Gate of God

Chapter 549: Change

At the epicenter of the blast wave, arrows permeated through the air. The whole scene looked ridiculous.

…

At the gates of the guesthouses in the Eastern Palace.

Ping Yang, Yan Xiu, Nangong Mu and Wen Dabao stared at the brilliance in the distance. They could guess what was happening.

“Young Master Fang seems to be… surrounded?!” Wen Dabao broke out in cold sweat. He did not know what happened in the study, but surely it wasn’t something good.

So much activity was taking place.

It had been fifteen minutes since the fire started, and in this period, there were rising infernos and deafening blasts. It was impossible to not shake up Yan Capital.

“It seems that he is surrounded.” Nangong Mu spoke, he nodded as he looked at the glowing light from afar.

“What now? Should we save Young Master Fang?” Wen Dabao asked in response.

“If he had been spotted, we must not go.” Nangong Mu shook his head. The situation had developed beyond his imagination.

And most importantly, the person being caught was Fang Zhengzhi, and it was the crown prince’s study which was burnt. How could he possibly save him?

If it was Ping Yang who had been caught, and it wasn’t the crown prince’s study being burnt, then it could possibly simply be viewed as her innocent playfulness and only reprimanded by the emperor.

But now…

How to save?

“We’re not saving him?! Then what shall we do?” Wen Dabao said, still dazed in bewilderment.

“Let’s get out first!” Ping Yang said. Her crystal-clear eyes suddenly calmed.

As though she had not been drinking.

“Get out?” Wen Dabao froze.

“Yes, it is too happening. People may rush in, so we cannot stay here. Let’s get out of here and slowly think of a solution. Yan Xiu, what do you think?” Ping Yang said, looking at Yan Xiu in anticipation.

“Yes.” Yan Xiu nodded in agreement.

Wen Dabao was surprised at Yan Xiu’s nod. He had expected Yan Xiu to stop her, but Yan Xiu didn’t disagree.

Naturally, he could not persist further.

“Let’s go then.” Wen Dabao looked at his surroundings guiltily. After all, he really did not wish to be apprehended. Burning the crown prince’s study wasn’t simply punishable by just a beating.

If he was convicted as an accomplice, his father would also be implicated due to the enormity of the crime.

“Great!” Nangong Mu said as no one else had differing opinions. He led the team out of guesthouses, his cold expression seemed remarkably cautious.

Ping Yang, Yan Xiu and Wen Dabao quickly followed.

…

As Ping Yang had guessed, Yan Capital became a complete mess. Although it was deep in the night, the activity in the Eastern Palace had woke everyone from their sleep.

Windows were opened as many stared at the inferno and the brilliant white light. Everyone was astonished.

“The Eastern Palace is on fire?!”

“How is this possible? And that place seems to be…”

“Oh my god, what is happening?”

Discussions in Yan Capital ebbed and flowed. No one could believe their eyes. The Eastern Palace was on fire? And it was even at the position of the study. It was simply impossible.

The imperial officials were startled too.

“Get me to the Eastern Palace, now!”

“Yes, my lord!”

Almost every official in their respective residents said something like that. They rushed out of their residences, some on carriages, some on horses, while some walked. But all were headed for the Eastern Palace.

But in King Duan’s residence…

A guard kneeled in front of Lin Xinjue, his hand held an opened letter. It had just a few words, but its contents…

Even Lin Xinjue was shocked.

“Third Brother’s study was set on fire?! And this person had not left? Who dared to do such a thing? Are you sure of this?” Surprised, Lin Xinjue asked the guard.

“Certainly. This person had first burnt a pavilion, then set the study on fire when the crown prince was away.” The guard replied.

“This is interesting. Prepare a horse, I’m going to see Third Brother!” Lin Xinjue smiled.

As a dignified crown prince, he had his study burnt. Such a rare opportunity to witness his expressions.

“Yes!” The guard acknowledged.

…

When the officials approached the crown prince’s residence, the blast wave had already died down. The arrows had also stopped.

A huge depression appeared on the ground, and within it kneeled the three guests in their luxurious clothing.

But…

Now their clothes were shattered in a mess. Shreds of cloth hung on their arms as they were pierced by the arrows. Their hair was also messy, and their bodies had many wounds. On their hands, legs, and backs, black charred skin mixed with their oozing red blood.

It was a sorry sight.

Their faces looked grave.

Because near them stood a figure dressed in a tight black suit, standing quietly with his hands behind him. His clothes hadn’t the slightest mess.

There was a deafening silence.

Everyone had their eyes fixed on the masked man. No one moved, the guards did not pull on their bowstrings. Because it was obvious that the three guards had lost. Even though they had outnumbered their opponent by three to one, they were absolutely crushed.

“How did this happen?!”

“Who exactly is this man? How is he so powerful?”

“Three of them were of the Rebirth State! And one of them is even at the intermediate Rebirth State! They were so utterly defeated even when they had joined forces, yet the masked man still didn’t have a tear in his shirt.”

No one could believe this outcome.

It was truly unbelievable. In the Yan Capital, how many people could do this? And among them, who weren’t of high status?

Lin Tianrong was also dazed.

When he ordered the guards to shoot the arrows, indeed he could tell that the three guests weren’t the masked man’s match. But he totally did not expect for them to be defeated by such a huge margin.

Three guests with the Rebirth State had lost!

Lin Tianrong clenched his fists so tightly it turned white. He stared at the masked man’s veiled face. He could tell, from a slight show of skin, that the masked man wasn’t old.

A powerful man who could defeat three guests with Rebirth State?

And yet wasn’t old?

The emperor counts as one, but would the emperor burn his study? Impossible. And then there was also King Liqin. But he was old, so he was out of the question.

How about Xing Yuanguo?

No.

Xing Yuanguo was on the older side. Furthermore, considering his capabilities, although he could defeat the three Rebirth State guests, it would not have been this easy.

And most importantly…

The masked man’s techniques were terrifyingly peculiar.

Could it be Hua Fei?!

Lin Tianrong thought of her. With Hua Wei’s capabilities, she would have no problem defeating them.

But why would Hua Fei do this to him? And besides, this person was a man. Could she have posed as a man? Unlikely.

Who else?

Chi Hou? Impossible too.

Names flashed in his mind. But one by one he dismissed them until one caught his attention.

“Could it really be him?!” Lin Tianrong thought of this person. He was very young yet was mysteriously powerful. Most importantly, he was not from the Great Xia Dynasty.

No!

He wouldn’t do this!

Lin Tianrong dismissed once again.

He wanted to continue thinking, but at this moment the masked man moved. With his hands behind him, he walked towards the three guests.

“Who are you?”

“With your status, why did you come to wreak havoc in the Eastern Palace?”

“What are you trying to do?”

The three guests stepped back as they saw the masked man approaching, their faces petrified.

“What am I trying to do? Actually, I’m not trying to do anything. I just wanted to see if His Highness was sleeping well.” The masked man smiled as he said in a deep voice.

“If he was sleeping well?” The three guests fretted, but they quickly snapped back.

“Don’t come any closer!”

“Even if I die here, I will not allow you to get any closer to His Highness!”

“Don’t think of going there, unless we have died!”

The three guests looked at the approaching masked man. Their expressions changed. Biting their lips, they did not retreat further. Instead, they stood in front of him.

Lin Tianrong was shocked.

Since the beginning, he had only thought of killing the masked man, not whether the masked man would kill him.

Because this was the Eastern Palace, the most heavily guarded residence in Yan Capital.

This place had the strongest guards, the best bows and arrows, the three Rebirth State guests and a guest with the peak of Supernatural State boosting its security.

How would there be any danger?

But now…

Lin Tianrong took a step back. As he stared at the masked man, his first thought was: if the masked man were to attack him, how would he react?

“Protect His Highness!”

“Quick, block him, don’t let him come any closer!”

The guards behind Lin Tianrong snapped back into reality. All of them shouted as they moved in front of Lin Tianrong.

But this angered Lin Tianrong.

Because the guards had formed such a tight barrier that he couldn’t see the masked man. Only innumerable sets of armors moving in front of him.

And it felt awkward to be surrounded.

As the crown prince in the Eastern Palace of the Great Xia Dynasty, he was surrounded by guards in his own residence. If such word had gotten out, he would lose every inch of his face.

But even so, he did not stop the guards from surrounding him.

“Your Highness, please leave now. I’ll stop him at all costs!” A guard said with much loyalty, raising his arm against Lin Tianrong’s face.

But Lin Tianrong’s face was darker than ever.

He wanted so badly to give this guard a kick, but he did not do it. He only took note of this arm, the arm which was attached to this guard’s body… for now.

Helter-skelter.

Since the masked man’s response, the situation had changed. The crown prince was surrounded, and everyone was on high alert.

Suddenly, a sharp voice rang from far away.

“The emperor has arrived!”

Then, its echoes got nearer and nearer.

“The emperor has arrived!”

“The emperor has arrived!”

“…”

Lin Tianrong fretted again, then he looked to the back. It didn’t take long for him to notice a crowd, among which, were officials in court attire of various colors, the generals in their shiny armor, and even the Royal Guards in their golden armor.

And walking in front of them was none other than Emperor Lin Mubai.

His golden imperial robe shone in the night. And his face had a sternness that would make one shudder in fear.

