Chapter 139
Chapter 139: Killing Intent
After Zeng Hai departed, a figure stepped out from the shadowed alley. He glanced briefly at Zeng Hai’s disappearing back, then shifted his gaze to the corpse of Li Zhu lying before him. After a thoughtful pause, he lifted the body and placed it in a more noticeable spot at the alley’s entrance.
With swift, graceful movements, he then turned and departed towards the outskirts of the Imperial Capital.
While secretly monitoring Zeng Hai, he had resolved many hidden threats for him. Without such silent aid, Zeng Hai might not have even escaped from the Heavenly Brocade Guard’s headquarters. Now, having completed his mission, it was time to rejoin the Commander. Moreover, he understood clearly that Shang Yang City was about to descend into turmoil.
…
The rooster crowed at dawn, and the sky had barely begun to brighten.
Right Chancellor Ji Song, who had spent the night tossing restlessly on his bed, sleeping less than half an hour, slowly opened his eyes. Seeing this, a maidservant who had been attending nearby gently stepped forward to assist him in sitting upright.
Ji Song’s aged face was etched with exhaustion, and his dim eyes reflected little life. The recent loss of his two daughters had left him devastated, his heart burdened with deep sorrow.
“Someone, come.”
His hoarse voice sounded quietly. Immediately, a middle-aged steward entered quickly from outside and bowed respectfully. “Prime Minister, what are your orders for your servant?”
“Has there been any news from the Second Highness about Zhu’er?”
“Prime Minister, no news yet,” the steward replied, shaking his head gently.
Ji Song’s white brows knitted deeply upon hearing this, and his expression darkened further. It wasn’t that he blamed Second Prince Li Que for a lack of effort; rather, he understood well that the longer Li Zhu remained unfound, the more unpredictable things could become.
“Prepare my carriage. I must personally visit the Second Prince’s residence.”
Rising from the bed, Ji Song instructed the steward while signaling the maidservant to help him dress. Soon after, dressed in plain robes, Ji Song, assisted by servants, stepped outside the Third Prince’s mansion gate.
Just then, an ornate carriage swiftly approached along the street, slowing to a stop nearby. Second Prince Li Que lifted the curtain, looking curiously toward Ji Song, who was about to board his own carriage.
“Right Chancellor, where might you be heading?”
Ji Song waved a hand gently, signaling his attendants to pause, then turned and respectfully bowed to Li Que.
“This old official was just on his way to visit Your Highness.”
“Is this about my third younger brother?” Li Que stepped from his carriage onto the back of a servant and quickly approached Ji Song’s side. “Right Chancellor need not worry. My men are continuously watching the Heavenly Brocade Guard’s headquarters. According to our informants, that son of Concubine Jing was no longer inside their headquarters as of yesterday.”
“We are almost certain he escaped hidden within the carriage that left the city. Additionally, I’ve sent a powerful martial dao expert after them. We should receive good news before the end of today.”
Ji Song remained quiet for a moment, contemplating Li Que’s confident demeanor. He finally nodded slightly and bowed once more.
“I greatly appreciate Your Highness’s effort.”
Li Que immediately reached out to politely steady Ji Song, replying earnestly, “Right Chancellor, you are too courteous. Once my third younger brother returns safely, together we shall find the murderer and avenge your noble daughter.”
As Li Que spoke, a ruthless gleam flashed across his face.
“As for Concubine Jing’s son, do not trouble yourself. I promise he will receive the punishment he deserves.”
Ji Song’s eyes flickered subtly, and he bowed again solemnly.
“This old official shall forever remember Your Highness’s kindness.”
Li Que narrowed his eyes and returned the gesture equally solemnly.
“Your words alone are sufficient.”
They shared a meaningful glance without needing more words, understanding perfectly each other’s thoughts. Both knew clearly that Emperor Yuan Wu strictly forbade his two influential Chancellors from becoming involved in the struggles among princes. Ji Song would never openly violate such an edict, yet the subtle biases within his heart were inevitable. Sometimes, even his casual remarks in the Emperor’s presence could quietly affect the destiny of a prince.
