Chapter 2787: Chapter 2788: Assassinating the Emperor
"I have my own guards!" The Prince of Fusang huffed angrily as he climbed up.
Bai Ruozhu shook her head and sighed, saying, "Prince, this really can’t be helped. The Jiuli Clan’s location is secretive, and they don’t allow tribe members to bring outsiders. I can’t break the rules."
The Prince of Fusang showed a disappointed expression. "It’s not that he dislikes me coming along, is it?"
"No, I’m not lying to you. Besides, the Danliang Country is not peaceful; there was internal strife just last year. You should stay in the Capital City," Bai Ruozhu added.
Seeing her firm decision, the Prince of Fusang knew he couldn’t persuade her anymore, so he left sulkily with Princess Ya’an.
Bai Ruozhu glanced at Jiang Yichun, "That’s enough, it’s been so long. After all, they’re the Fusang Delegation, you’re giving them no face at all."
Jiang Yichun turned his head and said nothing, sulking openly.
"Not to criticize you, but after all, we’re friends. You calling them tag-along is really hurting their pride." Bai Ruozhu glared at him fiercely.
Jiang Yichun snorted coldly, walking away in a huff.
"Master, I have something to tell you," Qiu Zhi approached and said, looking a bit hesitant.
"Don’t hem and haw, I know you’re not going to Jiuli with me," Bai Ruozhu directly pointed out.
Qiu Zhi scratched his head in embarrassment, "Shanhu’s belly is getting bigger, it’s really not suitable for long-distance travel. We plan to have the baby in the Capital and join you later."
"You were the one insisting on forming that master-servant contract with me, and now I know the contract’s been gone for a while. I never mentioned it as I didn’t want you to feel I was driving you away, but now you can choose your own life, don’t fail Shanhu." Bai Ruozhu said with a smile.
Qiu Zhi asked in surprise, "When did you find out?"
"I knew back in Fusang, wouldn’t my skills detect changes in the contract on my body?" Bai Ruozhu raised an eyebrow.
"I really have to thank you, without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today." Qiu Zhi’s eyes reddened, appearing very reluctant.
Bai Ruozhu patted his shoulder, "It’s not like we’ll never meet again, look at you getting all sentimental."
Qiu Zhi sniffed, "Once Shanhu’s health is better, we’ll go to Jiuli to seek you out."
"Don’t keep running back and forth; by then, we might have returned. We’ll stay in touch, just go to the Commerce Association for my letters if you have time." Bai Ruozhu paused, "Have you decided what to do after the baby is born? Shanhu is no longer bound by Yuchen Palace and can marry and have children like ordinary people, but you..."
Qiu Zhi’s expression turned gloomy, "I don’t know, I haven’t thought it through. I can’t bear to leave Shanhu and the child, but I can’t betray my master and Mount Longhu."
"Be a bit selfish, don’t give up the happiness you find after searching through mountains and rivers, only to regret it later," Bai Ruozhu said.
Indeed, if he hadn’t gone to sea or traveled so far, he would never have met Shanhu.
Bai Ruozhu stopped speaking, leaving these decisions to Qiu Zhi.
The date to leave the Capital was finally set, in three days’ time.
Meng Jinse felt a mix of sentimentality and excitement; she would soon return to Beiyu City to see her family.
But for safety, Bai Ruozhu only sent word to the Meng Family in Beiyu City that she’d be returning soon, without mentioning Meng Jinse, as the communications might not be entirely secure.
Ning Yu and Diao Bin decided to travel with them, also going to Jiuli to see Little Dengdeng, before searching for the Empress Dowager and Mr. Yao.
The Astrologer also decided to join, wanting to see the Jiuli Clan and learn things beyond Yin Yang Techniques.
The Merfolk Mother had been living quietly at the Bai Residence, as if she didn’t exist. She also expressed a desire to visit Jiuli, to see the place where her master once lived.
Bai Ruozhu was curious about her current feelings toward her master, whether they were like what she felt for Xuan Gui.
In no time, the day before departure arrived, and Diao Bin and Ning Yu quietly left the Bai Residence.
"I’ve found out, the Emperor is going to offer sacrifices to heaven today, his carriage will pass Xuande Road, you should be able to see him nearby," Ning Yu said to Diao Bin.
Actually, Diao Bin missed her royal brother greatly and longed to see him, after all, they were siblings of the same mother, and she couldn’t let go of Tang Yin.
She had considered disguising herself to enter the Palace with Bai Ruozhu, but Tang Yin knew her too well; even masked, what if she got recognized up close?
So Diao Bin held back from entering the Palace, but she couldn’t let it go, growing more anxious as the day to leave the Capital approached, losing sleep night after night.
Ning Yu felt sorry for her, urging her to go see Tang Yin but was refused.
"I’ve had enough of the Palace’s constraints, don’t want to be a princess anymore, just want to glimpse him, so I can tell my mother and father." Diao Bin said.
Thus, Ning Yu made inquiries about the Emperor’s day outside the Palace, bringing Diao Bin to Xuande Road.
The two sported white gauze caps, hiding their appearances, concealed within the crowd. After waiting for nearly half an hour, they finally heard the sound of gongs opening the way, and saw the Emperor’s carriage in the distance.
"Brother..." Diao Bin murmured softly.
The onlookers knelt down and bowed one after another, and the two hurriedly followed suit, yet nearby, a commotion arose.
"Something’s wrong," Ning Yu whispered.
Diao Bin clutched her handkerchief tightly, "What’s happening?"
Before Ning Yu could respond, a woman shouting about submitting an Imperial Decree suddenly erupted, drawing a dagger and rushing toward Tang Yin’s carriage.
Surrounding citizens abruptly pulled out knives and all charged toward Tang Yin.
"Someone’s attempting assassination! Protect the Emperor!" An Inner Servant shrieked, and Shadow Guards emerged one by one, engaging with the killers.
Diao Bin grabbed Ning Yu’s hand, "Go help, I can’t just watch my brother get hurt."
"No, he’ll recognize me," Ning Yu immediately objected.
"Forget it, look how organized these people are, go now," Diao Bin pushed him.
Ning Yu gritted his teeth, "Be careful, wait for me here."
He quickly tore off a section of his garment, wrapped it around his face, and rushed toward the killers attacking Tang Yin.
"Murder! Run!" Someone suddenly shouted, causing nearby citizens to panic and flee, squeezing Diao Bin until she was jostled away from her spot.
Suddenly, someone bumped into her harshly, knocking off the white gauze cap, revealing a head full of white hair.
In such chaos, no one had the mind to notice this unusual white-haired woman, but someone on the distant carriage saw her immediately.
Tang Yin abruptly stood up, staring fixedly at that stark white figure, "Diao Bin, it’s Diao Bin!"
Facing the killers, his expression hadn’t changed, but now he was flustered enough to nearly fall off the carriage...
