Chapter Thirteen: The Assassin’s Audacity Knows No Bounds!

“Go ask what’s going on,” Li Chengqian’s face immediately darkened.

Recently, the Eastern Palace had truly become a season of troubles. First came an assassination attempt, then the assassin himself was mysteriously killed.

Despite extensive searching, the assassin remained at large, which was a great embarrassment for Li Chengqian, the Crown Prince and heir to the Tang Dynasty throne.

Just as peace seemed to return, disaster struck again outside.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Yang Jiguang hurried out of the tent.

Soon, guards rushed in, their faces full of helplessness. “Reporting to Commander Yang, two guards have been slain by the assassin!”

“What?” Yang Jiguang exploded with rage.

The assassin was audacious, but he had never seen such brazen recklessness before. This was courting death on the emperor’s doorstep.

“Search with all your might! Do not let the assassin escape! From this moment, the Eastern Palace is under lockdown—no one is to approach the Crown Prince,” Yang Jiguang ordered sharply.

“Yes, Commander Yang!” the guards responded and turned to carry out the command.

“Wait!” Li Chengqian stepped out swiftly. “Seal the palace gates, forbid entry and exit temporarily, but beyond that, maintain normalcy as usual.”

“Your Highness, shall we allow the assassin to continue his arrogance?” Yang Jiguang protested, unwilling to accept the plan.

“I have my own strategy. Follow my orders. We’ll tighten security internally but appear relaxed externally. For example, around me, it will seem as though there are no guards, but in reality, the defenses will be impregnable.”

“If the assassin dares to act again, he will pay dearly. I’m certain he will come back,” Li Chengqian said, patting Yang Jiguang’s shoulder with a faint smile.

“Yes, Your Highness. That silver needle just now was formidable. I fear the assassin will employ more hidden weapons,” Yang Jiguang said, worry etched on his face as he looked to Li Chengqian.

“Fear what? I’m not made of clay. Besides, you all are here to protect me at every moment!” Li Chengqian’s voice rose sharply, glancing at Yang Jiguang and Lu Liangping.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Lu Liangping straightened his chest, brimming with confidence.

“Yes, Your Highness, I understand,” Yang Jiguang perked up, agreeing promptly.

As they spoke, preparations were underway with urgency. Though all seemed calm, beneath the surface, dark currents swirled. The power behind these events was far stronger than either man expected.

Li Chengqian had already sensed the true force behind the assassin was not the assassin alone. Even in the entire capital, few dared attempt an assassination against the Crown Prince.

Though not as challenging as targeting the emperor himself, the Eastern Palace’s defenses were top-notch. Assassination was not something one could attempt lightly.

In recent times, Li Chengqian had intensified training, found loyal warriors, and eliminated dangerous elements like He Gan Chengji. The Eastern Palace was steadily moving toward stability.

“Do not worry, I will take care of myself,” Li Chengqian reassured them with a gentle smile, easing the tense atmosphere.

“Yes, Your Highness, we understand,” Lu Liangping and Yang Jiguang relaxed slightly and bowed in acknowledgment.

Though Lu Liangping spoke lightly, inside he was anxious. The responsibility of protecting the Crown Prince was a burden only those involved truly understood.

At this moment, Lu Liangping only wished to guard the Crown Prince safely; nothing else mattered.

Just then, another guard came running in. “Your Highness, two more guards have died—no wounds on their bodies.”

A collective gasp arose among the guards—fear ignited in their hearts, a natural response to such a chilling revelation.

Li Chengqian raised his head and looked at them. “Are you all afraid?”

“Reporting, Your Highness, w-we are not… afraid…” they stammered in unison, their voices betraying their lack of courage.

They were not merely afraid; they were utterly terrified.

“Do not fear. They lurk in the shadows, but we stand in the light,” Li Chengqian said firmly.

“Lu Liangping, Yang Jiguang, come in. I have something to discuss. The rest stay outside,” he said, his expression turning serious as he entered a side chamber.

The two hurried after him.

“What is our plan?” Li Chengqian asked once inside.

“Your Highness, this assassin clings like a stubborn leech, making matters very difficult. We are ashamed and ask for your guidance,” Yang Jiguang replied, furrowing his brow.

“This is simple: find a guard who looks very similar to me, then I will…” Li Chengqian’s voice lowered, a sharp glint in his eyes.