Behind the emperor was a person dressed in a silver robe.

King Duan, Lin Xinjue.

But unlike Emperor Lin Mubai, Lin Xinjue had the hint of a smile, almost one of mockery.

“Sixth Brother, you have indeed come at the right time!” Lin Tianrong squinted a little as he shot an icy gleam toward Lin Xinjue.

Of course, he knew that Lin Xinjue would arrive here.

But now he didn’t bother maintaining his grace as the crown prince as he let the guards push him to the back.

Chapter 550: A Battle of Insults

Hatred rose within Lin Tianrong.

As the crown prince, not only his study was burnt, he still had to be protected from being killed right in his own residence. It was an utter humiliation to be witnessed by so many officials.

In the future…

How would he stand tall in the dynasty?

The crowd of officials was completely speechless upon seeing the crown prince surrounded by the guards for protection.

Was there really danger?

What had happened in the crown prince’s residence?

They stared at Lin Tianrong, observing his expression. They wanted to ask, but they did not. There were more urgent matters at hand.

“Careful, there’s an assassin in the crown prince’s residence!”

“Quick, arrest him!”

“Protect His Majesty!”

A few voices emerged suddenly, and the Royal Guards behind Emperor Lin Mubai reacted immediately, raising their gleaming pikes, ready to strike.

Following that, a few generals stepped forward from behind Emperor Lin Mubai, wielding their weapons.

“Your Majesty, we’ll go save the crown prince!”

“Hmm.” Emperor Lin Mubai was solemnly nodded. It was just that when he saw the burning study behind Lin Tianrong, he was a little shocked.

The generals understood the emperor, and without hesitation, dashed toward Lin Tianrong, their bodies emitting rays of all colors.

And in an instant, they reached beside Lin Tianrong.

“Your Highness, are you alright?” A general asked.

“I am fine. The assassin is right behind, General Li, please see to it!” Lin Tianrong replied. With the situation at hand, he couldn’t care less.

“Alright, we’ll take him down!” General Li didn’t intend to attempt it himself. The assassin that could not be defeated by the Eastern Palace would not be an easy opponent.

The other generals nodded.

They quickly followed behind General Li and together they went around the formation of the guards protecting Lin Tianrong.

But…

Soon, they stopped.

Because they had already seen the huge depression on the ground, where the three petrified guests stood pitifully.

But there was no one in front of them. Not a single person.

“Your Highness, where is the assassin?” General Li asked.

“Isn’t he behind?” Lin Tianrong started having doubts. He stopped running and looked backward.

He saw the three guests dazed in their positions.

But what about the masked man?

He had already vanished.

This shook Lin Tianrong.

What was going on? Where was the masked man? Where had he gone to?

As the crown prince, he had totally lost his face today. From fire breaking out in the Eastern Palace, to him being unable to fend for himself, all of these still couldn’t match up to one thing.

And that was…

The criminal’s escape!

“Where is he?! Where did he go?” As Lin Tianrong was ushered to the back, he did not notice the masked man’s movements. And now that the masked man is gone, how could not be anxious?

“This…”

The three guests finally snapped out of their daze. The exchanged looks but could only see the terror in each other’s eyes.

“I am asking you, where did he go?” Lin Tianrong asked again.

“We deserve to die!” The three guests immediately dropped to their knees, looked at each other, then shook their heads and said: “We only saw him the jump into the study, and then, we…”

“The study?!” Lin Tianrong looked at the study that was almost burnt to ashes. It was impossible for the masked man to jump in there.

Suicide?

Impossible!

With his capabilities, he wouldn’t be burnt to death by the fire.

When the generals heard this, they fretted. To jump into the burning study, during all that mess, was just an illusion.

After all, if he were able to control the flames, it was unlikely that he would be burnt. But the crucial question was…

Why did no one chase after him?

The surrounding guards looked at one another, puzzled. They did not even know when did the masked man jump into the fire, hence they were not of what happened a moment ago.

“He… is missing?” The guards were surprised.

This meant that the masked man had set the Eastern Palace on fire, then left unharmed after he was surrounded by so many people.

How ridiculous!

“Get away!” Lin Tianrong looked at the bewildered guards and screamed angrily. Then he pushed the guards who still surrounded him.

What an insult!

It was a total insult!

To enter the Eastern Palace in the dead of night and set fire to a pavilion and a study, then kill a guest with the attack of others, and even scared Lin Tianrong to retreat fearfully…

And in the end…

He actually left safely?

He left!

Lin Tianrong could not stand an insult like this. Such an insult aggravated him more than killing him. In the fit of rage, he grabbed a guard’s knife.

Under the moonlight, the blade shone in a sharp, merciless gleam.

He needed to vent his hatred!

“Your Highness, don’t!”

“Your Highness, please calm down!”

“Your Highness, please calm down!”

A few officials were stunned upon seeing this. After all, Emperor Lin Mubai stood before them.

If Emperor Lin Mubai saw Lin Tianrong killing people for no reason, it would be a huge matter indeed.

Lin Tianrong stopped.

Because he heard the officials and even saw Lin Xinjue’s look of anticipation. He was furious, but he could never let Lin Xinjue get his way.

“You bastard, put down the knife!” Emperor Lin Mubai’s voice finally rose. His brows furrowed tightly while he stared sternly.

As the emperor…

He would rarely shout at someone in the presence of all the imperial officials.

And, this person was the crown prince.

But when he stepped into the crown prince’s residence, he could only smell blood. Among the crimes of hurting someone intentionally and showing disregard for human life, which of these wasn’t a major crime?

Although these people were the guards and servants of the crown prince’s residence, in the eyes of imperial laws, their lives were lives too.

“Ding!”

The knife dropped on the floor as Lin Tianrong loosened his hand. His face was full of unhappiness and rage, and a resignation to sheer bad luck.

These were two entirely different emotions.

The former was because he knew the masked man had left; the latter was because his reckless act in a moment of rage was witnessed by Emperor Lin Mubai.

As for remorse…

Of course, he didn’t have any.

To him, a guard’s life was nothing.

“You’re not going to kneel?” Emperor Lin Mubai could not help but say this. After dropping the knife, Lin Tianrong remained standing.

“Father, I was only… overcome by rage, I didn’t…”

“Kneel!”

“Father, the assassin had escaped, I…”

“Kneel!”

“Yes…” Lin Tianrong saw the Emperor Lin Mubai’s grave expression. He eventually gritted his teeth and kneeled on the ground, albeit very unwillingly.

“As the crown prince, is this how you should behave?” Lin Mubai was disappointed.

“Father, my study was burnt, yet these useless people couldn’t even catch one person, and even allowed him to escape…”

“Shut up!” Lin Mubai stopped Lin Tianrong, and at the same time, he glanced at the study. “In such a short period of time, even though the assassin had escaped, he could not have left the crown prince’s residence. Follow my orders, the Royal Guards and the Eastern Palace guards, all of you are to seal the exits of the residence and let no one through!”

“Yes!”

“Yes!”

The Royal Guards and the guards of the crown prince residence acknowledged the order and rushed out in various directions.

“Tell me, what exactly happened?” Lin Mubai fretted as he turned his full attention to Lin Tianrong.

In the capital, in the crown prince’s residence.

For an arson to happen here, he was shocked too.

“Father, it had been a peaceful night while I was reading, until a fire broke out in the residence, and…” Lin Tianrong quickly told him everything, and of course, omitting the bits where he killed the guards.

After he retold the events, all the officials looked at one another, flabbergasted.

“How dare he do such a thing?”

“He actually burnt two places in the residence, yet he didn’t escape?”

“Who is he? Only a few masters in Yan Capital are powerful enough to defeat three people with the Rebirth State!”

As they exclaimed in their hearts, they had their suspicions too. Names flashed in their minds.

The emperor, King Liqin, Xing Yuanguo? Chi Hou? Or Hua Fei?

Who else could do such a thing? It couldn’t possibly be the Owl Master Yan Qianli from Western Liang, right?

Emperor Lin Mubai had the same doubts.

In Yan Capital, only a few had such capabilities, and all of them held high positions, and anyone linked to them would be implicated.

“You said this person is very young?” Emperor Lin Mubai asked again.

“Yes, his age is… no more than thirty-five!” Lin Tianrong answered with certainty.

“Third Brother, how are you so sure? You must be joking, right? In Yan Capital, for such a powerful person younger than thirty-five, only the Imperial Concubine Hua Fei fit the bill. Are you saying that the Imperial Concubine Hua Fei burnt your study?”

Lin Xinjue’s voice lit up, his eyes had a hint of mockery. Yet his words are very true.

“I did not say that. Why has Sixth Brother come to create sow discord?” Lin Tianrong had already been containing his anger but triggered by Lin Xinjue’s words, his rage rose once again.

“Haha, you said it yourself, I didn’t speak nonsense. Well, does Yan Capital have a master younger than thirty-five years old?”

Of course, he could see Lin Tianrong’s anger. But he didn’t mind if he blew up in this rage.

“Well said, Sixth Brother! Well, I am only speaking the truth. Although it isn’t bright at night, I could see there weren’t any wrinkles in the corner of his eyes. Why can I not say that he is under thirty-five years old?” Lin Tianrong clenched his fist while his body stiffened slightly, but he had it under control.

“What if it was a disguise?” Lin Xinjue smiled again.

