Chapter 229
Few would pay much attention to a guard knocking over a eunuch, but when a high-ranking general was found with a portrait of a woman in his arms, especially when the nearby table revealed that the Western-style painting depicted the honored Concubine Mei who had just been praised on the dais, things got interesting.
Prime Minister Li, also present, immediately became anxious, wanting to rush over to salvage the situation. However, Zhao Cheng, feeling increasingly guilty, swiftly used the tip of his blade to shred the portrait. His movement was so swift that many didn’t even see what it was exactly.
Even the royals on the dais hardly caught a glimpse.
Concubine Mei widened her eyes, staring at Zhao Cheng for a moment, her body breaking out in a cold sweat. She could only pray silently that the Emperor hadn’t noticed.
Suddenly, the Emperor spoke up, “General Zhao, what were you doing just now? What was that?”
Veins bulging on his forehead, Zhao Cheng stammered, “I…I got too caught up in the fight and thought it was some kind of hidden weapon, so I reacted hastily. Now it seems it was just a sketch drawn by Western artists today. It seemed amusing, it was a rough sketch with their brush.”
“Is that so? General Zhao, how cultured of you,” the Emperor chuckled. “Looking at the situation now, both of you were nearly injured. Let’s call off the match here, shall we?”
Concubine Mei, General Zhao, and Prime Minister Li all breathed a sigh of relief simultaneously.
Lin Qingyang suddenly felt a pang of regret in his heart. Was the mission going to fail? Oh well, there were other things to worry about here.
【Ding, Main Mission 2, Mission 19: Successfully sow discord between the Emperor and General Zhao.】
Lin Qingyang was surprised. He succeeded?!! So, the Emperor did see it and pretended not to. Indeed, those who sat on the throne were all deep schemers, managing to deceive even the parties involved.
Lin Qingyang was suddenly filled with joy and wanted to see if Chu Lishu had figured out the truth. Suddenly, Chu Lishu stood up beside him and walked slowly towards the direction where the two men had fallen.
At the same time, another message echoed in Lin Qingyang’s mind.
【Unlock Special Mission: Aid the male lead in rescuing Qici.】
…Huh! It’s really Qici!
Lin Qingyang widened his eyes, unable to describe his emotions at this moment with anything other than astonishment. Someone who was presumed dead in the original plot actually wasn’t dead. What on earth was going on?
But why didn’t they recognize him? Even if Qici didn’t recognize Chu Lishu now, he should have recognized Chief Steward Ning and Huo Luo.
Could it be selective amnesia? Otherwise, he wouldn’t have disappeared for several years.
Wait a minute, they almost recognized Qici. This means that Qici’s appearance hasn’t changed. Although they all wear the unified black veil of the Black Feather Guards, the black veil hanging down from above perfectly covers their faces, blurring their features. However, one can still get a general idea, so it’s not impossible for someone to recognize him.
If anyone else present recognizes him, it would be dangerous for Qici no matter what his current situation is! The Emperor will never let go of anyone related to the truth of that year.
No wonder the system issued such a task; he must be rescued! Qici is Chu Lishu’s most capable and loyal subordinate. It’s an opportunity given by fate to bring him back, so it must be seized.
Although it disrupts the plot, Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but say that this chaos is good!
Qici was pressing down on Ning Ziheng at this moment. He lowered his head and looked at Ning Ziheng’s face through the black veil. This time he finally saw it clearly: a handsome and delicate face, but still without any memory. As for the strange reactions his body had, Qici couldn’t explain them. Once he caught a whiff of his scent, however, Qici felt very agitated.
Just like now, even if someone was helping him up, he didn’t want to get up.
“Xiao…Ci…”
The person beneath suddenly spoke, their voice hoarse and softly calling out, as if afraid to disturb something. Qici looked at him and noticed that he seemed like he was about to cry. Those eyes, which had once looked so fierce at Baya, could now turn as red as a rabbit’s, as if they were weak and ready to shed the tears of the vulnerable.
