Chapter 051: Achilles’ Heel

Chapter 051: Achilles' Heel

Shen Jue began to stay awake all night, unable to sleep. As soon as he closed his eyes, it seemed as if all the people who had died before him came to haunt him, asking why he had not saved them.

Haitang was the first palace servant Shen Jue met after coming to this world. She was a few years younger than his current body, thoughtful and meticulous, always ensuring he never felt awkward when being served.

Shen Jue had always felt that if he had a younger sister, she might be like Haitang—smart and well-behaved.

Haitang was not naive, yet she gave him all her genuine affection. He clearly understood that her "assassination attempt" was forced, but she deliberately drew the attention of other guards, even worrying that they might not stop her in time, so much so that her arm wasn't fully extended when she struck at him.

Yet such a person, who had been genuinely sincere to him, had now turned to dust, killed by the very person who treated him best in this world.

In his rationality, Shen Jue knew all too well that this was a premeditated frame-up.

How could he not understand? Too many people were watching him and Zhongli Jin, and too many wanted to drive a wedge between them to enjoy the peace and prosperity of the world.

Shen Jue knew he shouldn't hate or fear Zhongli Jin, but he couldn't control his heart.

Even in countless descriptions, even though he knew Zhongli Jin had become a ruthless tyrant, he could even deceive himself into thinking that Zhongli Jin was just another person with Jin Yu's memories.

But when he saw Zhongli Jin take a life right before his eyes, without even a flicker of his eyelashes, that cold, cruel expression planted a deep thorn in Shen Jue's heart.

Zhongli Jin was not wrong, Shen Jue knew that. Zhongli Jin wanted to protect him, so any potential threat would be eliminated without hesitation.

Shen Jue had no right to hurt the heart of someone who had protected and saved him countless times, yet every time Zhongli Jin approached him, his body couldn't stop trembling.

He was afraid of those hands stained with blood.

This was unfair to Zhongli Jin, and Shen Jue even felt his heart ache to the point of suffocation when he saw the hurt in Zhongli Jin's eyes.

But he couldn't help it...

Shen Jue wished he could beat himself up, call himself an ungrateful wretch, a heartless traitor, but in a short time, he couldn't overcome his body's uncontrollable instincts.

"I'm sorry..." Shen Jue said.

Zhongli Jin raised his hand and then let it fall, shaking his head. "I should be the one apologizing. I scared you."

Shen Jue's eyes reddened for no reason.

This fool, clearly the one who had been hurt, why was he apologizing to me...

Shen Jue knew that Zhongli Jin could have discerned whether Haitang truly intended to kill him, could have stopped before slitting her throat, or even just severed her hand, leaving her alive.

But Zhongli Jin didn't.

Such a grand, attention-grabbing scene would not happen again.

Zhongli Jin had to make an example, even if Haitang was merely a pawn sent to him.

Zhongli Jin had to kill Haitang, even leaving her with a breath was not an option.

Haitang's "betrayal" was not just a challenge from another, or even several forces, to the royal family and Zhongli Jin.

Zhongli Jin had to show everyone that even the closest, most intimate palace servant to Shen Jue, even if she didn't truly intend to assassinate him, if she had any thought of betrayal, Zhongli Jin would not hesitate to take her life.

Even Shen Jue himself could not stop it.

Countless restless hearts gradually settled, no longer daring to stir.

But just one person could stop countless possible betrayals behind the scenes, and no one would dare to harm Shen Jue anymore. Humans are too selfish to sacrifice their own lives, even for someone important...

However, the entire family behind Haitang was implicated and soon publicly executed, not even sparing women and children.

People finally remembered that perhaps they had enjoyed too long a period of peace, or perhaps Zhongli Jin's talents in governing were too dazzling. They had even forgotten that this widely praised wise ruler was once a terrifying tyrant.

Zhongli Jin would never allow any chance for dead ashes to reignite. His ruthless methods of rooting out dissent were enough to make people tremble just hearing about them.

He directly crushed any eagerness or wavering resolve.

It was just through a few small palace servants and an insignificant family.