“Disguise?!” Lin Tianrong was stunned. His expression changed as he recalled the masked man’s low voice.

When the officials heard the word ‘disguise’, they exchanged glances, then nodded. After all, for a person to defeat three people with Rebirth State so easily while being less than thirty-five years old, it could only be Hua Fei.

But if it was approached from another perspective…

The masked man would have intentionally revealed such a clue. He could have changed his appearance before he came, to mislead everyone into thinking that he was less than thirty-five years old.

It was very likely!

After all, he must have planned this beforehand to accomplish this huge task of the burning the crown prince’s residence. How could he have done this recklessly?

The officials looked at one another and nodded with certainty.

As for…

Any notion of Ping Yang being drunk and came to set fire to the Eastern Palace on a whim…

No one would have guessed so.

Well, everyone knew of Ping Yang’s capabilities.

Not to mention three people of the Rebirth State, even one would have knocked her flat on the floor.

“Princess Ping Yang has arrived!” A voice shouted from a distance. Then, a group of people arrived in front of the officials.

The person in the center wore a long, red dress, her crystal-clear eyes sparkled, her soft pink lips smiled slightly, a little proudly.

Ping Yang.

And on her right was Yan Xiu with his cold, apathetic expression, dressed in a luxurious, painted gown which bore a few red clouds.

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Chapter 551: Unbearable Passion

As for the figure on the left, it was Nangong Mu. He was wearing an ordinary shirt and had an expression as calm as the still lake water.

“So Nangong Mu is already in the capital?” The courtiers were slightly surprised when they saw Nangong Mu. However, it was not something that was too shocking.

After all, Nangong Mu intended to take part in this Court Examination to begin with.

However…

It was a surprise for Nangong Mu to appear together with Ping Yang and Yan Xiu.

The Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was not exactly in a good mood. It was the first time he was publicly reprimanded by the Majesty Lin Mubai after all.

When he heard that Ping Yang had arrived, he subconsciously lifted his head to take a look. The moment he tried to speak, a cold presence flashed through his eyes.

This was because he saw Yan Xiu as well as Nangong Mu.

However…

He did not see Fang Zhengzhi!

Was he asleep? That’s why he was absent?

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong naturally would not think so. After all, everyone knew that Fang Zhengzhi had stayed in Ping Yang Residence the entire time. Furthermore, judging from his personality, it was impossible for him to miss out on such a big occasion at the Crown Prince Residence.

“Yan Xiu had arrived but Fang Zhengzhi is nowhere to be seen. Don’t tell me…” A thought flashed across Crown Prince Lin Tianrong’s mind. Something that he would not, and could not think of.

Under thirty-five years old and…

Able to fight against three Rebirth State personnel on equal footing.

Furthermore, he was situated in Flame Capital City.

It was difficult to find someone who fit these criteria in Flame Capital City. The Imperial Concubine Hua Fei was one of them. However, there was another person, who had always been left out of the picture.

This person was not of noble descent. However, he had once had great exploits in the battle of the Southern Mountain Range. He was the biggest hero and key architect of the Southern Mountain Range victory in the battle.

Most importantly,

This person had once fought with the Demon clan’s half sage Can Yang.

Fang Zhengzhi.

A person whom everyone had long thought became a cripple.

He would then naturally be ignored. In fact, he would not even appear in their thoughts. Who would have thought that a cripple like Fang Zhengzhi would enter the Crown Prince Residence, fight against three Rebirth State individuals and leave like nothing had happened?

But what if…

What If he was not a cripple?

In an instant, Lin Tianrong felt a shiver down his spine. If this was indeed the truth, then the result would be so disastrous, it would be unacceptable.

In the battle of the Southern Mountain Range, Fang Zhengzhi did not become a cripple!

Furthermore, in just over a year’s time, he had grown strong enough to fight three powerful Rebirth State individuals. For a person who had just attained the Supernatural State to have grown strong enough to fight three Rebirth State individuals in a year was almost impossible.

However, if this person was Fang Zhengzhi….

It would be highly possible.

This was because Fang Zhengzhi had once grown from the Star Conglomerate State to the Heavenly Reflection State, then to the Supernatural State in a few months’ time. He had even fought against the half sage Can Yang.

This was a terrifying potential and a horrifying sinister ability.

All of these pointed towards Fang Zhengzhi.

Apart from this, Fang Zhengzhi still had not reached eighteen years old. If this thing becomes a reality, then it would point to another issue.

The Double Roll Champion that would shock and bring peace to the world!

Lin Tianrong felt his body tremble. This was a heavenly prophecy. Even if he was the Crown Prince, he had to respect this divine message. Even his father, the Majesty had to do so.

Once Fang Zhengzhi was recognized as the Chosen One, the consequences were clear.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong thought about this first and foremost.

The other Courtiers who were beside Your Majesty Lin Mubai had also thought of the same thing. This was because Ping Yang, Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu were all present, with the exception of one person, Fang Zhengzhi!

A person who should have been beside Ping Yang.

“Fang Zhengzhi, is it possible that the person who will arrive at the Crown Prince Residence today is… Fang Zhengzhi?”

“That is not possible, wasn’t he already crippled in the battle of the Southern Mountain Range? Unless he didn’t…”

“If that is the case, I’m afraid…”

The Courtiers looked at one another and seemed to be thinking about the same thing. The moment this thought appeared in their minds, a sentence that Fang Zhengzhi said not long ago flashed across their minds.

“I am going to take part in the examination held in the Heaven Dao Pavilion!”

At that time, all of the courtiers looked at Fang Zhengzhi with a condescending look. How could a cripple even think about entering the examination?

Was it possible?

No one thought that Fang Zhengzhi had a chance of passing the examination.

However, if Fang Zhengzhi was not crippled by the battle, then the odds would be totally different. He not only had a chance to pass it, there was a high chance that he would ace the examination!

Just as the Crown Prince and the courtiers were horrified by their thoughts, Ping Yang, Yan Xiu and the rest had arrived in front of Your Majesty Lin Mubai.

“Your Majesty, what is happening?” Ping Yang stared at Lin Mubai with a curious expression. At the same time, he glanced at Crown Prince Lin Tianrong, who was currently kneeling on the ground.

“Why are you here so late in the night? You drank as well… aren’t you afraid that you will catch a cold?” The moment Lin Mubai saw Ping Yang, his expression became gentle and was filled with love and compassion.

“I wouldn’t!” Ping Yang said proudly.

“Yea… where is Young Master Fang? He didn’t come together with you?” Lin Mubai’s expression did not change, as though he had just asked a casual question.

However, all the courtiers understood.

Your Majesty Lin Mubai would never ask a question simply for casual purposes.

This was because as a Majesty, when nothing peculiar was happening, there was no reason for him to ask about the whereabouts of a Third Rank official. The possibility that he would ask why Ping Yang did not arrive with Fang Zhengzhi was then even lower.

But he did.

This meant that Your Majesty Lin Mubai was having the exact same thoughts as the courtiers.

“You mean that shameless guy? I, the princess was just about to…”

“Your Majesty is looking for me?”

Just as Ping Yang was talking, a voice sounded from afar. Following which, two figures walked towards them.

The first person was clad in a blue long coat and had a faint smile on his face.

Behind him was a terrified young man. He looked timid and his eyes darted around the whole time.

It was Fang Zhengzhi and Wen Dabao.

“Fang Zhengzhi!” The courtiers stared at the figure from afar and exchanged glances. All of them saw shock and terror from each other’s eyes.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong had also squinted his eyes to get a better look.

A bladed resolve shone through his eyes as he kept his gaze on Fang Zhengzhi, hoping to see something different or peculiar on his face.

However, he was disappointed.

Fang Zhengzhi looked extremely fine and even seemed to be slightly tipsy. Clearly, he had some wine before coming.

He then thought about the drunken look on Ping Yang’s face and a hint of doubt appeared in his heart.

Unless…

It’s not him?

Then who could it be?

Lin Tianrong clenched his fist in secret. He would, of course, be happy if the person that appeared was not Fang Zhengzhi, however, if it truly wasn’t him, it also meant that he had made another enemy.

A person who could enter the Crown Prince Residence as he wished but still maintained his identity a secret!

King Duan Lin Xinjue had also seen Fang Zhengzhi and a smile of condescension appeared on his face, “This person is still a cripple!”

Fang Zhengzhi looked as though he had no clue of what the Crown Prince Lin Tianrong, King Duan Lin Xinjue, and the courtiers were thinking. He headed straight towards the King Lin Mubai.

Lin Mubai was then taken aback.

He stared at Fang Zhengzhi, who was standing right in front of him with sparkling eyes. However, he quickly regained his composure and managed a faint smile on his face.

“Young Master Fang did not leave with Ping Yang?”

“Your Majesty, I, your lowly commoner, left together with The Highness. I simply walked a bit slower. Furthermore, Mister Wen felt a little bit uncomfortable in his abdomen area. Hence, we were slightly late.” Fang Zhengzhi said as he pointed to Wen Dabao behind him.

The moment Wen Dabao heard this, his face changed for the worst.

He looked helpless and horrified.

“I see.” Lin Mubai nodded and continued with a hint of disdain in his voice, “I have already restored Young Master Fang’s rank, why are you still referring to yourself as a lowly commoner. Are you saying that you look down upon the Third Rank title that I conferred upon you?”

