The emperor thought he was certainly going to die without a doubt, and closed his eyes in despair.
At the moment of life and death, a purple figure flashed, knocking down the assassin's knife!
The falling knife pierced into the desk, frightening Inspector Zhang who was hiding under the desk into fainting.
Huo Chengjin's appearance resolved the emperor's urgent crisis!
The group of assassins then focused their attack on Huo Chengjin!
At first he still had the upper hand, beating back the assassins steadily!
Suddenly, as if receiving some kind of signal, the assassins stopped in unison and retreated...
Just as Huo Chengjin was puzzled, a short knife attacked from the left!
He tilted his head to dodge it, the short knife barely grazing past his ear, cutting off a wisp of his sideburns!
Closely following was an extremely fast black figure!
The newcomer wielded a butcher knife, chopping towards him head-on!
Huo Chengjin raised his sword to block, but his long sword was immediately chopped in half!
The fierce wind brought up by the butcher knife tore Huo Chengjin's shoulder!
Huo Chengjin realized this was bad, thinking he might die here!
Just at this moment, a whiff of fragrance filled the air, and the knife poised above Huo Chengjin's head was kicked away!
Huo Chengjin stared blankly, as the god-like Qin Zhao descended!
Qin Zhao, holding a knife snatched from the assassins, engaged in close combat with the man in black.
The man in black's knife work was supernatural, both fast and vicious, every knife strike aimed at Qin Zhao's vital points!
But Qin Zhao had extremely good eyesight, always managing to turn danger into safety. Neither side could gain an advantage, and the fight fell into a stalemate.
The man in black caught a glimpse of a white figure from the corner of his eye, and his body stiffened for a moment!
Qin Zhao seized the opportunity and stabbed into his left chest with her knife!
The man in black lifted his hand to grab the knife, forcefully preventing Qin Zhao from stabbing deeper!
With a exertion of strength, he broke the blade and swiftly dodged away!
Qin Zhao wanted to continue the pursuit, but saw that he had already been taken away by the other assassins!
In the blink of an eye, all the assassins disappeared into the night, leaving behind a pile of severed limbs and heads.
From the beginning to the end of the crisis, the Empress Dowager sat in her place without moving, her expression still tranquil now.
The Emperor had also tidied his attire, sitting in the main seat.
Although he still felt lingering fear, as the Emperor he could not show it, and tried his utmost to appear calm.
Over ten people had died on the scene. The surviving ministers and nobles gathered around the Emperor.
E Le Deng's arm was injured, blood flowing down along his arm. As he walked, it left a long trail of blood on the ground.
He walked forward with a face full of anger, saying to Qin Zheng: "Your Majesty, we came from afar to the Central Plains to celebrate your birthday, yet suffered this unwarranted disaster!
If you don't give an explanation, my Khitan country will absolutely not let this rest!"
His words were echoed by the agreement of Princess Qihu, Prince Wujici, and the envoy from Fuyu!
Sa Qi stood at the back of the crowd, arms crossed as she observed.
Qin Zheng rubbed his aching temples and said, "This matter also caught Us by surprise, leading to the death of Our son.
But what's done cannot be undone. All We can do is send people to capture the mastermind behind this, and give you all an explanation."
This evasive response did not satisfy E Le Deng. He needed the Emperor to apologize.
But how could Qin Zheng as the supreme emperor lower his proud head to apologize to these small country envoys?
E Le Deng angrily left the scene!
Qin Zheng glanced at Qin Song's corpse, then shifted his gaze to Huo Chengjin and said, "Marquis Huo has rendered outstanding service in saving Us. You shall be rewarded.
Tell Us, what reward do you desire?"
Huo Chengjin hesitated for a moment. "But..."
"No buts," Qin Zheng interrupted.
For something like saving his life, if he didn't reward it, who would dare to risk their lives to save him in the future? So Qin Zheng was adamant about it.
Not only must he reward it, but reward it handsomely in public!
After thinking for a long time, Huo Chengjin knelt on the ground.
Seeing how solemn he was, Qin Zhao's brows knitted together slightly, a bad premonition arising in her heart.
502 was a bit worried and said, "Host, what if he tries to compete with you for Qi Yan Su Luo again?"
