An Dingfeng had fully recovered from the severe injuries inflicted by the Prince of Nan'an previously.
The Emperor had reinstated his military authority. He was currently in the capital, making him available to cooperate with this operation. The Left Chancellor, Mu Hen, was currently searching the entire city of Lin'an alongside the Prince of Nan'an.
In the grand hall, as Xiao Yu'er listened to her father, the Emperor, and her mother, the Empress, a sudden thought struck her. She grinned, her face lighting up with joy.
"Father, I have a better plan to capture Shangguan Hao."
"Er," two gazes fell upon Xiao Yu'er. Murong Liu Zun had grown accustomed to his daughter's unusual behavior.
At this moment, both of them stared intently at Xiao Yu'er, wondering about her "better plan."
"We all forgot about Xiao Bai. Xiao Bai's abilities are not to be trifled with; its sense of smell is incredibly acute. Once it smells a scent, it can accurately locate the person."
As soon as Xiao Yu'er finished speaking, Murong Liu Zun and Qing Yao's eyes gleamed with brilliance. This was excellent! Qing Yao was also aware of Xiao Bai's exceptional ability.
However, due to the recent chain of events, they had forgotten about it. But Lin'an city was vast, and it might not be easy to find someone if a wolfdog was running loose on the streets.
But now, everything was different. Since Shangguan Hao was in a brothel, all they needed to do was get his clothes, let Xiao Bai smell them, and they would know if he was in that particular brothel. This greatly narrowed down the search area.
"Guards."
Emperor Xian's voice, unable to suppress his excitement, held a chilling glint of bloodlust in his eyes. Shangguan Hao, tonight is your death day. Just you wait.
Yao An quickly entered, "Your Majesty?"
"Immediately go to the Liuli Palace and find anything that thief has touched, be it clothing or anything else he's come into contact with."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Yao An quickly retreated. Seeing the Emperor's stern demeanor, he did not dare to be negligent and personally led a few young eunuchs.
Although he had not personally served Shangguan Hao before, he had entered and exited the Liuli Palace many times and knew which items he had touched. Therefore, it should not be difficult. The Liuli Palace had been temporarily sealed, and all items had not been burned.
Xiao Yu'er was delighted that her father had accepted her suggestion. Thinking that Shangguan Hao could be captured, everyone felt a sense of relief. Xiao Yu'er called out towards the hall door, "Bing Xiao."
Bing Xiao entered, cupped his fists, and said solemnly, "Princess?"
"Go immediately to where we stayed before and bring Xiao Bai back to me."
"Yes, Princess," Bing Xiao swiftly left. The hall fell silent. Qing Yao and Murong Liu Zun looked at each other, a hint of relief in their eyes. Once Shangguan Hao was dealt with, they would be truly free...
While waiting, Xiao Yu'er seized the opportunity to slip out. The two in the hall were exchanging loving glances, their eyes filled with affection and brilliance, completely engrossed in each other, oblivious to anything else.
She was such a huge "third wheel." It was best to slip away quickly. Upon reaching the door, she also led Mo Chou out. The two then settled on the white jade steps outside the hall, chatting intermittently to pass the time.
In just over an hour, the Prince of Nan'an, the Left Chancellor, and General An entered the palace, demonstrating their swift arrival.
The group entered the grand hall and first paid their respects to the Emperor and Empress.
"All of you may rise and be seated. I have summoned you to the palace for an important matter."
As Emperor Xian finished speaking, the three individuals below sat on either side. Xiao Yu'er automatically walked to her father and mother's side and stood there, observing the situation.
"Consort Shu, before her death, confessed that she poisoned Shangguan Hao with the Sunflower Poison. Therefore, Shangguan Hao must be frequenting brothels now. Tonight, we must capture him and prevent him from causing harm to others."
As Emperor Xian's words fell, the officials below showed signs of joy and relief. This was excellent news. Once Shangguan Hao was apprehended, everything would be resolved.
The Prince of Nan'an stood up coldly and respectfully said, "Your subject has sent people to search all the brothels. Lin'an city has its fair share of brothels, about twenty to thirty. We must capture Shangguan Hao before the third watch tonight, otherwise, he will undoubtedly continue to kill indiscriminately."
General An Dingfeng, the Protector of the Nation, also stood up and said calmly and collectedly, "I will split up and act with the Prince of Nan'an."
The Left Chancellor Mu Hen also stood up. The three of them looked towards the Emperor above. The Emperor's handsome features were etched with a pale, cold light. His dark eyes resembled an abyss ten thousand feet deep, filled with cold fury and murderous intent. He suddenly raised his hand, signaling the Prince of Nan'an and General An to wait.
"My esteemed ministers, there is no need to be anxious. I now have a good plan. The Princess has offered a strategy, which I believe is an excellent one."
"The Princess?"
Several pairs of eyes in the hall simultaneously turned to Xiao Yu'er. The Prince of Nan'an and An Dingfeng had witnessed Xiao Yu'er's abilities before, so they were not surprised, their expressions unchanged.
They were merely curious about the excellent plan the Princess had proposed, which not only the Emperor but also the Empress seemed to approve of.
The Left Chancellor Mu Hen, not being very familiar with his granddaughter, was somewhat hesitant to agree with the Emperor's words but did not express it. The three spoke solemnly.
"What excellent plan is it?"
"The Princess has a white wolf, quite intelligent. It can track down Shangguan Hao's whereabouts. Tonight, the Prince of Nan'an and General An will each lead twenty trusted subordinates, and accompany me to capture Shangguan Hao."
"Your Majesty, this...?"
The three exchanged glances. How could the Emperor risk himself? If Shangguan Hao employed cunning tactics, he would not harm the Emperor.
The Left Chancellor Mu Hen immediately stepped forward, "Your Majesty, this is absolutely not permissible. We can dispatch several thousand elite soldiers to surround this person. You must not put yourself in danger."
Qing Yao had been sitting beside the Emperor. Her clear eyes scanned the hall. To be honest, she did not want Liu Zun to take risks, but she understood in her heart that this was a karmic entanglement between the Emperor and Shangguan Hao.
Furthermore, even if more elite soldiers were deployed, if Shangguan Hao was not captured in one fell swoop, he would continue to harm court officials, and the situation would likely escalate.
"My mind is made up."
Emperor Xian spoke with cold resolve. He had already decided on this matter. This was between him and Shangguan Hao. It involved the nation and others, and it originated from their intertwined destinies. This time, it must be thoroughly resolved.
"Since Your Majesty has decided, so be it. You must protect His Majesty well."
At this juncture, further words were of no use. The Prince of Nan'an and others could only respectfully accept the order, "Yes, Your Majesty."
Just as the hall settled down, Bing Xiao entered with a tall, mighty wolf that was entirely white. Upon seeing Xiao Bai, Xiao Yu'er leaped down from her elevated seat and, with lightning speed, rushed over.
The white wolf was already intelligent. Seeing its young master running towards it, it had already broken free from Bing Xiao's grasp and rushed forward. One wolf and one person embraced each other intimately.
Xiao Yu'er had truly missed the white wolf. She hugged its neck and petted its head, while Xiao Bai obediently nestled beside her.
The scene in the center of the hall was exceptionally heartwarming. However, the wolf raised its eyes and emitted a bloodthirsty killing intent, baring its teeth and revealing a mouth full of white fangs.