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Early the next morning, Xiao Jungkook, Jiang Lisa, and the others got out of the tent and returned to the direction of the camp at the entrance of the dense forest. Xiao Jungkook had a good night's sleep last night. Since he had always been outside, he was quite experienced in dispersing wild animals. In addition, he carried medicinal powder to prevent snakes, insects, rats, and ants from approaching, so nothing disturbed him. Today was also the time to go back and compare the game. The Emperor's prize was unknown to whom. The game that Xiao Jungkook hunted was casually bundled into a pile and placed on the back of the horse. He was not interested in it, and Jiang Lisa had no interest in the so-called prize. Rather than saying that they were hunting, it was better to say that they were having fun. There was not much game, but each one was a little special.



When they returned to the camp, they found that many people had already returned, and they were all fruitful. Seeing the couple return with Xuan Pei, everyone could not help but be somewhat surprised. Xuan Pei explained the matter to the Emperor. Hearing that there were fierce beasts in the forest, the Emperor also frowned and immediately sent someone to interrogate the official in charge of the hunting grounds. Jiang Lisa pondered. The Emperor's actions clearly indicated that he had not heard anyone report this matter earlier. This meant that the wild beast had not encountered any other noble hunters, and was clearly coming for them? Presumably, the wolves that Gu Yi had encountered were only because he happened to be walking in front of Xuan Pei.



Just as she was thinking, Jiang Eunwoo and Zhao Jin also returned. Gu Yi followed behind them with the rest of his entourage. Zhao Jin and Jiang Eunwoo's relationship was not as strange as before. It was much more natural. Jiang Eunwoo dismounted and walked to the Emperor. Most likely, he was also talking about the wild beast. The Emperor's face sank, and his previous relaxed expression was swept away.



Jiang Lisa's gaze fell on the few beauties sitting leisurely in front of the tent. Wang Lian 'er was dainty and gentle, and her whole body exuded a faint scholarly aura. Mu Xirou was as cold as ice, and as beautiful as a peach. As for Jiang Tzuyu, she looked at the people around her with a smile, as if very satisfied with the good atmosphere today.



Jiang Lisa silently looked away. Jiang Tzuyu had racked her brains to create such a scene, releasing the wild beast only for the few of them. But she also deeply understood that the wild beast would not kill them, so there must be a purpose. Jiang Lisa could roughly guess one or two things, but … Her gaze circled around the group of people who had returned. In her heart, she understood. If that was really the case, then this time, Jiang Tzuyu's gamble was really too big.





He saw a man stumbling over from afar. That man was covered in blood and could be vaguely identified as a palace guard. When such a bloody man appeared, many of the women present immediately screamed in panic. The Emperor's imperial bodyguards hurriedly stopped that person. That person seemed to be unable to hold on any longer and fell to the ground. Only then did everyone see clearly that there was an arrow in his back that had pierced through his chest. It was obvious that he would not survive. When he raised his head, people could see that he was the Crown Prince's bodyguard. In the next moment, the dying man spat out a few words with difficulty, "Save … Save the Crown Prince." After saying that, his head tilted to the side and he died.



The Emperor was shocked. After so many years, although the Crown Prince had no virtue or talent, he only had an empty title. The world could not be handed over to such a person. Sooner or later, the Crown Prince would have to be replaced. However, among all his sons who each had their own ulterior motives, the Crown Prince was at least the one who was not shrewd. In the palace, he originally had a lot of children. However, those who were slightly more naive had all died in all kinds of open spears and hidden spears. The Crown Prince was his eldest son and also the son of the Empress. Towards the Crown Prince, the Emperor always had some affection. Therefore, after so many years in the palace, although he gave him the cold shoulder, he did not abolish his position as the Crown Prince. Sometimes, he even ordered his subordinates to secretly protect him. Today, when he heard that something had happened to the Crown Prince, the Emperor's expression immediately changed.



Wang Lian 'er also hurriedly stood up and walked in front of the Emperor. She gently patted the Emperor's back to help him calm down. She had always been used to such gentle and soothing matters. She softly said, "Your Majesty, don't be anxious. Let's send people to search the dense forest. The Crown Prince is a person of good fortune, he must be blessed by the heavens."



The Emperor sent people to search the dense forest. After this incident, everyone no longer had the mood to pay attention to the hunt. Now that something had happened to the Crown Prince, everyone secretly prayed that the Crown Prince would be fine. They hoped that the Emperor would not be enraged and implicate him.



After a short while, the searching Royal Guards returned. One of them was carrying the Crown Prince, who was on his last breath. When the Emperor saw this, his face darkened. The Crown Prince was covered in blood. The leading guard hurriedly said, "The Crown Prince is seriously injured. Your Majesty, the guards around the Crown Prince have all been killed. It seems like he was ambushed."



"What are you waiting for? Hurry up and call for the imperial physician! "the Emperor shouted angrily.



The accompanying imperial physician hurriedly stood up. The guards carried the Crown Prince back to the bed in the tent. The imperial physician went in for a while and came out again. Everyone looked at him, not daring to breathe. The imperial physician wiped the sweat from his forehead and immediately knelt down. He said, "Your Majesty, this official is useless. The Crown Prince's injuries are too serious. The arrow pierced through his chest. I'm afraid he cannot be saved …"



"Nonsense!" The Emperor kicked the kneeling imperial physician to the side and said angrily, "We will only give you one way out. If you can't cure the Crown Prince, then don't keep your head! We did not raise you to listen to the words' unable to be saved '! "



The old imperial physician had no choice but to return to the tent, trembling. However, they did not have many medicinal herbs with them. The Crown Prince's injuries could not be delayed, so they had to return to the palace first.