“Your Highness came so early. Surely you haven’t had breakfast. If Your Highness doesn’t mind, please join this old official.”
At Ji Song’s invitation, Li Que readily agreed.
“It would be my honor.”
After instructing his attendants, Li Que prepared to accompany Ji Song into the mansion. However, as the morning light brightened, Li Que’s eyes caught sight of a strange figure lying awkwardly near the alleyway entrance close to the Third Prince’s mansion. On the empty morning street, the figure seemed disturbingly out of place.
“What drunken beggar lies there? Let him not die outside a prince’s residence, such an ill omen,” Li Que muttered irritably, frowning.
Ji Song glanced briefly at the direction Li Que indicated, then calmly instructed a servant, “Send someone to handle it.”
He then continued to escort Li Que inside for breakfast. A guard quickly went to remove the supposed drunkard, but moments later, a piercing scream shattered the quiet morning.
Soon afterward, the guard ran back frantically, stumbling as he chased Ji Song and Li Que, who hadn’t yet entered deeply into the mansion grounds.
“My lord… Your Highness… something terrible has happened!” His face was deathly pale, and his teeth chattered as he spoke.
Ji Song halted abruptly, turning to face the guard. A dreadful premonition gripped his heart.
“What did you say?”
The guard collapsed to his knees, trembling, pointing toward the alley.
“That body… belongs to the Third Prince!”
Upon hearing this, both the aged Ji Song and Li Que froze, stunned.
Li Que’s expression changed drastically. He lunged forward, grabbing the guard violently.
“How could this be?”
The terrified guard only shook his head, his face drained of color.
“I checked repeatedly—it is indeed the Third Prince…”
Before the guard finished, Ji Song, hunched and trembling, had already stumbled hurriedly toward the mansion’s entrance. Servants rushed to support him, only to be harshly waved away.
Li Que, observing Ji Song’s staggering figure, was momentarily conflicted before fiercely throwing the guard aside. The guard crashed into a nearby wall, cracking it and collapsing unconscious. Ignoring this, Li Que swiftly followed Ji Song.
Moments later, at the empty alleyway entrance, Ji Song stood hunched and lifeless, staring blankly at Li Zhu’s pale and cold corpse. He appeared utterly bereft, like a lifeless clay figure devoid of spirit.
Surrounding him were kneeling guards and servants, shivering silently.
Only Second Prince Li Que remained standing. His expression was dark, his eyes filled with disbelief, shock, and rage. He had believed Li Zhu still captive in Li Mu Sheng’s grasp, yet here lay Li Zhu’s lifeless body, cold and stark before him.
He had even confidently assured Ji Song moments ago that Li Zhu would soon return.
Yet now, fate’s slap came swiftly and mercilessly!
“Who could have done this? Who dares? Who dares strike down a prince within Shang Yang City?” Li Que roared, his face dark and stormy.
Slowly, he crouched beside Li Zhu’s corpse, his eyes reddened as he called out mournfully, “Third younger brother…third younger brother…”
Ji Song stood silently beside him. Cloudy tears streamed slowly down his deeply wrinkled face, yet his expression remained terrifyingly calm.
“Your Highness, please announce mourning within the palace. Order Shang Yang City sealed immediately. From this moment forth, no one shall enter or leave the Imperial Capital until the culprit who took Zhu’er’s life is found.”
Ji Song’s voice held no ripple of emotion. He did not look at Li Que, nor did he care whether the other man’s grief was genuine or feigned.
A prince had died. His grandson had died—the only son of his deceased daughter!
Right now, Ji Song had only one thought: vengeance. Everyone involved would pay with their lives.
At that moment, Li Que raised his tear-streaked face and turned toward Ji Song. “Right Chancellor, please accept my condolences. Whoever dared kill Third younger brother, I promise to have him executed by a thousand cuts.”
After speaking, Li Que swiftly rose, casting a chilling gaze upon those gathered around, before issuing rapid orders one after another.