“That’s brilliant, Your Highness! Why didn’t we think of this sooner?” Lu Liangping exclaimed, nearly leaping with excitement.

“Your Highness, I admire you immensely. This will lessen our burden and allow us to observe in secret,” Yang Jiguang added happily.

“I had thought of this plan long ago but hesitated to use it, not wanting my guards to die for me,” Li Chengqian said solemnly, making a firm decision. “But now, I have no choice. These assassins are not acting alone. If my guess is right, at least five of them are here, likely coordinating.”

“Five? But there should only be two, right?” Yang Jiguang’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Two? Impossible!” Li Chengqian countered. “If there were only two, one died already, leaving just one. How could he have the energy and time to commit these acts? It’s suicide, utterly impossible to succeed.”

“Your wisdom humbles me, Your Highness! We realize now you are not only a favored son of heaven but a master strategist,” Lu Liangping and Yang Jiguang bowed deeply.

“Act immediately. Find two doubles and disguise them to look like me,” Li Chengqian said earnestly. “Yang Jiguang, you will protect the doubles—our ‘Crown Princes’—with great fanfare so all guards know who you protect. Lu Liangping, you are deputy commander and will stay by my side.”

“Yes, Your Highness! I understand,” Yang Jiguang said, relieved.

This greatly reduced the risk. Even if a double died, the Eastern Palace would not suffer much. But if the real Crown Prince were harmed, the consequences would be catastrophic for all.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Lu Liangping agreed promptly.

“Proceed at once. Keep this secret between us three. Even the doubles must not know too much, for their own safety,” Li Chengqian emphasized.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Yang Jiguang replied and left.

Shortly after, Yang Jiguang returned with a guard who bore a striking resemblance to Li Chengqian—matching in brows, eyes, height—practically a second Crown Prince.

“Greetings, Your Highness,” the guard trembled and knelt.

“Rise,” Li Chengqian gestured. “Do you know why I summoned you?”

“I am dull-witted, Your Highness. Please instruct me,” the guard stammered.

“You are lucky. From today, you will impersonate me—‘the Crown Prince,’” Yang Jiguang added quickly.

“Exactly. You look nearly identical to me. From now on, you are the Crown Prince. I will ensure you are treated with the highest honors. But know this: all your actions will be closely monitored,” Li Chengqian said sincerely.

“Your Highness, I dare not overstep,” the guard said, trembling and weeping softly.

“Do not fear. This is a great honor. From the moment you step out, I will provide the finest food, clothing, and everything else. But be warned—the Eastern Palace is unsafe. Assassins seek my life,” Li Chengqian sighed, his expression grave. “I have no better plan. Only this way can the palace be secure, and the assassins won’t reveal their hand.”

“Your Highness, I understand and accept. I am willing to face fire and water for you, even death,” the guard declared with unwavering resolve.

“It’s not absolute danger. I will provide soft armor. Follow Commander Yang to collect it; he has another one,” Li Chengqian assured.

“Thank you, Your Highness. I will do my utmost to play this role well,” the guard said firmly.

Li Chengqian had always treated his men well, especially now with the assassins’ brazen attacks. He was willing to let this man shield him from harm with heartfelt sincerity.

“After this is over, you will be richly rewarded. And if, by chance, you fall, your family shall live in honor and prosperity. I will ensure you receive a general’s funeral,” Li Chengqian promised.

“Your Highness, I am deeply grateful. I understand fully,” the guard said, eyes shining with gratitude.

“Come, rise, Crown Prince!” Li Chengqian smiled, personally helping the guard to his feet.

“Your Highness, I dare not—”

“No. From now on, you are the Crown Prince. Anyone in the Eastern Palace must pay you respect,” Li Chengqian said warmly, holding the guard’s hand.

“Yes, Your Highness. I understand,” the guard calmed and prepared to embrace his new role.

“Commander Yang, arrange everything immediately. The Crown Prince’s clothes are here, and you will take him to collect the armor. Ensure his absolute safety,” Li Chengqian instructed, pointing to a chest behind him.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Yang Jiguang responded, retrieving the Crown Prince’s clothes and dressing the guard.

Once dressed, the guard was a perfect double of Li Chengqian. Anyone not intimately familiar with the Crown Prince would be fooled.

Even Yang Jiguang and others could not detect any flaw.

