nashuaworldcup Chapter 604
Chapter 604
As the presiding judge's gavel slammed down, the interrogation officially began. The Crown Prince abruptly stood up, his robes scraping against the table with a harsh screech. His finger trembled as he pointed at the Third Prince, his voice high-pitched and shrill: "The evidence is irrefutable! The Third Prince colluded with foreign enemies, plotting rebellion! His heart is utterly despicable!" As he spoke, he slammed a stack of documents onto the ground, the papers scattering and making a crisp sound on the blue bricks. The Third Prince, however, sneered, straightening his back, his voice hoarse yet powerful: "If you want to condemn someone, you can always find a pretext! This so-called evidence is nothing but fabrication by someone with ulterior motives!" A trace of grief and indignation flashed in his eyes, "Your subject is utterly loyal to Your Majesty and to the Great Yin Dynasty, Heaven bears witness!"
The heated debate between the two sides echoed in the hall, neither willing to give an inch. Just as the atmosphere grew increasingly tense and the stalemate reached a stalemate, a loud crash was heard as the carved wooden door of the main hall was kicked open. A gust of cold wind, carrying a drizzle, rushed in, causing the candlelight to flicker violently. A dark shadow flashed by like a ghost, and a mysterious figure shrouded in a black cloak landed in the hall. He was agile and swift; before anyone could react, he flicked his wrist, scattering more than a dozen letters across the floor like snowflakes.
"Please look, everyone!" The man in black's voice was deep and cold, tinged with mockery. The crowd crowded closer and saw that the handwriting on the letter was flamboyant and the contents were shocking. It turned out that behind the royal power struggle, a mysterious force was lurking. They secretly colluded with martial arts gangs and court officials, setting up numerous traps, deliberately instigating conflict between the princes, intending to create internal strife within the royal family so they could seize power and overthrow the court.
The news quickly reached the Emperor's ears. In his study, the Emperor abruptly smashed his teacup on the floor, the sound of shattering porcelain startling the birds outside the window into fluttering away. "You audacious scoundrel! How dare you disrupt the order of the court!" His face flushed crimson, his eyes burning with fury. "Issue orders for the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot to thoroughly investigate this matter, leaving no one unpunished!"
By imperial decree, the Third Prince was temporarily released without charge. As the shackles were removed from his wrists, he gazed at the dissipating clouds in the sky, took a deep breath, his eyes filled with both relief at surviving a close call and anger towards the mastermind behind it all. The Crown Prince, on the other hand, was severely reprimanded by the Emperor and slunk away, his steps unsteady as if he might collapse at any moment.
Standing beneath the palace walls, the Prince of Zhennan gazed at the dark clouds, lost in thought. He knew this turmoil was merely the tip of the iceberg; a far greater conspiracy, like a monstrous beast lurking in the depths of the sea, lay dormant, waiting for its chance to strike. As night deepened, he gripped the hilt of his sword, his eyes resolute—no matter the difficulties and obstacles ahead, he would expose this mysterious force, restore peace to the royal family, and bring tranquility to the land.
As dusk settled, the inky darkness deepened the somber hues of the Zhennan Prince's mansion. The Prince stood with his hands behind his back in the winding corridor, gilded lanterns swaying in the night breeze, casting dappled shadows that accentuated the sorrow in his eyes. Recently, strange events had been occurring frequently in the martial world, with several bizarre murders pointing directly to a mysterious force lurking in the shadows. The mastermind behind these events, like a venomous snake hidden in the mist, was eyeing the very lifeblood of the dynasty.
Just as his fingertips unconsciously caressed the jade pendant at his waist, his thoughts in turmoil, a faint rustling sound of clothes tearing through the air suddenly rang out. The Prince of Zhennan's pupils contracted slightly, his soft sword already drawn three inches from its sheath, when a dark figure gracefully leaped down from the eaves, landing without disturbing a speck of dust. Moonlight filtered through the latticed windows of the corridor, casting fine silver patterns on the black-clad figure's cloak. The person approached slowly, the sound of boots on the blue bricks extremely soft, yet it felt as if they were stepping on the Prince of Zhennan's taut nerves.