It seemed that this eunuch indeed knew him.
But even though he couldn’t remember, even if there were physical reactions, Qici wouldn’t easily recognize him. For him, everything outside was dangerous, and he couldn’t discern what was true or false. Moreover, this person didn’t seem like a good person.
In the end, Qici was pulled up and didn’t stop at all as he walked back. Ning Ziheng was also helped up by the young eunuch. Seeing Ning Ziheng unable to stand steadily, the young eunuch thought he was injured and quickly inquired.
However, Ning Ziheng looked at Qici’s departing figure in a daze, and suddenly his pupils contracted in extreme fear.
He was leaving, just like four years ago. Ning Ziheng could only watch his retreating figure, as he didn’t turn back or pause, and he would never return.
Everything in front of him seemed to disappear, leaving only a pitch-black world and the distant, shining Qici. That was the only direction he could pursue. He had to catch up, or else he would remain in darkness forever.
He didn’t want to live anyway. If what he saw was an illusion, and if the newcomer was a ghost, then let them take him away.
Seeking revenge was just a matter of harboring resentment and wanting to vindicate Qici. Now that Qici had come to find him, he didn’t care about anything else.
Ning Ziheng suddenly shook off the young eunuch who was supporting him and reached out to chase after Qici.
Suddenly, a figure blocked his path, inadvertently pushing away his reaching hand.
“Chief Steward Ning, you’re just in time. Fourth Prince wants to drink some osmanthus wine. Do you have it prepared?”
Ning Ziheng didn’t even spare a glance at who the speaker was or what they said. He was fixated on catching up.
But then a low voice suddenly issued a warning in his ear.
“If you catch up to him and expose his identity, the Emperor will surely kill him. Do you want to kill him?”
Ning Ziheng stiffened, almost mechanically turning his head to look at the speaker, who was none other than Chu Lishu.
Chu Lishu’s deep black eyes exuded an irresistible sense of oppression, as if an authority figure was commanding, “Stay calm, and leave.”
Chu Lishu reached out and pushed Ning Ziheng gently. “Chief Steward Ning, please, lead the way for me.”
Ning Ziheng watched as Qi Ci returned to his position with the Black Feather Guards before he finally managed to tear his gaze away from Qi Ci, he forced himself to stay calm, to understand the current situation. Protecting Qi Ci was the only thing he had to do. But how could he let go of Qi Ci? Qi Ci had returned! How could he not seize this opportunity?
Until he was pushed for the second time, Ning Ziheng walked out as if he had lost his soul.
Meanwhile, Huo Luo stayed behind to observe everything, keeping a close eye on Qi Ci. Yue Chen, however, had already disappeared outside the main gate. Like Chu Lishu, they couldn’t discern if the person was Qi Ci, but when they saw Ning Ziheng, someone so sinister, revealing such a gentle and vulnerable expression, there couldn’t be anyone else but Qi Ci.
Watching all this unfold, Lin Qingyang felt his heart racing so fast from nervousness that he almost collapsed. It was too thrilling. Just a moment ago, he was wondering what would happen if Qi Ci were exposed. Ning Ziheng seemed on the verge of losing control, but in the blink of an eye, Chu Lishu took control of everything.
Before the system issued the mission, Chu Lishu had already detected the danger and decisively took measures to contain a potential crisis. It turned out that he was even more competent than the system. By the time the system issued the mission belatedly, there was no chance left for self-rescue.
Lin Qingyang breathed a sigh of relief. Like Huo Luo, he nervously began observing his surroundings, checking if anyone recognized Qi Ci.
However, their focus of observation was on the royal family and officials of this dynasty. Those who could recognize Qi Ci naturally included the emperor and his entourage. Seeing their lack of reaction to the version of Qi Ci from the Black Feather Guard, it was clear that the black veil had indeed worked. For those unfamiliar with Qi Ci, after a few years had passed, changes in hairstyle and attire might truly make recognition difficult.
