The man in black did not expect the emperor to have a hidden hand, sending people to protect the princess while lurking in the shadows.
It seemed they had been caught off guard. The man in black glanced around, his subordinates all dead, leaving only himself. With a wave of his sword, a domineering sword energy dispersed, causing those before him to retreat.
Seizing the opportunity, he took flight on a carrier pigeon and vanished without a trace. This demonstrated his formidable martial arts skills, and it was clear they needed to be wary.
All the assassins who had attempted to kill the princess, except for the one who escaped, were dead. A collective sigh of relief went through the crowd.
Seeing that all the men in black were dead, the envoy regained his swagger. He turned his horse to face the Minister of Revenue and Finance who was waiting to welcome them into the city and spoke with burning anger.
"Minister Fang, is this the hospitality of your Tianfeng Dynasty?"
The Minister of Rites, Minister Fang, did not respond to the envoy's accusation. Instead, he rode his horse to the man in black brocade robes and respectfully cupped his fists. "Your subordinate greets Prince Yan."
It turned out that the one who saved the princess was Prince Yan, Feng Lie, who had been secretly ordered by the Emperor to protect the princess. Feng Xie had already foreseen that with the princess's arrival in the capital, there would be those with ill intentions who would seek to kill her.
A political marriage between the two countries could promote peace in Tianfeng, and Feng Xie did not want any unforeseen circumstances to arise. He had not expected the bandits to actually make a move.
"Let's return to the palace," Feng Lie leaped gracefully onto his horse and cupped his fists, looking at the silent woman in the carriage. It seemed that Princess Jie Lan of Yuehua Kingdom was timid as a mouse. She hadn't uttered a single word since the appearance of the assassins.
"The princess has been startled."
"This consort thanks Prince Yan for saving her life." Princess Jie Lan came back to her senses. She had seen the hint of mockery in the man's eyes and realized he likely thought she was a lovesick fool. She spoke with a blush, her voice as pleasant as the sounds of nature, instantly refreshing everyone present.
"You are too kind. Let's go," Feng Lie turned his horse and led the way for the princess. Jie Lan's face flushed slightly, and her heart began to beat faster.
Originally, her father had ordered her to Tianfeng for a political marriage, and she had been filled with resentment. But at this moment, she was grateful for her father's intentions. She was determined to make this god-like man fall in love with her, Jie Lan thought confidently, a flush appearing on her young face.
The entourage entered the imperial palace in grand procession. The Emperor received the princess and envoy of Yuehua Kingdom in the Golden Palace and personally expressed his condolences to Princess Jie Lan. Princess Jie Lan, being understanding and magnanimous, did not pursue the matter.
Although the people of Yuehua Kingdom were still furious, the princess indicated she did not mind, so what more could they say?
From his high seat, Feng Xie's handsome features were accompanied by icy, domineering eyes that flashed with calculation. A faint smile played on his lips. It seemed his plan had caused Princess Jie Lan to develop feelings for his imperial brother.
"Princess Jie Lan must be tired. Please proceed to the Yingfeng Pavilion to rest. A grand banquet will be held tonight to welcome the princess. All the princes and ministers of our Tianfeng Dynasty will be present. Whomever Princess Jie Lan fancies, I shall decree a marriage to foster eternal friendship between Tianfeng and Yuehua Kingdom."
As soon as the Emperor finished speaking, a eunuch stepped forward to escort the princess. Before departing, Princess Jie Lan cast a tender glance from her watery eyes at Prince Feng Lie before leading her personal maidservants to Yingfeng Pavilion with the eunuch.
In the grand hall, Feng Xie appeased the envoy of Yuehua Kingdom and instructed the Ministry of Rites to ensure the guests were well taken care of, and to place heavy guard outside the envoy's official residence.
Minister Fang of the Ministry of Rites dared not be negligent in the slightest. The Emperor's decree had been issued, and he had put his head on the line.
The assassins would surely return today, so they had to be extremely cautious. Otherwise, it would be more than just losing their official hats; it could even lead to the extermination of their entire families.
