Outside the inn, people were clamoring.
The assassination just now left them with lingering fears.
They weren't fools either.
Only now did they realize how dangerous it was.
With Samuer dead, Western Liang would surely send troops.
At that time, it would likely be a war where everyone was a soldier, a fight to the death!
Great Feng certainly wouldn't lose.
But at what cost?
Great Feng's meticulous plans would all go to waste.
As Lin Xianhong stepped out of the inn, she ran into a hurried Chang Baicao.
She was about to greet him, but he had already entered the door.
"It's all your fault!"
"Look, the Princess almost lost her life!"
"Fortunately, the Prince reacted in time!"
"Exactly, it's all your fault for pestering the Prince."
"Women are just cheap," the young man snorted heavily, "You're good to her, but she doesn't feel it; instead, she takes it for granted. Only after she loses it will she know regret. Unfortunately, it's too late!"
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
Lin Xianhong's face flushed red.
She had no such thoughts at all.
"Sister, you can't abandon me."
"Quickly go talk to Ning Que."
"I'm just resentful..."
Lin Chao had already been tied up.
His expression was panicked, and he quickly begged for mercy.
Although he was reckless, he wasn't stupid.
Samuer's assassination would surely alarm Emperor Feng.
When the layers of investigation began, he wouldn't be able to escape.
And Lin Chao was already a disgraced man.
Last time, he was stripped of all his positions.
He was also told to reflect on his mistakes behind closed doors.
He hadn't even finished reflecting, and now he was causing trouble again.
This time, he would definitely not be let off easily!
"I..."
Lin Xianhong was instantly speechless.
Recalling what Ning Que had just said.
Would he really help?
Apparently impossible!
Ning Que was just fond of being petty.
Especially unforgiving when he had the moral high ground.
He would stop at nothing for his own benefit.
Now, Ning Que was probably secretly laughing.
Waiting for her to beg for mercy.
No, absolutely not!
Ning Que wasn't the only one who could help them.
There was also Gu Yuan!
"Brother, don't worry."
"I'll go find General Gu for help."
"As long as he steps forward, you'll be fine."
"Can he do it?"
Lin Chao was somewhat skeptical.
He knew he had caused a great disaster this time.
Could Gu Yuan really protect him?
"Besides him, no one else can help."
Lin Xianhong sighed softly.
Now the Lin family had become like rats crossing the street.
Originally, many people had curried favor with their family.
But now, they had cut off all ties.
Her former patients were endless.
Noble families and powerful clans all spent heavily to invite her to their homes.
But now?
No one paid any attention to her at all.
Instead, Chang Baicao's medical clinic was overflowing with people.
They were even willing to pay a high price to invite Chang Baicao to their homes.
Even if she actively lowered her prices, it was useless.
Those nobles weren't short on money.
What they lacked was a good physician.
And Chang Baicao was the number one Divine Doctor in the world!
With Chang Divine Doctor, who would bother with her?
Thinking of what Ning Que had just said, her heart felt desolate.
She had also come to her senses now.
Upon careful thought, it did make some sense.
Gu Yuan's backer was Qi King Tian Zhongxun.
It was impossible for Ning Que to win the bet.
Ning Que would then not only inherit the princely title but also regain royal power. He would become the sharpest sword in Emperor Feng's hand, suppressing the Other surname Princes.
The key was, Tian Zhongxun lost!
He lost the entire Linzi County to Ning Que!
Lin Xianhong looked up at the clear blue sky.
Impossible... absolutely impossible!
Gu Lang couldn't possibly lie to me.
And he definitely wouldn't use me!
This must all be Ning Que's doing.
He wants to sow discord between us!
Looking at the Gu Manor gate.
Lin Xianhong strengthened her conviction.
Gu Yuan had always been graceful and refined.
And Ning Que?
Just a despicable villain!
Look at how attentive he was to Samuer...
These two guys definitely had something going on!
Ning Que was putting personal feelings above public duty, how could he have the nerve?
...
...
Imperial Palace, Imperial Study.
Emperor Feng was reviewing documents.
After a long while, he put down his imperial brush.
