Ambushed at sixty!

  The most prosperous street in Beijing

  Men and women of all ages walked among the noisy vendors' shouts.

  A horse-drawn carriage was moving slowly on the street, although the horses were not strong and the carriage was simple and low-key, but in this bustling downtown area, this horse-drawn carriage still became the focus of attention for others.

  Inside the carriage, Bai Xing looked out of the small window at the scenery and people passing by outside.

  Before she knew it, two years had passed in this unfamiliar land...

  Looking at the woman's calm and quiet appearance, Yan Mo fixed his gaze on her, as if he was afraid that if he blinked, she would disappear in an instant.

  His intense gaze made Bai Xiner feel like she couldn't ignore him even if she tried.

  She collected her thoughts and glanced sideways at the stinky, handsome face of the man who looked like he had fallen into a dung pit, and couldn't help but let out a snort of laughter.

  "What's wrong?"

  Seeing that she had finally gained his attention, Yan Mo leaned forward and scooped her onto his lap. His dark eyes were deep and bottomless, and the words escaping his thin lips were low and laced with a hint of complaint.

  "You don't have me in your heart."

  It's rare for the two of them to go out together today, but this woman has been ignoring his existence all along. Are outsiders more pleasing to her eyes?

  "...The man's expression was as if he had caught her climbing the wall, causing Bai Xindai to twitch at the corner of his mouth. He raised his head, narrowed his eyes, and forced out a smile, "Dear, how did I offend you? Why are you framing me with such an absurd charge?"

  A term of endearment, "darling", made Yan Mo's expression soften.

  He bowed his head against hers: "You didn't even see me buying anything, I knew you were looking at those people outside, are they more pleasing to your eyes than your husband?"

  "......?!" White heart dyed black line.

  She held his chilly cheeks in both hands, playfully rubbing them while pretending to grit her teeth: "You're really boring. You said you'd take me out, can't I just look around a bit? Even if it's beautiful, there's a limit to how much one can appreciate it."

  Upon hearing this, Yan Mo's face suddenly turned black.

  He flipped her over and pinned her to the couch, his strong and sturdy upper body weighing heavily on her, rendering her immobile. His dark eyes gleamed with a sinister cold light, staring straight into hers.

  "Want to try saying what you just said again?"

  Damn it, they've been married for just a month and she's already saying she's fed up!

  Looking at his suddenly changed face, Bai Xin was both angry and amused as she glared at him: "I was just joking, do I need to get angry? Alright, alright, I'll admit my mistake!"

  "Not sincere enough." The man's face remained cold and dark.

  "What do you want to do then?" She teased, drawing circles on his chest with her fingers, smiling slyly as she looked up at the petty man. "We're in the middle of a big street, even if I wanted to take the initiative, you wouldn't be able to do anything about it, would you?"

  "I let Yin Du return to the mansion."

  Bai Xin covered his mouth and scolded in a low voice, "Can't you just leave me alone for one day? You said you'd spend silver on me, but I haven't spent a single piece of silver. Now you want to go back, is this how you treat me well? You're stingy and won't even admit it!"

  I am so shocked that I don't know whether to laugh or cry. “……？！”

  It was clear that she looked down on him before, but now she's saying he isn't.

  Can she be even more unreasonable?

  He didn't seem to want to waste words on her, and seemed particularly displeased with her bright red lips. Pressing down on her body, Yan Mo suddenly seized her red mouth, his tongue roughly tangling with hers, dominating her tender mouth, until Bai Xincheng couldn't help but let out soft hums of pleasure.

  Separated by a curtain

  Listening to the movement inside the carriage, Yin Du's ears inexplicably turned red and hot, even his line of sight became distorted, afraid that he couldn't hold back and would turn around to look.

  It's been a long time since Grandpa got married, and this is the first time he's heard Grandpa's **... at such close range.

  Grandfather should at least consider the occasion, if he really can't bear it, then why come out of the house? It's better to just roll around in bed, coming out and strolling around like this is not proper, it's simply intentionally making things difficult for the coachman!

  And also let him listen with a woman at the same time...

  Embarrassed, Yin Du glanced sideways and almost fell off the carriage.