“Indeed, just a little bit.” Fang Zhengzhi nodded and continued, “However, the most important reason is that there is still no news about the trial regarding the case of the Southern Mountain Range. Hence, I still have no intention of doing anything for the court for the time being.”

“What rudeness! Who dares to look down upon the title the great emperor had conferred? Furthermore, you are not even 18 years old. To have already reached the rank of a Third Rank official at this age is already something that was almost unprecedented in the history of the Great Xia Dynasty. Not only did you not appreciate this, you even question the Majesty regarding the trial of the Southern Mountain Range? You wouldn’t do anything for the Great Xia court? What kind of crime are you committing?”

As Fang Zhengzhi completed his sentence, another courtier’s voice rang through the room. He sounded extremely furious.

“I agree, this is way too brazen!”

“In my opinion, we should kick out this kind of people!”

“If not for the Majesty’s recognition of your ability in the battle of the Southern Mountain Range, why would he restore your official rank? You are already a cripple! Why aren’t you satisfied?”

As the first courtier voiced out his opinion, many others voiced their discontent as well.

Lin Mubai did not expect Fang Zhengzhi to reply in this manner. He moved his lips but did not know what to say.

In the end, he could only sigh.

“Then we shall wait until the day the case of the Southern Mountain Range is resolved.”

“Your lowly commoner thank your Majesty.” Fang Zhengzhi bowed respectfully before he cast his gaze on Crown Prince Lin Tianrong and the fire that was about to be extinguished from the study room, “Oh, there is a fire!”

Everyone was dumbfounded upon hearing Fang Zhengzhi’s words.

They knew that Fang Zhengzhi and the Crown Prince did not get along. However, the only person who dared to say such words in front of the Crown Prince himself was probably Fang Zhengzhi.

Sarcasm!

Pure Sarcasm!

If the courtiers who entered the Crown Prince Residence did so out of concern, then Fang Zhengzhi was merely here just to watch a show.

“Fang Zhengzhi, what did you say?” Lin Tianrong was enraged. He could accept the reprimanding he got from the Majesty, however, he would not accept being criticised by a cripple.

“I am referring to the Crown Prince’s study. Why is it on fire? Are you telling me that I am not saying the truth? Is there anything wrong with what I said?” Fang Zhengzhi said as he sniggered.

“You…” Crown Prince Lin Tianrong wanted to say something to rebut this impudent fellow, however, he had nothing to say.

This was because the Majesty was right in front of him. There were also many courtiers around and even King Duan, Lin Xinjue.

“Alright, you are the Crown Prince. How can you get into an argument with a courtier?” The Majesty Lin Mubai shook his head. The reputation of the royal family had to be maintained, however, one should not be doing so by suppressing the courtiers.

The other courtiers also shook their heads profusely.

They were indeed shocked by Fang Zhengzhi’s actions. However, it had sort of became a normal occurrence for Fang Zhengzhi to do this.

The Crown Prince?

He was an existence that was highly regarded by ordinary people.

However, he seemed to have no respect even for the Emperor.

Wen Dabao could not really wrap his head around what happened.

This had nothing to do with the words Fang Zhengzhi just said. This was due to him witnessing the huge pit behind Crown Prince Lin Tianrong as well as the three guests and the study room that had been completely charred from the fire.

In an instant, he stopped sweating from his back.

This was because only he knew the mastermind behind this ploy!

In fact, even Ping Yang was unable to react to this situation, when she saw Fang Zhengzhi, she was shocked.

At that moment, she thought her eyes were playing tricks on her.

That was until Fang Zhengzhi slowly walked towards her.

It was only then when she finally realized the pit behind Crown Prince Lin Tianrong, the shattered stones, and the shocking scene.

All these…

They were pointing her towards one conclusion.

“I am going to take part in the examination held in the Heavenly Dao Pavilion!”

“I have a promise to fulfill, I must go!”

Ping Yang’s breathing started becoming heavier and her chest heaved up and down visibly. Her clear blue eyes stared at Fang Zhengzhi as her pink lips muttered inaudibly.

Are you telling me this shameless person…

Was not crippled!

As this thought appeared in her head, another scene flashed through her mind. Specifically, it was a letter, a letter that arrived from Heavenly Dao Pavilion a few months ago.

Ping Yang, I have to study now. I might not be able to write to you in the near future.

“Promise?!”

“Study?”

Ping Yang’s face turned red. All these realizations were way too sudden and violent. She was unable to accept all these.

Chapter 552: The Woman Who Alters Fate

“How can it be? This person was not crippled?”

Ping Yang stared at Fang Zhengzhi with enlarged eyes, looking at his dismissive expression and condescending smile.

Before today, she would definitely have thought that Fang Zhengzhi was arrogant, bold and naïve. To think that he would bargain right in front of her father!

However, Ping Yang felt none of those at that moment.

When a person was not strong enough, an arrogant expression would let others believe that he was overestimating himself. However, what if a person was strong enough?

Would anyone think that he was insane and dismissive?

That was a mistake!

Everything was a mistake!

Not only was she wrong, the entire room of courtiers, her third brother the Crown Prince, her sixth brother King Duan, as well as her almighty father, were all wrong.

“This shameless person has the capacity to be arrogant. He has the capacity to bargain with her father. Third Ranking Official? He was worthy of being the Law Official! If what happened today was really planned by this person, then we have truly conferred upon him a title not befitting of his capabilities!”

Ping Yang then subconsciously moved towards Fang Zhengzhi.

She wanted to see the features of this shameless person clearly. She wanted to determine if he was indeed as strong as she envisioned him to be

Her rosy cheeks were flushed as she continued forward. However, she seemed to not realize that she was moving a bit too close, her face was going to make contact with Fang Zhengzhi’s one anytime soon.

This scene…

Was naturally captured in the eyes of the courtiers.

Everyone was shocked by the turn of events. They actually so Princess Ping Yang moving closer and closer towards Fang Zhengzhi.

And even closer…

“What a disgrace!”

If the person who did this was not Ping Yang, but any other woman, they would definitely have shouted that sentence out loud.

However, they didn’t dare to!

This was because the person was Ping Yang. She was the most doted daughter of the Majesty and most importantly, the emperor was right in front of them.

“So this is the guy who made the Princess…”

“No wonder he dared to bargain with the emperor and even showed disdain at his official rank. He did not even care about the Crown Prince! To think that he had something to fall back on!”

“It seems like Fang Zhengzhi did not stop plotting while he was in Ping Yang Residence. To think that he did something of this sort to the Princess. This is way too shameless, the princess is not even married yet!”

“I sincerely hope he did not get what he wants? Or else…”

These thoughts immediately flashed through the courtier’s mind. The then looked at Fang Zhengzhi again with new impressions in their head.

For example, things like a paedophilic beast! Or a shameless man who cheats on Ping Yang’s innocent and pure feelings!

“Fang Zhengzhi, you dared to…” Lin Tianrong wanted to say out those words, but under the judging eyes of the courtiers, he swallowed them back.

A pair of eyes squinted and looked at Ping Yang while clenching her fists.

If…

Fang Zhengzhi and Ping Yang truly had that kind of relationship.

Then even he would not be able to do anything to Fang Zhengzhi. This was because the Majesty would never let Ping Yang come to harm.

As for widowhood?

That would be even more impossible!

The scene was awkwardly quiet.

Lin Mubai also fell speechless. The expression on his face became strange upon seeing this scene as his eyes widened in shock.

As a father!

He had always strived to give Ping Yang the best life and utmost protection.

However, he had never thought that Ping Yang would fall in love with Fang Zhengzhi. More specifically, he did not expect it to happen too fast.

“You beast, my daughter is still young! I still want her by my side for a few more years, how dare you…” Lin Mubai thought of these things in his heart, though he could not say them out.

This was because Ping Yang was the person clearly moving towards Fang Zhengzhi.

In other words…

His treasured daughter was the one who made the initiative. If he forcibly stops them now, it might have the opposite effect.

Marriage amongst the royal family.

This had always been a complicated thing.

Sometimes, it would be used to gain the support from powerful courtiers. On other occasions, it could also be used to achieve peaceful coexistence with the countries on the sidelines.

Of course, Lin Mubai had never thought of using Ping Yang for any political purposes. However, this did not mean that he would be willing to let anyone marry her.

Not to mention for her to make the initiative towards Fang Zhengzhi.

He did not think that Fang Zhengzhi wasn’t good enough.

It was just…

Lin Mubai had never thought about this. Everything was too sudden, there just wasn’t enough time for him to accept it. Should he really let Fang Zhengzhi become his son-in-law?

At that moment, Lin Mubai was seriously thinking about a problem that he had never once encountered.

Fang Zhengzhi naturally would not be able to guess the courtier’s thoughts. However, he could feel a warm gush of air closing in towards him.

The moment he turned his head, his eyes widened.

This was because a pair of clear blue eyes was slowly approaching him, and under the pair of eyes, was a supple, pink lip.

For a moment, Fang Zhengzhi’s thought processes became sluggish. He had never once thought that Ping Yang would make such a move.

Until…

He felt a warm soft sensation on his face.

“What is going on!” Fang Zhengzhi woke up from his trance and immediately retreated a few steps. He had always regarded himself as a reseller of his knowledge and not his body. What did the intimacy even mean?

