Chapter 23: Investigation Action
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Liu Yu Zhen was wide awake now.
He had taken a stroll outside and noticed that the guards had inexplicably increased their presence. Trying to sneak out along the wall was out of the question; there were guards stationed every five meters, and he was closely shadowed every time he stepped out. It seemed King Yan was finally serious today.
The imperial sleeping quarters were divided into three parts: the main chamber in the center, with two subsidiary chambers flanking it. The buildings, adorned with gold embellishments, extended all the way to the gardens behind the quarters.
The palace gardens were filled with short trees bearing purple-red flowers, creating a spectacular sight. Adjacent to the flower groves were sparse ancient trees where he often trained and relaxed.
Cicadas chirped loudly, their calls echoing through the cool shade of the trees.
Underneath the tree canopy, Liu Yu Zhen ascended a few steps and hung upside down from a branch.
His long black hair cascaded softly from his shoulders, and despite the cumbersome robe, it didn’t hinder his movements. Wrapped in simplicity, he resembled a delicate flower on the old tree, exuding a unique beauty.
His mind felt muddled, recalling Yue Lan’s mention of the relationship between the Prime Minister and the Crown Prince, and the mysterious man in white who had said, “We will meet again.” Who was that person? The unease grew stronger within him.
Shifting his gaze slightly, he noticed the tense defensive circle under the tree. Even his sanctuary here seemed disturbed.
Sensing Xiao Zipei’s approach, Liu Yu Zhen focused his gaze. “Xiao Pei, how did the investigation go?”
Knowing Liu Yu Zhen disliked noise and being confined, Xiao Zipei ordered the men to retreat ten meters away from the ancient tree. He then calmly approached under the dense shade, looking up at Liu Yu Zhen. “Still ongoing. Unlike Great Yan, Liu Country is stable internally but faces frequent conflicts due to its border with Zhao. If the princess is truly there, her situation may be precarious.”
“Precarious… Princess Zhi Jun must be in the hands of Liu Ling. They intend to use her, so they should protect her. Trust my instincts—I just need to follow those who have contact with Liu Ling, and I’ll find her.”
“Even if she is in his hands, what can we do? Without solid evidence, we have no right to demand Liu Ling hand over the princess. If there’s a way, Prime Minister Liu is the only one who might persuade him.”
Xiao Zipei said, emphasizing “Prime Minister Liu” rather than “you.”
Liu Yu Zhen smirked slightly, pleased that Xiao Zipei didn’t reveal his identity, so he didn’t need to either. “Xiao Pei, if you’re going to follow me, you have to trust me. Remember what you said, it doesn’t matter who I am.”
Xiao Zipei hesitated for a moment, showing a hint of annoyance at being seen through. “Yes, Prime Minister, your insight is sharp.”
Of course, Xiao Zipei underestimated the title “Falcon.”
Liu Yu Zhen closed his eyes, thinking about how Princess Zhi Jun had endured turmoil and fought for royal authority alongside Yan Tenghua before finally becoming a princess. Life’s unpredictability made him wonder if she could find happiness after enduring such hardships.
“Increase surveillance with two squads to memorize the princess’s appearance and infiltrate Liu Country. Any news related to the princess should be reported immediately. Set up relay stations every five hundred miles along the route to ensure the fastest communication. Local members should continue tracking updates.”
“Yes.”
This strategy would require significant resources, and King Yan would surely find out. But if something happened to Princess Zhi Jun and they hadn’t taken action, he would be a prisoner of Yan Tenghua for the rest of his life.
After Xiao Zipei left, Liu Yu Zhen felt a sudden wave of exhaustion. In his previous unit, intricate strategies and calculations were handled by the deputy commander, known as the Holy Maiden, who was notorious for her cunning and ruthlessness.
She was capable of wielding an AK in one hand and throwing bombs with the other, a battlefield demon who meticulously planned their most precise and successful attack routes, ensuring every mission ended with all team members returning safely. He wondered how badly the recent losses on Annihilation Island had affected her.
What was the Holy Maiden’s name again? Oh, it was something like Qin Nai… Xia Qin Nai…
With his eyes closed, memories drifted back to a time long past, beyond the span of centuries.
How long had it been since anyone called him “Falcon”? He liked that name. Besides the captain, everyone only knew him by the code “R,” which didn’t sound as good, so they called him “Captain.” Aside from that, he often referred to the team medic as “Sorrow” and the defender as “Divine Wind.”