In the court, everyone was in fear, constantly proclaiming their loyalty, afraid of arousing Zhongli Jin's suspicion and being exterminated along with their entire clan.

Zhongli Jin's cold-bloodedness and ruthlessness made everyone deeply revere him.

They also realized that the Da Jin Dynasty could no longer function without the rule of this man, who was both a tyrant and a wise ruler.

The territory of the Da Jin Dynasty was too vast, and no one else could possibly make everyone submit if they took that position. They could hardly imagine what kind of bloody storms and fragmentation the dynasty would experience after Zhongli Jin's death.

But at least now, almost no one dared to provoke this ruthless regent anymore.

He seemed heartless, treating the elderly, weak, women, and children as mere bargaining chips, never softening for any human sentiment.

Yet such a cold-blooded person had his only weakness, his Achilles' heel.

Even those who supported Zhongli Jin and wanted to overthrow the royal family went quiet.

No one dared to lay a hand on Shen Jue anymore.

Even though everyone knew who Zhongli Jin's weakness was, what could they do? In the face of absolute power, a single misstep that offended this frail puppet emperor might lead Zhongli Jin to destroy their entire family and everything they held dear.

He was just that kind of madman, one that no one dared to provoke.

.

Shen Jue noticed that some of the people serving around him had been replaced, not many, just those who were close and frequently seen, whom Zhongli Jin had transferred.

They were still within his palace, just no longer appearing before him, preventing him from being reminded of the dead girl.

Shen Jue couldn't quite put into words how he felt about Zhongli Jin's thoughtfulness.

He just wanted to quickly get his emotions in check. He didn't want to hurt the last person in this world willing to protect him with his life.

Shen Jue would not doubt that if he were in mortal danger, Zhongli Jin would choose to save him without hesitation.

But for some reason, even though he usually adjusted quickly, this time it took much longer to fully recover.

He was also very uncomfortable, especially when he heard from the palace servants that the lights in Zhongli Jin's bedroom were almost always on all night.

He couldn't sleep, and the other was suffering with him in another place.

So stupid.

Shen Jue thought, perhaps he could try desensitization therapy, as long as he could clearly communicate with the other.

But every time he avoided and dodged, it probably felt like cutting a knife into the other's heart.

Thinking heart-to-heart, if he destroyed something Zhongli Jin cherished in order to save him, and the other resented him for it, Shen Jue would be devastated.

Although I am not resentful, it's just that the level of fear is about the same... Fear isn't something you can just shake off.

"Uncle," Shen Xiaonian arrived punctually to pay his respects.

Because he always had nightmares at night and couldn't contact Zhongli Jin, Shen Jue was terrified every night when he stayed alone in his bedroom. Even though palace servants slept at the foot of his bed and night-shift servants and guards stood outside, his large bedroom was packed with more people inside and out than a marketplace.

But Shen Jue was always afraid, even instinctively seeking out Zhongli Jin. When he realized that the person he was most afraid of now was Zhongli Jin, he couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and despair.

Fortunately, Zhongli Jin wasn't the petty type and even called Shen Jue's good nephew, Shen Xiaonian, to accompany him overnight.

Shen Xiaonian didn't climb into bed but instead set up a small couch beside it. Although the palace servant also rested on the footrest at the end of the bed, Shen Xiaonian's familiar scent made Shen Jue feel much more at ease.

After two or three nights of hardly sleeping, Shen Jue finally managed to sleep for two or three hours with the other's company.

In his dream, he felt someone touch his cheek. The fingers felt slightly cool, with distinct, slender knuckles, landing on his cheek, avoiding the protruding calluses and scars, gently brushing against him to soothe his nerves.

The hand felt familiar, making Shen Jue unconsciously lean closer, nuzzling like a spoiled child. In the dream, he even sensed a stiffness in the fingers. Shen Jue hooked the slender fingers, and that night, he didn't dream of any terrifying scenes.

By the time he woke, the sun was already high.

Shen Jue had fallen asleep in the early hours of the morning, and even though he hadn't slept for many hours, he could still see the faint sunlight coming through the window.

He touched his pillow but found no trace, not even a foreign scent.

Had Zhongli Jin come to see him?