Even if it was just the face!

Most importantly…

There were courtiers, the Crown Prince, King Duan and even Lin Mubai watching them. What did he just experience?

Fang Zhengzhi subconsciously stared at Lin Mubai.

He then saw the livid expression on his face.

Well… that would probably be the expression of any father who saw his precious daughter being taken advantage of. It wasn’t an expression of rage, but it definitely wasn’t happy.

“Shit, he is not going to suspect me of having an intimate relationship with his daughter, right?” Fang Zhengzhi felt extremely maligned. He needed to explain himself.

However, at that moment, Ping Yang had also recollected herself and took a look at Fang Zhengzhi who had retreated a few steps away. She did not react to what had just happened.

However, it did not take long for her to scream.

“Hm? Ah!”

At the same time, one of her feet went flying towards Fang Zhengzhi.

This was simply an ordinary kick in self-defense.

There were no flashy moves and no glow enveloping her legs. One could imagine that this was a kick out of embarrassment.

“Ouch!” After a cry of pain, a figure flew across the room and landed on his butt. Following which, an enraged voice sounded, “Are you crazy!”

Fang Zhengzhi was furious. After all, he suffered that kick for nothing. He should be awarded 500000 silver for that kick, no at least, 1000000 silver!”

As Fang Zhengzhi was fuming mad, Ping Yang was stunned.

Not only did Ping Yang freeze in her tracks, Wen Dabao was dumbfounded as well. Even Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu were slightly surprised. The four of them stared at Fang Zhengzhi and did not know how to react.

Was he hit?

How is that possible?

If Ping Yang could guess what happened in the study of the Crown Prince, how could Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu not? They had all guessed the mastermind behind this ploy.

However…

If Fang Zhengzhi was not crippled, then how could he be hit by Ping Yang’s kick. That kick was completely unplanned and unamazing.

Did he do it on purpose?

They would not think so.

This was because Fang Zhengzhi was never someone who would deliberately make himself suffer. If he could escape the wrath of that kick, he would definitely have done so.

Then, what was happening?

Doubt loomed over the room.

When the rest of them looked at Fang Zhengzhi sitting helplessly on the ground, they also exchanged glances with one another.

Originally…

Although they predicted that the person who came into the Crown Prince Residence would not be Fang Zhengzhi, they still harbored some suspicions.

However, they had no more suspicions now.

This was because Ping Yang merely gave an ordinary kick. If Fang Zhengzhi did not truly become a cripple, he would have instinctively dodged that attack. This was a reflex.

But he didn’t!

“This person is a completely cripple!”

A hint of disdain then flashed across the courtier’s eyes. From their perspective, Fang Zhengzhi was merely still here due to his relationship with Ping Yang.

As for his strength? A person who could not even dodge Ping Yang’s kick definitely could not defeat three Rebirth State individuals.

Lin Mubai also stared quizzically at Fang Zhengzhi, who was now getting up from his fall. From his actions, he seemed extremely clumsy.

It can even be said to be weak.

“Am I too paranoid?” Lin Mubai shook his head and frowned. He then looked at Ping Yang and stared into those clear blue eyes.

A warm fuzzy feeling rose from his heart.

“They look exactly the same. The nose, the lips, especially the eyes. Clean and clear, not tainted by a speck of dust…

Lim Mubai then closed his eyes momentarily.

In his mind, a figure appeared. That magnificent figure was dancing around in his mind, the long sleeves fluttered like a cloud of elegant smoke, swaying his heart

“Our daughter has grown up, do you know? Why have you not visited her after all these years?”

“It has been over ten years. Is there really no hope for us?”

“No, I will not give up!”

“There must be a chance, there must be. I have waited too long for this day…”

“I have actually pleaded with uncle you know? I really did, but he did not agree…”

“Look, our daughter has grown up, she has someone she likes.”

“What should I do? I want to keep her by my side forever. But I know that is impossible. She will have to marry someday.”

“But…”

“Do you really bear to not show up on your daughter’s wedding? Are you truly that heartless?”

“Give me an answer, what should I do?”

“Father, father, are you alright?”

Ping Yang’s voice sounded beside Lin Mubai, her arms shaking his one ever so gently. An expression of worry covered her face.

Of course…

An act of disturbing the emperor’s thought processes.

Ping Yang was probably the only person in the entire Great Xia Dynasty that dared to and was allowed to do so. If anyone else had done it, they would directly be given the capital punishment.

“Hm?” Lin Mubai recollected himself and cast his gaze onto Ping Yang once again. He then reverted to his gentle expression and said, “Nothing much. Don’t worry, Ping Yang, I am merely thinking of something.”

“Is father thinking of mother again?” Ping Yang said as she blinked her crystal clear eyes, looking at him expectantly.

The courtiers broke out in cold sweat listening to Ping Yang’s question.

As what Ping Yang had said, the Great Xia Dynasty did have Empresses. There were even more than one of them. However, that was already a thing of more than ten years ago.

As for the queen that Ping Yang mentioned, she should be the last queen the Great Xia Dynasty ever had. She was a woman who was directly named queen right after her first appearance.

Before that woman appeared…

The Great Xia Dynasty still had one queen, which was the mother of the Crown Prince.

However, once that woman appeared, the previous queen was immediately robbed of her title, though this incident was not as dramatic as one would have imagined.

Only because the person who suggested this was the previous queen.

More importantly, when the previous queen made this suggestion, not one of the courtiers made any objections.

No one had their suspicions or even doubt about this decision.

The previous queen was willing to let go of her title and allowed the new queen to take over. Everything was done perfectly and efficiently, as though it should have been the case.

It was also a period of prosperity and joy. At that time, the Great Xia Dynasty was not exactly strong in military, but they were feared by all.

In that year, all of the neighboring countries came to pay a visit.

All to see the new queen.

Alas…

The new queen did not stay in the Great Xia Dynasty for long.

Ten years ago, she left the Great Xia Dynasty. She stepped out of the royal palace into the Flame Capital City and then out of it. Until now, she had neither returned, nor even stepped into the territory of the Great Xia Dynasty even once.

After which, the Great Xia Dynasty was surrounded by enemies and ravaged by war.

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Chapter 553: Do You Need To Be So Fake!

Until Hua Fei’s arrival together with an infant Ping Yang, Lin Mubai was still completely devastated by the queen’s sudden departure. Ping Yang then awakened him from his depression and gave him the optimism to rule again, bringing life back to the Great Xia Dynasty.

The Dynasty prospered because of that queen.

But it fell with her departure as well.

Even their revival was due to her new-born child.

She was a person who could control the fate of the Great Xia Dynasty. She also strikes fear into the hearts of every courtier.

“Ping Yang has indeed grown up…” Lin Mubai did not answer Ping Yang’s question. He merely said an abrupt sentence and changed the topic.

“Of course!” Ping Yang stood up straight and put on an arrogant expression. Her clear blue eyes then flashed with brilliance as she said, “Yes! Didn’t father say that Ping Yang will be able to meet mother when I grow up? When can Ping Yang see her?”

“Your mother?” Emperor Lin Mubai was stunned for a moment as a bitter smile emerged on his face. He then quickly turned that into a gentle smile and said, “Don’t worry, you will be able to see her!”

“But when will that be?” Ping Yang pouted expectantly.

“Soon… very soon!” Lin Mubai caressed Ping Yang’s soft and supple hair as his eyes gleamed with a decade-long regret.

“Is that so? After seeing my mother, I will definitely challenge her in front of all the officials!” Ping Yang seemed extremely excited when she mentioned this point.

“Challenge your mother? Why?” Lin Mubai was slightly shocked.

“Didn’t father said that mother is extremely powerful and no one can stop her? If Ping Yang can stop her, then I will be able to stop her from leaving the palace. Am I right?” Ping Yang said.

“Stop her from leaving the palace? This… Ping Yang is right. As long as we can defeat her, she will not be able to leave…” Lin Mubai replied mechanically and nodded his head.

The entire courtiers then exchanged glances after listening to Ping Yang’s speech before shaking their heads in unison.

Defeating that woman?

As time passed, the royal guards and the guards from the Crown Prince Residence returned with the reports of their investigation. There was still no information regarding the Assassin that conducted the arson.

Such a result would undoubtedly be surprising to the courtiers present.

However, how far could that Assassin have gone in such a short time? One should know that the moment Lin Mubai was informed, the Crown Prince Residence was already surrounded by guards.

But…

The moment the courtiers remembered that the Assassin was someone strong enough to fight three Rebirth State individuals, they were able to accept the results better. After all, for a person of such caliber to escape the Crown Prince Residence under the eyes of the guards was not something too difficult.

The remaining things were simple. They simply had to clean up the burnt study room and clean up the blood stains around the area. These menial chores naturally fell into the hands of the maids and guards in the residence.

However, Fang Zhengzhi seemed to show interest in it, circling the study room and the area. This attracted Ping Yang, Yan Xiu, Nangong Mu and Wen Dabao to circle the room as well.

Lin Tianrong naturally witnessed such a situation.

His face suddenly turned serious. It was clear that Fang Zhengzhi was using this action to poke fun at him.

“Back to the palace!” Lin Mubai could care less for these tactics. He then stared at the sky then at the Crown Prince who had just gotten up from his kneeling position. Feeling helpless, he shook his head before saying, “The Emperor returns to the palace!”

