Chapter 110: Guardian (1)
When Zhou Yan heard the news that someone in the palace had been assassinated in the chaos, he felt as if a heavy stone had hit his chest. When he rushed to the scene, only the imperial guards were left to maintain order. From the bright red on the scene, he could tell how miserable the scene was. However, Zhou Yan only cared about one of the protagonists in the case. He let go of everything and rushed straight into the [Imperial Study], but was eventually stopped...
"Prince Jing! Please respect yourself. This is the palace of Zhao."
Zhao Ziyan, who was standing in front of Zhou Yan, was not far from the [Imperial Study].
“Get lost!!”
For the first time, Zhou Yan lost his composure in front of people. He pushed away the blades drawn by the imperial guards who were blocking his way. His deep eyes turned red at this moment, as if he wanted to tear the people in front of him to pieces. Others were frightened and retreated due to Zhou Yan's aura, but Zhao Ziyan who was blocking his way seemed completely unmoved?
Zhao Ziyin made a gesture and the imperial guards who were blocking Zhou Yan retreated to the side, but they still kept their swords pointed at each other just in case. Without the obstruction, Zhou Yan did not charge in as aggressively as before, but stopped in his tracks. His murderous eyes never left Zhao Ziyin, who was actually blocking him. The atmosphere was very tense.
"I'll say it again, the emperor is meeting guests now, please go back first, Prince Jing."
"Where is she?"
It seemed that after a moment of calm, Zhou Yan had calmed down and responded to Zhao Ziyan's words. However, this did not affect his purpose. The cold air emanating from him made the surrounding imperial guards retreat unconsciously.
"What?"
"I asked where she was?"
Zhou Yan raised his voice, almost as if he was yelling. Zhao Ziyin saw his reaction. Just like the question he asked before, he actually knew very well who Zhou Yan was referring to as 'she', but he still pretended not to know.
"Prince Jing, please be careful with your words. You don't want to make things worse, right?"
Zhao Ziyu frowned slightly. He was obviously not overwhelmed by Zhou Yan's loud voice, but he was somewhat concerned about his words.
After hearing what Zhao Ziyin said, Zhou Yan seemed to realize something. He glanced around unintentionally and suddenly fell silent. As his anger subsided, Zhou Yan obviously realized the meaning of Zhao Ziyin's words. Although Zhou Yan seemed calm on the surface, Zhao Ziyin still noticed that Zhou Yan's hands hanging at his sides were clenched fists and his shoulders were trembling slightly.
"If Prince Jing has anything to say, I can tell him. If nothing else, please go back."
Zhao Ziyin quickly took control and spoke very clearly. These two sentences sounded normal to others, but they sounded completely different to Zhou Yan. He stared at Zhao Ziyin with anger in his eyes, but it didn't seem to be directed at him. Then, Zhao Ziyin saw Zhou Yan turn around and leave without saying a word, which made others still feel scared, afraid that Zhou Yan would suddenly rush back. After all, Zhou Yan's unstoppable momentum just now was hard to resist, just like a beast that had escaped from a trap.
Looking at Zhou Yan 's departing back, Zhao Ziyin seemed to be thinking about something, unable to hide his endless worry in his eyes. Suddenly, he felt an unbearable headache, raised his hand and pinched the corner of his eye with his fingers and said: "How is the emperor doing?"
"General, the Emperor and Prince Lian are still in the Imperial Study Room."
A guard came back timidly, seemingly still not fully recovered from what had just happened.
After hearing the answer, Zhao Ziyu put down his hand and turned to look at the [Imperial Study] not far away. He felt indescribable difficulty in his heart. He knew very well how serious the consequences of this incident were. Even with foolproof measures, the most unwilling thing still happened, and it was an accident among accidents.
"Watch out carefully, and notify me immediately when the Refining King comes out."
"yes!"
After giving the order, Zhao Ziyan left quickly. Except for the guards who came with him at first, the others stayed far away.
In the brightly lit palace, one could see the imperial guards coming and going. Almost all the guests attending the birthday banquet had been sent out of the palace. Apart from knowing that an assassination had occurred, no one knew the specific circumstances. It should be said that those who knew had been isolated. Such a thing happening at a birthday banquet could only be said to be a serious situation, but no one dared to discuss or publicize it. All the truth had already been covered up unknowingly.
All the follow-up work related to the case was being carried out in an orderly manner under the command of Zhao Ziyin. Zhao Ziyin, who was busy with various affairs, was disrupted by the sudden visitor...
"Why...are you here?"
Looking at the person who came, Zhao Ziyan showed a little surprise in his slightly tired expression, as if he didn't believe the person's appearance.
"I-I can't find her."
Ling Menghan's trembling voice and unconcealed eagerness seemed to show that she had made a great determination in facing Zhao Ziyan.
Seeing Ling Menghan's reaction, Zhao Ziyin understood and turned to his subordinates and said: "You guys go and deal with it first, just follow the plan just now."
"yes!!!"
After receiving the order, several guards left, leaving Zhao Ziyan and Ling Menghan alone.
When he saw the guards moving away, Zhao Ziyin turned his gaze to Ling Menghan, who was looking down, and said: "Didn't I send someone to take you back?"
"I...her, tell me, what happened? I heard everything, but I can't find her anywhere."
Ling Menghan hesitated for a long time, and finally raised her head and met Zhao Ziyan's gaze, with excessive worry fully revealed in her eyes.
"You mean Princess Zhaoren?"
Instead of directly responding to Ling Menghan's words, Zhao Ziyi found another topic. When Ling Menghan heard what Zhao Ziyi said, she looked away evasively, like a child who was caught doing something wrong, and nodded slightly to show her acknowledgment.