For a moment, Shen Jue couldn't tell if it was a dream or whose hand it was in his sleep.

He found himself longing for Zhongli Jin.

At the end of spring and the beginning of summer, the scenery outside was vibrant with spring. A single glance out the window was enough to feel the vibrant energy.

Shen Jue suddenly wanted to go out for a walk.

He had been ill for a long time, and now stepping out into the lingering spring, even his body and spirit felt renewed.

The dried blood, shadows, and pain inside him seemed to be melted and washed away by the spring light.

It was refreshing, as if he had been reborn.

No wonder people often say that spring is the season of rejuvenation. Even Shen Jue, walking into this spring, seemed to shed the shadow that had been hanging over his heart like old skin.

Shen Jue didn't know what suddenly came over him, but when he saw a pool of water so clear that he could see the moss between the stones at the bottom, he suddenly wanted to take a boat ride.

Rowing was strenuous, so Shen Jue enlisted two eunuchs, skilled swimmers, to join him, as the young maids couldn't manage it.

If the boat accidentally capsized, these two could work together to rescue Shen Jue.

Shen Jue thought it wasn't that exaggerated. Since the assassination attempt at the banquet... no one should dare to harm him anymore.

Especially under such public scrutiny.

And the pool didn't look very deep.

Even if an accident did happen, Shen Jue had a system, a cheat. He could swim himself, and by tapping into his body's potential, he might even outswim the two eunuchs combined.

In fact, Shen Jue was still too confident.

When the boat was halfway across, Shen Jue glanced and saw a few unshaven stubbles on the chin of the eunuch rowing the boat.

How could a eunuch have stubble? Recently, a new group of palace servants had been assigned to serve him closely, all of them unfamiliar faces. It would be hard to notice even if someone with a similar appearance was substituted.

Shen Jue was not foolish; he knew this person was likely targeting him. He subtly placed a hand over his chest and called out the name of the eunuch rowing the boat, "I suddenly feel a bit faint. Quickly, row the boat back to shore." Shen Jue then called out the name of the other eunuch, "Tell the people on the shore to summon the imperial physician."

Unfortunately, neither of the two eunuchs on the boat moved. The person behind him spoke in a high-pitched, thin voice, unmistakably like a eunuch.

"Your Majesty need not be afraid. We are disciples of Master Liu Wenzong. This trip is not meant to harm Your Majesty but to convey a message."

The person behind spoke softly, while the fake eunuch rowing the boat actually turned the boat around and began rowing toward the shore.

After all, the people on the shore had already noticed Shen Jue's unusual behavior. If they continued to pretend nothing had happened, they might be silently killed by the Covert Guards with a single arrow.

They had, of course, witnessed the skills of the Covert Guards. Even in such a small pond, they could accurately take their lives from one end to the other.

The eunuch behind lowered his head and quickly finished speaking. As soon as the three of them reached the shore, the two accompanying eunuchs were taken away by Covert Guards who appeared out of nowhere.

"Your Majesty, are you alright?" The young eunuch who had recently served him closely looked at Shen Jue with genuine concern.

But Shen Jue was uncomfortable under this gaze and shook his head.

"I just feel a bit unwell. I want to go back and rest."

Shen Jue felt a sharp headache coming on.

"Where is Jingchen? I need to see him. Call him over." Shen Jue hadn't even returned to his bedchamber before he urgently ordered the palace servants to summon Shen Xiaonian.

The two disguised eunuchs had said that Shen Xiaonian had been "protected" by their faction. If Shen Jue refused to cooperate, their faction would support Shen Xiaonian as the new emperor.

Shen Jue knew this was a veiled threat. Whether Shen Xiaonian would ascend to the throne or not, the ultimate outcome would only be death.

If Shen Xiaonian cooperated, the remnants of the faction wouldn't pose much of a threat. Zhongli Jin would inevitably crush them, but Shen Xiaonian would also lose his life in the process.

If Shen Xiaonian did not cooperate, he might not even live long enough to see the rebellion, as he would be killed by that group.

The eunuch said Shen Jue had three days to consider, as three days would be enough for Shen Jue to confirm whether Shen Xiaonian was still in the palace.