The Emperor was furious. No one had expected that the hunt, which was supposed to be a good omen, would end up like this. The Emperor flicked his sleeves and left, leaving a group of bewildered people looking at each other in dismay. The smile on Xuan Li's lips was like a spring breeze. He looked meaningfully at Xuan Hua beside him and sighed, "Fifth brother, it is a pity that something has happened to the Crown Prince."



Xuan Hua returned a smile and said with a hidden meaning, "Yes, it is a pity."



Jiang Lisa lowered her eyes and quietly looked at Jiang Tzuyu, who was not far away. Jiang Tzuyu seemed to feel her gaze as she turned her head and smiled at Jiang Lisa. She seemed to be somewhat proud of herself.



Xuan Pei walked over from the side and frowned, "This woman is really an eyesore." Her methods were shoddy, her vision was narrow, and every time she made a vicious move, she was like a poisonous snake. Sooner or later, she would become a scourge.



"Don't worry," Jiang Tzuyu's eyes flashed with a strange brilliance, "Very soon, she will not be an eyesore."



…



A strange atmosphere pervaded the palace. Ever since the Crown Prince, who was on the verge of death, was carried back, the Emperor's expression was colder than ice in June. Only then did the servants in the palace realize that the Emperor, who usually did not seem to care much about his eldest son, was actually very attentive. This time, the Crown Prince had met with mishap because someone had set up an ambush in the dense forest. The other party was extremely arrogant and did not put the Emperor in their eyes at all.



However, as to who the mastermind was, there were different opinions in the imperial court. Now, the Fifth Prince and the Eighth Prince were secretly competing, and there was also the Thirteenth Prince whose abilities were unknown. Each of these people could have wanted the Crown Prince to lose his life. If it was really one of them, the direction of the imperial court would probably change again.



Not only the imperial court, but also the inner palace would not be peaceful. When the Empress learned of the Crown Prince's mishap, she made a big fuss with the Emperor. For so many years, the Empress had been in the palace in name but not in reality, and did not care about the affairs of the inner palace. Now that her only son had met with such a mishap, her many years of resentment towards the Emperor erupted overnight, and she actually spoke rudely to the Emperor. Although the Emperor understood that she said this because she was worried about the Crown Prince, he had been in a high position for many years and had developed an unquestionable temperament. At once, he severely punished the Empress.



In the past, no matter how weak the relationship between the Emperor and Empress was, it would not have reached the point of shedding all pretense of cordiality. There were many different opinions, and the Emperor finally lost the last bit of respect he had for the Empress. In the end, the master of the inner palace would have to change hands. For the Fifth Prince, Concubine De had already become a master who had let go of everything and rarely appeared. Now, the three most popular beauties each had their own strong points, and it was really unknown who would end up in the end.



No matter what was said outside, everyone still went about their own business. Jiang Tzuyu was in an extremely good mood. It was probably because the matter had been settled, and the Emperor had been keeping watch in front of the Crown Prince for the past few days. His quarrel with the Empress had made him even more distraught, and he basically did not step foot into the inner palace. She had swept away the haze brought about by Jiang Quan's matter a few days ago. For the time being, there was no news of Jiang Quan's matter, but Jiang Lisa was going to be out of luck.



She wore a gauze dress with gold embroidery, combed her hair into a hundred flower bun, and carefully put on earrings and hairpins. Because of the good color, the woman in the mirror appeared even more dainty and beautiful. As if she felt that this way of dressing no longer appeared to be arrogant of age and experience, Jiang Tzuyu also pursed her lips in satisfaction and applied the last bit of rouge.



"Jiang Zhaoyi, are you dressing like this for Imperial Father?" A low male voice sounded from behind her, and there seemed to be some unfamiliar frivolity in it. "Imperial Father really has good luck with women."



Jiang Tzuyu turned around. Xuan Hua walked in from outside and sat down in Jiang Tzuyu's bedroom. At this moment, it was almost night outside. Tonight, the Emperor was going to rest in Wang Lian 'er's bedroom and would not come here. Xuan Hua's loud entrance startled Jiang Tzuyu at first, and then she immediately relaxed. Hearing his words, she said half-bitterly and half-teasingly, "Fifth Highness, where do you think His Majesty is right now? Why say such words to make me sad? No matter how much I dress up, His Majesty will not come here. "



Xuan Hua had originally only wanted to come and discuss the arrangements for the Crown Prince's matter with Jiang Tzuyu. He did not expect to see a beauty dressing up as soon as he entered, and then saw Jiang Tzuyu's pitiful expression and bitter words. His gaze involuntarily drifted. Honestly speaking. Jiang Tzuyu's appearance was not bad. The women of the Jiang family had more or less inherited some of Jiang Quan's good looks. Although Jiang Tzuyu's color paled in comparison to Jiang Lisa's and Jiang Su nancy's, in the palace, she was like a fresh and fresh little flower. She was charming, charming, and naive, and also had a bit of a delicate attitude. She was the most able to make men fall for her.



