Actually, regarding this incident of Zhong Xingxiao’s subordinate assassinating Liu Rushi, Xiao Rongyan wasn’t worried that it would truly cause trouble for the two countries’ national wager strategy. Perhaps it would require more persuasion among the Great Zhou’s court officials, but as long as both countries’ rulers were determined to proceed with the national wager, it wouldn’t matter much.

He could even use this opportunity to legitimately detain Zhong Xingxiao in Great Zhou. Having Zhong Xingxiao remain here as a hostage would not only be good for A’Li by removing someone with ulterior motives from around the Empress Dowager’s side, but would also make the sister-in-law somewhat apprehensive, not daring to rashly commit any acts of betrayal against Great Zhou again.

After all… before coming to Great Zhou, when the sister-in-law learned that Zhong Xingxiao would accompany them, he had personally witnessed her worry and resistance. She should care greatly about her maternal brother.

“This… would this work? What if I’m imprisoned? This is in Great Zhou—if this humble minister is jailed, it would be a loss of face for Yan country.” Zhong Xingxiao looked up at Xiao Rongyan, his heart pounding.

Xiao Rongyan leaned forward, his calm yet profound eyes behind the mask gazing at the prostrate Zhong Xingxiao: “If you don’t go and ruin His Majesty’s grand plan, then we’ll… settle accounts after returning to Yan. At that time, we’ll see whether the Empress Dowager can protect the Zhong family or not.”

Xiao Rongyan’s voice was calm and flat, yet it stirred up tremendous waves in Zhong Xingxiao’s heart.

Someone as shrewd as Zhong Xingxiao understood the meaning immediately. If the Great Zhou used this incident as an excuse to reject the national wager strategy, the entire Zhong family would face disaster upon returning to Yan!

Now Yan was in danger, with Yan begging Great Zhou to agree to the national wager. If the Great Zhou used this incident as leverage and the Great Zhou forces stationed at Yan’s borders marched west…

Zhong Xingxiao drew in a sharp breath.

“Seeing Master Zhong’s expression, you seem to understand. Don’t delay… go now!” After speaking, Xiao Rongyan turned and left.

In that instant, Zhong Xingxiao weighed the pros and cons in his heart. Though terrified, he resolutely picked up the bamboo scroll from the ground and headed to the Lu residence again. On the way, Zhong Xingxiao’s hands trembled, and his face was pale.

Though Zhong Xingxiao was greedy for life and feared death, when comparing his life to his entire clan’s honor, his life became unimportant. If this incident destroyed the national wager strategy, not only would national destruction and family ruin be imminent, but as the Regent said, even the Empress Dowager couldn’t protect the entire Zhong family upon their return to Yan.

This time, he had misjudged. This chaos was caused by his cowardice and fear of death. If his life… if his life could fill this gap, he only hoped the Empress Dowager and His Majesty would preserve the Zhong family’s honor for the sake of his sacrifice.

Zhong Xingxiao rode in his sedan chair with the determination to die, holding the guard’s background documents, his heart thinking of his son far away in the Yan capital. He hoped his son would shape up—if this father died, he absolutely must not continue his idle, wasteful ways. If he could restrain himself a bit, the Empress Dowager might secure him some official position in court.

Thinking of his son, Zhong Xingxiao’s eyes reddened severely. This time, he would probably lose his life. He should have beaten that brat before leaving. Now that he couldn’t return alive, he wondered if the boy would regret defying him.

Zhong Xingxiao knew his own son—no great abilities, but proficient in drinking, gambling, and debauchery, yet possessing a truly innocent heart. Though he often angered him… the boy was genuinely filial.

There was also his youngest daughter. Though born of a concubine, she was well-behaved and adorable. With him gone… he didn’t know how that tigress of a wife would torment his little daughter. He hoped his son, as the elder brother, would protect his little sister and not let anyone bully her.

Just as Zhong Xingxiao’s thoughts churned with these worries and he approached the Lu residence with the resolve to die, he learned that Master Lu had gone to Liu Rushi’s residence, and heard that… the Great Zhou Emperor had personally gone to the Liu residence.

At this, Zhong Xingxiao’s heart turned completely cold, feeling his fate was sealed. He hurriedly rushed toward the Liu residence.

Tonight, the Capital City was destined to be restless.

·

Bai Qingyan sat in the main hall of the Liu residence wearing everyday clothes, reading a letter that Yue Shi had delivered.

The Liu family’s old matriarch led the household members out to greet her, sitting rigidly in the seat below Bai Qingyan’s. Rather than showing much concern for her son, she appeared more apprehensive facing Bai Qingyan.

Soon, Liu Rushi, having had his wounds bandaged, hurried in to pay respects to Bai Qingyan.

“Master Liu, no need for excessive courtesy. Please sit!” Bai Qingyan gestured for Liu Rushi to sit.

Liu Rushi paid respects to his mother, gave a slight nod to his pregnant wife to reassure her, then sat to one side.

“This humble minister’s minor injury alarmed Your Majesty—this is truly this humble minister’s fault!” Liu Rushi looked full of guilt.

By now, the palace gates had long been closed, yet upon hearing of his assassination attempt, His Majesty immediately came. In the previous dynasty… even if Grand Marshal Lu were assassinated at night, the emperor probably wouldn’t visit personally—at most, sending a personal eunuch to inquire would be a tremendous favor.

Their emperor was indeed… different from other emperors.

Bai Qingyan casually lit the letter with candlefire: “Others assassinating you—how does that become your fault? What logic is this! However… since Yan dared to move against our Great Zhou’s important court officials, they must dare to bear Great Zhou’s wrath.”

Liu Rushi gestured that his properly seated mother needn’t remain here, as he had matters to discuss with His Majesty.

The old matriarch was also perceptive and quickly rose to take her leave.

“Old Matriarch…” Bai Qingyan also stood, smiling as she spoke to Liu’s mother, “Though Master Liu suffered only superficial wounds this time, for Great Zhou’s benefit, we must claim externally that Master Liu was severely injured!”

The old matriarch paused, immediately understanding Bai Qingyan’s meaning, and quickly replied: “Your Majesty can rest assured, this old woman understands. My son was assassinated today, and his life hangs by a thread. He remains unconscious with uncertain survival. My pregnant daughter-in-law couldn’t bear the shock and went into premature labor, now bedridden. This old woman was also frightened into fainting and remains seriously ill. Yan must give us an explanation!”

Without Bai Qingyan saying anything, the old matriarch had already arranged everything. When Bai Qingyan arrived earlier, though the old lady was nervous, she maintained proper protocol for receiving Bai Qingyan. Though slightly anxious, everything was appropriate, and she wasn’t timid just because Bai Qingyan was the emperor. She was indeed a lady capable of raising such an excellent son as Liu Rushi.

“The old matriarch understands righteousness deeply and deserves Bai Qingyan’s bow!”

Bai Qingyan performed a deep bow to the old matriarch, who quickly avoided the gesture and returned the courtesy: “Your Majesty honors this old woman too much. This old woman, my son, and my daughter-in-law are all subjects of the Great Zhou. Whatever we do for the Great Zhou is our duty!”