Chapter 333: A Display of Intimidation

Chapter 333: A Display of Intimidation

As Zhang Yuan's head was severed, blood spurted out like a fountain, drenching Xiao Huai, who was closest, with blood.

But Xiao Huai seemed unperturbed. He glanced at Zhang Yuan's head, which had rolled several meters away, and said, "Hang his body and head at the city gates tomorrow. Declare that someone attempted to assassinate the Duke, and as a deterrent, the assassin has been hung from the city walls."

"Understood," Yu Yongzhi and Xiang Rong promptly replied. They knew their commander was truly enraged this time.

At that moment, Xiao Huai spoke again, "Follow me out of the city."

As he spoke, he began to walk outside. Xiang Rong and Yu Yongzhi quickly followed. Xiang Rong handed him a handkerchief, which Xiao Huai took to wipe the blood from his face, saying, "Tell the lady I've gone out for a bit. Ask her to rest easy."

"Understood."

Yu Yongzhi promptly instructed a soldier to report to Tang Shuyi in the back courtyard before hurrying to catch up with Xiao Huai. At the mansion’s gate, the three men mounted their horses and sped towards the city gates.

Upon reaching the gates, the guards intended to step forward to stop them, but before they could, a voice rang out, "Duke Dingguo is in pursuit of an assassin, open the gates at once!"

Recognizing Duke Dingguo, the gatekeepers hastily swung the city gates open, watching as the three riders thundered past before closing the gates again.

……

After Xiao Huai had left, Tang Shuyi went to the cleansing room for a quick wash. Upon her return, noting Xiao Huai's absence, she grew worried. It was then that Cui Zhu came to report, "A soldier from the front courtyard says the Duke has left the city and asks that you rest at ease."

"And the assassin?" Tang Shuyi inquired.

Cui Zhu: "The assassin has been apprehended by the Duke."

Tang Shuyi heaved a sigh of relief and then went back to bed to rest, but she couldn't fall asleep no matter what. Eventually, she gave up on sleep, propping herself up in bed and reading by lamplight until dawn was near, only then beginning to feel drowsy.

She lay down once more, and this time, she drifted off quickly. But in her half-asleep state, she felt someone embracing her. Opening her eyes, she saw Xiao Huai’s face up close.

"You're back?" she asked.

Xiao Huai buried his face in the nape of her neck, "Sleep a bit more."

Tang Shuyi, truly exhausted, found a comfortable position in his arms and closed her eyes once again. Xiao Huai stroked her forehead and planted a kiss there before closing his eyes as well.

The Eve of the Lunar New Year is the most important festival of the year. Early in the morning, every household in the capital opened their doors, setting off firecrackers and pasting spring couplets in a festive bustle.

The city gates were particularly lively. Many people entering and leaving were startled at first by the corpses and heads hanging by the gate, then gathered to discuss the matter animatedly.

Those who could read approached the proclamation next to the gate. Only after they read it aloud did the people understand that an attempt was made on Duke Dingguo’s life the previous night. The hanging man was the would-be assassin, captured by the Duke and now displayed at the gates as a deterrent.

Hearing the contents of the proclamation, many among the crowd cursed the assassin and the person behind him. In the hearts of the people of Daqian, Xiao Huai was an unshakable hero.

Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai both woke up a little late today. By the time they stirred, daylight had already filled the sky. With today being New Year's Eve, there was much to do, so the couple hurriedly rose from their bed.

"What were you doing outside the city last night?" Tang Shuyi asked as she dressed.

Xiao Huai replied nonchalantly, "I took some men to demolish Li Chengyi's villa on the outskirts of the city."

Tang Shuyi: "..." Is this a declaration of war?

Xiao Huai turned to see her stunned expression and chuckled, "He doesn’t want to enjoy the New Year in peace, but I do. I was masked when I destroyed his villa, and although Li Chengyi will surely suspect me, he has no evidence."

Tang Shuyi breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn’t afraid; the situation just seemed abrupt. Stepping off the bed, she asked, "Was it the villa built by the Emperor at Ziyun Mountain years ago?"

Xiao Huai nodded, and Tang Shuyi said, looking at him, "That will probably infuriate him to death."

It was said that the Emperor had devoted great effort to that villa and was very fond of it, retreating there every summer to escape the heat.

Xiao Huai snorted coldly, "He brought it upon himself."

Tang Shuyi took a set of clothes from the wardrobe for him and helped him dress, saying, "I wonder if he’ll act rashly out of anger. We should be cautious."

"Don’t worry," Xiao Huai said, looking down as she tied his sash, "I've made all the necessary arrangements. If he makes a move, we can act sooner if needed. However, I don’t think he will. Li Chengyi lacks the courage."

Knowing him to be prudent in his actions, Tang Shuyi wasn't overly concerned. After she finished combing his hair and watched him enter the cleansing room, she summoned her attendants to help her dress and freshen up.

The Imperial Palace

The Emperor also hadn't slept the previous night, knowing that with Zhang Yuan's failure to return, the situation was dire. He was beginning to regret his hastiness in moving against Xiao Huai so soon after his return to the capital.

But what was done was done, and regret was futile now.

After a sleepless night, his mind felt muddled. But with today being New Year's Eve, there was much to attend to, and he had to rise. He reflected that since ascending to the throne, there hadn't been a single day of true rest.

The late Emperor had been displeased with him, favoring the Prince of Xiaoyao for the throne. There was a fire in his heart; he wanted to prove to the late Emperor that he could be a great ruler.

Taking a deep breath, he sat up and called out, "Someone come in."

The door was pushed open, and Jiao Kangsheng stepped in briskly, bowing and saying, "Your Majesty."

The Emperor hummed, "Help me dress."

"Yes," replied Jiao Kangsheng carefully as he assisted the Emperor with his clothing, his expression grave. The Emperor, knowing his servant well after so many years, inquired, "What's the matter?"

Jiao Kangsheng hesitated to speak, and seeing this, the Emperor suddenly felt a headache coming on. He demanded, "Speak!"

Jiao Kangsheng immediately knelt down and said, "Duke Dingguo beheaded Zhang Yuan and hung his body and head at the city gate, claiming... claiming..."

"Claiming what?" the Emperor roared.

Jiao Kangsheng mustered his courage and replied, "Claiming that vile characters had sent an assassin against him, and he hung the assassin at the city gate as a... as a deterrent."

The Emperor felt a rush of blood to his head, causing an excruciating pain. He lost his balance and collapsed onto the bed, repeatedly muttering, "Xiao Huai must die, Xiao Huai must die..."

Jiao Kangsheng knelt before him, appearing to have more to say. The Emperor suppressed the throbbing pain in his head, took a deep breath, and said, "Whatever it is, say it all."

"Last night... someone smashed the Ziyun Mountain villa."

"Xiao Huai!"

The Emperor bellowed, then fell back onto the bed. Seeing this, Jiao Kangsheng urgently called out, "Imperial Physician, summon the Imperial Physician!"