Ha, these code names would probably make him sound like a lunatic if used in ancient times.
Liu Yu Zhen chuckled to himself, then climbed up the tree and leaned against the thick trunk, falling asleep quickly.
Meanwhile, Xiao Zipei hurried to the Council Hall, where General Qing Lin was waiting for him.
General Qing Lin was the deputy commander of the northern garrison. Although he was there to report good news, it was time for him to return. However, for some reason, King Yan had kept him there.
“General Xiao, are you really going to follow Prime Minister Liu’s orders and deploy troops to ambush within Liu Country?”
“This matter can only be handled by you, General Qing Lin. Since Prime Minister Liu is willing to offer his strategies to Great Yan, we should trust that he genuinely wants to find the princess.”
“Hmm… Princess Zhi Jun,” General Qing Lin murmured, stroking his stubbly beard.
“We thought capturing Prime Minister Liu would lead us to the princess, but as you can see, losing Princess Zhi Jun has changed the king completely.”
Hearing this, General Qing Lin seemed moved. King Yan was the second son of the former king. After it was discovered that the eldest prince was actually the son of the king’s brother, political upheaval ensued, the former king was assassinated, and King Yan stormed back into the palace like a vengeful spirit to reclaim his throne. Though he imprisoned the eldest prince, he kept the powerful king’s brother by his side.
Since Zhi Jun’s disappearance, King Yan’s temperament had become increasingly volatile. He waged wars in all directions, his campaigns lit up the night skies, and he forcibly conscripted soldiers from among the common folk, nearly becoming a tyrant.
General Qing Lin sighed. “If she returns, she should be titled Princess Qinnai. That was the name bestowed by the former king.”
Xiao Zipei nodded. He had followed Yan Tenghua since childhood and understood everything well. If there was even the slightest chance of finding Zhi Jun, he was willing to try it. “Indeed. The princess is extraordinarily talented, known for her exceptional musical skills. She wears a pearl necklace and a bracelet with a bell. Maybe these clues will lead us to her.”
“Very well! I will deploy troops to assist, following your orders, General Xiao.”
After seeing General Qing Lin off, Xiao Zipei was about to leave when his sharp hearing detected someone eavesdropping behind a column. He quickly used his lightness skill to chase after the figure. It was a figure dressed in blue, moving swiftly. The person injured several soldiers trying to block the way, and like a blue flash, disappeared into the crowd. “Damn it…”
Who would dare to eavesdrop outside the Main Palace? No matter, protecting Liu Yu Zhen is more important!
Xiao Zipei hesitated for a moment after running a mile in pursuit, then reluctantly gave up and turned back.
Liu Yu Zhen, napping in the tree, felt groggy. Inside or out, the heat was oppressive. He wished for air conditioning, although he knew that if he asked for ice, the servants would promptly bring it. He was too lazy to call for them, though.
In his half-dreaming state, he thought he saw the graceful figure of Yue Lan approaching the tree. He wanted to ask for some ice but was too lazy to speak. After a moment of internal struggle, he finally mumbled, “Yue Lan, I want some ice.”
However, instead of a response, he was hit by a sudden, bone-chilling cold. He thought he must be dreaming until he met a pair of startled, murderous eyes.
Liu Yu Zhen shivered awake, losing his balance and slipping from the tree branch. He fell like a drifting leaf, with nothing to grab onto. “Ahhh—!”
Damn. Though the distance was only about ten meters, he feared the fall might seriously injure his already delicate body. He braced himself, curling up to protect his head from the impact.
“Poof—” Suddenly, Liu Yu Zhen felt weightless. Some powerful force had caught him mid-fall. In an instant, a man had darted over, holding him tightly and landing gracefully like a swallow. As they touched the ground, a surge of internal energy sent a gentle breeze swirling around them.
Liu Yu Zhen stared in a daze at the man, whose godlike, stunning face looked down at him with arrogance. The falling leaves, as if commanded by a divine decree, added an endless grandeur to the man’s entrance.
“Prime Minister Liu, were you trying out a new way to kill yourself?”
Huge shoutout to @denkoumaru on Discord for commissioning this! The chapter will be posted regularly, show your support for Ciacia at Kofi.
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