However, no matter how moving she was, she was still his Imperial Father's woman. Although Xuan Hua's behavior was preposterous in private, Concubine De's advice to him had finally played some role. He knew that some women could not be provoked, and some women could bring him a fatal disaster if he was not careful. Therefore, the ripples in his heart only lasted for a few moments before he put them away. He only said, "Jiang Zhaoyi is thinking too much. Imperial Father dotes on you a lot now."



However, Jiang Tzuyu noticed the flash of infatuation in Xuan Hua's eyes. She was somewhat pleased and pleasantly surprised. People were always greedy. When Jiang Tzuyu first entered the palace, she had wanted to seek wealth and status, and to be a person above others. For this, she had sacrificed all her freedom as an ordinary young girl. After she had walked step by step to the position she wanted, she was no longer satisfied and wanted more.



For example, her dissatisfaction with the Emperor accumulated day after day. Jiang Lisa could find a handsome young man like Xiao Jungkook, but she had to spend time with a man who was about the same age as her father. She was now also at the age of a flower. Which young girl did not yearn for love? Could it be that she had to stay in the palace and guard an old man, watching her beauty wither like a flower? She was not reconciled to this.



Xuan Li was too shrewd. Even now, Jiang Tzuyu could not see through this person. Xuan Hua, on the other hand, was a little simpler. At this moment, looking at Xuan Hua, his appearance could be considered handsome. More importantly, he was so young, which matched her age... Jiang Tzuyu thought absentmindedly. Suddenly, her lips curled into a smile and she said, "No matter how much he dotes on me and shares it with so many women, when it comes to me, it is only a drop." She stroked her wide sleeves, revealing a white wrist that was as lustrous as jade. The nail polish on her wrist was like a fresh flower. She said softly, "Most of the time, this bedchamber is empty. There is no sign of human habitation. After all, I am a woman. I will also feel lonely and afraid."



Xuan Hua's heart stirred. He seemed to have heard many things from Jiang Tzuyu's words. He looked at the woman sitting alone in the huge palace hall. She was as beautiful as a flower, with deep feelings and hidden bitterness. A pair of bright eyebrows fixed on him, seemingly filled with infinite affection and longing. Xuan Hua finally could not sit still. Jiang Tzuyu casually lit a stick of incense. The incense was a tribute from the Western Region. The fragrance was very light and very refreshing. However, it could make people unconsciously go crazy. Every time the Emperor came, she would light this incense. Today was the first time she had used it on another man.



However, there was a kind of stimulating pleasure, as if it was a kind of crazy catharsis. The faint light in the bedchamber slowly shone on people. Slowly, the night sky was filled with the sound of suppressed breathing, which slowly dissipated in the cold wind.



...



Jiang Lisa put down the book in her hands. The spy who had reported had returned a long time ago. Xiao Jungkook had just finished bathing when he saw Jiang Lisa sitting on the couch with a thoughtful expression. Even the book in her hands was upside down. He did not know what she was thinking about, but she was so lost in thought.



He walked over and took the book from Jiang Lisa's hands. Jiang Lisa turned her head. Xiao Jungkook covered her with the quilt more tightly and asked, "What's wrong?"



"I was thinking... tomorrow, they will probably find out that the arrow that pierced the Crown Prince belongs to our fu." Jiang Lisa said.



Although the words "our fu" were unintentionally said by Jiang Lisa, it obviously pleased Xiao Jungkook. He seemed to smile and said, "There is nothing to think about." Since he had already made arrangements, he would certainly not let anything unfavorable to the fu happen. Jiang Tzuyu and Xuan Hua had planned well, but they had always underestimated their opponents. They had thought that everyone in the world was as stupid as them.



Jiang Lisa glanced at him. With someone like Xiao Jungkook by her side, it would always save her a lot of trouble. In any case, he would arrange everything. She said, "In fact, even if you don't do anything and really do as they wish, the Emperor will not blame you." The Emperor was indecisive, capricious, and short-sighted. However, he had one strong point that had never changed from beginning to end, and that was, he always trusted Xiao Jungkook.



Jiang Tzuyu did not know about Xiao Jungkook's background. She and Xuan Hua thought that as long as they blindly pushed the matter onto Xiao Jungkook, they would be able to succeed. They did not know that this matter had been wrong from the beginning. Once they really found out that it was related to Jinying Wang fu, the Emperor's first thought would be that someone was slandering Xiao Jungkook. Instead, they would have to investigate from Xiao Jungkook's enemies.



If they pushed the boat with the current, they would most likely be able to find out about Jiang Tzuyu and Xuan Hua. However, that would take some time.



Xiao Jungkook said, "If we don't do this, you will be in trouble again." Jiang Lisa was originally not favored by the Emperor. Xuan Hua had not acted rashly against Jinying Wang fu for so many years, so why would he suddenly make a move? The mastermind must be Jiang Tzuyu. Why would Jiang Tzuyu instigate Xuan Hua without rhyme or reason? Naturally, it was because of Jiang Lisa. In this way, the Emperor would think that Jiang Lisa was a troublemaker. First impressions always lasted especially long. In order to avoid this kind of trouble, Xiao Jungkook first dealt with the trouble later on.



