Chapter 71: The Assassin
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Madam Meng utterly despised seeing Yu Zhi Yi’s smile.
From the very first moment she laid eyes on this imposter daughter of the Yu family, an unexplainable loathing had surged within her. It was a dislike even stronger than what she felt for her own useless daughter-in-law.
Yu Zhi Yi, however, didn’t care about Madam Meng’s opinion. She turned towards Duke Courage and spoke clearly, “Your Grace, do you remember that your sister had four personal maids named Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum?”
Duke Courage nodded. “I remember,” he said, frowning slightly. “But they were all killed by the Li family.”
The Li family was his sister’s husband’s family.
Yu Zhi Yi continued, “That’s right. Those four maids were indeed harmed by Madam Zhang, using the Li family, right around the time your sister passed away. However, Chrysanthemum had a younger sister. After her family members passed away, she came to the capital to seek refuge with her sister.”
“When she arrived, Miss Zhang had just married into the Li family—it was the height of her glory. But since Chrysanthemum’s sister was accepted by the Li family under Miss Zhang’s care, Madam Zhang never found out about her.”
“Later, when Miss Zhang’s fortunes changed, even though Chrysanthemum remained loyal, she didn’t want her sister to suffer with her. So, she found an excuse to send her sister away from the Li residence.”
“Right now, Chrysanthemum’s sister works as a wet nurse for a wealthy family in Wude Village, just outside the capital. If His Majesty or Your Grace send someone to investigate, you’ll find I’m telling the truth.”
When it came to Miss Zhang, the ones directly responsible were the Li family and her husband. But Madam Meng, as the mastermind behind the scenes, was just as culpable as Young Master Li, who had directly killed her. If Madam Meng hadn’t cut off Miss Zhang’s support, using her influence to isolate her, Miss Zhang would never have ended up beaten to death.
Duke Courage abruptly stood up, his face a mask of fury. But even in his rage, he remembered to bow to the Emperor. “Your Majesty, this old minister needs to return home to handle some family matters.”
The Emperor, fully understanding his feelings, waved a hand. “Go ahead.”
“Let’s go,” Duke Courage said coldly, glaring at Madam Meng. The words seemed squeezed out from between his clenched teeth.
Madam Meng’s face turned as pale as paper. She stood, trembling, and suddenly her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed.
Yu Zhi Yi chuckled lightly. “Your Grace, not only can I tell fortunes, but I’m also skilled in medicine. I’m especially proficient with acupuncture. If you trust me, I’d be happy to use my needles to wake your esteemed wife.”
Duke Courage agreed without hesitation. “Very well.”
But before Yu Zhi Yi could move, Madam Meng opened her eyes. “I… What happened to me just now?”
Everyone in the hall stared at her, bewildered.
Well, that was quick.
“Madam Du, what impressive skills!” someone commented sarcastically.
Yu Zhi Yi smiled softly. “You’re too kind.”
Madam Meng: “…”
Finally, Duke Courage had someone “assist” Madam Meng out of the hall.
Zhang Tian Shun glared viciously at Yu Jiao Jiao, who shivered slightly before looking resentfully at Yu Zhi Yi.
Yu Zhi Yi ignored her, but the rest of the Yu family looked at her with obvious disapproval, their faces filled with disdain.
Yu Zhi Yi looked at them and smiled brightly. “Father, Mother, dear brothers, would you like me to tell your fortunes as well?”
The Yu family members exchanged uneasy glances.
With Madam Meng’s example fresh in their minds, although they still didn’t believe Yu Zhi Yi had real abilities, they didn’t dare take the risk. If they were wrong, they’d be handing themselves over to humiliation.
Seeing that no one stepped forward, Yu Zhi Yi raised an eyebrow. “It seems everyone acknowledges my abilities. In that case, please cooperate with me to perform for His Majesty…”
Before Yu Zhi Yi could finish, Yu Jiao Jiao suddenly shouted, “Your Majesty, I cannot leave! I have something important to report!”
Today was her chance to earn merit, her opportunity to hold her head high in Duke Courage’s mansion. Yu Jiao Jiao didn’t want to miss it.
Zhang Tian Shun grew impatient, dragging her towards the exit. “Shut up! Stop embarrassing yourself here!”
Yu Jiao Jiao struggled a few times but couldn’t break free. She shouted even louder, “Your Majesty, there are assassins in the hall! They plan to massacre Splendid Morning Hall! I know who they are. If you let me stay, I can point them out one by one…”
Yu Zhi Yi’s expression changed.
The hall erupted into chaos.
The Emperor’s face darkened, and he ordered Zhang Tian Shun to take her away and stop her from spouting nonsense.
But it was too late.
The assassins could no longer keep their calm. If it weren’t for Madam Meng’s scandal being so juicy, they wouldn’t have waited this long.
“Feasting behind vermilion doors while bones freeze along the road! Kill these corrupt, gluttonous officials!”
With a shout from a “palace servant” in the hall, the assassins moved in unison.
Not only did the assassins in the hall spring into action, but those among the song and dance troupe waiting outside also drew their hidden soft swords and attacked their unsuspecting “companions.”
Inside the hall, chaos erupted instantly.
The sounds of fighting and screams filled the air.
Though guards were stationed outside, there was some distance between them and the hall. By the time they rushed in to protect the Emperor, the assassins had already begun their bloody work.
“Help!”
“Don’t kill me!”
“Save me!”
The hall was filled with screams. Though many men were present, most were civil officials without the strength to even truss a chicken.
There were military officers, but they hadn’t been allowed to bring weapons into the hall. So even the most battle-hardened generals could only dodge, unarmed, as chaos broke out around them.
In the blink of an eye, blood stained the hall floor. The metallic scent was heavy in the air, making many feel sick.
In the chaos, Yu Zhi Yi quickly made her way to the three members of the Du family, planning to protect them by hiding behind a large pillar.
Du Zi Heng was initially flustered by the sudden violence. But as he saw the blood-soaked floor and people falling around him, the fear in his heart slowly gave way to a calm resolve.
He raised his eyes to Yu Zhi Yi’s face, which was steady and determined. Her composure stood in stark contrast to the chaotic scene, her presence like a cool breeze extinguishing his panic.
He suddenly felt embarrassed. To think that he, a man who had studied military strategy, archery, and tactics since childhood, was less composed than a woman in such a critical moment.
“Father, Mother, Zhi Yi, don’t be afraid. I’ll protect you.”
After he spoke, he noticed none of them seemed particularly moved.
“Although the number of assassins isn’t small, this spot is a blind spot—easy to defend and hard to attack…”
Minister Du waved a hand, interrupting his analysis. “Your mother and I are both wearing the protective pieces given by Yi’er; we’ll be fine. But you, running around recklessly with your half-baked skills, are more likely to get stabbed full of holes.”
Du Zi Heng: “…”
Can’t we have a little father-son affection here?