  Watching Blood Shadow's gaze remain unwavering, his face unflushed and breathing steady, he was as still as a stone statue. Yin Du had completely lost his composure.

  Is this still a woman?

  Listen to me**, she can still be so calm and serious?!

  Look at him, a big man wanting to find a hole to hide in.

  Just then, a crowd of passersby surrounded a stall up ahead, blocking the way for their horse carriage.

  Unable to continue, Yin Du had no choice but to rein in his horse and stop.

  "Sir, there's no road ahead." He shouted into the carriage with a red ear, feeling somewhat embarrassed, and intentionally raised his voice in case the people inside couldn't hear him.

  The horse carriage suddenly stopped, and the ambiguous voice inside also came to a halt.

  Some old man stole incense and at this time his mood was still not bad.

  Bai Xin was too lazy to talk to him anymore. This shameless person's heart was getting smaller and smaller, not even able to crack a joke.

  Due to the crowded streets, the horse carriage could not move forward. In order not to attract attention from others, the two masters and their servants had no choice but to get off the carriage.

  Yin Du went to find a place to park the carriage, while Xue Ying followed behind the couple, keeping a distance from them, neither disturbing their interest nor missing any movement around them.

  Bai Xin walked alongside me, occasionally looking around, searching for interesting things on the street.

  The two of them seemed to have no purpose, just walking and looking around casually.

  Today, the two of them went out dressed very low-key, walking in the crowd. Except for Mo Ran's tall stature and irresistible temperament, he was quite ordinary, while the short Bai Xinzhu couldn't attract anyone's attention at all.

  On the surface, both of them shifted their gaze elsewhere, but under the cover of their sleeves, the man brazenly grasped the woman's small hand in his palm, and whether intentionally or unintentionally, he continued to fondle her small hand all along the way, from the palm to the joints and then to the fingernails.

  At first, I didn't mind Bai Xin's advances and just let him lead me on, but gradually, I started to feel a chill that I couldn't bear.

  Shameless, flirting with her on the street!

  She raised her head and glanced at his cold profile, then let out a helpless sigh.

  She turned her eyes and reversed his palm, teasing his big hand in the same way as he had just done.

  "......?" Yan Mo Yu suddenly stopped in his tracks, his joyful eyes burning with excitement as he gazed at the woman beside him.

  His thin lips outlined, his mouth corners raised in a smile, he pulled her along as they continued walking forward.

  Two people were teasing each other like this until they walked in front of a newly opened wine building.

  Yan Mo had originally wanted to take her in with him, but Bai Xinzhi suddenly pulled him back.

  "Let's find a less crowded place." The new store was bustling with people going in and out, but she wasn't too fond of the commotion.

  Yan Mo nodded and took her to another wine house around the corner.

  Two people booked a second-floor suite.

  Sitting on embroidered cushions facing each other across a low table.

  Four eyes met, and a layer of ripples stirred up inexplicably in Bai Xin's heart.

  In this atmosphere, they are just like a pair of lovers on a date, going out to dinner, strolling around, and shopping. To say that they're not happy would be a lie.

  Never experienced the taste of romance in my past life, didn't expect to experience it again in this life, but surprisingly only after getting married did I get to enjoy what romance is.

  "What's so funny?" Looking at her sudden and natural smile, pure and beautiful, without a hint of impurity, she was undoubtedly filled with joy from the heart. The light in her eyes sparkled, and as she smiled, the corners of her mouth were also hooked up.

  "It doesn't matter."

  She didn't expect this date to be overly romantic, and the warmth she felt was already enough. At least, that's what she thought, feeling content and happy.

  He pushed a delicate dish in front of her, "Try this to see if it suits your taste. If you don't like it, I'll have someone bring other dishes in."

  Bai Xin didn't pick at his food, and instead picked up a piece of meat from the plate that had been pushed over to him with his chopsticks. He didn't put it in his own mouth, but rather stretched out his arm to pass it to the person across from him.

  He was taken aback for a moment, then opened his mouth to take it in. In the black pupils of his eyes, there was an instant addition of a different color, looking at the woman opposite him, not only with a warm smile, but also with a hint of satisfaction.

