While whispering among themselves, another voice joined in, “Who do you think that person is? To actually block a blade for the prince—truly unafraid of death!”

Someone said: “I heard he’s a scholar who came to participate in the imperial examinations.”

“A scholar? Oh my, if something happens to him, wouldn’t that be such a pity? Alas…”

Such regret!

“Shh, don’t say anymore. If the prince hears us, we’ll all suffer for it.”

The few people didn’t dare discuss it further.

At this moment in the room, Na Yan sat in the outer hall, one hand on the desk tightly clenched into a fist, his expression extremely dark.

Anger mixed with worry.

From time to time, he looked toward the inner chamber.

Maids and servants went in and out, drenched in sweat.

It was evident that Song Zhi’s injuries were extremely severe.

He asked a servant coming out: “How is it now?”

The servant replied, “That young master has lost a lot of blood. The imperial physicians are trying to stop the bleeding. It looks like…” he won’t make it through.

Before he could finish speaking.

“Shut up!” Na Yan rebuked sharply.

Veins bulged out.

The servant quickly lowered his head and carried out that basin of bloody water.

Na Yan got up and went in, only to see Song Zhi lying on the bed covered in blood, his face deathly pale.

The imperial physicians were doing their utmost to save him. The chest wound that had been gushing blood took enormous effort to finally stop, now wrapped in bandages. But Song Zhi’s life hung by a thread—there were no signs of him regaining consciousness. Three imperial physicians took turns applying acupuncture at the bedside, hoping to preserve his life.

Heart-wrenching to watch.

After about the time it takes to burn two incense sticks, the imperial physicians finally stopped.

Each lifted their blood-stained sleeves to wipe their sweat.

Letting out a long breath.

Na Yan asked: “Is he alright now?”

Imperial Physician Jiang said: “Your Highness, we can only temporarily preserve his life for now, but the wound is too deep. Whether he can survive depends on his own fortune.”

“What do you mean?”

“If he still doesn’t wake up within two days, then even the greatest celestial immortal would be powerless to save him.” Imperial Physician Jiang sighed.

Na Yan’s chest suddenly tightened as he looked worriedly at Song Zhi.

After a long while, he finally spoke weakly: “All of you may leave.”

Everyone withdrew.

Na Yan walked to the bedside and sat down, patting Song Zhi’s arm.

His feelings at this moment were complex.

He said: “You saved this prince’s life. This time, if you can pull through, this prince guarantees you a life free of worries!”

If it weren’t for Song Zhi, that sword would have pierced his own chest.

Such a debt of gratitude must be repaid!

And Song Zhi had fallen into a deep coma, completely unconscious. Whether he could survive was still unknown.

Na Yan stayed in the inner chamber for a long time before going out.

A guard was standing at the door: “Your Highness.”

He called out.

As if he had something to report.

Na Yan’s eyes tightened. After instructing the maids and servants to take good care of Song Zhi, he went out.

The guard came to his side and reported: “Your Highness, we’ve issued orders for a city-wide manhunt. So far nothing has been found. The city gates have also intensified inspections, but no suspicious persons have been discovered.”

Upon hearing this, Na Yan became angry: “Could it be they grew wings and flew away?”

“This subordinate has already ordered people to continue searching in the city. I believe we will surely…”

“Surely? What this prince wants are the people.”

“…Uh!” The guard retreated two steps, lowering his head. “This subordinate is incompetent.”

“Useless!” Na Yan swept his sleeves wide, clasping his hands behind his back, balls of fire burning in his heart.

Who exactly wanted to kill him?

Looking at tonight’s situation, it should have been premeditated for a long time!

At this time, the person who most wanted him dead… was only Na Tuo.

And the person who could make those assassins disappear so cleanly in Gaoding City—besides Na Tuo having this ability, there was no one else!

A murderous intent immediately flared in his eyes: “Hmph, Na Tuo, you want my life? I’ll show you otherwise.”

His fists clenched tight.

Clenched until the bones cracked!

…

Li Cheng couldn’t find Song Zhi or Ji Yunshu and the others, so he could only return to the manor.

As soon as he entered, he ran into Li Qiao.

Li Qiao was startled: “Why have you come back?”

“If I don’t come back, where should I go?”

“The assassination attempt on the Second Prince—you don’t know about it?”

“I know!”

“The City Administration Department should be conducting a strict search. At this time, you should be staying there.”

Li Cheng smiled slightly, with an attitude of indifference, saying: “Elder brother, although this incident occurred in the city and should indeed be handled by my City Administration Department, what could I do even if I stayed there?”

“You have responsibilities. Don’t let people gossip.” Li Qiao reminded him seriously.

“Alright, elder brother, don’t tell me all this. I understand the reasoning. I’m tired and need to rest first.” Li Cheng’s expression was unpleasant as he turned and left.

But as soon as he reached the courtyard, Li Qiao followed right behind him, then dismissed all the maids and servants in the courtyard.

Li Cheng was confused: “What is it?”

Li Qiao took a breath, organized his words, and asked: “Is it because of Shilin’s matter that you feel in your heart…”

Li Cheng frowned and immediately interrupted: “The matter is over. Can you not bring it up?”

“That’s right, the matter is already over and indeed shouldn’t be mentioned again. But for the sake of justice, disregarding my and Father’s advice, you insisted on going to the Prime Minister’s manor to arrest someone. Shilin was executed and sentenced to death. I believe you must feel very upset and guilty! These past few days you’ve been staying at the City Administration Department. I wanted to talk with you but never had the chance. I actually just wanted to tell you—Shilin’s death, you don’t need to keep dwelling on it, and you don’t need to feel guilty.”

“Are you done?”

“Acheng…”

“I already said I need to rest. You should go.” Li Cheng removed his belt, tossed it over the screen, and began removing his outer robe.

Completely displaying “showing the guest out” behavior!

Li Qiao refused to leave, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down for a long while, as if he had something to say.

But he couldn’t manage to say it.

Li Cheng glanced at him: “Do you have something else?”

Impatient!

Li Qiao stifled a breath and finally spoke the words he’d been holding in: “I want to talk to you about your elder sister.”

Hmm?

Could it be he wanted to discuss Li Wenshu becoming a nun?

She had already left the city for the temple. What more was there to discuss?

Li Cheng didn’t want to touch on those painful matters again.

He directly turned his head, removed his outer robe, sat on the bed, and while taking off his shoes said: “Elder sister isn’t at the manor now. If you want to talk, go find her outside the city yourself.”

“Can you please let me finish speaking?”

“You want to talk but I don’t want to listen.” Li Cheng kicked both shoes directly to the floor.

He fell onto the bed.

Just as he was about to cover himself with the blanket and sleep, Li Qiao walked over and said: “This matter shouldn’t really be told to you, but I don’t want to hide it from you anymore. The matter between your elder sister and Du Mubai—actually, Father and I have always known.”

Uh!

In an instant, Li Cheng bolted upright from the bed.

His face filled with astonishment. Eyes wide, he said in shock: “You… what did you say? What do you mean by what you just said? What do you mean you and Father both knew?”