Jiang Lisa did not expect Xiao Jungkook to think of this. She was stunned for a moment, then she smiled, "You also know about Xuan Hua and Jiang Tzuyu?"



Xiao Jungkook nodded his head silently, tacitly agreeing.



Jiang Lisa shook her head, "She really has big guts." In Jiang Lisa's opinion, it was inconceivable that Jiang Tzuyu and Xuan Hua would roll around together. In fact, Jiang Tzuyu could not be considered very smart, nor could her methods be superb. The reason why she had gotten to where she was today, step by step, was entirely because of the word 'endurance'. It was probably the same as Xuan Li and Xuan Lang. In the past, when she was in the Minister's fu, she had put on a harmless and timid appearance, and at that time, she was just a child.



Jiang Tzuyu was good at lying low, and she was even more meticulous in her work, taking care not to leave any traces for others to use against her. How could such a person do something improper with Xuan Hua? Once it was done, it would inevitably attract endless disasters in the future. Jiang Tzuyu would rather bring disaster to be together with Xuan Hua, which was really not in line with her cautious temperament. After all, it was not that she wanted to use this opportunity to make a deal with Xuan Hua. Jiang Lisa's expression became somewhat strange, and that was because … This person, Xuan Hua?



Jiang Tzuyu probably did not like Xuan Hua, but Jiang Lisa had always heard of the romantic affairs of the imperial concubines in the depths of the palace who were unwilling to be lonely and seduced outsiders. Jiang Tzuyu was probably not much different from those women, and she also had a desire in her heart. It was just that the Emperor was old, how could someone of her age endure it?



Jiang Lisa asked Xiao Jungkook, "Do you want to intervene in this matter?"



"It's all up to you," Xiao Jungkook replied, "I will take care of it from behind."



Jiang Lisa could not help but laugh. She looked Xiao Jungkook up and down, and muttered, "Now it seems that my luck is also not bad. Jiang Tzuyu found someone as old as the Emperor, no wonder she turned and chose a young man like Xuan Hua. And I have lived two lives, so adding up my age …. Perhaps I can also be considered your elder. In this way, it seems that I have taken advantage of you. I don't even need to have an affair. "



"Have an affair?" Xiao Jungkook narrowed his eyes, and his tone suddenly became dangerous.



Jiang Lisa was usually the most stable in grasping people's emotions, and today, she did not hear the difference in Xiao Jungkook's words. She still said, "You are so beautiful, I naturally cannot bear to part with you."



The next moment, Xiao Jungkook pushed her down on the bed. Xiao Jungkook's gaze was deep, and his tone was cold, "En, I will work harder, and you will not have any other energy to have an affair."



Jiang Lisa, "..."



…



The night passed silently. Jiang Tzuyu tidied up her clothes, and the person beside her had left at some point. She felt sore all over, and the craziness of last night seemed to have dissipated, but there seemed to be a lingering charm in the room. In Xuan Hua, she found her own freshness and age, and finally felt that she was different from those old women in the palace.



Xuan Hua was a completely different person from the Emperor. He was young, and his energy was unbelievably good. Desire was such a thing, and Jiang Tzuyu felt that it was good to be like this.



Last night, when the passion was strong, Xuan Hua said, "You are such a smart and beautiful woman, I am somewhat reluctant to part with you. In the future, when this prince's great undertaking has been accomplished, you can change your name and stay by this prince's side."



At that time, Jiang Tzuyu had only taken it as a joke, but now she seriously began to consider Xuan Hua's words. Indeed, she was not willing to guard the Emperor for a lifetime. After the Emperor's death, they, the imperial concubines, would either be buried with him or sent to a nunnery. Why not consider the rest of her life? In the end, the world would either fall into Xuan Li's or Xuan Hua's hands. Xuan Li had already regarded her as an abandoned chess piece, and Xuan Hua was an excellent candidate.



Jiang Tzuyu summoned the person beside her, "How is the Crown Prince?"



"He seems to have found the arrows," Zhu 'er replied. "But right now, His Majesty seems to be very angry. I haven't heard any news."



Jiang Tzuyu furrowed her brows at first, and then she thought of something. Her brows gradually relaxed. No news was good news. In order to obtain the exact same arrows as Jinying Wang fu, they had spent a lot of time. That day, everyone had seen the arrows that Xiao Jungkook had shot at the white tiger. As for coming back with Xuan Pei, it had attracted many people's attention. Jinying Wang fu and the Thirteenth Prince had conspired to kill the Crown Prince in an attempt to usurp the throne. The name of conspiracy was pressed down, and Jinying Wang fu had learned from their mistakes. Even if they wanted to escape, it would be very difficult.



At this moment, the Emperor would certainly be furious. It was only because it concerned his own prince that outsiders could not hear it. This was also normal. Xuan Pei, that little bastard, had always used his identity as a prince to mock and ridicule her. Now, he would also pay the price. Jiang Tzuyu smiled slightly and looked at herself in the mirror. She pulled out the flower hairpin and replaced it with a plain silver hairpin. She said, "Let's go. Since His Highness the Crown Prince has met with an accident, Ben gong is also very worried. Going together to visit is also a token of my sincerity."