  Compared with his elegant eating posture, Baixin Yan was not so particular about it.

  It's rare for her to come out and have a meal, so she naturally wants to eat enough.

  Watching her eat with big mouthfuls, Yan Mo didn't stop her, letting her go, while he himself didn't move his chopsticks, his entire attention and gaze placed on her body, as if watching her eat could fill his own stomach.

  Just as Bai Xinzhen was savoring his food with relish and gusto, Yin Du's voice suddenly came from outside the door.

  "Xiao's Yin Du has seen King Feng De."

  "Is King Cheng inside?" A magnetic voice came, with a hint of arrogance.

  "Yes. Our king is having a meal with the queen inside." Yin Du replied truthfully.

  The man did not make another sound, but very quickly, a tall figure appeared inside the door, with elegant clothes and an air of nobility, from head to toe, even the long boots on his feet were inlaid with gold and jade.

  In Bai Xin's eyes, this is just a show-off rich guy! As if he was afraid that others wouldn't know his identity.

  She suddenly stopped eating and silently got up, walked around the low table, and sat down beside Yan Mo.

  Watching her movements, Xia Lixuan's mouth twitched as soon as he entered. Did this woman take him for a monster?

  "I was just passing through this place and wanted to take a short rest, didn't expect that you, King Cheng, were also here. What a coincidence! I hope I haven't disturbed the elegant gathering of you and Queen Cheng."

  As for this uninvited guest, Yan Mo didn't show any disgust, instead he slightly raised his chin and politely said: "It's said that it's better to meet by chance than to be invited, if King Feng De doesn't mind us husband and wife being a nuisance, why not sit down and dine together?"

  Bai Xin sat stiffly beside Mo Yu, her face a mask of calmness. Although she didn't say a word, in her heart, she had cursed a certain someone several times.

  Xia Li Xun didn't stand on ceremony either, walking over to the table and sitting down on the soft cushion with a swish of his robes.

  At this moment, a young servant came in, holding a tray in his hand. On the tray, there was no food, only a jug of wine and two cups.

  The wine jug and cups were brought out and placed on a low table, and the servant retreated with respect.

  Watching this scene, Bai Xincheng was taken aback for a moment, and soon understood.

  I suppose this local tyrant Wang Ye has come prepared?

  "It's rare to meet King Cheng today, I'll have a cup with King Cheng." Xia Lixun restrained some of his arrogance and said with a faint smile, as he poured wine into the two empty cups.

  "Feng De Wang was being polite." Yan Mo gave a calm and collected appearance, without refusing, but instead quickly picked up the wine cup that Xia Li Xun had pushed in front of him and drank it all in one gulp.

  He downed a cup and his expression remained unchanged, making it impossible for others to guess what he was thinking.

  It was Xia Lixuan, who today seemed to be possessed by a spirit, as he poured wine for the two of them again, and smiled lightly: "Something big has happened, but Cheng Wang can still accompany Cheng Wangfei on an outing with such elegance. I truly admire your composure. Here, this cup is from me, toasting you both, wishing you have a great time."

  Upon hearing this, I remained as calm and composed as still water.

  But Bai Xin's words were getting harder and harder to listen to.

  Is this guy intentionally running over to make fun of her man? And no matter how she listened, she felt that the other party was gloating, especially the last sentence, and she didn't hear the blessing, but the curse was very strong.

  She couldn't help but turn cold. For a man who had once taken advantage of her, she really didn't have any other thoughts except for wanting to slap him in the face with a shoe.

  Noticing her reaction, Yan Mo's expression didn't change, but privately he wrapped his hand around hers, gently pinching the joints of her fingers as if teasing her like usual.

  The second cup of wine was drunk down by me as usual. Only his eyes were slightly deeper than before.

  "Now that I am no longer in office, King De still treats me with such closeness, it truly makes me feel grateful. How about this third cup, let me offer it to King De?"

  He picked up the wine jug and filled two cups. He looked deeply at a majestic and elegant man on his right side with a profound gaze.

