A moment later, the study door was gently pushed open. Kong Xingzhuo, cloaked, strode in.
Xiao Jinheng turned his head and suddenly noticed Han Chijiao following behind Kong Xingzhuo, dressed in night-blooming clothes and holding two daggers.
"Princess Han, what is this?" Xiao Jinheng frowned.
Han Chijiao chuckled, "That little Crown Prince, I heard your country is going to have a riot tonight, so I decided to go kill all those traitors. There's strength in numbers! The thought of those scum dying by my blade gives me a sense of accomplishment!~"
Xiao Jinheng: "......"
Xiao Xitian: "......"
The Daliang Kingdom's imperial palace is in turmoil, and you, a princess from a foreign land, are joining the fun?
If she gets injured, won't Han Chier Khan spit blood from anger?
"Sister Han, this is very dangerous. You should go back to sleep early!" Xiao Xitian stood up and said crisply.
Although she knew Han Chijiao meant well, no one dared to act rashly before the outcome was decided.
Han Chijiao pouted upon hearing this, "No, even if we encounter danger, Young Master Kong will protect me. You don't need to worry about me!~"
Kong Xingzhuo: "......"
As far as he remembered, Han Chijiao was currently a hostage of the Daliang Kingdom.
When had a hostage ever held two daggers and charged into the palace to kill people?
The scene was clearly not right.
"Be good and go back quickly. After everything is settled, I'll take you to buy candied hawthorn and sugar figurines, okay?" Kong Xingzhuo patiently coaxed her.
Han Chijiao was struck by lightning and stomped her feet, "You... you don't treat me as a friend at all. Hmph, I've been so sincere towards you!~"
Everyone was helpless. They didn't want Han Chijiao to go to the battlefield because they didn't want her to get into any accidents.
The grievances between the Daliang Kingdom and the barbarians had not yet been resolved. If Han Chijiao were to have an accident, the situation would only worsen.
Xiao Jinheng narrowed his eyes and took a step forward, about to persuade her, when Xiao Ying and Xiao Jun suddenly ran in.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, the task is done!~" Xiao Ying panted.
Xiao Xitian's heart leaped with joy, "Have you checked everything? Are there any omissions?"
This was her biggest concern tonight. If it wasn't done well, the old emperor might really not be saved.
Xiao Jun chuckled foolishly, "Sweetie, don't worry. We secretly sent that thing into the Hall of Mental Cultivation a few days ago. It's sturdy!~"
"That's good. I'll reward you with a big lamb leg later!" Xiao Xitian said with a smile.
Xiao Ying and Xiao Jun exchanged glances, already imagining the pleasant scene of gnawing on roasted lamb legs and drinking huadiao wine.
In fact, Concubine Xian's usurpation was not only a test for Xiao Jinheng but also a major test for the servants who had been by his side.
Life had no second chances. If Concubine Xian succeeded, they would all have to be buried with her.
Xiao Jinheng looked at Xiao Xitian with immense satisfaction, his face filled with gratitude and affection.
If it weren't for the little village girl's advice this time, his father would have been in grave danger.
After quelling the rebellion, he would definitely go before his father and claim credit for Xiao Xitian.
"Dong dong dong!~" The study door was knocked again, startling everyone.
A moment later, Yun Si Man pushed the door open and walked in, cupping his hands, "Your Highness, the Marquis asked me to inform you that the situation in the palace is unclear. You must be careful and not act rashly."
"I know!~" Xiao Jinheng nodded and instructed Yun Si Man, "Brother Si Man, please go again and tell my uncle to be prepared. It's best not to alert the entire city's populace!"
"Alright!" Yun Si Man replied, turned, and left.
As soon as he left, Eunuch Zhao arrived.
Xiao Jinheng was slightly taken aback, "Eunuch Zhao? Why are you here?"
"Oh, Your Highness, the palace is in an emergency. I had no choice but to steal the Imperial Seal first. Here, take it!"
Eunuch Zhao handed a brocade box wrapped in black cloth to Xiao Jinheng.
He had run all the way from the palace, and at his age, it was indeed not easy.
"You've worked hard!~" Xiao Jinheng took the brocade box and patted Eunuch Zhao's shoulder, "How is Father Emperor?"
Eunuch Zhao pursed his lips, his throat dry and sore.
Seeing this, Xiao Xitian quickly poured him a cup of tea, "Uncle Zhao, take your time. Drink some water first!"
"Yes, yes, thank you, Miss Yun!"
Eunuch Zhao held the teacup and drank two large gulps. "Concubine Xian and Commander Jiang have taken control of the Hall of Mental Cultivation. I can't get in now. I estimate that those traitorous officials will appear tonight. So, if Your Highness wants to catch them all in one go, you must be patient. As long as you can hold on, there will be a turning point."
Alas, it was truly hard on His Highness to experience such things at such a young age.
Eunuch Zhao had initially thought that after living in Great Water Village for so many years, His Highness's thinking and mind would have become rigid.
But now, seeing him, His Highness had not only not become stupid but had become even more intelligent and wise, and his perspective on issues was extremely thorough and clear.
Then he looked at Sweetie, who was standing beside His Highness. Her big eyes were as bright as a clear pool, and her innocent little face hid an unspeakable courage and charm.
It was probably because she was by His Highness's side that Xiao Jinheng hadn't become a complete country bumpkin.
It was truly true that proximity to the virtuous makes one virtuous, and proximity to the wicked makes one wicked. The environment had a profound impact on a person.
At the same time, inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation of the imperial palace.
Concubine Xian was furious and flew into a rage, slapping Commander Jiang twice and scolding him sternly, "The Imperial Seal was clearly on the antique shelf in the Imperial Study. I saw it today. How could it have suddenly disappeared?"
Commander Jiang lowered his head, speechless. "Your Ladyship, it's gone. I've searched the entire Imperial Study. The Imperial Seal seems to have been stolen."
"Stolen?" Concubine Xian's face paled, and she suddenly thought of someone. "It must have been that old Eunuch Zhao!~"
If she had known this would happen, she should have killed Eunuch Zhao just now to avoid future trouble.
"Without the Imperial Seal, what's the use of writing out the imperial decree?" Concubine Xian asked angrily.
Commander Jiang: "......"
It's not my fault you were careless. If you wanted to forge an imperial decree, you should have stolen the Imperial Seal beforehand. What's the use of saying this now?
Concubine Xian rubbed her temples, pondered for a moment, and then looked up at Commander Jiang, "How about this, go and summon the Director of Seals, Liu!"
The Director of Seals was the official in charge of all the imperial seals in the palace.
The seals issued by the court to the various government offices had to be reviewed by them before they could be sent out of the palace.
Coincidentally, this Director of Seals Liu was Concubine Xian's man, so calling him might offer a chance for a turnaround.
"Yes!" Commander Jiang replied and hurried out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.