Ji Song watched quietly as Li Que dispatched messengers throughout the Imperial Capital. Slowly turning, he gazed toward the headquarters of the Heavenly Brocade Guard. His aged eyes brimmed with a frightening, deadly intent as he murmured to himself:
“Fu Qi Wen, Li Mu Sheng, I will ensure you both suffer deaths without graves!”
Ji Song spoke softly, yet Li Que naturally heard him. Frowning slightly, Li Que addressed him carefully, “At the moment, we have no direct evidence proving…”
Before Li Que could finish, Ji Song interrupted abruptly, his tone leaving no room for debate:
“All signs point to them being involved in Zhu’er’s death. I want them dead, and I have no need for evidence!”
With that, Ji Song straightened his hunched form, bent over, and lifted Li Zhu’s corpse from the ground. Without another word, he carried the body steadily into the mansion.
Li Que’s expression shifted slightly. He watched the seemingly frail old man, who normally required assistance just to walk, yet now easily carried Li Zhu’s robust body.
Perhaps hatred or grief lent him such unbelievable strength.
…
Great Li Imperial Palace, Feng Yi Palace.
Draped in a luxurious purple robe and adorned with a glittering jade crown, the Great Li queen sat regally upon her gilded throne, a delicate porcelain cup held in her graceful hand. Her eyes swept coldly over Li Tian Yi, the chief eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial who had suddenly come seeking an audience. She frowned slightly, clearly displeased.
“Li Tian Yi, Concubine Ji’s murder remains unsolved. Instead of hunting down the culprit, why have you come to me? I am powerless to help you find a murderer.”
As she spoke, she lifted the porcelain cup gently to her lips, preparing to sip her tea.
Li Tian Yi, dressed in a splendid gold-threaded python robe, his thin face grave, cupped his hands respectfully and spoke in a somber tone, “Third Prince Li Zhu has died.”
At those words, the queen froze, her porcelain cup trembling violently in her grasp. Quickly, she turned toward Li Tian Yi, startled.
“What did you just say?”
“Second Prince just sent an urgent message. He reports that Third Prince was murdered and his body left lying in the street outside his own mansion. Upon hearing this, this servant immediately came to inform Your Majesty.”
Li Tian Yi’s white brows were tightly knitted as he slowly replied.
Hearing this, the queen’s expression became momentarily dazed. Quickly, she rose from her throne, her face growing terribly pale.
“Do you know who the killer is?”
Li Tian Yi shook his head slightly. “We do not yet know, but according to initial reports, the Heavenly Brocade Guard might be involved.”
At that, the queen’s brow furrowed deeply, but she asked no further questions. Her face changed rapidly as she pondered seriously for a moment. Immediately afterward, she issued commands to handle the aftermath of Li Zhu’s death, sending out numerous decrees from the palace to seal Shang Yang City and ordering all departments to apprehend the murderer.
Only after arranging everything did she look again at Li Tian Yi, who remained standing before her. Her expression uncertain, she murmured thoughtfully:
“First, Concubine Ji mysteriously died in the palace, and now her son, Li Zhu, has also been murdered. Whom exactly did mother and son provoke?”
She rubbed her forehead wearily, continuing:
“And to think this has all happened while His Majesty is secluded in cultivation. If I mishandle this, when His Majesty emerges, even I may suffer undeserved misfortune.”
Li Tian Yi lowered his gaze, pretending not to hear the queen’s complaints. After a moment, he gently nodded.
“Your Majesty, please rest assured. This servant has already dispatched skilled experts to reinforce palace security and will spare no effort in apprehending the murderer.”
Lifting his gaze slightly, Li Tian Yi continued:
“In fact, this servant wished to say that since Concubine Ji’s death was linked to her murderous cultivation methods, perhaps Third Prince’s death is related as well.”
“Whether killing a concubine or a prince, neither is something ordinary people would dare do. This servant suspects it might be the same person responsible for both.”
“Currently, there are no leads in Concubine Ji’s case, but perhaps focusing on Third Prince’s murder might provide the breakthrough we need to catch the culprit.”