Chapter Eleven: The Assassin

At that moment, Su Yuyan truly did not understand what was happening.

“My beloved, let us eat first. After the meal, I shall naturally tell you everything,” Li Chengqian said hastily, fearing to disturb Su Yuyan’s refined mood, quickly closing his mouth.

“Your Highness, are you just teasing me? Do tell me,” Su Yuyan coquettishly urged.

If this had been before, no matter how brave she was, Su Yuyan wouldn’t dare to act so boldly. But now, favored as she was, her courage naturally swelled.

Li Chengqian had indeed been doting on Su Yuyan lately, so he hurriedly comforted her.

“Very well, I shall tell you,” Li Chengqian gently patted Su Yuyan’s shoulder and continued, “This matter of mine has certainly aroused the jealousy of Li Tai and others, so you must be wary of Li Tai during this time.”

“Your Highness, you are all brothers—must it come to this?” Su Yuyan widened her eyes, unable to believe Li Chengqian’s words.

“My dearest, have you forgotten how many have slaughtered one another for the throne throughout history? Many such events remain unrecorded and are relegated to unofficial histories, but no matter how much one tries to conceal, the truth always remains.”

“Whether father and son or brothers, in the face of the throne, bonds of kinship and affection are never truly steadfast.”

Li Chengqian’s voice dropped low, especially on the word “brothers.”

This was the most taboo topic in the Tang Empire. Anyone with some knowledge of the Tang would understand that the reigning Emperor Taizong, Li Shimin, had ascended the throne through fratricide and patricide.

Though Su Yuyan was but a woman, she quickly grasped Li Chengqian’s meaning.

She knew something of the current Emperor Li Shimin; his ascension was far from legitimate, yet it did not diminish his reign’s golden era—the Reign of Zhenguan.

Li Shimin was arguably the most outstanding emperor among all, and also the most skilled in warfare.

Yet, no matter how one wrote it, the fact remained that Li Shimin’s rise to the throne was illegitimate.

The outcome could never be changed.

A chill ran down Su Yuyan’s spine as she understood everything. She smiled gently, “Your Highness, I understand. From today onward, I shall trust only those I deem most reliable.”

“That is right. One must not harbor malicious intent, but one must always be wary of others! This is the way to win. Without vigilance, one will suffer losses—great losses,” Li Chengqian said, placing a piece of cherry pork into Su Yuyan’s mouth.

At that moment, all happiness was etched upon Su Yuyan’s face.

The Crown Prince Li Chengqian, so noble in status, was now showering Su Yuyan with utmost affection.

“Your Highness, please do not humble yourself to take care of me. It is only proper that I serve you,” Su Yuyan said, quickly peeling a large prawn and gently offering it to Li Chengqian’s lips.

“You still care for me, my beloved,” Li Chengqian smiled playfully, then swallowed the prawn in one bite. “But I too must cherish you dearly.”

“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am deeply grateful.”

In that instant, their feelings intensified rapidly.

Just then, outside the Crown Princess’s chamber, a shadowy figure suddenly passed by.

Li Chengqian’s brow furrowed immediately. Before he could react further, chaos erupted outside Su Yuyan’s chamber.

“Catch the assassin!”

Amidst the turmoil, many guards sprang into action.

Indeed, they had found the shadow.

“Your Highness, is that truly an assassin? I am frightened!” Su Yuyan exclaimed.

“Do not worry. I have already set an impenetrable net outside. News will come soon enough,” Li Chengqian said softly, pulling Su Yuyan into his embrace with a faint smile.

“Your Highness, you only brought a few guards into my chamber and yet I see no more guards around...” Su Yuyan exclaimed, surprised.

“Rest assured, my beloved. As long as I am here, you have nothing to fear.”

“Yes, Crown Prince. I trust you,” Su Yuyan buried her head deeply into Li Chengqian’s chest.

With Li Chengqian’s reassurance, Su Yuyan gradually calmed.

Not long after, a familiar voice came from outside.

“Crown Prince, the assassin has been captured.”

Li Chengqian immediately recognized the voice as Yang Jiguang’s.

He had anticipated possible threats and arranged for Yang Jiguang to guard him closely. Thus, the assassin was caught swiftly.

“Bring him to the adjoining room. I shall come at once,” Li Chengqian said sternly, then turned to Su Yuyan.