“Well done. From now on, you look even more like the Crown Prince,” Li Chengqian said with a cheerful smile as he removed his own clothes and donned the guard’s uniform. “This will be mine from now on—I am Lu Liangping’s guard.”

“Your Highness, this…” Lu Liangping was shocked but then laughed heartily. “Your Highness, you have endured much lately.”

“What’s a little hardship? From today, I step back from the spotlight. Everything will be fine,” Li Chengqian said calmly, smiling lightly.

Now, feeling relaxed, the Crown Prince was about to become a mere guard. This role suited him better to secretly oversee everything in the Eastern Palace.

Behind the scenes, one sees more clearly than on the stage.

Everything was within plan and under control.

Li Chengqian waved his hand. Yang Jiguang and others understood immediately, helping him change out of the Crown Prince’s robes into guard attire.

“Your Highness, you look quite dashing in this uniform!” Yang Jiguang said, bowing respectfully.

“From today forward, all matters in the Eastern Palace will be handled through this room. I will be here most of the time,” Li Chengqian said earnestly.

“Yes, Your Highness. We understand,” Yang Jiguang and the others bowed eagerly.

“Now, you may leave with the ‘Crown Prince’,” Li Chengqian said with a smile.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Yang Jiguang said, leading the double out.

Outside, Yang Jiguang breathed deeply, feeling the air was unusually clear today.

It had been a long time since he felt this way. Before, he protected the real Crown Prince; now, protecting this ‘Crown Prince’ was far easier.

At this moment, Yang Jiguang inhaled deeply, renewed and ready for action.

The ‘Crown Prince’ was initially hesitant but soon adapted.

Many guards bowed when they saw him, including some officials of the Crown Prince’s household.

This was a feeling the double had never known before.

“Your Highness, this way,” Yang Jiguang said, bowing respectfully.

“Let’s catch that assassin. He’s too brazen; he must be taught a lesson,” the ‘Crown Prince’ said as they approached a secret chamber.

Soon, Yang Jiguang retrieved a piece of soft armor from inside—a treasured item of Li Chengqian’s.

There were only three sets of such armor in the entire residence: one worn by Li Chengqian, one by Su Yuyan, and the third reserved for this purpose.

To protect the ‘Crown Prince,’ Li Chengqian spared no effort.

The soft armor was impervious to blades and spears, and often deflected darts and other hidden weapons.

It was double-layered and meticulously crafted inside and out.

“Your Highness, this is the soft armor. Put it on,” Yang Jiguang said, handing it to the double.

“Yes, Commander Yang,” the ‘Crown Prince’ said, still adjusting.

“From now on, you must remember: you are the Crown Prince. Always carry yourself with dignity, even when meeting the real Crown Prince. Understand?” Yang Jiguang advised urgently.

“Yes…” The ‘Crown Prince’ was still getting used to it.

“Zhao Hu—no, Your Highness, remember, you are the Crown Prince,” Yang Jiguang’s voice rose significantly.

“Commander Yang, help me change!” Zhao Hu finally relaxed somewhat.

“Yes, Your Highness. Always refer to yourself as ‘I’ or ‘we’ in the royal first-person,” Yang Jiguang said approvingly. “Only then can we pull off this ruse. Otherwise, it will be a failure.”

Yang Jiguang quickly helped Zhao Hu don the soft armor and then dressed him in the Crown Prince’s robes.

“Crown Prince, prepare to depart!” Yang Jiguang called loudly.

Soon, a sedan chair was brought outside and placed before Zhao Hu.

Without looking up, he stepped in steadily.

Yang Jiguang scanned the surroundings vigilantly, alert to every movement. There was no room for slack.

He had to give his all to find and capture the assassins to ensure the safety of the Eastern Palace.

But the assassins were cunning. This last-ditch scheme was a major move, using the sedan chair to draw their attention and capture them directly.

Just as Zhao Hu was about to settle inside, suddenly—*swish!*

Yang Jiguang shouted, “Trouble!” He instantly realized someone was attacking the ‘Crown Prince.’

Sure enough, a feathered arrow shot directly at Zhao Hu.

Yang Jiguang was ready; he drew his great blade and struck the arrow away.

*Clang!*

The arrow clattered to the ground.

Looking up, Yang Jiguang spotted an assassin on a nearby rooftop.

“Capture the assassin!” he shouted.

The guards of the Crown Prince’s residence sprang into action immediately.