Love Sword

25

After He Chang left, Li Jun let out a low laugh. Their fight earlier gave him one very important information.

That bodyguard is surely not someone of ordinary background. That stance, that fighting style, that swiftness. He has to be of a powerful background.

So, the little beauty has caught the eyes of another wolf other than himself? This is going to be a fun chase. The crown prince has always liked a challenge.

He called for his subordinates.

'Your highness.'

Two black-dressed men knelt down in front of Li Jun, although their faces are covered, their eyes showed concern for the severe wounds on his highness.

'The things that happened today must not be spread to anyone at all. Explain to father that I got injured while fighting off the last batch of assassins which managed to follow us to the North.'

The two personal guards bowed and left, not questioning their master's decision.

———

The journey back towards the capital is quite normal without much hassle. The crown prince had ordered for Xiang Ning to ride in his carriage while he rode on his horse back, leading the parade back.

At first, Xiang Ning obviously rejected this kind offer, but the prince insisted so much that he had no choice but follow suit.

He Chang, standing at the side was definitely displeased after learning this fact. Nevertheless, he did not say anything because Li Jun will be riding on a horse in front of the parade, which is separated from the carriage that Xiang Ning will be traveling in.

As they made their way back towards the capital, the first thing the crown prince had to do is to go and greet the emperor. This time, Xiang Ning had to join as well.

This is the first time that Xiang Ning will be seeing the emperor and also the first time that he will step foot inside the main royal court of Da Dong.

During the ride to the north, the emperor had indeed accompany them on the journey but even so, during all of that chaos, Xiang Ning still failed to catch a glimpse of the son of heaven. And before he knows it, the emperor is already heading back to the capital for his safety.

He Chang stood outside his carriage as Xiang Ning descended from the steps. Xiang Ning turned to his side to see the crown prince leaping off of his black horse.

On the prince's face, there is still a hideous silver mask. That mask seems to be the prince's favorite item. How funny, he had never seen the prince's face before. The prince wondered what this almighty crown prince look like underneath that silver mask of his.

He followed behind the crown prince and walked into the main court of the royal palace.

There were ministers of high and low ranks standing on both sides of the hall. Some of them are wearing expensive clothings with precious ornaments, others have on fierce looking armors with a sword attached to their waist.

They all turned around and bowed in unison to welcome the crown prince of theirs.

The crown prince walked leisurely but firmly towards the person sitting on the highest altar of this hall. The person is wearing a golden robe with a golden jade crown on his head.

Beads of pearls fell down and cover some parts of his face making it hard for one to discern his expressions. This adds a feeling of mystery to the appearance of the son of heaven.

'This son greets imperial father. May father live a long and healthy life.'

The crown prince bowed with respect, however the people at scene could not see whether the prince is actually having a respectful expression or not considering the fact that his face is covered with that hideous silver mask all the time.

Still, no one would dare to utter anything if they wanted their head to be safe.

Xiang Ning lowered his head and bowed with respect alongside the crown prince as he said his own greetings to the emperor.

The emperor sat still and raised his hand.

'Rise.' He said, his voice showcased his old age very clearly but it somehow sounds melodious and pleasant to the ears.

The crown prince moved and got back to his straight posture. Xiang Ning followed suit.

Hushed whispers broke out in the imperial court.

'Isn't that the foolish prince of Chang'An?'

'Who knew that a good-for-nothing like him bears such beauty?'

'Is he a man? I'm starting to doubt that.'

Silent snickers sounded. Although it seems like these ministers are trying to be lowkey about their comments, it is in fact, not the case at all.

It is obvious that in a giant hall like this with barely any noise, one sound can be heard from one end of the court to the other. If they really are trying to cover up their remarks, they would not even dare to say it in here even if it is in whispers.

Doing this is basically showing that they are looking down on the small kingdom of Chang'An. The fact that the emperor said nothing encouraged them even more.

'How great would it be to have him under me in bed?' Said one minister, his voice cracked unpleasantly, and his appearance old and disgusting. However, his expensive robe is indicating that he is very wealthy and powerful.

The other ministers laughed even louder this time, some of them are even eyeing the little prince with predatory gazes.

Xiang Ning felt very uncomfortable, his body began to shiver and tremble a little. He is really feeling scared..

Swoosh!

'ARG—.'

Thump!

Silence permeated through the whole hall. A small dagger the size of a thumb pierced through that old minister's throat. Blood kept oozing out unstoppably.

Some of the palace maids screeched as they stepped back in shock and horror.

The ministers standing beside that minister even got some of his blood staining their robes. No one said anything for a while.

'Presumptuous! Who dares to murder my minister in broad daylight right under my nose?' Shouted the emperor in rage.

'Why not?'

To Be Continued...