“Do not fear, my beloved. Stay here. I shall order guards to protect your chamber. No harm will come to you.”

“Please also be careful, Your Highness,” Su Yuyan hesitated to reach out and hold Li Chengqian’s hand, then withdrew it nervously.

As the Crown Princess, Su Yuyan knew well that Li Chengqian would not belong to her alone. He had greater missions and responsibilities to fulfill.

“Do not worry. I will return soon,” Li Chengqian said, then turned and left.

Just outside, he met Yang Jiguang, who had been waiting.

“Crown Prince, you were right. Someone indeed wishes harm upon you and the Crown Princess,” Yang Jiguang said, admiration glowing on his face.

“That is to be expected,” Li Chengqian said nonchalantly, then lifted his head. “Lead me. I want to interrogate him personally.”

“Yes, Crown Prince,” Yang Jiguang replied, hastening ahead.

---

Soon, Li Chengqian and Yang Jiguang arrived at the room where the assassin was held.

“He’s right here, Your Highness. Be careful; he’s fierce. Several have tried questioning him, but he has said nothing,” Yang Jiguang reported fiercely after glancing inside.

“The clue you’ve provided is important, but I am not afraid. The fiercer they are, the more I like and admire them,” Li Chengqian said as he slowly approached the room.

“Your Highness, take care,” Yang Jiguang called out anxiously, rushing to Li Chengqian’s side to shield him.

“Fear not! A petty thief like him can’t harm me. Or rather, no one capable of harming me has yet been born,” Li Chengqian jested, stepping inside.

Yang Jiguang’s heart pounded as he gripped his sword tightly, ready to protect the prince.

Inside, the assassin stood handcuffed and shackled before Li Chengqian.

“Who sent you to assassinate me?” Li Chengqian asked in a low voice, each word laden with intimidation.

The assassin slowly lifted his head, glared fiercely at Li Chengqian, then sneered disdainfully before bowing his head in silence.

“Are you refusing to cooperate?” Li Chengqian’s voice suddenly rose, his gaze piercing the assassin.

Angered, Li Chengqian signaled Yang Jiguang.

Yang Jiguang immediately understood and stepped forward behind the assassin, voice cold, “Are you deaf or mute? The Crown Prince is speaking to you!”

Yet the assassin remained indifferent, burying his head deeper.

Yang Jiguang was less restrained than Li Chengqian, who maintained princely decorum.

Unable to tolerate further, Yang Jiguang raised his foot and delivered a harsh kick to the assassin’s calf.

The assassin, caught unprepared, staggered forward, stumbled, and fell to his knees before Li Chengqian, bowing his head in submission.

“That’s better. If you’d behaved sooner, Commander Yang wouldn’t have needed to kick you,” Li Chengqian chuckled. “Now, can you speak?”

Yang Jiguang quietly stepped behind the assassin again and kicked him once more, this time firmly.

“The prince is asking you a question. If I find you’re not mute, I will make sure you become one,” he warned sharply.

The assassin froze, realizing Yang Jiguang was serious and might indeed cut out his tongue.

“Didn’t hear me, huh?” Yang Jiguang grew impatient, drawing a short knife from his waist and flashing it before the assassin’s face. “Want me to draw some blood?”

The assassin weakened, thinking this might be real.

Cunning though he was, he hoped to bluff his way through.

But soon disappointment crept over him as a sharp pain spread across his face.

Yang Jiguang’s patience had reached its limit. He lightly slashed the assassin’s face with the blade, and blood slowly oozed out.

It was clearly a superficial cut—a warning rather than a full assault.

Still, the pain overwhelmed the assassin, his facial muscles contorting in agony.

“How’s that feel? If you still don’t open your mouth, I’ll pry it open and cut out your tongue,” Yang Jiguang threatened, waving the shining blade.

This time, the assassin, already sore from the cut, hastily opened his mouth. “Wait, I’ll speak...”

Having learned his lesson, the assassin became much more compliant.

“Release him. Let him speak,” Li Chengqian said coldly, nodding at the assassin.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Yang Jiguang quickly complied, sheathing the short knife and drawing his sword, placing it behind the assassin.

Two other guards approached, swords drawn, ready to strike.

The assassin was thoroughly frightened, never having expected such intimidation.

Though battle-hardened and daring, he quickly became docile under their pressure.