“The Emperor returns to the palace!”

As the Majesty Lin Mubai spoke, many voices echoed his words.

Seeing that the Emperor Lin Mubai and all the courtiers were leaving while Fang Zhengzhi was still hanging around the study room, the Crown Prince could not hold it in anymore.

“Fang Zhengzhi, you are still not leaving?” Crown Prince Lin Tianrong sniggered.

“Oh, I’ll leave now!” Fang Zhengzhi nodded his head. He seemed to not take offense at Lin Tianrong’s tone.

Lin Tianrong also heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing those words.

It would be impossible if the study room had completely no evidence. However, the Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was extremely cautious in the way he did things.

He could not have placed the most important things in the study room.

In fact, he had hidden it in the secret chamber!

The location of the secret chamber was right below the study room. In order words, even if the study room was burnt to a crisp, the secret chamber below would not suffer any damages.

Furthermore, even his secret chamber contained no information regarding the battle of Southern Mountain Range.

Why the hell would he keep that sort of thing?

He had destroyed all forms of evidence and letters a long time ago.

This was also the exact reason why he allowed Fang Zhengzhi to circle around the study room for such a long time.

Of course, this was partly due to the fact that Fang Zhengzhi did not enter the study room, but merely circled its perimeter. As for what he was thinking, Lin Tianrong was well aware.

He was finding clues regarding the battle of Southern Mountain Range!

However…

There was an ancient saying that goes, the innocent will stay innocent while the guilty will become guilty himself. This was the exact state Lin Tianrong was in. Fang Zhengzhi seemed to be bent on searching for clues in the study room.

He would allow him to do so. IN fact, he had hoped he did it with more gusto.

It would help to prove his innocence in front of all the courtiers as well.

Just as he was having this thought, Fang Zhengzhi seemed to have found a treasure in the ruins. He then screamed loudly.

“Hey, there seemed to be a few letters that have not been fully burnt!”

“Letters?” Lin Tianrong was startled and stared at Fang Zhengzhi in disgust before saying, “How can that be? It was such a huge fire, any letters would have been burnt by now. Furthermore, you are outside the study room, how can you find any letters?”

He did not believe it.

However, the moment Fang Zhengzhi held up a few half-burnt letters, Crown Prince Lin Tianrong’s eyes widened immediately.

“How can that be?” Lin Tianrong could not believe his eyes. Were these letters carried into the residence by the wind?

He regained his composure after having these thoughts.

Even if there were a few letters that were carried here by the wind, it was no big deal. The letters in the study room were mostly ordinary letters, there should not be any secretive messages written on them.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was not worried at all.

At this moment, Fang Zhengzhi had also walked forward, bringing Ping Yang and the others with him. He also held the charred letters in his hand.

“Crown Prince, I have found a few letters for you. Shouldn’t you thank me? You can reward me with 80000 silvers or something, I won’t mind.” Fang Zhengzhi spoke as he walked.

“I will definitely thank Sir Fang properly for helping me to clean up this mess!” Crown Prince Lin Tianrong answered with a gloomy face.

“Hey, this letter seemed to be written by the Southern Region Noblelite?” Fang Zhengzhi stopped halfway and shouted quizzically.

“What? A letter from the Southern Region Noblelite?”

“Is it a letter from Shan Ling?”

“How can such a thing appear in the Crown Prince Residence?”

The courtiers who were already prepared to leave all froze in their tracks and looked at the charred letter in Fang Zhengzhi’s hand, their faces overwhelmed with shock.

The Crown Prince Residence had a letter from the Southern Region Noblelite Shan Ling? It was something that could never have happened.

Not only the courtiers stopped in their tracks.

Even the Emperor Lin Mubai, who had already traveled at least 300 feet, turned back to look at Fang Zhengzhi, specifically, the letters in his hand in shock.

“A letter from the Southern Region Noblelite?” Lin Mubai frowned as he said.

As for Crown Prince Lin Tianrong…

He was slightly flustered.

A letter from the Southern Region Noblelite? Shan Ling? How can such a thing appear in his study room? Those things should have already been destroyed when he was in the Southern Region.

“Fang Zhengzhi, how dare you wrong me! When did I establish connections with the Southern Region Noblelite?” The Crown Prince Lin Tianrong replied without hesitation.

He would never admit to something he did not have.

Furthermore, letters with conversations between him and the Southern Region Noblelite Shan Ling was clearly a thing that did not belong in his study room.

“Oh? The Crown Prince did not establish any contact with the Southern Region Noblelite? Then it seems like these letters do not belong to the Crown Prince then.” Fang Zhengzhi nodded as he heard Lin Tianrong’s speech.

Following which, he then tore open the letters in his hand and read them brazenly. He did not have any respect for the person’s privacy.

“What do you mean? Something that did not belong to me…” The Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was horrified when he saw Fang Zhengzhi tearing the letter apart.

In an instant, he seemed to have understood!

Fang Zhengzhi did not have the authority to tear open any letter within the Crown Prince Residence.

In other words, even if Fang Zhengzhi had found a letter, he had to hand it over without doing anything to it. However, since the Crown Prince himself had denied any relation to the letter, he had also indirectly claimed that the letters do not belong to the residence.

Fang Zhengzhi’s actions all made sense now.

His intentions were displayed right in front of the Crown Prince.

Fang Zhengzhi tore open the letter immediately.

Furthermore, he did it in front of all the courtiers, the Emperor Lin Mubai, and lastly the Crown Prince himself. He openly tore open the letter that found its way to the Crown Prince’s study.

“What is this person trying to do? If he is just trying to frame me, can he not make it so fake?” The Crown Prince Lin Tianrong still could not figure out Fang Zhengzhi’s true intentions.

Framing?

On normal circumstances, Fang Zhengzhi’s actions truly render such suspicions.

However, he simply circled the study room briefly and somehow managed to find an important “evidence”. No matter how one looked at it, this framing technique was way too fake and immature.

Who would believe him?

All the courtiers? Or the Majesty Lin Mubai?

The Crown Prince Lin Tianrong did not believe that the courtiers and his father would believe Fang Zhengzhi unconditionally. After all, this technique seemed way too retarded.

He should have come up with something smarter.

For example, he could try creating a deceitful act or to include his ploy into a conversation they were having. He could even use a decoy for his plans or use a playful little trick up his sleeves. Basically, anything else would be better than this.

Chapter 554: Heavenly Rage

The Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was infuriated. However, he could not help but be fearful of what Fang Zhengzhi had in his hand. This was because the situation today was extremely unfavorable to him.

After all, the Majesty had just reprimanded him.

He did not wish to be entangled in further complications after that incident.

However…

Fang Zhengzhi seemed bent on giving him trouble. After opening the letter, he gave an exceptionally surprised and horrified expression.

“Wow, so this is what happened!”

He then gave a series of astonished gasps to attract the courtiers’ attention. All of them then stared at Fang Zhengzhi with unmoving gazes.

“What exactly is written in the letter?”

“Could it be the conversations between the Southern Region Noblelite and the Crown Prince?”

“It should not be the case. The Southern Region Noblelite had already been dead for more than a year. How could the Crown Prince be in possession of this letter?”

The courtiers were all curious, though none of them believed that the letter in Fang Zhengzhi’s hand was a real copy.

Talking about curiosity…

Ping Yang’s curiosity was definitely higher than anyone else.

Hence, when Fang Zhengzhi released a sound of exclamation, Ping Yang quickly grabbed the letter from his hand without any hesitation.

“Hm?” Ping Yang swept her gaze across the letter as her usual rosy and playful demeanor was slowly drawn out from her face. Her pair of clear eyes seemed stuck to the letter as she displayed an incredulous expression.

Clearly, Ping Yang was extremely shocked.

This led the courtiers to feel horrified.

If only Fang Zhengzhi displayed such an expression, they would all have thought that the problem lay in the letters. However, if even Ping Yang had such an expression, then these letters might be pointing to some clues that they never discovered.

As this thought flashed through their minds…

Ping Yang suddenly grabbed all the letters from Fang Zhengzhi’s hand and smirked condescendingly at him.

After which…

Ping Yang then bolted towards the Emperor Lin Mubai.

As the Crown Prince Lin Tianrong saw this scene, he became extremely anxious. To think that the letter was now in Ping Yang’s hands. Furthermore, she was going to hand it over to the Emperor!

How could he not be anxious!

“What kind of letter is that? What evidence did this person create out of thin air?” The Crown Prince widened his eyes, hoping to get a glimpse of the content of the letter.

But he was unable to.

He regretted his previous actions. Why did he have to deny his connections to those letters? Why did he have to say they did not belong to him.

If…

If he had not said those words? Then these letters would never have been torn open, not would it land into Ping Yang’s hands and then in the hands of the Emperor.

“Fang Zhengzhi, it is not so easy to frame me, the Crown Prince!” Lin Tianrong gritted his teeth and stared at Fang Zhengzhi accusingly.

After King Duan saw this scene, he also topped in his tracks and a hint of doubt flashed through his eyes. Up till now, he had also thought that Fang Zhengzhi’s actions were way too fake.

Although the outcome of his actions seemed to be satisfactory.

However…

Would such a childish technique work on the Emperor Lin Mubai?