The tactics commonly used by Qi Ci were naturally familiar to Chu Lishu and Huo Luo. However, on the battlefield, in those scenes of inevitable death, the desperate struggle for survival, it was a technique teetering on the brink of life and death, a response close to instinct, vastly different from the usual Qi Ci. Baya happened to have witnessed that state of Qi Ci, and the impression was deeply ingrained, unforgettable to the core.
He dared to confirm that person was Qi Ci.
He had to inform Yu Suoxi. They were actually escorting an enemy general as a guard, which was simply madness.
Qi Ci must die!
The banquet continued, and Qi Ci returned to his original position, standing quietly. The Saintess expressed concern, but he merely replied with a faint assurance that he was uninjured. It was Yu Suoxi’s gaze, however, that made him uneasy. Anyone emerging from the arena of the beast fights would naturally fear the gaze of the arena’s owner. As long as that gaze lingered on someone, it meant they were teetering on the edge of life and death in the next moment.
Yu Suoxi’s gaze shifted from Qi Ci to outside the hall, his narrow eyes squinting slightly with a glint of light within.
Outside the door, Yue Chen was already questioning Ning Ziheng, “Was that person just now Big Brother Qi? You were closest, did you see clearly? Is he really him?”
Ning Ziheng seemed detached, completely ignoring Yue Chen.
Chu Lishu glanced at Ning Ziheng and spoke in a deep voice, “Regardless of whether he is or not, we can confirm at a more appropriate time. We can’t afford to reveal anything now. If the emperor finds out, Qi Ci won’t survive tonight. If he really is Qi Ci, it seems he has amnesia.”
Yue Chen’s expression grew serious, recalling Qi Ci’s current identity. He nodded, “Yes, he must have amnesia. Otherwise, he would have contacted us earlier. We can’t let anyone find out. Ning Ziheng, you heard that, right? If you want to protect your son, be careful.”
When Ning Ziheng heard about amnesia, he froze in place. After a while, he lifted his head to look at the two, his eyes barely focusing. “My son, I will naturally protect him. I don’t need your nonsense.”
Chu Lishu gave Ning Ziheng a cold glance before turning to fetch some sweet osmanthus wine. Yue Chen snorted coldly, “Ning Ziheng, you should be grateful that Big Brother Qi has amnesia. Otherwise, if he knew all the despicable things you’ve done in his absence, he would definitely be too angry to ever want to see you again.”
Ning Ziheng’s expression instantly turned fierce, glaring menacingly at Yue Chen.
However, Yue Chen couldn’t help but provoke, “Maybe he just doesn’t want to deal with you anymore, doesn’t want to be burdened by you anymore, so he deliberately pretends not to recognize us, preferring to stay by the side of that beauty, the Saintess. At least it’s safer than being with us.”
Ning Ziheng’s face gradually paled. Although he knew what Yue Chen said was impossible, his heart still ached.
Chu Lishu returned with something and went back into the hall with Yue Chen. Ning Ziheng, however, didn’t dare to step foot inside again, only daring to stare at Qi Ci from afar. He was afraid he might lose control here and harm Qi Ci.
Chu Lishu returned to Lin Qingyang’s side. Lin Qingyang cautiously asked, realizing they were not entirely sure yet and unable to explain to him. After all, he didn’t know Qi Ci at all, so how could he confirm for them? The matter regarding Qi Ci could only be temporarily set aside since they couldn’t do anything about it now.
“Oh, by the way, General Zhao just now…”
Chu Lishu glanced at the emperor and said, “It seems like we made it.”
Lin Qingyang was surprised. “How did you figure it out?” He glanced at the emperor, who was still smiling, watching the performance.
“His smile disappeared from his eyes, clearly he’s enraged. What’s next…” Chu Lishu withdrew his gaze, his expression slightly grim.
Lin Qingyang suddenly realized their next move. This was a bit awkward now. Qi Ci was here, yet they were about to deal with Ning Ziheng.