On the third night, Shen Jue could choose to leave the palace at the fourth watch through a specific route. This was a secret passage left by Shen's ancestors, one even Zhongli Jin didn't know about. Someone would come to meet him and take him out of the palace, exchanging him for Shen Xiaonian.

They did not intend to threaten Shen Jue's life. They merely wanted to reclaim the power held by Zhongli Jin and return it to the royal family.

Shen Jue did not know how much of this was credible, but after saying this, the other party went on and on, recounting the details of how Shen Jue had been "deceived" by Zhongli Jin.

This attempt to sow discord seemed even more sophisticated than the last. It was unclear if this group had gained new information, but it had to be said that the matters brought up this time were indeed more unsettling than before.

Despite knowing Zhongli Jin would never deceive him, the events laid out before him seemed undeniably real.

Especially the time Shen Jue was assassinated in the outskirts.

Almost no one in the traveling party survived, but after Shen Jue returned to the palace, the palace servants around him, especially those who served closely, remained largely unchanged.

This meant that among those who had traveled with him outside the palace, none of his most trusted attendants had been present.

Even Haitang, the palace servant who took care of his daily needs and was almost "indispensable," had not been brought along.

These people could be considered Zhongli Jin's most trusted confidants. Even when faced with life-and-death choices, they would not hesitate to die for Shen Jue, yet almost none of them had perished in that assassination attempt.

If that assassination had not been arranged by Zhongli Jin, why had these people been removed? With so many assassins, why had they failed to kill both Shen Jue and Shen Xiaonian?

Why had Shen Jue been saved only at the last moment, in a situation that seemed certain to end in death?

Shen Jue's wavering expression was noticed by a palace servant nearby, whose expression darkened before he soon left the bedchamber.

Indeed, apart from the two who had been exposed, there were likely others in the palace who had been bought off.

Shen Jue had no way to send a message to Zhongli Jin; the latter simply didn’t care whether Shen Xiaonian lived or died. If it were discovered that he had tipped off Zhongli Jin, what might be sent back would probably be Shen Xiaonian's corpse.

That child, who had repeatedly taken the knife for him, was treated not as a son but at least as a younger brother. The other would truly give his life for him; they were the last family Shen Jue had in this world...

Shen Jue knew this hidden force would not harm him; Zhongli Jin had already analyzed it for him. Those old conservatives would not commit the act of harming the emperor, like tamed dogs—even if beaten to death, they wouldn’t know to bite through the leash and escape.

Even if Shen Jue were to die, he could... return under a new identity.

He believed Zhongli Jin would definitely seek out that Taoist Zhang, to calculate that there was another person in this world who had altered their fate, and thus find him.

So Shen Jue was not afraid.

At dinner time, Shen Xiaonian, who should have come to greet him as usual, did not arrive. Shen Jue could almost be certain that Shen Xiaonian had indeed been taken by those people.

Zhongli Jin wouldn’t detain or divert Shen Xiaonian without cause, but given his fragile mental state, he might not inform Shen Jue of Shen Xiaonian’s disappearance, instead quietly sending someone to retrieve him.

That night, the person who came to accompany Shen Jue to rest was replaced by a palace maid who had been very close to Haitang.

The young girl hesitated to sleep on the small couch Shen Xiaonian had used; after all, he was a master, and a servant wouldn’t dare to sully a master’s belongings.

Shen Jue reassured her and casually asked why Shen Xiaonian had not come.

The young maid was a poor liar in front of Shen Jue; her deception was almost transparent.

Zhongli Jin, to avoid lying to him directly, might have others lie in his stead, but he would never deceive Shen Jue himself.

Shen Jue knew this well.

He couldn’t ignore such an obvious lie without arousing Zhongli Jin’s suspicion, so he pressed further, nearly bringing the young maid to tears before finally letting her go.

Shen Jue, with his kind heart, wouldn’t take his frustration out on an innocent person.

This way, it seemed more like he had noticed nothing.

But Zhongli Jin would not appear before him to explain, so Shen Jue would never get an answer.