 Without waiting for Jiang Lisa to open her mouth, Xuan Pei had already taken the initiative to speak, "Mu daren insisted on Mu Xirou entering the palace. Initially, I had met her once and promised her freedom. In any case, she had to enter the Palace, so I promised her that one day, when the Great Jin Dynasty changed dynasties, it would be the time for her to have her own life. "



"She believed you so easily?" Jiang Lisa was a little surprised. Xuan Pei's true strength was only gradually revealed after he had entered the palace. In the long days that had passed, in everyone's eyes, he was just an unfavoured and useless prince who did not even have the qualifications to fight for the throne. How could such a person win Mu Xirou's trust and even make Mu Xirou willingly become a chess piece?



"People always have weaknesses, and she is no exception." Xuan Pei said vaguely, "Since she is already destined to enter the palace, rather than being depressed for the rest of her life, it is better to use her life to fight for a future. Perhaps, she will also have a magnanimous freedom." Xuan Pei was talking about Mu Xirou, but in Jiang Lisa's ears, it sounded more like he was talking about himself. Jiang Lisa looked at the youth in front of her and sighed softly in her heart. She thought that she had protected Xuan Pei very well, but in reality, in the days when she and Xuan Pei had not known each other, Xuan Pei had already made too many preparations for this day. The hatred and forbearance had never left his heart for a single day, but she had actually neglected it.



Although she did not know how Xuan Pei had persuaded Mu Xirou to become a chess piece, he must have paid a great price. Jiang Lisa did not ask any further. Xuan Pei was no longer the child who needed her to plan everything. He was using his own way to protect her and pave the way for her.



"Good." Jiang Lisa said, "Now, I want you to give me one of the imperial edicts."



Xuan Pei was slightly startled, but did not refuse. Instead, he subconsciously asked, "What does Imperial Mother want the imperial edict for?" He did not specify which imperial edict it was, but both of them were well aware that it must be the imperial edict with Xiao Jungkook's name on it. Since Jiang Lisa had said that Xiao Jungkook would not fight for the throne, Xuan Pei believed that he really did not have such thoughts. But now, what did Jiang Lisa want the imperial edict for?



"It's not safe to leave the edict in the palace." Jiang Lisa shook her head and said, "Xiao Jungkook's identity is a secret. If news of this matter were to spread, I am afraid that the entire Great Jin dynasty would be thrown into chaos. At that time, even if you had the Emperor's imperial edict to bestow you the title of Crown Prince, I am afraid that it would not be able to convince the masses and would only give Xuan Li an opportunity to take advantage of. Now that Eunuch Li was killed, Xuan Li must have noticed that something was wrong. He had people everywhere in the palace, so it was not impossible for him to investigate Mu Xirou. I'm afraid that at that time, even you will be controlled by him. It's too unsafe to leave this imperial edict in the palace. I'll take it away and destroy it. "



"But …" Xuan Pei felt that something was strange, but he couldn't tell what it was. He was hesitating. He heard Jiang Lisa say, "It's not so easy to enter Jinying Wangfu. The Jinyi Guards are loyal and powerful compared to the palace guards. Moreover, if I take the imperial edict away, you only need to reveal a little information to Xuan Li. Or perhaps you don't need to reveal any information at all. Xuan Li's people will also know about this matter. In that case, he will point all his spears at Jinying Wangfu. On the contrary, the imperial edict in the palace will be safer. In this way, it will also buy you a lot of time. Xuan Li will also not have to watch you day in and day out. "



What she said was correct, but Xuan Pei did not know that Jiang Lisa had cleverly substituted herself for Jinying Wangfu. Indeed, Xuan Li might still lack some courage in dealing with Jinying Wangfu, and Xuan Pei was well aware of the strength of the Jinyi Guards. Even if Xuan Li wanted to make a move, he would have to carefully weigh the pros and cons. However, dealing with Jiang Lisa, especially when she had no protection, was much simpler.



Jiang Lisa did not give Xuan Pei the slightest chance to think clearly about the crucial moment and said, "Alright, take me to get the imperial edict now."



"Now?" Xuan Pei was somewhat astonished as to why Jiang Lisa was so anxious today. Feeling somewhat wronged, he said, "Does Imperial Mother not want to stay here for a while longer? After taking the imperial edict, we will have to leave the palace. "



"Today, there are still some things that need to be done," Jiang Lisa stroked his head, "Moreover, you have two imperial edicts here. Take advantage of the fact that it is not too late to bring them back. There have been some unforeseen events in the palace, so I have to return to the fu to think things through. As for you, Pei 'er, for the next few days, you must not act blindly without thinking. No matter what happens, just remember to let nature take its course. If there is any decision, remember to discuss it with Xiao Jungkook. Do not be rash. "



Xuan Pei curled his lips, "Why should I look for him?" Seeing Jiang Lisa's serious expression, he lightly coughed twice and said, "I understand. If there is anything, I will definitely think of a way to discuss it with him."



Jiang Lisa then smiled, "Alright, let's go."



Countless pairs of eyes in the palace were staring at the Southern Yuan. Under such circumstances, Xuan Pei was still able to control the direction of the current situation without batting an eyelid. On the surface, it seemed that Xuan Li had the upper hand, but in reality, the person who shared the Emperor's bed was someone Xuan Pei had arranged. Xuan Pei responded to the myriad of changes by remaining unchanged, which was the safest method. In this game of chess, whoever knew more had a greater chance of winning. Obviously, Xuan Li knew too little.