Even if those letters truly contained information regarding Lin Tianrong’s connections with the Southern Region Noblelite, the Emperor Lin Mubai probably would not believe them.

After all, it was a simple task to forge a letter. If one could mimic a person’s handwriting, it was not a difficult thing to do.

This was King Duan’s opinion of the situation, and also the all the courtiers were having.

As for the Emperor Lin Mubai…

His face seemed to be expressionless as he watched Ping Yang running over with the letters. He then stared at the letters in her hand.

In the end, he still took over the letters.

He then slowly opened the letter in his hands.

The courtiers watched intently as Lin Mubai took over the letters. They were carefully observing the minor changes in his facial expression

“Hm?” At that moment, Lin Mubai’s lips opened ever so slightly and emitted a soft hum. At that same time, his eyes glimmered in shock.

He then looked up at Fang Zhengzhi. That gaze was akin to the one a hunter would cast on his ferocious prey before he commenced his kill.

It was both shocking and inexplicable.

Many a time, people thought that a hunter would be extremely elated to see a ferocious beast. However, when a hunter truly meets a ferocious beast that exceeded their imaginations, joy and happiness was a far cry from their actual feelings.

It was a battle.

A battle for life and death.

The survival of the fittest!

Lin Mubai’s gaze was of such a nature. He wanted to detect something from Fang Zhengzhi’s face, and although he failed terribly, he still kept his gaze tightly on him.

Time….

Seemed to have stopped.

Everyone looked at Lin Mubai expectantly while the Lin Mubai observed Fang Zhengzhi with interest.

Apart from them, both Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu were also watching.

Of course, Wen Dabao also stared intently, although the expression on his face was totally different. His expression was one of fear, a fear that made him tremble with unease.

After god knows how long, Lin Mubai cast his glance away from Fang Zhengzhi and at the same time, folded the letter in his hands.

“Tianrong!” Lin Mubai cast his glance towards the Crown Prince Tianrong.

“You son is present!” Lin Tianrong was shocked as he stared into the eyes of Lin Mubai. Despite not knowing what happened, he subconsciously knelt down.

“Do you know what sin you have committed?” Lin Mubai had a cold expression on his face.

The courtiers were all shocked at this result. This was because the Emperor would not question the Crown Prince with this tone without any basis.

Sin?

That would mean that he was guilty!

But what crime did the Crown Prince commit?

Although Lin Mubai did not explicitly state his crime, the courtiers only had one possibility in their minds. Could it be that the Crown Prince indeed maintained connections with the Southern Region Noblelite?

How could that be!

No courtiers would believe in such a thing.

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was even more perplexed at the situation. He couldn’t have not known what was in his study room. How could he miss out on a letter from the Southern Region Noblelite if it was truly present?

It is a fake!

Everything is a fake!

“Father, Fang Zhengzhi is wronging me. I have never sent any letters to the Southern Region Noblelite. Father has to believe me!” Lin Tianrong gave an expression which showed that he was being wronged.

“Is that so?” Lin Mubai still maintained his stern tone.

“Father, please think carefully. My study room has already been destroyed. The entire room was burned to a crisp. How can there still be any letters present in this situation? Besides, even if there are letters present, how can it be regarding the Southern Region Noblelite. How can father believe in this coincidence! Fang Zhengzhi is the one who had created this fake letter to frame me. Father, please make the correct decision!”

The Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was bitter. How could he, a prestigious Crown Prince, be framed in his own residence by such childish tactics. How could he not be bitter about this?

Fang Zhengzhi!

I, the Crown Prince, will kill you!

“The entire study room was burnt? Destroyed? Are you sure?” The moment Lin Mubai heard this sentence, another cold presence enveloped the area. Everyone could feel immense pressure coming from him.

The sudden change in the situation left the courtiers with cold sweat breaking out from their forehead.

However, they still could not understand…

Why would Lin Mubai be so infuriated after reading the letter? Why would he not first check the validity of the letters?

This should not be the case!

Judging from Emperor Lin Mubai’s intelligence, he should not be acting too rashly, especially when this issue was related to the Crown Prince.

What exactly…

Did the letters contain?

“You son… Your son…” Lin Tianrong felt perspiration dripped down from his forehead. However, he still gritted his teeth and said, “Your son would never lie to Your Majesty!”

“You bastard, how dare you deny the accusations!” Lin Mubai finally released his fury as a golden glow lit up in his eyes.

This was a blinding golden brilliance.

It was exactly the same as the light emitted when Hua Fei saved Lin Tianrong.

As this golden light shone across the room, a bright voice bellowed across the atmosphere. It was as though the dragon had offered his mighty roar.

“Your Majesty, please calm down!”

“Your Majesty, please calm down!”

“Father, please calm down!”

Voices rang consecutively across the room. Following which, all the figures knelt down in respect. Even King Duan Lin Xinjue also knelt down subconsciously.

However, the golden brilliance surrounding Lin Mubai did not seem to be diminishing. IN fact, it was becoming brighter every second, as though he was bathed in golden light.

At the same time, a giant shadow seemed to be appearing behind him. It looked like an extremely huge creature.

“I will ask you one more time. Do you know what sin you have committed?”

“Your son, Your son… do not know of any sins!” The Crown Prince had long kept his head stuck firmly to the ground. However, he gritted his teeth and stood his ground.

Most importantly, he did not even know what crime he had committed, not to mention the content of the letter that Fang Zhengzhi gave Lin Mubai.

How then, could he have admitted to anything?

“Hmph, it looks like you are not going to admit it!” Lin Mubai then bellowed and swung his arms. IN an instant, a golden light was released from his body and rushed into the horizon.

The night sky was instantly illuminated.

The countless stars dazzling in the night sky seemed to lose their luster as well.

Boom! A loud explosion rang from the horizon. Following which, a golden ray shot downwards as though a meteor had fallen from the sky, smashing onto the study room which was already completely charred.

Bang!

Rubble and dust exploded in all directions.

The golden light blew up all the ashes in the area. Countless black flakes danced around in the air and covered the horizon.

Chapter 555: The Plan Begins

There was silence.

The courtiers, the royal guards and the servants all looked at the spot where the golden light landed, despite the fact that dust was still obstructing their vision.

“His Majesty is truly enraged!”

“It is the Emperor’s rage, the Emperor’s rage…”

“There is definitely a problem with that letter!”

Thoughts flashed through the courtier’s mind. However, all of them were simple baseless conjectures. No one knew the true content o the letter.

The Crown Prince Lin Tianrong was trembling.

He was the prestigious Crown Prince. However, under the immense pressure from the Emperor’s rage, he would also feel a shiver down his spine. This was the power of the Majesty.

Perhaps, one day, he could attain such power too.

However…

It was still too early for him!

King Duan Lin Xinjue knelt down on the floor. On the surface, he seemed to be pleading for mercy for Lin Tianrong. However, anyone could see that he had a cold-blooded smile on the side of his lips.

“Father is enraged! It has been years since he was so angry. Fang Zhengzhi, you are truly something! To be able to let father feel so indignant with just a few letters. Even I am starting to get curious, what exactly did you use to frame my Third Brother?”

Lin Xinjue sniggered as he cast his glance onto the place where the golden light landed. Slowly, his eyes widened as the smile on his face became more obvious.

So that was why!

“It is a secret chamber!”

“There is a secret chamber underneath the study room!”

“How can it be?”

As the dust settled, the courtiers had also discovered the secret chamber underneath the study room. This was supposed to be a well0hidden room. However, all the disguise were no match for the beam of golden light that shone through the horizon.

Lin Tianrong also slowly moved his gaze towards the secret chamber. He stared straight into the entrance to the secret chamber which was blasted open and the black secret passage that was illuminated by the moonlight.

In an instant, his body shivered and he became extremely pale. Even his legs became wobbly.

It was the secret chamber!

Did father know about the secret chamber?

How could that be? Wasn’t it about the Southern Region Noblelite? What has that got to do with the secret chamber? What was happening?

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong could not connect the relationship between the two. How would a letter regarding the Southern Region Noblelite lead to the discovery of his secret chamber underneath his study room?

They were two completely different issues altogether…

But now, they were so coincidentally connected together.

“Might it be…” Crown Prince Lin Tianrong’s mind whirled at a high speed and when he once again cast his gaze onto Fang Zhengzhi, he finally understood.

It was deliberate!

It was a deliberate act to say that the letter was from the Southern Region Noblelite!

The aim was to make the Crown Prince deny the accusations so as to give him the authority to tear open the letter in front of everyone else. He could then expose this to the public.

At that moment, Crown Prince Lin Tianrong finally understood the entire ploy.

Fang Zhengzhi was not looking for any letters to begin with when he circled the study room. He was merely checking the validity of the secret chamber he had heard about. He then used “childish” methods to lower his opponent’s guard.

“Damn it!” Li Tianrong felt bitter. As the prestigious Crown Prince, he was played in the Fang Zhengzhi’s palms again and again. It felt extremely terrible.

“Do you have anything else to say?” Lin Mubai’s voice interrupted Lin Tianrong’s thought and pulled him back into reality.

“I have committed a sin and I should not have lied to father. You son… indeed constructed a smaller study underneath my main study. But… your humble son do not know that father was referring to this issue!” Lin Tianrong kept his head firmly to the ground. He was very clear with the information the secret chamber contained.

