The late emperor once said that the Crown Prince was still the most filial person in the land, destined to become a wise and filial emperor. But where did this wisdom lie? Was it in executing court officials?
Sima Qingyun felt a sense of utter despair. He raised his head, gazing at the dark, starless sky, his eyes unfocused.
"Fine, fine. If I cannot escape death today, I might as well reunite with the late emperor and reminisce."
As Sima Qingyun was lost in thought inside the carriage, a fierce battle raged outside. The guards of the Prime Minister's mansion could only fend off common ruffians, nowhere near the match for these assassins. In the blink of an eye, a dozen guards were killed.
The smell of blood filled the air, permeating the deep night.
The dozens of assassins in black slowly advanced towards the carriage. Sima Qingyun lifted the curtain and stepped out, scanning the surroundings. Not a single person from the Sima household was alive; they all lay in pools of blood.
Such a bloodthirsty scene was despicable. Knowing death was inevitable, he felt no fear, holding his head high with composure.
"Very well, it seems today is the day of my death. Make your move, and give me a quick end."
Sima Qingyun closed his eyes. The lead assassin drew his long sword and thrust it towards Sima Qingyun's chest.
The order was not to kill, but to turn him into a living dead. This required skill, something not easily mastered, but it was a required lesson for the Shadow Guards.
In the darkness, the sword sliced through the air, emitting a flash of light that shone on Sima Qingyun's pale, paper-like face.
Suddenly, an unseen projectile flew through the air, carrying a fierce gust of wind, striking the long sword directly. A crisp sound rang out as the sword was deflected.
Sima Qingyun, buffeted by the force of the projectile, stumbled back a step, moving far away.
From somewhere in the darkness, dozens of figures leaped into view, standing beside Sima Qingyun. In the faint light of the carriage, they could be seen clearly.
The leader wore a wooden mask, intricately carved with a blooming cloud flower, lifelike and radiant.
Beneath the mask were a pair of piercing, ferocious eyes, staring coldly at the black-clad figures opposite. A chilling, disdainful smile played on his lips.
"Let this young master entertain you."
When this person spoke, his voice was deep and magnetic, exceptionally pleasant, yet it exuded a terrifying aura.
The dozens of assassins who had been targeting Sima Qingyun were furious at the unexpected intervention. Seeing the man's arrogant demeanor, the lead Shadow Guard spoke with cruel intent.
"Don't think just because you are Young Master Luo Hua, we will fear you."
As soon as his words fell, the dozens of men behind him surged forward, and the two groups clashed in a deadly mêlée.
Sima Qingyun was stunned by the sudden turn of events, blankly watching these newcomers.
Although he was a scholar and remained aloof from the affairs of the martial world, he had heard of this Young Master Luo Hua. He was one of the Four Protectors of the Divine Dragon Palace, Luo Hua.
He always wore a wooden mask carved with floating flowers whenever he appeared. Seeing it tonight, it was indeed the real thing.
However, the Divine Dragon Palace had never had dealings with him. Why would they help him today? Was it to instigate conflict between him and the Emperor, thereby harming him?
Sima Qingyun considered further. That didn't seem right either. The Emperor was already intending to kill him. These people were saving him. If they wanted to sow discord between him and the Emperor, or use the Emperor's hand to kill him, there would be no need for this.
But why were they helping him? Why would Murong Chong, who killed without mercy, help him?
As Sima Qingyun pondered deeply, the sounds of fighting continued to reach his ears, along with the clang of swords and sabers, which carried far into the night.
The two groups were evenly matched, with casualties on both sides. The cries of battle echoed.
Although the street was quiet, it was within the jurisdiction of Yan Capital. Thus, the patrolling guards of the capital were soon alerted.
As soon as these people appeared, both groups immediately retreated, leaving only the dead. In the blink of an eye, not a soul remained on the street, save for a startled Sima Qingyun watching the approaching guards.
These men were responsible for maintaining order in the capital. Upon receiving news of fighting, they had rushed over.
The Commander of the Guard, seated high on his horse, recognized the Prime Minister standing below the horse in the dim light. He panicked, tumbling from his horse and scrambling towards Sima Qingyun, speaking cautiously.
"Prime Minister, what happened?"
"A group of assassins killed my guards and coachman. Fortunately, your guards arrived; otherwise, my life would have been lost too."
Sima Qingyun did not wish to say another word about the events of the night.
He knew that trouble often stemmed from loose lips. Although he had narrowly escaped the assassins, he suspected there would be further moves. But could that person truly bring himself to kill his own uncle?
Hearing the Prime Minister's words, the Commander of the Guard rejoiced. He immediately ordered his men to escort the Prime Minister back to his mansion.
The next day, the entire Yan Capital was abuzz with news. Last night, Prime Minister Sima, Minister Ye, Grand Tutor Ye, and Academician Wen were pursued by assassins. Fortunately, someone intervened, and the Prime Minister and Academician Wen were unharmed.
However, the Minister of War, Ye Siyuan, and Grand Tutor Ye were unable to escape and were severely injured, receiving treatment in their residences. The entire Yan Capital was plunged into panic and fear.
These assassins were truly audacious, daring to assassinate first-rank officials. These were powerful figures in the court, and they were all targeted simultaneously.
During the morning court session, these ministers submitted memorials, some to recuperate from injuries, others to calm their nerves.
Prime Minister Sima Qingyun secretly invited Academician Wen to his residence to discuss matters. They both understood the underlying currents of these events and were now even more certain of the Emperor's resolve to eliminate them.
It seemed they no longer had a place in the court. To protect themselves and their households, the only option was to feign illness and retire to their hometowns.
Inside the Imperial Study of the palace.
Shangguan Yao's expression was cold and grim. He glared menacingly at Mingri and Mingyue, the two Shadow Guards, then hurled a memorial in his hand at them, speaking with icy fury.
"Is this the result of your work? Truly perfect. Why are Sima Qingyun and Wen Zong unharmed?"
"Master, someone rescued them. It was Young Master Luo Hua and Young Master Nong Ying of the Divine Dragon Palace, who led a group of people to save Sima Qingyun and Wen Zong respectively," Mingyue reported respectfully, not daring to move.
"The Divine Dragon Palace?" Shangguan Yao stood up abruptly, clenching his fist and pounding the dragon desk. He spoke with chilling mockery, "Very well. These two ministers, whom the late emperor valued so highly, have colluded with the factions of the Divine Dragon Palace.
It seems I must meet this Sima Qingyun. They are truly talented individuals."
His young face contorted with ferocity, bloodthirsty and cruel, his eyes turning scarlet.