"Your Highness has quite the refined taste." A hoarse voice, carrying a chill, drifted over. The man in black stopped a few feet away, a gleaming weapon faintly visible beneath his cloak. The Prince of Zhennan slowly turned around, the candlelight blurring the man's silhouette, leaving only a pair of eyes that gleamed like a wolf in the shadows. "Your visit so late at night is probably not just for moon-gazing."
The man in black raised his hand and removed his hood, letting in moonlight that illuminated his sharply defined face. A knife-like scar snaked from his left eye to his jawline, and his cold gaze seemed capable of piercing the heart. He took out half of a bloodstained jade pendant from his robes, fitting it perfectly with the item at the Prince of Zhennan's waist: "We were attacked at the outskirts of the city three days ago. This was found on the assassin." The jade pendant bore subtle, flowing patterns—the very totem of the massacre that wiped out his entire family twenty years ago.
The Prince of Zhennan's breath hitched, his fingers gripping the jade pendant tightly, memories flooding back like a tidal wave. Seeing this, the man in black lowered his voice: "The mastermind has been lying in wait for years, now aiming their sword at the capital. But their influence is widespread throughout the court and the countryside; Your Highness alone..." Before he could finish, the distant drumbeat shattered the silence, and the man in black suddenly lunged forward, a gleaming dagger pressed against the Prince of Zhennan's throat: "Cooperate with me, or wait to become the next soul lost at the post station."
The atmosphere in the courtyard was tense, but the Prince of Zhennan suddenly chuckled, grabbing the other man's wrist and using the force to deflect the dagger's edge: "For twenty years, I've been waiting for this moment." Their eyes met, sparking a dangerous and intense flame in the darkness. The man in black sheathed his dagger and tossed out a yellowed, secret letter: "At the Drunken Immortal Pavilion in the west of the city, three days from now at 1-3 AM, the various martial arts sects will gather here to divide the spoils."
Three days later, a light drizzle fell. Wine banners fluttered before the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, attracting a constant stream of江湖客 (jianghu ke, wandering swordsmen) with sharp blades at their waists. Two ordinary-looking merchants mingled in the crowd. Beneath the deliberately lowered bamboo hat of the Prince of Zhennan, his sharp gaze swept over every unfamiliar face. The man in black carried a creaking load on his shoulder, the carrying pole mingling with the clamor from inside the pavilion.
"I heard the higher-ups are planning something big." The conversation of several burly men drifted into the ears of the two men from a corner. The Prince of Zhennan approached silently, only to see one of them suddenly rip open his shirt, revealing a black serpent tattoo on his chest—the very symbol of the massacre that had occurred years ago! "On the day of the Emperor's birthday banquet, we'll coordinate from the inside..." Before he could finish speaking, the man in black suddenly overturned his carrying pole, and amidst the sound of shattering porcelain bowls, he and the Prince of Zhennan simultaneously sprang into action.
In an instant, swords flashed and blades clashed within the restaurant. The Prince of Zhennan's longsword moved like a dragon, while the black-clad man's soft whip cracked like lightning from his sleeve. Amidst the chaos, a secret edict fluttered from the enemy leader's arms, boldly proclaiming, "Poison the Emperor during his birthday banquet!" The two exchanged a glance, a chill running down their spines. In the distance, the watchman's clapper sounded; the third quarter of the hour of Chou (1-3 AM) had passed, leaving them less than seven days to thwart the conspiracy.
