“Third Prince, you must quickly—”

Before Gong Xinyue could finish shouting, a man strode in through the door from outside.

He came to stand beside Feng Jiang, glaring viciously at the person lying on the ground.

“Second Imperial Brother, you’ve come at just the right time — please talk some sense into Third Brother, tell him not to keep opposing Father.” Seeing Feng Yan, Feng Jin looked as if he’d seen hope.

“Hurry and persuade him, tell him not to keep being so stubborn! Let’s join forces to assist…”

“Second Brother, what exactly are you doing?” Feng Jin froze, not daring to move, as he stared at the sword pressed against his neck.

Feng Yan let out a bitter laugh. “Eldest Brother, I truly never imagined you were this kind of person.”

“We grew up together — why would you treat me and Third Brother this way? If Third Brother hadn’t saved me, I would have died long ago.”

“Second Brother, what are you talking about? How could I possibly…”

Before Feng Jin could finish, Noble Consort Ya cut him off with a scornful laugh.

“Feng Jin, even now, do you still intend to keep up the act? I truly misjudged you!”

“It was him — he was the one who sent men to hunt you both down. He wants to be Emperor; he was even willing to kill His Majesty!”

Noble Consort Ya shoved Gong Xinyue aside forcefully and strode toward Feng Jin.

At some point, a short dagger had appeared in her hand.

It was the dagger her father had given her for self-defense — today, she would use it to end everything.

With a “whoosh,” Noble Consort Ya drove the dagger straight into Feng Jin’s heart.

Feng Jin flung her away with all his strength, but it was still a moment too late.

He looked down at the dagger lodged in his chest, and the moment he opened his mouth, blood surged out like a breached floodgate.

“Hahaha… hahaha…” Chen Hong, watching him fall, lay back down as well.

“Feng Jin, I told you — if I die today… I’ll drag you down with me… to perish together.”

“Jian Yi, why… did you deceive me? My Jian Yi, where… are you really?”

Chen Hong’s head lolled to one side, and she lost consciousness completely.

Feng Jin clutched the dagger in his chest, begging desperately, “Second Brother, Third Brother, save… save me…”

Unwilling to take any chances, Gong Xinyue drew out her own dagger, ran to Feng Jin’s side, and crouched down.

As her blade swept across his throat, the room fell silent except for the faint, barely audible sound of breathing.

“Ah…” Noble Consort Ya glanced at Feng Jin one last time, then clutched her head and ran outside as if she’d gone mad.

“Go!” Feng Jiang grabbed Gong Xinyue and pulled her up.

Gong Xinyue quickly came to her senses, and the three of them hurried out together.

The courtyard gate was breached, and a large force of the Guard Army poured in, surrounding the remaining hundred or so people inside.

“Brothers, charge in! We must rescue the Crown Prince,” the leading general commanded.

“Charge!” The soldiers’ battle cries were deafening.

Today was the Crown Prince’s grand wedding, and the general had led his men to guard the area half a mile away.

Who could have imagined that the very location they had so carefully chosen would conceal so many enemies within it?

When had the enemies gotten in? How had they managed to hide right under their noses? Who had betrayed the Crown Prince?

For now, no one could answer these questions — the Crown Prince was in danger, and rescuing him was the priority!

With Chen Hong dead, the dozens of puppet fighters she had cultivated all collapsed as well.

In the fighting just now, Feng Jiang’s men had also suffered losses, and now fewer than a hundred remained.

“Third Prince, you go first! Qiao Mu and Little Xiao Jiang are still waiting for you.” Gong Xinyue retreated to Feng Jiang’s side and said in a low, urgent voice.

Hearing this, Feng Yan cut down several soldiers and quickly retreated backward.

“She’s right, Third Brother, go first — Jiu’er will be in your care from now on. Go quickly! If we don’t leave now, it will be too late.”