Mu Xirou was the clearest about where the Emperor had placed the imperial edict. Speaking of which, it was very ironic. Since ancient times, the Emperor had been the most suspicious. Towards Mu Xirou's coldness and the Emperor's displeasure, the Emperor instead thought that she was the most sincere. The older they got, the more they distrusted the people around them. Those gentle whispers, they were deeply afraid that they contained hidden arrows. Mu Xirou was out of place among them, and instead, she became the Emperor's most trusted person. The imperial edict was placed in Mu Xirou's hands. Mu Xirou did not interact with the inner palace or the previous court. No one would have thought that such an important thing as the imperial edict would be known by a woman.



In the end, Jiang Lisa still received the imperial edict under Xuan Pei's arrangements. In front of Xuan Pei and Mu Xirou, she unfolded the imperial edict without a care and roughly scanned it. Her heart was slightly at ease. Sure enough, Xiao Jungkook had been appointed as the Crown Prince. It even clearly stated that Xiao Jungkook was the son of Crown Prince Hong Xi. This imperial edict was as heavy as Mount Tai in her hands, but Xuan Pei did not care. It was only after Mu Xirou left that he hesitantly asked, "Imperial Mother, if we do this, will it bring trouble to Jinying Wangfu?"



He did not want to care about the life and death of Jinying Wangfu, but Jiang Lisa was now Jinying Wangfei. They were bound together for good or bad. If there were any problems with Jinying Wangfu, Jiang Lisa herself would also be implicated. Therefore, Xuan Pei had to compromise for the sake of Jinying Wangfu.



While he was thinking, Jiang Lisa had already tidied up the imperial edict and placed it in a wooden box together with some of the toys that the Empress Dowager had bestowed upon her. She got up and prepared to leave. Xuan Pei was startled. On one hand, he felt that it was a pity that Jiang Lisa did not stay for long before she left. On the other hand, he was surprised that she had placed the imperial edict so carelessly. Although he felt that Jiang Lisa's actions were already very prudent, Xuan Pei still felt somewhat uneasy and reminded her, "Imperial Mother, why don't you change the location of that thing? In this case, it would be rather …"



"Rest assured, the most dangerous place is also the safest place," Jiang Lisa smiled slightly, "If it is really done too covertly, on the contrary, it would be revealing that there are 300 taels of silver hidden here, and it would arouse people's suspicions for no reason. I am fine, so you do not need to send me off, lest people become suspicious. Nowadays, you must not make any mistakes, so it is better to be more cautious. "



Xuan Pei felt that Jiang Lisa was somewhat strange today, but he could not pinpoint what was strange. However, it had been a long time since Jiang Lisa had given him such detailed instructions. This made Xuan Pei feel that the current situation was more difficult than he had imagined. He ordered Ming Yue to send Jiang Lisa out of the palace, and Ming Yue did as she was told.



However, there were many eyes and ears in the palace, and on a daily basis, there were countless eyes staring at Nan Yuan. Today, when Jiang Lisa entered the palace, it aroused everyone's suspicions. When they saw that Jiang Lisa and Xuan Pei spoke for a long time before coming out, and when she went to visit the Emperor, she seemed to have seen Mu Xirou there as well. This made people puzzled no matter how they thought about it.



Xuan Li stood in the room, listening to his subordinate's report. His gaze was somewhat deep. Ever since the Emperor fell ill, he wanted to be a filial son. Of course, in order to make it more convenient for him to search for things around the Emperor, he did not return to his fu, but had been living in the palace, personally boiling water and decocting medicine for the Emperor. Those who did not know would really sigh at his filial piety. From time to time, there would be people in the court who would write memorials to sing praises of Xuan Li's filial piety. Xuan Li naturally did not mind that his reputation would spread far and wide. When serving the Emperor, he also tried his best to be perfect. He did not need to use any tricks in the medicine. Even Xia Qing could not do anything about the illness, so there was no need for him to do anything.



However, Xuan Li furrowed his brows tightly. Originally, he had thought that as long as the Emperor continued to sleep like this until he died, it would be the most perfect method. However, looking at it now, the Emperor's illness did not break out at the right time. Up until now, he still had not found that imperial edict. The Emperor had long written the imperial edict, and that imperial edict did not have his name on it. This was something he had long guessed. Later, he had confirmed this point from Eunuch Li's mouth. There was no one who knew a son better than a father, and there was no one who knew a father better than a son. Having been father and son with the Emperor for so many years, Xuan Li had already forgotten when he no longer saw the Emperor as a father, but as an opponent and a stumbling block. In all these years of fighting in secret, he had never been able to stand on the upper hand.



Xuan Li was very clear about the Emperor's secret care and protection for the Crown Prince. Because of this, he could not carry out a better plan. Sometimes, Xuan Li also did not understand. The Emperor clearly disliked the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince was incapable and without virtue, so why did the Emperor protect him and not let him give up that position? Anyone could see that the Emperor was keeping the Crown Prince because he temporarily did not want anyone to take that position. Who was he keeping the position of Crown Prince for? Xuan Li had always thought that among the princes of the Great Jin court, only he was the most qualified. But he also clearly felt that the Emperor admired him, praised him, always encouraged him, and treated him extremely well. But in his heart, he had never thought of letting him sit in that position.