The rain intensified, and the two men rushed out of the tavern, their footsteps echoing through the mess. The man in black wiped the blood from his mouth and shoved the secret edict into the hands of the Prince of Zhennan: "It seems we've encountered a grand scheme that will affect the entire world." The Prince of Zhennan gripped the edict tightly, raindrops dripping from his sword blade and leaving dark red marks on the bluestone pavement: "Whoever they are, those who dare to covet the imperial power will pay with their blood." In the darkness, the two figures vanished like arrows from a bow, disappearing into the depths of the rain. A life-or-death struggle concerning the survival of the dynasty had only just begun.
The night was as thick as ink, soaking through the vermilion gates of the Prince of Zhennan's mansion. The Prince of Zhennan stepped over the high threshold, his boots slamming heavily on the blue bricks, startling the mournful hooting of an owl under the eaves. He tore off his blood-stained face mask, his eyes blazing, and slammed the secret edict heavily onto the table, the sandalwood surface groaning under its weight.
"Guards!" At the command, the study door swung open with a bang, and the commander of the secret guards knelt on one knee. The Prince of Zhennan stood with his hands behind his back, his robes fluttering in the candlelight: "Immediately prepare a secret letter sent by express courier, covering eight hundred li, and personally deliver it to the palace. Remember, this matter must be handled by the Empress Dowager's personal lady-in-waiting." Before he finished speaking, he turned to another advisor with a solemn expression: "Send a message to the Minister of Justice and the Commander of the Imperial Guards, instructing them to enter the palace before dawn tomorrow to meet the Emperor, saying that I have a matter of utmost urgency to discuss."
Meanwhile, the man in black moved like a ghost through the bustling streets and alleys. He tore off his coarse cloth turban, revealing a cold, stern face, his gaze sweeping over the furtive martial artists lurking at street corners. Suddenly, a hushed conversation drifted into his ears. He flashed onto a roof tile and sped towards the direction of the sound. Moments later, at the eaves of a dilapidated teahouse, he held his breath, listening intently to the secret plot of the various sect leaders below.
Deep within the palace, the emperor sat on his dragon throne, toying with the secret edict sent by the Prince of Zhennan, his expression shifting between light and shadow. "Issue the decree: the security arrangements for the birthday banquet are entirely entrusted to the Duke of Zhenguo." He paused, a cold glint in his eyes. "Furthermore, order that all ingredients used by the imperial kitchen undergo triple inspection in the coming days." As night deepened, the footsteps of the palace guards changing shifts grew heavier, and under the bright yellow palace lanterns, the hidden guards moved like ghosts through every corner.
Five days before the birthday banquet, a secret letter was quietly delivered to the Prince of Zhennan's residence. The Prince unfolded the letter, his gaze falling on the small characters "Abandoned Mountain Villa on the outskirts of the city," a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes. "Prepare the horses!" he shouted, drawing his soft sword, its cold gleam reflecting on his resolute face. Three hundred elite cavalrymen assembled before the residence, their hooves shattering the moonlight, and galloped towards the villa.
Inside the abandoned manor, flames soared into the sky, and shouts of battle deafened the air. The Prince of Zhennan charged ahead, his longsword flashing, blood splattering everywhere. His movements were agile, like a tiger among sheep; wherever he went, the henchmen of the mysterious force fell to the ground. Just then, a sinister laugh echoed from the pavilion. Everyone looked up and saw a figure clad in a python robe slowly appear.
"Eunuch Li?!" The Prince of Zhennan's pupils constricted, and the long sword in his hand trembled slightly. The person before him was none other than the emperor's most trusted personal eunuch! Eunuch Li ripped off his human skin mask, revealing a ferocious face: "Prince of Zhennan, you didn't expect this, did you? When the late emperor passed away, it was I who poisoned him with ambergris! Now, it's time for this throne to change hands!"
The Prince of Zhennan's eyes widened in fury, his killing intent surging: "Traitor! Today is your death day!" With that, he leaped into the air, his longsword aimed straight for Eunuch Li's throat. Eunuch Li was not to be outdone; his whisk instantly transformed into a soft whip, clashing with the Prince of Zhennan's sword and creating dazzling sparks. The two exchanged blows, their moves growing increasingly fierce. The sounds of fighting around them gradually subsided, as everyone was captivated by this breathtaking duel.
