jin case. Last year, Prince Jin accidentally killed Consort Jin. He was caught red-handed by everyone at the time, but there was also a guard with Prince Jin—the one who ended up dead. That guard was taken to the Severe Punishment Office, initially interrogated perfunctorily. Originally, he was to be tried together after the Emperor made a decision, but... but the Empress took him out first. I don’t know why the Empress brought him out, but when I later saw that person, he was already dead. I was the one responsible for transporting the body out of the palace. I had acknowledged Eunuch Zhu as my godfather, and this matter wasn’t handled by the Empress directly—it was Eunuch Zhu who came to me. But I knew Eunuch Zhu was acting on the Empress’s orders..."
Wang Han’s throat felt parched as he spoke. He quickly glanced at Yan Chi, only to meet a pair of dark, abyssal eyes that held a sharp, penetrating gleam, as if seeing through everything. Wang Han’s heart raced, and he hurriedly sped up his speech, "At the time, I transported the body out of the city and dumped it in a ravine southwest of Mount Qiwu. But... but now the body has somehow appeared in the backyard of Prince Jin Manor. This... this is impossible. Either the person the Empress killed back then wasn’t Prince Jin’s guard, and my godfather—no, Eunuch Zhu—was deceiving me, or the body was a fake..."
Yan Chi maintained a stern expression to project authority, but inwardly, he was stirred by turmoil.
One mystery had yet to be fully unraveled, and now an even greater one had surfaced.
Song Xiwen had died in the palace back then—why did the Empress kill him?
And how could his body possibly appear in the backyard of Prince Jin Manor?!
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