Lin Qingyang looked at Chu Lishu, who was just pouring sweet osmanthus wine for the Fourth Prince without any indication of changing his mind. It seemed he wouldn’t soften towards their enemies just because Qi Ci had returned. After all, Ning Ziheng’s hands were stained with the blood of innocent people too. Even if Qi Ci regained his memory and couldn’t face it, Chu Lishu wouldn’t let Ning Ziheng off the hook.
Chu Lishu was mentally prepared for the possibility that Qi Ci might not remain loyal to him anymore, but even so, he still protected Qi Ci.
Watching Chu Lishu in this manner, Lin Qingyang found himself somewhat fascinated.
Chu Lishu turned to look at Lin Qingyang, as if he knew what Lin Qingyang was thinking. Under the table, he grasped Lin Qingyang’s hand. “What’s owed must be repaid. If this is how he can stay alive, then so be it. Besides, this also relates to another matter…”
Yes, indeed, this scheme was not just about Ning Ziheng.
As Chief Steward Sheng arranged for everyone to go out and watch the specific blessing ceremony of the Longevity Festival, they all gathered on the steps outside the hall.
At this moment, the square below the steps was already filled with people waiting for the ceremonial performance. When Chief Steward Sheng announced the beginning, those individuals wearing masks and dressed in exotic attire started to offer prayers for the Great Zhou Emperor.
The citizens of Great Zhou naturally watched with reverence, while foreign envoys simply enjoyed the spectacle, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
However, at this moment, Ning Ziheng’s gaze was completely captivated by Qi Ci, with no attention spared for anything else.
Just as everyone was engrossed in the performance, suddenly, with a flash of fire, the performers transformed into assassins and attacked towards the steps.
Amidst screams, chaos erupted instantly. A large number of imperial guards sprung into action.
The Emperor’s personal bodyguards also rushed forward.
Yet, an arrow was still aimed at the Emperor.
The closest to him was Chief Steward Sheng, but he was so frightened that he fell directly to the ground. However, a bit further away, Chief Steward Hai leaped forward to shield the Emperor. He shouted, “Your Majesty, be careful!”
The guards around the Emperor were all skilled experts, and the arrow was intercepted before it could reach him. Chief Steward Hai immediately shielded the Emperor and retreated to a safe area, displaying extreme loyalty.
Zhao Cheng and Huo Luo also led their men into battle.
However, the assassins were not interested in prolonged combat. Seeing their assassination attempt fail, they fled immediately. The guards promptly pursued them.
The Emperor, enraged, shouted, “Capture all of them and bring them back to me!”
When this incident occurred, all the envoys expressed strong dissatisfaction, some even wanted to return to their countries immediately, which was like continuously slapping the Emperor’s face.
The Emperor had no choice but to quickly pacify the envoys, send them back to rest, and immediately commence an investigation.
Soon, Zhao Cheng and Huo Luo, along with the commander of the palace guards, returned to report.
Ridiculously, they had only managed to capture a few assassins who were killed. Most of the assassins had escaped alive.
The Emperor’s rage was almost blowing off the roof. The Imperial Court of Justice Review, Yue Chen, and their team were all kept to thoroughly investigate the matter.
Chu Lishu and Lin Qingyang could only return to await news. Before leaving, they happened to see the three Chief Stewards staying outside. Chief Steward Sheng seemed to be taunting Chief Steward Hai, especially since Chief Steward Hai had just performed admirably. Ning Ziheng, on the other hand, seemed absent-minded. If it weren’t for orders, he would have certainly gone to find Qi Ci.
Chu Lishu glanced at Ning Ziheng. It seemed that Qi Ci’s presence had a significant impact on him. Otherwise, based on Chu Lishu’s understanding of Ning Ziheng, he would have been more alert given how the situation had unfolded. It seemed he was truly slow to react.
Not long after, the Assistant Minister of the Imperial Court of Justice Review found clues on the bodies.
Firstly, these assassins were likely from the Blood Abyss Pavilion.
Secondly, they were carrying a map of the palace’s defenses.
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