"If he dares to do that, his life will become extremely miserable," replied Qin Zhao.
However, Huo Chengjin's next words shocked everyone.
Huo Chengjin loudly proclaimed: "Your subject wishes to marry Princess Zhao Yang!"
In everyone's impression, Princess Zhao Yang had loved but could not obtain Huo Chengjin.
As for Huo Chengjin, his attitude towards Princess Zhao Yang was more one of respectful distance.
Who could have imagined he would ask the Emperor for her hand in marriage!
Some noble ladies who secretly admired Huo Chengjin cast envious glances at Qin Zhao!
In Qin Zhao's heart, ten thousand grass mud horses galloped past...
This Huo Chengjin, there's a road to heaven but he doesn't take it, the gates of hell are closed but he pries them open!
She would make him realize what a huge mistake he had made today!
Qin Zheng asked Huo Chengjin, "Do you like Zhao Yang?"
Huo Chengjin earnestly replied, "Your subject has long held feelings for the Princess."
He thought that with Princess Zhao Yang, Qi Yan Su Luo would also logically enter his harem.
A win-win situation, why not do it?
Qin Zhao clenched her fist, then realized there was something in her hand - she had been holding Qi Yan Su Luo's hand!
She immediately let go, only to see that Qi Yan Su Luo's hand had been squeezed purple!
It must have been very painful, yet Qi Yan Su Luo was unperturbed, as if numb.
Qin Zhao absentmindedly asked, "Why...?"
Qi Yan Su Luo said, "You need not blame yourself. Physical pain means nothing to me."
Qin Zhao gazed at Qi Yan Su Luo's perfect profile and said, "You really are a strange person."
She took her hand and gently massaged it.
After hearing Huo Chengjin's affirmative reply, Qin Zheng said, "In that case, We consent."
He didn't even glance at Qin Zhao the entire time, clearly not caring whether Qin Zhao was willing or not.
Huo Chengjin excitedly said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your subject will definitely devote his life to cherishing Princess Zhao Yang!"
Qin Zheng went on, "After the late Crown Prince's funeral, you may pick an auspicious date to marry."
Huo Chengjin: "I shall obey Your Majesty's decree!"
Qin Zheng said to Zhou Quande, "Send the Empress Dowager back to Jingning Palace."
Zhou Quande: "Yes."
After that, Qin Zheng arranged for people to retrieve Crown Prince Qin Song's corpse, as well as the other casualties, then departed for the palace himself.
The Emperor's indifference towards the Crown Prince was plain for all to see, yet no one dared to say anything about it.
In fact, Qin Zheng did not care much for any of his children.
The imperial princes and princesses were not surprised by this, only feeling it lamentable.
It was precisely because they understood Qin Zheng's indifference that they would be so jealous of Princess Zhao Yang, the only one favored.
Although even that favor was false.
The crowd gradually dispersed.
Qin Zhao turned to Qi Yan Su Luo and said, "Let's go back too."
She held her hand as Han followed behind them. The three of them walked out of the palace together.
In the darkness of night, faint sobbing could be heard - likely the family members of those who had died in the assassination.
A face flashed through Qin Zhao's mind, and she quickly looked around, trying to find that person.
Her eyes happened to meet Huo Chengjin's as he was looking over. Qin Zhao inconspicuously averted her gaze, and saw Huo Jun next to him!
Qin Zhao breathed a sigh of relief. As long as that stylish big sister was okay...
Noticing Huo Jun's tidy and spotless attire, without any disheveled appearance, questions arose in Qin Zhao's mind - how did she get through it all unharmed?
Could it be that she knew martial arts and was quite skilled?
If so, she must find an opportunity to probe further.
She was currently looking for someone who could replace Huo Chengjin to guard Yue country.
It would be even better if that person was a woman.
In Yue's history, a female emperor had only appeared once, lacking a foundation of popular support.
Compared to men, women were more likely to support a female emperor.
Although Yue women could also take the imperial examinations, their official positions were mostly not high.
If there were a few more female ministers of power at court, her path to seizing power would surely become even smoother!
Thinking of this, Qin Zhao's gaze towards Huo Jun became even more fiery!