It contained all the conversations he had with the courtiers and the ploys he had so prided himself on accomplishing. However, it was now all exposed by the Emperor, Lin Mubai.

The moment these things were made known to public…

He would die!

So would the courtiers who had joined him in his hideous acts!

“Your Majesty, please calm down. Although the Crown Prince had hidden some things from you, there must be a reason for it. Perhaps the Crown Prince really did not know what your Majesty was referring to!

“Yes, your Majesty! It can be thought of as a type of protection as well, creating a secret chamber underneath the main study. After all, certain ancient books cannot be placed so flippantly in the main study. They have to be treated with care! Please forgive the Crown Prince for his ignorance!”

“Please forgive the Crown Prince for his ignorance!”

The courtiers looked at the exposed secret chamber and all knelt down simultaneously. Cold sweat broke out on their foreheads even though they had no idea what the Crown Prince was hiding in the secret chamber.

However…

They knew that somewhere in that stash of secret documents, their names would appear.

At this moment, saving the Crown Prince,

Was akin to saving themselves.

The Majesty Lin Mubai then stared at the kneeling courtiers and frowned while keeping silent. He then moved closer to the secret chamber a step at a time.

“Father, your son will repent! I beg for your forgiveness!” As Lin Tianrong saw Lin Mubai walking closer to the secret chamber, he shuffled forward a few steps and hit his head hard on the ground. A blood stain could be seen on the ground where he continuously begged for forgiveness.

“We beg for your forgiveness, your Majesty!”

“The Crown Prince is indeed guilty. However, he is still the Crown Prince. May the Majesty believe in his will to repent and give him one last chance!”

“Yes, may the Majesty forgive the Crown Prince!”

When they saw Lin Mubai waling towards the secret chamber, all the courtiers exchanged glances and once again knelt down simultaneously to beg for forgiveness.

“Father, I am truly repentant. Please give me one last chance. I will stay in the residence to reflect on my wrongdoings. Please forgive me!”

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong had already guessed the content of the letter. He also knew that the moment Lin Mubai entered the secret chamber, he would be finished.

He was now making a risky bet.

He was betting on Lin Mubai’s last shred of kindness and benevolence.

“I have already given you a chance. However, you did not seem willing to take it that time. How can I then, give you another chance?” Lin Mubai said as he stared coldly at Lin Tianrong. The raging presence surrounding him did not seem to be diminishing.

“Father!” Lin Tianrong was desperate and could care less about his reputation. He immediately knelt down right at Lin Mubai’s feet as stared at him with a tear-stricken face.

“Hmph!” Lin Mubai kicked him away and quickly walked towards the secret chamber. Lin Tianrong’s pleading did not budge him at all.

As King Duan Lin Xinjue observed this scene, an expectant look appeared on his face.

Secret Chamber?

The secret chamber underneath the study room!

No one would believe it if the Crown Prince said that there was nothing inside. Once the information inside the secret chamber was exposed, he would definitely be ripped of his Crown Prince title.

As he stared at Lin Mubai who was moving closer to the secret chamber, he felt agitated. This was because the moment Lin Mubai entered the study room, it would signify the end of the Crown Prince.

“Father, can you still remember the queen. She as the queen for the Great Xia Dynasty as well as my mother. However, now that mother left on her own accord, I am the only one left. Although this Crown Prince Residence might seem prestigious, it is lonely. I have always remembered the look on mother’s face when she left!”

Crown Prince Lin Tianrong quickly walked towards Lin Mubai and threw himself onto the ground. He then smashed his head repeatedly on a stone, causing blood flow profusely from his forehead.

Lin Mubai finally stopped in his tracks as his whole body trembled.

As the courtiers saw this scene, they seemed to see their last saving grace and exchange glances. Following which, they also spoke.

“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince had lost his mother since young. He might have made some mistakes here and there. May the Majesty forgive him and give him another chance!”

“Yes, your Majesty. When Queen Yan was present, she had made many contributions to the Great Xia Dynasty. May your Majesty forgive the Crown prince on this accord!

“Please have mercy, your Majesty, forgive the Crown Prince’s sin of not being properly raised and restrained. May you put him under house arrest and let him reflect on his wrongdoings!”

“Please have mercy, your Majesty!”

“Please have mercy!”

The pleading sounds of the courtiers overwhelmed the residence as more than half the courtiers knelt onto the ground. They were pleading for the sake of the Crown Prince.

“Queen Yan?” Lin Mubai lifted his head ever so slightly and stared at the shimmering stars in the horizon. A figure then appeared in his head.

Gentle, magnanimous, wise and meticulous.

She was the most peaceful queen. She had once controlled the entire 3000 concubines huge imperial harem with grace and order. The Great Xia Dynasty had enjoyed peace within the imperial harem under her control.

Until she willingly gave up her seat.

Without any regrets.

Following which, Ping Yang’s mother left the palace and left an imperial harem with no leader.

At that time, almost all the courtiers encouraged Queen Yan to once again take up the reins as the queen. However, Queen Yan did not so do.

She merely said, “The position of the queen belongs to her! Even if she left, it will always be hers. NO one can ever replace her!”

She then “left”.

She used her death to send a message. The message was that the queen of the Great Xia Dynasty could only be that woman. No one else was befitting enough for that role.

No one understood Queen Yan’s actions up till now.

However, one thing was true.

The day Queen Yan died, Lin Tianrong was immediately given the title of the Crown Prince!

And since that day, the Great Xia Dynasty had never gained a new queen.

That was until the appearance of Hua Fei. Even then, she was not conferred the title of a queen. No one ever brought up the issue of the queen or its successor.

“Father, please give your son one last chance!” Crown Prince Lin Tianrong stared at his father’s hesitant face and gritted his teeth before smashing his head onto the stone once again.

Lin Mubai then slowly turned his body. As he stared at a bloodied Lin Tianrong, some minor changes could be observed on his face.

“I do not want to see you in the next month. Stay in your residence and reflect. If this ever happens again. I will punish you together with this sin you have committed!” Lin Mubai said after a long deliberation.

“Thank you, father. I will definitely reflect and turn over a new leaf!” Lin Tianrong was elated upon hearing those words and immediately knelt down to thank the Majesty for his grace.

He knew he had made the correct bet.

All the courtiers also heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing those words.

As long as Lin Mubai did not enter the secret chamber, it meant that everything was still under control. The Crown Prince seat would also still remain in the hands of Lin Tianrong.

This was both a misfortune and a blessing!

At that moment, Lin Mubai then cast his glance on Fang Zhengzhi before glancing at Ping Yang, who was standing beside him. He then shook his head lightly and sighed.

“Ping Yang, will you accompany me for a walk?”

“Alright!” Ping Yang immediately nodded upon hearing those words and bounced in front of Lin Mubai.

“Fang Zhengzhi, Yan Xiu, Nangong Mu, Wen Dabao, will you guys accompany me as well?” Lin Mubai nodded his head before casting his glance back at the rest.

“As you wish!” Yan Xiu, Nangong Mu, and Wen Dabao immediately replied with respect.

On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi pouted and stared at the rest before he helplessly nodded, “Your humble commoner will do as you wish…”

“Back to the palace!”

“The Emperor returns to the palace!”

“The Emperor returns to the palace!”

As voices rang consecutively throughout the residence, Lin Mubai headed towards the palace. Beside him were Ping Yang, Fang Zhengzhi, Yan Xiu and the rest.

As Lin Tianrong witnessed this scene, he bit his lips and said, “Fang Zhengzhi, I, the Crown Prince will never forgive you. I will never let this go!”

King Duan then cast a glance at LIN Tianrong before shifting his glance over to the courtiers who had recovered from their kneeling position. A hint of disappointment could be seen from his eyes.

However, he did not have the intention to stay. He merely greeted Lin Tianrong and quickly followed behind Lin Mubai.

The courtiers then exchanged glances and waved at Lin Tianrong before quickly making themselves scarce. No one dared to mention anything about the secret chamber.

At that moment, no one dared to bring up the arson case in the Crown Prince Residence despite the fact that the Assassin was still at large.

However, this did not mean that the arson case was closed. This was because the case had already been made known throughout Flame Capital City.

…

In the night.

In an elegant and secretive accord, a figure whose features was completely concealed by a black-colored cape stood silently.

“Young Master, the investigation of the arson case in the Crown Prince Residence is completed!” At that moment, another figure appeared behind him.

“Speak.” The black hooded figure said.

“There are two spots which caught fire. However, the most important spot was still the study room. The secret chamber underneath the study room was even exposed!”

“The secret chamber?”

“Yes, there is a secret chamber underneath the study room! It was the Majesty who personally blasted open the door to the secret chamber. However, he did not enter the room, merely giving the Crown Prince a month of house arrest. Your humble servant believes that… we should probably push back our plan.”

“Haha, the plan stays. I believe… it is about time our Crown Prince unleash his full power!” The figure laughed as he said. Following which, the figure lifted his head and stared into the moonlight, allowing the silver brilliance to grace his exquisite features.

It was an elegant and delicate face.

A pair of eyebrows so refined they look like bladed edges of a sword. Black glimmering eyes and pale white skin. However, the pair of eyes seemed to be gleaming with too much resolve. It was emanating so much pressure that it would make any ordinary human feel uncomfortable. It was as though someone was looking at an eagle, an eagle staring at its prey from high above.