And this delaying tactic could wait until Zhongli Jin found the person.

That night, too many people lay awake, unable to sleep peacefully.

Shen Jue, however, surprisingly fell asleep.

Perhaps it was due to continuous lack of sleep; even though he had slept for two or three hours the previous day, it was still not enough.

And no matter how much he worried about Shen Xiaonian, either Shen Xiaonian would be found by Zhongli Jin, or when the three-day deadline came, Shen Jue would go to exchange himself.

Shen Jue hoped for the former; Zhongli Jin was so capable, how could he not manage it.

But indeed, for three consecutive days, he had not seen Shen Xiaonian again.

"Tonight, call Operative One over," Shen Jue said to the air.

After nightfall, all the palace servants had retired, even the maid sleeping on the small couch by the bed was sound asleep, and Shen Jue saw the canopy above him move slightly.

"Come in," he whispered.

A figure clad in black appeared before him.

"Get me a set of night clothes and a black cloak, and make sure no one finds out," Shen Jue ordered.

After spending so much time together, Shen Jue had tested and confirmed that the other person only followed his orders. Matters he didn't want Zhongli Jin to know about were never leaked.

Shen Jue silently apologized in his heart.

After changing clothes, Shen Jue, with the help of Number One, smoothly entered the secret passage. However, as soon as he entered, Number One disappeared.

Shen Jue: "..."

This guy really doesn't know how to adapt! His command was for Number One to stealthily get him into the secret passage, and the other party really only got him into the passage!

At least escort him to the destination...

However, although he could no longer see the other party, Shen Jue was sure that they were still following him.

Forget it, no point in arguing with a robot.

System 626 protested in his mind, clearly unhappy: "Number One is not an ordinary machine; it is the most advanced among all systems! The closest to human nature!"

Shen Jue was speechless: "The Number One I'm talking about is not the Number One you're talking about."

Then he added: "By your logic, what about Number Zero?"

Shen Jue vaguely remembered that the most formidable in the entire Book Crossing Bureau was Number Zero, who served the main space exclusively.

After all, Number One serves the employees, while Number Zero serves the main space, so naturally, it must be the best.

System 626 was left speechless.

Indeed, if we're talking about truly powerful systems, it must undoubtedly be Number Zero! Why does it revere Number One more than Number Zero? Probably because Number Zero rarely appears in public view, as it is completely out of their reach, no matter how powerful, it doesn't feel real.

System 626 thought so.

They, one person and one system, walked in the dim and lightless tunnel, only able to chat with each other in their minds.

The secret passage, unused for years and poorly ventilated, was filled with an inescapable musty and damp smell.

Shen Jue wasn't sure how long he walked by the faint light of the fire starter before he finally saw a dark figure ahead.

"Pardon me, Your Majesty," the other person said, pulling out a black bag, clearly meant for Shen Jue to put over his head.

Shen Jue wasn't particular about these things, but what surprised him was that even the "sack" for his head was made of top-grade silk, smooth and warm to the touch, with a subtle fragrance, and very breathable, not feeling stuffy at all when worn.

It seemed Zhongli Jin's analysis was correct. Even when threatening him, these people would not easily mistreat him.

His life might just be spared.

After putting on the hood, Shen Jue couldn't move easily, and the other party even prepared a sedan chair to carry him.

It seemed these people weren't here to kidnap him; their old-fashioned ways had their perks, treating him with respect even in this situation.

He didn't know how much time had passed before the smell in the secret passage completely dissipated.

After all, the palace grounds were too vast, so even after all this time, they had just emerged from the secret passage and hadn't left the palace yet.

Shen Jue could almost see the sun rising outside the silk hood, yet they still hadn't reached their destination.

Why don't you call a carriage, or even ride a horse? He even doubted they would arrive before nightfall.

What started as a jest in his heart, Shen Jue eventually did get into a carriage.

The other party had even prepared food for him.

Shen Jue felt he must be the most well-treated hostage in the world.

Once seated in the carriage, it was a good half day's journey. Though long, with modern transportation, it would only take about two hours to reach the palace.

When the sun set, Shen Jue finally got off the carriage.