In the heat of battle, the Prince of Zhennan seized an opening and pierced Eunuch Li's shoulder with his sword. Eunuch Li screamed and staggered backward. The Prince of Zhennan pressed his advantage, pressing the tip of his sword against Li's throat: "You schemed and plotted, but it was all in vain!" Eunuch Li laughed wildly, his laughter filled with resentment: "What a pity... what a pity my great undertaking was not yet accomplished..." Before he could finish speaking, the Prince of Zhennan swung his sword, ending this thrilling duel.
As dawn broke, the Prince of Zhennan stood before the ruined manor, gazing at the devastation, his heart filled with mixed emotions. In the distance, the melodious sounds of bells and drums drifted from the direction of the imperial palace, signaling the start of a new day. This conspiracy, which threatened the fate of the nation, had finally vanished like smoke thanks to the efforts of the Prince of Zhennan and the man in black.
In the Golden Palace, the fragrant smoke of ambergris rose gently, casting a hazy glow on the majestic steps. The Prince of Zhennan, dressed in a black brocade robe, his jade belt gleaming warmly in the morning light, knelt on one knee. The sandalwood box containing the tiger tally still carried the bloody scent of the previous night's battle. "Your subject has not failed in his mission!" Before his words had even finished, the emperor on the gilded dragon throne strode down the steps and personally helped him up. The hem of his dragon robe swept across the white marble steps, making a rustling sound.
"The Prince of Zhennan has rendered meritorious service to the nation!" The emperor's voice echoed in the empty hall. Civil and military officials on both sides knelt down in unison, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" The copper bells at the corners of the hall jingled loudly. When the imperial seal and python robe were presented to him, the Prince of Zhennan caught a glimpse of the envious or awe-inspiring gazes of the officials below, but he could not find that familiar figure in black.
That night, the candlelight in the Prince's study burned all night. The Prince of Zhennan stroked the blood-stained whip on his desk—the only keepsake left by the man in black; the copper bell at its tip had long since shattered in the battle. "Investigate! Dig three feet into the ground to find him!" he roared at his guards, the torrential rain outside shattering his words. However, three days later, a water-stained secret letter quietly lay in the Prince's mailbox, the handwriting blurred and indistinct: "The man in black was a traitorous assassin, beheaded in a mass grave."
The letter trembled between the Prince of Zhennan's fingers, the candlelight casting a long, distorted shadow on the wall. He remembered the man in black's habit of picking his nails with a dagger, and the arrow the man had taken for him at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion; a bitter taste rose in his throat. "Impossible..." he murmured, yet he had to admit that the unexamined past, the deliberately obscured origins, all seemed to be foreshadowing this moment.
Ten days later, the birthday banquet arrived as scheduled. The palace was ablaze with lanterns, the winding corridors adorned with golden lanterns, and the aroma of delicacies wafting from the imperial kitchen mingled with the scent of peonies, transforming the Forbidden City into a fairyland. The Prince of Zhennan stood beside the Emperor, his hand on his sword, his gaze warily sweeping over every approaching figure. Just as the Minister of Rites finished reading the congratulatory message, a sharp clang of weapons clashing rang out from the northwest corner. Twelve dark figures burst through the window, their poisoned daggers aimed straight for the dragon throne!
"Protect the Emperor!" Prince Zhennan roared, drawing his soft sword and engaging the assassin in combat. Chaos erupted within the Golden Palace, a cacophony of screams from concubines, shouts from guards, and the shattering of porcelain. The Emperor, his face deathly pale, was forced back by several imperial guards, when the leading assassin grinned maliciously and threw a concealed smoke bomb. Instantly, thick smoke filled the air, the stench of blood filling the air.