"Your subject obeys," Minister Fang withdrew with the envoy. Feng Xie swept a cold glance across the hall. Silence reigned supreme within the grand hall. Regarding the assassination incident today,
Everyone exchanged glances, none daring to speak further, for it was obvious to anyone with eyes that the Emperor was angry. Although he had not acted in front of the princess and envoy of Yuehua Kingdom, it was possible that his ministers might suffer misfortune. Therefore, everyone remained hushed and subdued.
Feng Xie's dark eyes were as deep and unfathomable as a tranquil pool, concealing suppressed rage. He spoke in a low voice, "All of you may withdraw. Prime Minister Liu and Prince Yan, remain behind."
"Your subjects obey," the officials responded in unison, bowing as they slowly withdrew. Only after exiting the grand hall did they straighten their backs and return to their respective residences.
In the Golden Palace, only Liu Wenjie and Prince Yan, Feng Lie, looked up at the Emperor on his high seat, awaiting his command. Feng Xie glanced at his uncle and younger brother. The two of them had always been his capable assistants.
In this vast court, they were the only ones he could trust. Others would undoubtedly harbor their own agendas to varying degrees.
"Prime Minister Liu, Prince Yan, what are your thoughts on the assassination incident?" Throughout history, whenever dynasties changed, there were inevitably numerous assassination attempts. Therefore, emperors must possess shrewd intellect, quick thinking, and decisive action to ensure their dynasties prospered.
"This old subject believes these assassins are remnants of the previous dynasty. Your Majesty need not worry excessively. During a period of transition for the court, it is inevitable that some individuals will harbor ambitions.
As long as Your Majesty governs with virtue, their sentiments will gradually change," Prime Minister Liu stated respectfully. This was an inevitable process of rise and fall. Perhaps there would be sporadic assassination attempts in the future, but they would be scattered and uncoordinated. As long as large bandit groups were prevented from forming and being exploited by schemers, it would be fine.
Feng Lie's slender eyebrows rose, his expression cold and silent. After a long pause, he spoke with concern, "Imperial Brother, I worry that he has returned? Do not forget him."
"He?" Feng Xie's mind flashed. His handsome face instantly radiated killing intent, and a cold aura emanated from him. Who could this 'he' Feng Lie spoke of be?
It turned out to be a product of the late emperor's drunken indulgence one night. Because the late emperor found it incredibly embarrassing, he conferred upon him the title of a leisured prince without any real power and banished him to his fiefdom at the border. For some reason, Feng Lie had a nagging feeling that he would return.
"Does Prince Yan speak of Prince Luo?" Prime Minister Liu's expression shifted. He still remembered the resentment in Prince Luo's eyes when he left the capital.
Although he was only a twelve-year-old boy at the time, the hatred in his eyes was already so intense. Later, it was heard that Prince Luo's birth mother had died of illness on the way to his fiefdom.
This likely deepened his hatred even further. Could it truly be that Feng Luo had returned? Prime Minister Liu's face also showed a hint of worry. However, Feng Xie's expression darkened, and he shook his head slightly.
"A few days ago, I also received news that Prince Luo had not left his fiefdom. If I discover he has any ill intentions, I will not spare him," Feng Xie's fierce intent filled his eyes, sharp and chilling. A bloodthirsty aura emanated from him, and his lips curved into a cold smile.
"Feng Lie, go to the Ministry of War and select some elite troops. Add another layer of protection around the outer perimeter of the official residence. Ensure that nothing happens to those envoys. Although I do not care about this Yuehua Kingdom, having an ally is always a good thing."
"Your subordinate accepts the decree," Feng Lie cupped his fists. Prime Minister Liu, hearing the Emperor's arrangements, felt a sense of relief. The Emperor's thoughts were becoming increasingly meticulous. It seemed he could confidently retire and enjoy his twilight years.
"Prime Minister Liu, receive this decree. Inform all princes and ministers who do not have a principal wife to attend the welcome banquet tonight. It is time for Princess Jie Lan to select her consort."
"Your subject obeys," Prime Minister Liu bowed and accepted the command, withdrawing with Prince Feng Lie.
In the grand hall, Feng Xie's handsome features were etched with a cold smile. The imperial yellow dragon robe enhanced his noble presence. His lips curled slightly. Feng Luo, if you dare to provoke me, I will eliminate you. I will not allow anyone to destroy the Tianfeng Dynasty; this is the culmination of my father's efforts.