  "Hahaha~" For some unknown reason, Xia Lixun suddenly threw his head back and burst out laughing.

  This laughter, like a nervous disease, made Bai Xincheng even more disgusted.

  "Cheng Wang not only remained unflappable in the face of honor and shame, but also conducted himself with grandeur and composure. I, the king, admire him from the heart... This cup of wine, I will drink it myself." Xia Lixun was equally straightforward, tilting his head back to pour the wine into his mouth.

  After three rounds of drinks, Xia Lixun seemed to be more casual. In front of Bai Xinzhi's face, he actually didn't avoid talking about the main topic at all.

  "The Crown Prince's brother was assassinated this time, and the Emperor actually suspected you after only listening to his one-sided words. This is really unexpected for me. Unfortunately, I am not in the Emperor's favor, otherwise I would have pleaded for the Crown Prince in front of the Emperor."

  Those words clearly contain a few parts of self-blame. It's just unknown how many parts are sincere.

  "I appreciate King Fengde's kind intentions. Although I am now at the center of attention, I believe that the innocent will be cleared, and King Fengde does not need to worry about me. I trust that His Majesty will clear my name." Yan Moyu said calmly.

  Upon hearing this, Xia Lixuan raised the corner of his mouth, it was unclear whether he was praising or being sarcastic: "Cheng Wang is indeed quite open-minded."

  Mo Yan didn't think much of it and learned from him, raising the corner of his lips: "What else? What does King Feng De think I should do?"

  Facing the calm and waveless gaze of Yan Mo, Xia Li Xun's eyes suddenly had a hint of exploration, and he didn't know what he wanted to see on Yan Mo's face: "Cheng Wang, if I'm being honest with you, would you betray me?"

  Yan Mo raised an eyebrow: "Does Fong De Wang think I'm a big mouth?"

  "This is not it." This point he can be sure of. If he were a gossip, he wouldn't have come over to "accidentally" meet the couple today either.

  He collected his thoughts and said seriously, "Have you ever thought of overthrowing the person who framed you? The Crown Prince was ambushed, and I'm sure you've had a plan in mind. Since this person has treated you like this, why not take advantage of the opportunity to bring them down?"

  Yan Mo's brush suddenly drew a thin lip, looking at him with a smile that was not a smile: "If I do this, should the King of Feng De be grateful to me?"

  “……？！” Being pointed at the center of the calculation, even if Xia Lixun's face was thicker, he felt a little embarrassed. But soon, he suddenly burst out laughing again and said something with deep meaning, "If King Cheng can really help me clear the obstacles, when I achieve my goal, I will definitely not treat you unfairly."

  Upon hearing this, Yan Mo merely raised an eyebrow and remained silent.

  The shortest conversation, Xia Lixun felt that he had already gotten the answer he wanted, so he stood up and bid farewell:

  "I've troubled you for so long, I should be going back now. When the Crown Prince clears his name, I'll host a banquet to celebrate for him. At that time, please do me the honor of attending."

  As he turned around, his gaze suddenly stayed on Bai Xinyan for a moment, and then he walked out of the room with a faint smile on his lips.

  After he left.

  Bai Xinzhen had completely lost his appetite for meals.

  "What is this King Fongde up to? How did you hear that he wants to curry favor with you?"

  His eyebrows were slightly raised, and his clear eyes suddenly flashed with a hint of inexplicable luster.

  He wants him to help, but first he has to get back the favor that was cheated from him before...

  Seeing that she had lost her appetite, he took her hand and stood up, lowering his eyes to speak in a warm voice: "The city is too noisy, I know of a quiet place on the outskirts, would you like to go with me?"

  Bai Xin noticed that he was intentionally avoiding certain topics, and since they were both out in public, some things weren't convenient to say. So she didn't press him either. Upon hearing his suggestion, she nodded: "I don't care where we go, you decide."

  In fact, without his answer, she could also hear that the arrival of King Feng De today was a coincidence, and it was likely that they were seeking to form an alliance.

  Yesterday, she had guessed that the prince's assassination attempt might be a play directed by the prince himself, with the purpose of framing her family's men. Today, from Prince Gongde's words, she almost confirmed her guess.