He immediately saw Shen Xiaonian bound and gagged on the opposite side. Seeing him, Shen Xiaonian shook his head fiercely, eyes wide with desperation, urging him to leave.

Shen Jue let out a sigh of relief, stepped forward, and gently brushed the disheveled hair from the young man's ear.

"Don't worry, they won't hurt me," Shen Jue said. "Go back and tell Zhongli Jin that no matter what happens, wait for me."

Bound by the will of the world, Shen Jue could only speak to this extent. He hoped Zhongli Jin would understand his meaning: no matter life or death, he would return to find him.

Shen Xiaonian looked at him almost pleadingly, shaking his head vigorously, his eyes red as if bleeding, wishing he could trade places with Shen Jue.

"I will go with you, but I have one request," Shen Jue said to the others. "Ensure that Shen Xiaonian is returned safely and unharmed."

The older man beside him bowed to Shen Jue. "Of course, Your Majesty. However..."

Shen Jue frowned. "Zhou Shaogong, please speak your mind."

Though not very familiar, Shen Jue still recognized a couple of these people, including the Zhou Shaogong who had just spoken, who held the highest rank among those present.

The person who spoke to discuss conditions indicated that he was the leader of the group.

"Your Majesty, your Covert Guards..."

Shen Jue sighed lightly, apparently showing his displeasure. However, it wasn't entirely unreasonable for them to bar his Covert Guards from accompanying him.

After all, these Covert Guards were trained by Zhongli Jin, so it was normal for them to be distrusted.

"Come out, all of you." As soon as Shen Jue finished speaking, two figures stepped out of the shadows.

The group was clearly seeing such stealthy individuals for the first time, and some even jumped in surprise.

"Only two?" Zhou Shaoqing asked skeptically.

"Did you not hear my words just now? I ordered everyone to step forward," Shen Jue frowned, clearly displeased with such doubt. "Or do you think these Covert Guards are like cabbages that can be picked anywhere? They serve only me. Does Zhongli Jin not want them for himself?"

The old man was somewhat chagrined by Shen Jue's sharp reply.

"You two, escort Shen Xiaonian back to the palace. Even if it costs your lives, ensure he returns safely. Do you understand?" Shen Jue said sternly.

The two Covert Guards showed no hesitation, dropping to one knee to accept the order.

Seeing how obediently the two Covert Guards followed Shen Jue's orders without any questioning, the group's doubts lessened somewhat, though they did not fully trust Shen Jue's words.

The old man surnamed Zhou gave a subtle glance to someone beside him, and soon, someone slipped away unnoticed.

"Your Majesty, this way, please," Zhou Shaoqing respectfully gestured to lead the way.

"I will watch Shen Xiaonian return. You cannot send your people; only my two Covert Guards will escort him," Shen Jue said.

The people around exchanged glances, but no one spoke.

"Your Majesty, once we leave, someone will naturally escort Prince Jingchen back to the palace," said Zhou Shaoqing.

"I am not discussing this with you; this is an imperial decree!" Shen Jue adopted a haughty, unyielding demeanor.

"Your Majesty, the night road is hard to navigate. This old minister suggests sending only four people to guide His Highness the Prince, how about that?" Zhou Shaoqing bargained.

The reason for sending four people was to leave three to entangle with Shen Xiaonian and the two Covert Guards, in case something went wrong on the road, one could escape to inform them.

Shen Jue frowned, as if enduring the rudeness of these people, but finally relented.

"Have them escorted away immediately."

"Yes," Zhou Shaoqing replied respectfully.

Soon, four people positioned themselves around Shen Xiaonian and the two Covert Guards, escorting them away.

Shen Jue kept watching until the carriage disappeared into the night, no longer visible, before he withdrew his gaze.

"Your Majesty, let's set off," Zhou Shaoqing said with utmost respect.

Throughout, the decorum was flawless. If one didn't know that Shen Jue was a hostage, they might have thought they were on an incognito private visit.

Shen Jue boarded the carriage, and the group moved swiftly under the moonlight.