“Your Highness, I told them to stand back a bit. I’m a little afraid...” the assassin said, eyes flickering with fear.

Li Chengqian sneered inwardly. This ruthless killer still knew fear. The notion was laughable.

“Step back a little, let him speak,” Li Chengqian said with a slight smile, signaling Yang Jiguang.

The assassin opened his mouth, determined to tell the truth. “Your Highness, it was Wei—”

Suddenly, his voice stopped.

Li Chengqian’s heart skipped. He looked up sharply and saw the assassin’s face frozen in disbelief, mouth agape.

“Quick! See what’s wrong!” Li Chengqian shouted.

Yang Jiguang rushed over, checked the assassin’s breath, and shook his head helplessly.

“Your Highness, I beg forgiveness. This assassin has...,” Yang Jiguang motioned to his own neck.

The meaning was clear: the assassin had died suddenly.

“What happened? To die before me—do we still have loyal guards in the Crown Prince’s residence?” Li Chengqian roared in fury, flinging the jade ruyi scepter to the ground.

---

“Crown Prince, please calm yourself. This is my fault,” Yang Jiguang knelt, terrified.

Although he had been by Li Chengqian’s side the entire time and carefully arranged security, how could this sudden death occur?

From the assassin’s condition, it was either suicide or foul play—an assassination.

The killer was cunning; no clue was found in the room.

Yang Jiguang hurried outside and spotted a figure on the rooftop.

Though nighttime, he had captured this invaluable information.

“Protect the prince. Others, pursue me. Seal the Crown Prince’s residence. No one is allowed in or out.”

The situation was urgent; Yang Jiguang acted swiftly.

The guards split into two groups: one to chase the new assassin with Yang Jiguang, the other to remain with Li Chengqian, guarding him.

Everyone began intense, coordinated operations, fully aware of the gravity.

Who had the audacity to strike within the Crown Prince’s residence?

First came an assassin targeting Li Chengqian, spotted by the prince himself.

The guards were skilled and caught the man quickly.

But during interrogation, the assassin suddenly died.

Though the injury was minor, the insult was grave.

Yang Jiguang and others searched the residence rapidly and noisily.

The palace gates were tightly sealed, guards patrolled firmly, allowing no entry or exit.

Yang Jiguang led dozens of guards in a thorough search.

This was a matter of utmost importance, threatening the prince’s safety.

They also deployed numerous hidden watchers to observe everyone’s movements.

---

Li Chengqian entered a room inside the residence and had the dead assassin carried in.

The assassin could not die mysteriously; this was a critical clue. Li Chengqian was determined to follow the trail and expose the mastermind behind it all.

Only then could the residence be secure, especially with Crown Princess Su Yuyan living there.

Today’s assassin likely targeted Su Yuyan but did not expect Li Chengqian was present.

By chance, Li Chengqian’s glance caught the assassin’s shadow.

He firmly believed there were more than one assassin—two, three, or even more.

“This must be a coordinated gang, hiding a dark and tremendous conspiracy,” Li Chengqian thought as he examined the assassin’s body carefully.

Regrettably, despite repeated checks, he found no injuries.

Even more bizarrely, the assassin’s mouth was intact, ruling out suicide by biting the tongue. It must have been external force.

He examined the arms, legs, waist, chest—again and again, but all in vain.

Li Chengqian had anticipated this. Though lacking modern surveillance or 21st-century technology, assassinations in the Tang were often clean and efficient.

Today, he had witnessed the assassin die just as he was about to reveal the truth.

This was no coincidence but a carefully orchestrated act.

He thought he heard the word “Wei” — could it be the work of Prince Wei Li Tai?

He knew his position was precarious; Li Tai might strike first to seize power by eliminating the Crown Prince.

This was highly possible, but unfortunately, there was no evidence—only Li Chengqian’s suspicion.

Pacing around the body, Li Chengqian searched repeatedly, hope fading with each futile attempt.

“Come over here and examine closely. Check for any wounds,” he ordered a few guards.

“I understand, Your Highness,” the guards responded, scrutinizing the body once more.

As expected, they found nothing.

Suddenly, a guard cried out in pain, clutching his right hand with his left and squatting down, face contorted.

“What is it?” Li Chengqian immediately alerted, looking toward the guard.

“My hand…” the guard said, revealing it covered in fresh blood.

Li Chengqian and the others were stunned, frozen in place.