  Is this King Feng De too arrogant? Even if he wants to seize power and the throne, can't he be less confident and proud?

  Does his father know about this high-profile matter?

  Still accompanied by Yin Du driving the horse and Xue Ying, the four masters and servants set off from the city streets, left the city gate, and the carriage headed straight west.

  A secluded mountain stream, with spring water gurgling, wildflowers fragrant, and a purely natural landscape unfolding before one's eyes.

  Sitting on the bluestone by the stream, looking up at the blue sky and white clouds, taking a deep breath, Bai Xincheng felt relaxed all over.

  Compared to the dull life in a mansion, I prefer the taste of nature.

  Leaning on the man's arm, she turned her head to glance at the two followers in the distance. Suddenly raising an eyebrow and smiling, "Don't you think Yin Du and Xue Ying make a pretty good match?"

  He lowered his voice and followed her words, casting a faint glance at the side, his mouth twitching, shaking his head: "Impossible."

  As soon as he said this, Bai Xinzhu sat up straight and looked at him: "How can it be impossible? Your followers are not married, and Blood Shadow is also unmarried. Maybe they suddenly hit it off?"

  Yan Mo thought it was a bit funny: "What? You want to be their matchmaker?"

  "What's wrong, won't work?"

  Yan Mo shook his head and sighed lightly, raising his hand to wrap her shoulders around his chest. "Don't worry about things that are impossible, it's better to take good care of yourself instead, so I won't have to worry every day."

  Bai Xin Dye said somewhat reluctantly: "You'd better make it clear, how can they be impossible?"

  Seeing her determined look, Yan Mo had no choice but to sigh lightly and say, "The Emperor won't agree to it."

  "Why?" Xue Ying was the Emperor's person, and it was normal for the Emperor to ask about Xue Ying's private matters, but she wanted to know the reason.

  "It's not a matter of overnight to cultivate an assassin, Blood Shadow is more skilled and courageous than an assassin. The Emperor has invested a lot of heart and soul in cultivating them, how can he easily let them get married and have children?"

  "Is it not that like Blood Shadow, one will end up in lonely old age?" Comparing her own life to his, she felt that Blood Shadow was more pitiful than herself, and not just a little bit.

  No family, no friends, even finding a partner is a luxury, what's the point of living like this?

  Looking into her eyes, filled with pity, thinking of her past life, Yan Mo pressed his thin lips and patted her shoulder. After a moment of silence, he spoke softly: "Xue Ying has been trained since childhood, she is used to this kind of life, you don't need to worry about her. Even if you can get the Emperor's agreement to return her freedom, she may not accept love between men and women."

  Bai Xin listened quietly, and didn't ask any more questions. What he said made sense, seeing Xue Ying's calm demeanor towards everything, if one day she suddenly had an epiphany and said she wanted to get married, it would probably shock everyone.

  This time out, Bai Xinzhen was relatively happy. At least she had breathed in some fresh air and driven away a lot of the stagnant air from the mansion. Even the man beside her, she could feel his physical and mental relaxation.

  The feeling of not being disturbed by flies is really not ordinary...

  By the brook, a woman's "haha" crazy laughter came, echoing through the mountain valley.

  "Come on, I'll give you another riddle - it has hair on top and hair at the bottom, and at night, it's a hairy encounter. What is it?"

  His handsome face that had remained unchanged for a hundred years was almost cracked, and the corners of his sexy lips twitched uncontrollably.

  His eyes were even more hot and steamy, emitting a wolf-like glow. If it weren't for the two followers in the distance, he would have hated to execute the woman on the spot.

  How can there be such a bad woman?

  At the sight of him, Bai Xinzhen knew he had gone astray, his mouth corners almost reaching his ears. After laughing "haha", she showed a face full of disdain: "Please, be pure for once? I said there's hair above and below, referring to eyes. Think about it, isn't it hair against hair when you close your eyes at night? Honestly, where did your mind go?"

  Upon hearing this, Yan Mo couldn't help but burst out laughing and crying at the same time. He pulled her into his arms and patted her buttocks with his large hands, staring at her with wide eyes and asking: "Who taught you all these things?"

