307 I Wish To Go Too (1/2)
Naturally, if the Second Prince or Jun Mo Xie or other people came to know about these words… they would immediately understand why the Second Prince had asked the Blood Sword Hall's assassins to execute this mission. This faction's men were bound to fail one step before they reached the finish line!
The Blood Sword Hall was the most famous 'house' of assassins in the Tian Xiang Empire; perhaps the entire Xuan Xuan continent. But, the identity of the mastermind behind them… was extremely shocking!
However, if one mulled it over… it would seem normal. In fact, it would make a lot of sense.
Wouldn't it?
How could the entire upper echelon of the Tian Xiang Empire know this organization of assassins? And, how could this organization act so openly without any scruples? So much so, that they had connections with the Families in the Imperial Court… and even the later generations of the Imperial Family…?
The existence of such a group would've been fairly normal in a small country since smaller empires usually have a very weak military force. But, the Tian Xiang Empire's military-strength was tyrannical, and highly centralized. The Empire's Emperor was one of the most talented individuals of the generation. So, how could he allow such an organization of assassins to act in such an unrestrained manner inside his nation? So much so, that they would even have the courage to attempt the assassination of the Royal Princess… as if it was child's play…?
There was a lot more to this matter. Take the example of Princess Ling Meng's assassination for example — the continent's most well-known organization of assassin would likely possess an intelligence network of equal merit. And, though Ye Gu Han's existence was admittedly a secret… but, how could an organization like the Blood Sword Hall fail to find out about Ye Gu Han's presence on her guard? However, they had only sent two Gold Xuan experts to assassinate Princess Ling Meng…
Would facing a 'Sky Xuan bodyguard' of the 'target' with two Gold Xuan experts be of any use? Did it make any sense?!
It was a pity that the Second Prince had been involved in all this. Especially that bullsh*t line, ”Your intelligence is erroneous,” had already been dispatched to him. The Second Prince probably wouldn't understand the reality of this till the end of his days… that… his own father had used him to cleanse and rectify the bureaucratic structure of the Empire. In fact, he would even use this event to purge his harem.
If this was ever to come to light — the Hitman Jun would accept that he wasn't the world's most formidable player… by any means. That 'title' was undoubtedly reserved for the Tian Xiang Empire's Emperor.
~ The chambers of the Imperial concubines ~
”Little Meng, truthfully tell your mother — what's the problem? Are you ill?” a graceful and gorgeous lady asked in a courteous manner. She wore a yellow gown of her body, and a traditional crown on her head. She was the current Empress, and Princess Ling Meng's mother — Murong Xiu Xiu.
”I… it's nothing. Your daughter's health is fine. Everything is normal. I don't know why Queen-Mother would ask this,” Ling Meng didn't admit anything. Ling Meng didn't know what would happen if she told her mother about the misery of Ye Gu Han's condition. So, she invariably lied.
”Normal? Child, you've never been good at lying. You always stutter when you lie.” The Empress smiled gently as she looked at her daughter with affection, ”Sometimes, you seem very worried these days. And sometimes, you giggle. On top of that, you usually weep at night. Your tears have moistened your pillows. This… would you call this 'normal'?”
”Mother…” Princess Ling Meng let-loose her lovable self, ”Could your daughter ever lie to you? There's nothing different with me.”
”Could it be…” The Empress smiled. She lovingly poked her daughter's tiny nose, ”Perhaps, you've taken a fancy to a Family's young man?”
”Mother… what are you saying?” Princess Ling Meng blurted out aloud. She became bashful, and her face reddened. But, she still hesitated inside. [Can I use this chance to tell my mother about Jun Mo Xie?] Princess Ling Meng couldn't help but blush as her beloved's thought crossed her mind.
The Empress looked at her daughter's expression. How could she not know? [My daughter's body isn't that of a small girl anymore. She had reached that age. My daughter has grown up!]
”You little girl… but I can't tell which family's young man has garnered the affections of my treasured daughter…?” The Empress looked at her daughter teasingly.
”Queen Mother…” Princess Ling Meng turned and twisted her waist. She hesitated for a moment, but eventually decided to keep her feeling to herself for the time being. The Princess was no fool. How could she not know that Jun Mo Xie's feelings may not be in compliance? She feared that he might not harbor a favorable impression about her. Therefore, she might court a rebuff if she were to declare her feelings in a rash manner.
However, the Princess's heart was in denial. [You tried to woo me for so many years, but I wasn't impressed. I didn't care no matter how much attention you gave me! And, now that this Princess has no objections… this lecherous guy is giving me attitude… humph!]
”My little girl seems shy. Don't tell if you don't want to. Your mother won't compel you. He he… Little Meng, tell your mother about your beloved as soon as possible. You're not that young anymore. It would become a very troublesome matter if your father — the Emperor —impulsively decided to bestow you in marriage someday…” the Empress spoke as she dotingly played with her daughter's hair.
”Your daughter understands.” The Princess cuddled into her mother's embrace. She suddenly recalled her Uncle Ye's years of service… and the misery of his current condition. She felt sick at heart, and wanted to cry.