The emperor thought he was certainly going to die without a doubt, and closed his eyes in despair.
At the moment of life and death, a purple figure flashed, knocking down the assassin's knife!
The falling knife pierced into the desk, frightening Inspector Zhang who was hiding under the desk into fainting.
Huo Chengjin's appearance resolved the emperor's urgent crisis!
The group of assassins then focused their attack on Huo Chengjin!
At first he still had the upper hand, beating back the assassins steadily!
Suddenly, as if receiving some kind of signal, the assassins stopped in unison and retreated...
Just as Huo Chengjin was puzzled, a short knife attacked from the left!
He tilted his head to dodge it, the short knife barely grazing past his ear, cutting off a wisp of his sideburns!
Closely following was an extremely fast black figure!
The newcomer wielded a butcher knife, chopping towards him head-on!
Huo Chengjin raised his sword to block, but his long sword was immediately chopped in half!
The fierce wind brought up by the butcher knife tore Huo Chengjin's shoulder!
Huo Chengjin realized this was bad, thinking he might die here!
Just at this moment, a whiff of fragrance filled the air, and the knife poised above Huo Chengjin's head was kicked away!
Huo Chengjin stared blankly, as the god-like Qin Zhao descended!
Qin Zhao, holding a knife snatched from the assassins, engaged in close combat with the man in black.
The man in black's knife work was supernatural, both fast and vicious, every knife strike aimed at Qin Zhao's vital points!
But Qin Zhao had extremely good eyesight, always managing to turn danger into safety. Neither side could gain an advantage, and the fight fell into a stalemate.
The man in black caught a glimpse of a white figure from the corner of his eye, and his body stiffened for a moment!
Qin Zhao seized the opportunity and stabbed into his left chest with her knife!
The man in black lifted his hand to grab the knife, forcefully preventing Qin Zhao from stabbing deeper!
With a exertion of strength, he broke the blade and swiftly dodged away!
Qin Zhao wanted to continue the pursuit, but saw that he had already been taken away by the other assassins!
In the blink of an eye, all the assassins disappeared into the night, leaving behind a pile of severed limbs and heads.
From the beginning to the end of the crisis, the Empress Dowager sat in her place without moving, her expression still tranquil now.
The Emperor had also tidied his attire, sitting in the main seat.
Although he still felt lingering fear, as the Emperor he could not show it, and tried his utmost to appear calm.
Over ten people had died on the scene. The surviving ministers and nobles gathered around the Emperor.
E Le Deng's arm was injured, blood flowing down along his arm. As he walked, it left a long trail of blood on the ground.
He walked forward with a face full of anger, saying to Qin Zheng: "Your Majesty, we came from afar to the Central Plains to celebrate your birthday, yet suffered this unwarranted disaster!
If you don't give an explanation, my Khitan country will absolutely not let this rest!"
His words were echoed by the agreement of Princess Qihu, Prince Wujici, and the envoy from Fuyu!
Sa Qi stood at the back of the crowd, arms crossed as she observed.
Qin Zheng rubbed his aching temples and said, "This matter also caught Us by surprise, leading to the death of Our son.
But what's done cannot be undone. All We can do is send people to capture the mastermind behind this, and give you all an explanation."
This evasive response did not satisfy E Le Deng. He needed the Emperor to apologize.
But how could Qin Zheng as the supreme emperor lower his proud head to apologize to these small country envoys?
E Le Deng angrily left the scene!
Qin Zheng glanced at Qin Song's corpse, then shifted his gaze to Huo Chengjin and said, "Marquis Huo has rendered outstanding service in saving Us. You shall be rewarded.
Tell Us, what reward do you desire?"
Huo Chengjin hesitated for a moment. "But..."
"No buts," Qin Zheng interrupted.
For something like saving his life, if he didn't reward it, who would dare to risk their lives to save him in the future? So Qin Zheng was adamant about it.
Not only must he reward it, but reward it handsomely in public!
After thinking for a long time, Huo Chengjin knelt on the ground.
Seeing how solemn he was, Qin Zhao's brows knitted together slightly, a bad premonition arising in her heart.
502 was a bit worried and said, "Host, what if he tries to compete with you for Qi Yan Su Luo again?"