  What kind of problems does she have?!

  There were two crows on the tree, one male and one female. Under the tree, a sheep was eating grass. Later, a wolf came and ate the sheep... After the female crow said something, she was raped by the male crow... What did the female crow say? Her answer is: The sheep below (itch) died...

  Eunuchs had it before entering the palace but didn't have it afterwards. Monks have it but don't use it. Her answer was: a name.

  The more you want a hole, the wider it opens, and the more water flows. Her answer was: mouth.

  Why don't good horses eat the grass they've already passed? Answer: Because all the grass behind them has been eaten up.

  What a mess!

  Bai Xin's face turned red with laughter, almost breathless: "Is there anyone like you? You're the one who can't answer correctly, yet you won't let others laugh!"

  While laughing, she pushed him away, but Yan Mo Yu held onto her tightly. Bai Xincheng saw that he couldn't escape, so he suddenly stretched out his hand to tickle Yan Mo Yu's armpits...

  Yan Mo nearly lost to her, so she simply hugged her and rolled onto the ground, and the two of them started playing and struggling with each other.

  Looking at the two masters who were laughing non-stop and didn't even have a decent image, Yin Du's eyes almost popped out. He was about to go forward to verify that the man who was accompanying the woman in her madness was whose father?...

  Blood Shadow stood expressionless, half a day passed, without even tilting his head, towards the man and woman who were playing without regard for their image, forgetting their identities. She only twitched her mouth slightly, then continued to observe indifferently.

  But suddenly an unusual voice made her face turn cold instantly——

  "Beware, an assassin!" She suddenly cried out, already leaving her original position and dashing towards a large rock to one side.

  Yin Du was startled by her shout, turned around, and instantly activated his lightness skill to fly towards the direction of Yan Mo, blocking the two people in front of him.

  "Be careful, Dad!" he reminded anxiously.

  Bai Xinzhi and Yan Mo stopped their bickering, and followed the direction of their gaze to see a row of black-clad men approaching in unison, exuding an aura of murder, with agile and nimble movements, clearly well-trained.

  "Who are you?" Blood Shadow's chilly voice greeted a row of black-clad men who suddenly appeared.

  No one responded, and a man in black appeared out of nowhere, holding a long sword that shone with a gloomy white light.

  Xue Ying had the intention to take on all of them alone, but those black-clothed men filled with murderous intent seemed unwilling to be her enemy. With several agile flips and leaps, they dodged her and flew towards Yan Mo's direction instead.

  "Yin Du, protect the princess well!" A low voice gave an order, and Yan Mo led a group of people to jump out, leading the two black-clothed men who were attacking him to another place.

  Anyone with a discerning eye could see that these people had only one goal in mind. Seeing Yan Mo being attacked from both front and back, Bai Xinzhu's heart was already in her throat. Without hesitation, she secretly activated her lightness skill, preparing to fly over and assist.

  "Princess, no!" Yin Du suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her aside.

  "Let go!" Watching as Yan Mo Yu got further and further away, Bai Xincheng couldn't help but shout at Yin Du, "Hurry up and go save your prince!"

  After roaring, she gathered her strength and kicked towards Yin Du's calf position.

  Fortunately, Yin Du reacted in time. Otherwise, this kick would have made him a cripple. He narrowly dodged the dangerous kick but failed to grasp Bai Xincheng's wrist firmly. Coming back to his senses, he watched as the woman flew away and instantly muttered "not good" under his breath, then followed her in pursuit.

  When Bai Xinzhen flew over and saw that thrilling scene, her heart skipped a beat.

  "Ink I!"

  All of a sudden, a sword blade swept across the man's arm, and instantly, a stream of fresh blood splashed out.

  Never had Bai Xin been so enraged, he kicked one of the black-clad men flying and snatched the weapon from his hand, then suddenly went berserk and started slashing at the remaining black-clad men.

  Xue Ying and Yin Du were also startled by the scene, but compared to Yan Mo's injured arm, the woman in front of them who seemed to have lost her mind was even more shocking.

  Xue Ying had seen Bai Xinzhu's outstretched hand and, after a moment of stunned silence, stepped forward to assist.