Xuan Li did not understand, and then he was unwilling. Under the suppression of these emotions, he had already become incomparably twisted. In the struggles in the palace, he had eliminated every possible threat, but in the end, the Emperor still had no intention of making him the Crown Prince. He finally gave up the last shred of mercy in his heart and drugged the Emperor's food.



Since ancient times, regicide, patricide, and usurpation of the throne were not uncommon. Xuan Li was no longer the person who had been conflicted over this decision. He calmly believed that this was the right thing to do, that this was the best method. In this world, if you wanted something, you would snatch it, and you would fight for it. He had always been the most patient and outstanding hunter, and would definitely have the last laugh.



Unfortunately, halfway through, Xuan Pei had appeared.



From an incompetent and good-for-nothing prince to an opponent who could stand up to him as an equal, every time Xuan Li faced Xuan Pei, he would feel an uncontrollable anger and malice in his heart. In the beginning, in his heart, Xuan Pei was not even qualified to be an opponent. But now, the Emperor actually had the intention of making him the Crown Prince, and Xuan Pei had even obtained the support of Jinying Wang fu. How could Xuan Li feel good in his heart? If he could, he would have already hacked Xuan Pei into a thousand pieces.



Just now, his subordinate had come to report that Jiang Lisa and Xuan Pei had stayed for a long time, and he had some suspicions in his heart. When he heard that they had gone to see the Emperor together, and that Mu Xirou had also been there, a conjecture emerged in Xuan Li's heart.



In this world, the safest place to keep an imperial edict would undoubtedly be in Jinying Wang fu. Perhaps the civil and military officials would say that the imperial edict taken out from Jinying Wang fu was not convincing at all, because this was simply a house of rebels and traitors. But only Xuan Li knew that the Emperor had always trusted Xiao Jungkook a hundred and twenty percent, and that trust sometimes made him feel jealous. In the past, Xuan Li had even thought that the Emperor and Xiao Jungkook had some kind of blood relationship, but the spies that he had sent later had not found anything. Xuan Li clearly knew that the Emperor had never doubted Jinying Wang fu.



Therefore, that imperial edict could really be in Jinying Wang fu.



As long as he thought about it, Xuan Li could not help but feel a little irritated. If he knew where the imperial edict was, the next step would naturally be to snatch it back. But what kind of place was Jinying Wang fu? It was not a place that people could easily get close to.



The spy also said, "Just now, when Jinying Wang Fei entered the Southern Yuan, she also brought the Empress Dowager's reward."



Xuan Li's subordinate spies had always been proficient in this field, so naturally, they would not miss the slightest detail. Bringing the Empress Dowager's reward to the Southern Yuan was not a big deal, perhaps Jiang Lisa wanted to select some reward for Xuan Pei. But to mention this matter here, it seemed to have touched a chord in Xuan Li's heart. Could this be …. A way to conceal it?



Immediately, Xuan Li shook his head. How could it be? Even if someone really came to retrieve the imperial edict, Jiang Lisa should not have come alone. Xiao Jungkook would be more likely. How could she have come so carelessly and so brazenly?



But, what if this was her cover?



Xiao Jungkook and Xuan Pei did not have much interaction. If Xiao Jungkook came, perhaps it would be the real confirmation that the imperial edict was in Jinying Wang fu. In order to avoid such a thing from happening, Jiang Lisa had concealed the whereabouts of the imperial edict and made a risky move. She planned to come to the most dangerous place, which was also the safest place. So what?



Xuan Li's gaze was heavy, already immersed in his own thoughts. However, he did not know that his road to death had already been led by the nose by Jiang Lisa all the way here. Jiang Lisa knew his suspicious nature, so she had followed the weaknesses in his character to set up this trap. If he let Jiang Lisa go, Xuan Li would be anxious and fearful. If he caught Jiang Lisa, he feared that it would be like drawing water with a bamboo basket and exposing himself. Xuan Li was at a loss. After thinking for a long time, he finally seemed to have made up his mind. He clenched his fists and said, "Go, send a letter to Dan Zhen. Now, there is an opportunity in front of her. Capture Jiang Lisa and do not expose yourself."



The subordinate received the order and left. Only then did Xuan Li loosen his grip and stand with his hands behind his back. Looking at the clouds outside the palace walls, he slowly revealed a cold smile. So what if he could not act rashly? After all, there was still a good sword in front of him. Dan Zhen's hatred for Jiang Lisa was deep to the bone, and Qi Man had been lurking in the capital for many years and was proficient in the art of concealment. Using the hands of these two people to kill someone with a borrowed knife was the most suitable. Most importantly, they would definitely succeed.



Never underestimate a woman's jealousy.



….



On the carriage back to the fu, Lian Qiao and Lu Zhu sat on Jiang Lisa's right side, while Tian Zhu sat on Jiang Lisa's left. Perhaps Lian Qiao and Lu Zhu also felt the unusual atmosphere today. Although Jiang Lisa did not say anything, after following Jiang Lisa for so long, they could still catch some clues from Jiang Lisa's expression. At this moment, even Tian Zhu also showed a little nervous expression. Although Lu Zhu and Lian Qiao did not know what was going on, they also became nervous.