After traveling a distance by carriage, Shen Jue was made to dismount and switch to horseback. They split into several paths, leaving the carriage behind, and even on the carriage, Shen Jue was forced to change clothes and use new incense, so even if Zhongli Jin sent people to chase, they would lose direction.

Shen Jue complied without resistance throughout, to the extent that Zhou Shaoqing began to suspect if he truly wanted to reclaim the power from Zhongli Jin.

They had heard that Zhongli Jin and Shen Jue had an unusual relationship, even indulging in nightly revelries. However, as a man, submitting to another man and being constantly restrained, Shen Jue must have long harbored resentment towards Zhongli Jin.

Even when he discovered their spies, he pretended not to see and did not alert Zhongli Jin.

This time, their plan might go very smoothly.

The group galloped on horseback for a while before arriving at a temporary resting hut in the wilderness.

A cunning rabbit has three burrows; they needed to change their method again to confuse Zhongli Jin's surveillance.

The incident happened in an instant.

A black-clad assassin, emerging from the shadows, swiftly killed the nearest person after entering the thatched hut. The victim collapsed silently, without a sound.

The six or seven companions were all panicked, not expecting Zhongli Jin's people to catch up so quickly!

But after killing the person in front, the assassin directly targeted Shen Jue in the crowd.

"Shield the Emperor!" Zhou Shaoqing shouted, but there was no panic in his eyes.

This was a trap he set to see if any Covert Guards would come to Shen Jue's rescue in a critical moment.

Although two Covert Guards had appeared earlier, more than Zhou Shaoqing had expected.

Zhou Shaoqing had heard that the Covert Guards trained by Zhongli Jin could fight a hundred and take heads from a thousand miles away.

While somewhat exaggerated, the skills of these Covert Guards were indeed extraordinary. For example, they had been cautious enough to take Shen Jue so far, with full alertness along the way, yet the other side still managed to break through and appear unnoticed.

Such Covert Guards, Zhou Shaoqing didn't think could be casually trained in large numbers. As Shen Jue said, Zhongli Jin should also arrange some for himself. No matter how strong the Covert Guards are, they are still human and need rest. Tonight, having two Covert Guards appear by Shen Jue's side already exceeded Zhou Shaoqing's expectations.

It seems that Zhongli Jin truly cherishes his favorite plaything.

But this puppet emperor is also foolish, actually sending all his Covert Guards to escort that prince. After all, Shen Xiaonian is not Shen Jue's own son. Such indecisiveness... makes him an easy target for manipulation.

However, even though he was convinced that there were only those two Covert Guards around Shen Jue, Zhou Shaoqing still kept a wary eye. All's fair in war, and the inherently suspicious Zhou Shaoqing deliberately arranged this drama, pretending that Shen Jue was being assassinated, to see if he could flush out any remaining Covert Guards.

"Those who block me, die!" the assassin declared. "I only want the life of this cowardly dog emperor. Everyone else, step aside!"

The people shielding Shen Jue, though hesitant, were bound by their outdated beliefs, unable to break free from the mental confinement of many years. Even in the face of death, they chose to stand in front of Shen Jue.

Unaware that the assassin was orchestrated by Zhou Shaoqing, some of these people trembled with fear but still refused to move away from Shen Jue.

Such blind devotion.

Shen Jue felt somewhat helpless. These people might really be as Zhongli Jin said—they would never take his life.

Seeing the situation deteriorate, the assassin glanced toward Zhou Shaoqing at the back of the crowd, his gaze questioning.

Zhou Shaoqing quickly gave the command to kill a few more in an attempt to flush out any remaining Covert Guards.

Two more heads rolled, and as the assassin was about to reach Shen Jue, Zhou Shaoqing was finally about to call it off.

But before he could utter a word, the assassin suddenly stiffened, a crimson dot blossoming between his eyebrows, and then he collapsed to the ground, lifeless.

One, two, three... the people around Shen Jue fell in succession.

It was the Covert Guard!

Zhou Shaoqing had no time to make a sound, to call out his men hidden around, before his eyes dimmed and he fell down.

Out of the shadows stepped a tall, imposing figure, who then stopped in front of Shen Jue.

This individual clearly had a mind of his own, not entirely subservient to his commands.