  Yin Du was stunned, almost staring with his mouth agape, unable to believe that the original fool would suddenly have such good skills.

  Fortunately, he was still rational and quickly joined the fierce battle, working with Blood Shadow to drive back the ferocious black-clad man.

  "How are you?" Looking at the man's injured arm, Bai Xintong couldn't help but have her eyes redden.

  "It's nothing." Yan Mo didn't linger, using his uninjured hand to wrap around her waist and quickly leave the brutal battlefield. "Let's go—"

  ……

  Forbidden City

  Inside the study

  Xia Ga stared at the scout who was reporting back with an intimidating gaze, his dragon eyes wide open.

  "What?! Cheng Wang was stabbed and injured on Cuicui Mountain?!"

  "Reporting to Your Majesty, it is absolutely true." The scout knelt on one knee on the ground and did not dare to lift his head.

  "Let you follow Cheng Wang, why didn't you come out to rescue!" Xia Gao was so angry that his chest was trembling, and he almost burst into scolding, "You, you are simply a bunch of useless things!"

  The scout hung his head and didn't dare say a word in response.

  "Where is Cheng Wang now? Is he seriously injured?"

  The scout replied cautiously: "Your Majesty, Cheng Wang and his party did not return to the mansion, but instead went to another separate courtyard."

  Upon hearing this, Dequan, who was standing beside Xia Gaochao, stared and said: "Don't go inform the imperial physician yet!"

  "Yes, Your Majesty, I'll go now." Dequan also looked tense and hastily left the imperial study after responding.

  Turning back, Xia Gao Chao ordered: "Quickly go and summon Blood Shadow into the palace, I want to personally ask her who is behind this!"

  ……

  The news of King Wang's assassination spread like a gust of wind, and it was unclear who had managed to disseminate the information so quickly that even the Fong De Wang Fu received the news in no time.

  Upon hearing this, Xia Lixuan, who was sitting in a taishi chair sipping fragrant tea, very uncharacteristically spat it out on the spot.

  "What? The Crown Prince was stabbed and injured?!"

  The young servant who reported the news nodded very affirmatively: "Yes, Your Highness, I heard that even the Emperor himself has learned of this news and has already sent an imperial physician to treat Crown Prince's injuries."

  Xia Li Xun's face suddenly turned black.

  The little servant saw that he was not in good spirits and hastily asked: "Your Highness, what's wrong?"

  Snapping back to reality, Xia Lixuan somewhat irritably ordered him: "Where is Cheng Wang right now? Hurry up and bring this king over!"

  Damn it, he actually thought he was a trustworthy person, but unexpectedly stabbed him in the back!

  It's no wonder Xia Lixuan is so furious. Others don't know the consequences of Cheng Wang being injured, but he does!

  The crown prince is injured, and someone suspects that it was done by Cheng Wang, with the intention of getting rid of the crown prince. Now that Cheng Wang is also injured, won't all the accusations be directed at him?!

  Who dares to take this black pot?

  This is outrageous!

  And there's the crown prince, stupid as a pig!

  Does he think that by directing such a play, the Emperor will believe that Cheng Wang has ambition?

  If Father Emperor is so easily suspicious of Cheng Wang, then why give him such great power and favor?

  Does he think the Emperor is as stupid as him?

  These years, Cheng Wang received so much imperial favor, all because he had no ambition. Previously, he didn't believe that Cheng Wang had no ambition either, but since the Cao Shan Village incident, he finally believed it, Cheng Wang indeed had no ambition to compete with these princes for the throne.

  If there was, it would have been Wang's chance to deal with him in Zhao Shan Village!

  After figuring this out, he also figured out some other things. According to the emperor's favoritism towards Cheng Wang, even if the emperor abdicates in the future, Cheng Wang's position will only rise and not fall, and when a new ruler ascends to the throne, they will also have to rely on his support.

  To sit firmly in that position, it's really hard to lack such a character.

  That stupid crown prince is really something, not only did he not see the value of Prince Jing, but he even deliberately wants to get rid of him, he's really stupid beyond belief!