Fortunately, nothing happened along the way. Just when Lu Zhu and Lian Qiao began to feel a little relieved and were still chatting and laughing in the carriage, they suddenly heard a loud noise coming from outside. That noise was getting closer and closer, and Lian Qiao was startled. The coachman sitting in front was a newly recruited person of the fu. Although he was calm, there was a hint of panic in his words, "Young Madam, there's a dead person in front!"



The carriage suddenly jolted, and Lu Zhu cried out in alarm. She lifted the curtain of the carriage to take a look outside, and saw that the crowd seemed to have been scattered by something. It was a mess, as if there was something terrible chasing them from behind. When she took a closer look, there seemed to be some unusual people mixed among the ordinary people. These people were dressed the same as ordinary people, but they had long knives in their hands. They chopped at anyone they saw without any order, and whenever they caught a person, they would casually chop him down. Outside, there were wails of ghosts and howls of wolves. Many people had already fallen to the ground, and the blood slowly accumulated. It was a ghastly sight.



"Not good, Young Madam," Lu Zhu said in horror, "There are assassins outside, and they are randomly chopping people with knives."



The crowd fled in all directions, and the screams of knives piercing flesh could be heard vividly, causing one's heart to tremble. Jiang Lisa frowned. Tian Zhu had already pulled out her sword and stood in front of Jiang Lisa to protect her. At this time, she could not leave Jiang Lisa even half a step. Lian Qiao said, "Coachman, quickly go to the side, don't go that way."



It was obviously not rational to get off the carriage at this time. Who knew how many assassins were mixed in the crowd, and how many people had been cut in the throat when they were defenseless? It was safer in the carriage, as long as they were far away from the crowd. Lian Qiao was a little annoyed. Why didn't she remind Young Madam to bring more guards with her when she went out today? Now that there was only Tian Zhu, even if Tian Zhu was highly skilled in martial arts, she was still somewhat overwhelmed.



Just as she was thinking about this, she suddenly felt the carriage shake violently, and a clear streak of blood splattered on the curtain in front of the carriage. The carriage seemed to have suffered a violent collision, and it started to run forward crazily.



"Coachman! Coachman! "Lian Qiao used her hands to support Jiang Lisa so that she wouldn't be knocked into the ruts of the carriage, and shouted with all her might. However, there was no response for a long time. Then, she pulled the curtain open, and her heart instantly sank. The coachman had a curved knife stuck in his chest, and at this moment, half of his body was bent over the horse's back. Obviously, he was already dead. There was also a small dagger on the horse's back. The horse was in pain, and it started to gallop wildly, unable to stop for a while. The crowd in front of it would occasionally bump into the carriage, and the carriage would sway left and right from the collision, but it still ran forward with all its might, as if it would fall in the next moment, and be trampled into a pile of mud by the crowd.



Tian Zhu protected Jiang Lisa, but the carriage seemed to have suddenly collided with something hard. The horse neighed, and the entire carriage swung forward fiercely. Unexpectedly, the whole carriage was flung out.



"Ah — —" Dewdrop screamed. She was sitting at the outermost position, so she was directly flung out of the carriage. Jiang Lisa and Tianzhu Lian Qiao were dizzy from the fall and had just stopped when they heard Dewdrop's scream. She hurriedly pulled open the curtain of the carriage and looked outside. She saw that Dewdrop had indeed been flung into the crowd. She had been flung too quickly and directly fell to the ground. The chaotic crowd was screaming and fleeing. How could they look at their feet? One by one, they stepped over Dewdrop. Jiang Lisa's gaze focused, and she saw that one of the men, dressed in coarse hemp clothing, had already quietly pulled out a short knife from his waist and stabbed Dewdrop's back — —



"Dewdrop!" Lian Qiao also saw it, and suddenly cried out involuntarily. Dewdrop's back was unexpectedly stabbed, and it was so painful that she could hardly speak. That man was about to strike again, but Jiang Lisa had already made a prompt decision and instructed Tian Zhu, "Tian Zhu, quickly go and help Dewdrop!"



"Young Madam..." Tian Zhu was somewhat hesitant. It was not that she did not have feelings for Dewdrop. After such a long time of being together day and night, she had already regarded Dewdrop as a friend. However, the rule of the Embroidered Uniform Guard had always been to protect the master to the greatest extent. If she had to protect Dewdrop, who would protect Jiang Lisa and Lian Qiao, who did not know martial arts?



"Quickly go!" Jiang Lisa's tone became heavier. She saw Tian Zhu's hesitation and coldly ordered. Tian Zhu paused. Her master's orders could not be disobeyed, so she immediately ran towards Dewdrop without any hesitation. Dewdrop was watching the knife coming towards her chest, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not avoid it. Just as she was feeling extremely frightened, she saw Tian Zhu block the knife coming towards her chest with a long sword, and with a backhand, she stabbed the long sword into the man's throat. The man fell down. Dewdrop looked at Tian Zhu with lingering fear. Ignoring the faint pain of the wound on her back, she clenched her teeth and said, "Go, go and find Young Madam..."



Before she could finish speaking, she was stunned. She saw that in front of the already dilapidated carriage, Lian Qiao's body was lying on the ground, and there was a ghastly smear of fresh blood. She did not know whose it was, but no matter how she looked, there was no sign of Jiang Lisa.



"Oh no!" Tian Zhu said.