"If he dares to do that, his life will become extremely miserable," replied Qin Zhao.
However, Huo Chengjin's next words shocked everyone.
Huo Chengjin loudly proclaimed: "Your subject wishes to marry Princess Zhao Yang!"
In everyone's impression, Princess Zhao Yang had loved but could not obtain Huo Chengjin.
As for Huo Chengjin, his attitude towards Princess Zhao Yang was more one of respectful distance.
Who could have imagined he would ask the Emperor for her hand in marriage!
Some noble ladies who secretly admired Huo Chengjin cast envious glances at Qin Zhao!
In Qin Zhao's heart, ten thousand grass mud horses galloped past...
This Huo Chengjin, there's a road to heaven but he doesn't take it, the gates of hell are closed but he pries them open!
She would make him realize what a huge mistake he had made today!
Qin Zheng asked Huo Chengjin, "Do you like Zhao Yang?"
Huo Chengjin earnestly replied, "Your subject has long held feelings for the Princess."
He thought that with Princess Zhao Yang, Qi Yan Su Luo would also logically enter his harem.
A win-win situation, why not do it?
Qin Zhao clenched her fist, then realized there was something in her hand - she had been holding Qi Yan Su Luo's hand!
She immediately let go, only to see that Qi Yan Su Luo's hand had been squeezed purple!
It must have been very painful, yet Qi Yan Su Luo was unperturbed, as if numb.
Qin Zhao absentmindedly asked, "Why...?"
Qi Yan Su Luo said, "You need not blame yourself. Physical pain means nothing to me."
Qin Zhao gazed at Qi Yan Su Luo's perfect profile and said, "You really are a strange person."
She took her hand and gently massaged it.
After hearing Huo Chengjin's affirmative reply, Qin Zheng said, "In that case, We consent."
He didn't even glance at Qin Zhao the entire time, clearly not caring whether Qin Zhao was willing or not.
Huo Chengjin excitedly said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your subject will definitely devote his life to cherishing Princess Zhao Yang!"
Qin Zheng went on, "After the late Crown Prince's funeral, you may pick an auspicious date to marry."
Huo Chengjin: "I shall obey Your Majesty's decree!"
Qin Zheng said to Zhou Quande, "Send the Empress Dowager back to Jingning Palace."
Zhou Quande: "Yes."
After that, Qin Zheng arranged for people to retrieve Crown Prince Qin Song's corpse, as well as the other casualties, then departed for the palace himself.
The Emperor's indifference towards the Crown Prince was plain for all to see, yet no one dared to say anything about it.
In fact, Qin Zheng did not care much for any of his children.
The imperial princes and princesses were not surprised by this, only feeling it lamentable.
It was precisely because they understood Qin Zheng's indifference that they would be so jealous of Princess Zhao Yang, the only one favored.
Although even that favor was false.
The crowd gradually dispersed.
Qin Zhao turned to Qi Yan Su Luo and said, "Let's go back too."
She held her hand as Han followed behind them. The three of them walked out of the palace together.
In the darkness of night, faint sobbing could be heard - likely the family members of those who had died in the assassination.
A face flashed through Qin Zhao's mind, and she quickly looked around, trying to find that person.
Her eyes happened to meet Huo Chengjin's as he was looking over. Qin Zhao inconspicuously averted her gaze, and saw Huo Jun next to him!
Qin Zhao breathed a sigh of relief. As long as that stylish big sister was okay...
Noticing Huo Jun's tidy and spotless attire, without any disheveled appearance, questions arose in Qin Zhao's mind - how did she get through it all unharmed?
Could it be that she knew martial arts and was quite skilled?
If so, she must find an opportunity to probe further.
She was currently looking for someone who could replace Huo Chengjin to guard Yue country.
It would be even better if that person was a woman.
In Yue's history, a female emperor had only appeared once, lacking a foundation of popular support.
Compared to men, women were more likely to support a female emperor.
Although Yue women could also take the imperial examinations, their official positions were mostly not high.
If there were a few more female ministers of power at court, her path to seizing power would surely become even smoother!
Thinking of this, Qin Zhao's gaze towards Huo Jun became even more fiery!