  With him being like this, without him even having to lift a finger, Father Emperor will eventually abolish him!

  ……

  Just as Cheng Wang was injured and news kept leaking out, inside a civilian residence in Wutong Alley, the capital city

  A man and a woman sat facing each other across a dinner table in a humble house.

  On the table, a full table of exquisite and delicious dishes. The aroma of wine filled this small room.

  The woman was elegant and luxurious, although she was forty years old, but because of her good maintenance, her skin was white and delicate, plus her carefully painted makeup, making her look like she was under thirty.

  The silk clothes and skirts on her body are not only exquisite in workmanship but also bright in color, which adds a lot of beauty to women.

  A proud and charming woman appeared in this simple courtyard, it was clear that she didn't fit in with anything here. But the woman not only didn't show any disdain, but instead gently smiled at the middle-aged man opposite her.

  "Zi Yang, it's been almost ten years since we last met, hasn't it?"

  The middle-aged man sitting opposite the woman was dressed in simple attire, with an ordinary appearance and dark complexion. In comparison to the woman, one resembled a white cloud in the sky, while the other looked like black mud on the ground; no matter how you looked at it, they didn't match.

  The woman smiled like a flower, gentle and beautiful, while the man looked at the woman in front of him, who was just as beautiful as she was over twenty years ago, with an unmistakable excitement, he couldn't bear to move his gaze away from her for even a moment.

  "Shui Yan... how did you suddenly remember me?" Sheng Ziyang felt as if he was dreaming when the woman in front of him appeared, and he couldn't believe that she would take the initiative to find him. After all, it was she who had rejected him back then, and since that incident, she had become the princess consort of the Cheng Wangfu, severing all ties with him.

  Qiu's lips curled up in a smile: "What, aren't you happy that I came looking for you?"

  "No, no, no..." Sheng Ziyang hastily waved his hand, his face tense. "I didn't mean it that way! I just feel like I'm dreaming!"

  Qiu suddenly lowered his head, his words filled with a hint of desolation and remorse: "I know that what happened back then was my fault for hurting you too deeply. For the sake of wealth and glory, I wronged you. Now, after all these years, every time I think about it, I feel ashamed and regretful. Although this grand mansion has given me endless wealth and glory, there hasn't been a single day that I've been happy. Unfortunately, I couldn't turn back, or else that person would have taken my life... But now I'm not afraid. Because over the years, I've become ill with depression, and the doctor said I only have less than a year left to live... Since learning of this terrible news, I've thought about it a lot, and I regret even more what happened in the past, especially towards you. My heart has always been filled with remorse, so to make up for the regrets of my life, that's why... that's why I wanted to see you one last time. This way, even if I die, I'll have no regrets."

  Qiu's words became more sorrowful, and she repeatedly wiped her eyes with the silk handkerchief in her hand.

  Listening to her words filled with remorse, Sheng Ziyang suddenly stood up from the stool, his eyes wide open and a look of horror on his face: "You... you said what? There's still... still... still one year left to live?"

  Looking at the handkerchief in Qiu's hand being soaked with tears, he suddenly walked around the table and stood in front of Qiu, his hands forcefully pressing on her shoulders: "No, it can't be! Are you joking with me?"

  Qiu's bitter smile made Sheng Ziyang feel even more reluctant and heartbroken.

  "How could I possibly joke about this? Today I came to see you, just to make up for the harm I did to you back then. Only in this way can I leave without any regrets..."

  Sheng Ziyang grasped her shoulders and shook them, his eyes wide with excitement as he stared at her despairing expression. He growled in a low voice, "Why is it like this?! Which incompetent doctor treated you?! Tell me, you're not going to die, you're just joking, right?!"

  "Zi Yang!" Qiu Shi wiped away tears from the corner of her eyes, speaking even more sorrowfully: "Can't you just not be like this? It was the imperial physician who diagnosed me, could it be fake? Moreover, I'm clear about my own body... Today we part, perhaps we'll never see each other again. Can't you just let me sit here for a while?"

  Digression

  Bubbles, thank you for all the votes, flowers, diamonds and rewards, group hugs (╯3╰)