He picked up a teacup and took a gentle sip.
Now he couldn't enjoy himself without tea.
He could skip a meal, but he couldn't skip tea.
Having a little each day made him feel much better.
When he first started drinking it, he didn't feel anything special.
But this stuff became more addictive the more he drank it.
"Chief Steward Hu, what time is it?"
"It's already Shenshi (3-5 PM)."
Chief Steward Hu replied softly from the side.
Looking at Emperor Feng, he couldn't help but sigh.
"Your Majesty, you haven't had lunch again today."
"State affairs are important, but your imperial health is even more important!"
"No matter."
Emperor Feng waved his hand indifferently.
He was not the heir apparent by birthright.
Since ascending the throne, he had been diligent and conscientious.
He never rested until he had finished handling state affairs each day.
He seemed to be acting out of pique, wanting to prove himself.
To deal with state affairs, he often forgot to eat and sleep.
Not eating on time was very normal.
Looking at the cold food, Emperor Feng waved his hand.
"Take it away."
"Prepare some candied fruits and dried meat."
"And brew me some immortal tea."
"Your Majesty..."
"Go."
Chief Steward Hu reluctantly went to prepare.
Emperor Feng rarely ate three meals on time.
The Empress Dowager had even specifically spoken about this matter.
Emperor Feng would agree on the surface.
But in reality, it went in one ear and out the other.
When dealing with state affairs, he forgot everything.
Emperor Feng let out a long breath.
He got up and began to practice his boxing.
This was what King Ning had taught him when he was in the army.
He would take some time to practice a little every day.
Mainly for strengthening his body.
"Your Majesty—"
Chief Steward Hu entered the palace somewhat flustered.
Emperor Feng couldn't help but frown.
"What is the matter that causes such panic?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, the West Liang Princess was assassinated!"
"What?!"
Emperor Feng's expression changed.
Chief Steward Hu didn't dare to delay and quickly said, "King Ning, by imperial decree, was touring with the West Liang Princess. When they passed through Chang'an Avenue, they were surrounded by commoners who said that King Ning, to win a bet, colluded with foreign lands and provided Western Liang with 100,000 piculs of grain."
"And then?"
"King Ning patiently explained." Chief Steward Hu also sighed, "Who would have thought that Lin Xianhong also came to join the commotion, causing King Ning to be held up. As a result, a dead soldier hidden in the shadows used a blow dart to assassinate the West Liang Princess. Fortunately, King Ning reacted quickly, and it did not hit a vital spot. Chang Divine Doctor has examined her, and she is currently out of danger."
"What about that dead soldier?"
"He's already dead..."
"After the assassination, he yelled about killing all the Western Liang dogs. Then he bit down on the poison in his mouth, and by the time the family guards caught up to him, the dead soldier had already died from the poison."
"Investigate for Us!"
Emperor Feng's eyes flashed with cold killing intent.
This matter would never be that simple.
It was very likely related to Qi King Tian Zhongxun!
"Your subject obeys the decree."
"And Lin Xianhong!" Emperor Feng's face showed anger, and he said chillingly, "King Ning has already divorced his wife, and the two of them have no further ties. Yet Lin Xianhong repeatedly causes trouble for King Ning, and this time she even caused the West Liang Princess to be injured."
"What does Your Majesty wish?"
"Strip her of her third-rank medical official position and demote her to a commoner!"
Emperor Feng spoke coldly.
This time, Lin Xianhong nearly caused a great disaster.
If she wasn't punished, it wouldn't convince the public!
Chief Steward Hu, however, looked troubled and whispered, "Your Majesty, Lin Xianhong's third-rank medical official position was personally conferred by the Empress Dowager. If you wish to strip her of her official position, should you not inform the Empress Dowager?"
"No need!"
Emperor Feng's attitude was very firm this time.
He looked into the distance.
"We are the master of Great Feng!"
"Lin Xianhong has committed a grave error and must be punished!"
"Even if she is the Empress Dowager's person, We will punish her!"
Chief Steward Hu stared blankly at Emperor Feng. The fledgling eagle, once constrained everywhere, had finally become a majestic eagle soaring across the sky!