Killer Queen: Tyrant, prepare to die!

March 29th, at 1-3 PM.

The stalemate in the Golden Palace was like a frozen lake, seemingly calm on the surface, but with turbulent undercurrents beneath.

Shen Anbang is currently unable to provide more direct and irrefutable evidence.

Liu Chengzong's strategy of risking his life and turning the tables on those who framed him.

It actually temporarily halted the overwhelming momentum of the overwhelming evidence.

After the court session ended, the news spread like wildfire.

Liu Dang secretly rejoiced, feeling he had seized a chance to catch his breath.

They began a frantic effort to smooth things over and destroy any remaining evidence.

They are even preparing to retaliate.

Those who remain steadfast in their beliefs and those who observe from the sidelines inevitably feel some disappointment and anxiety.

Is it possible that Prime Minister Liu's power base is so deep that he cannot be brought down even after all this?

However, an even more secretive and explosive rumor...

But like a venomous snake lurking underground,

It spread quietly and imperceptibly within certain well-informed circles.

Rumors claim that the person responsible for "discovering" the key evidence in the witchcraft case—

A small figure covered in silver needles and a "secret letter"

The old eunuch who submitted the report did not actually "die suddenly from an illness" as recorded in the palace.

Someone secretly protected him and hid him somewhere on the outskirts of Beijing.

Now, this old eunuch, who knows the whole story of how the evidence was forged back then,

Because he "deeply felt that justice would prevail and did not want to take the secret to his grave,"

I am willing to stand up, plead with His Majesty, and reveal the truth!

However, he had one condition—he had to meet the emperor!

He will only speak after he and his family are absolutely safe!

The rumor was quite detailed, even mentioning the old eunuch's name from his time in the palace—"Changfu."

And the approximate area where he might be hiding—near Baiyun Temple in western Beijing.

This news was like a bolt from the blue for Liu Chengzong and his faction!

The witchcraft case is the most crucial link in bringing down Shen Qingci and then striking at the Shen family!

If this "Chang Fu" is really alive, and if he really speaks, then the fabrication of evidence back then...

The crime of framing the Queen will be fully proven!

This is not only Liu Ruyan's crime, but also the indelible crime of the entire Liu family: deceiving the emperor and framing the empress!

It's even more deadly than embezzling military funds and salt taxes!

What kind of ledger has an unknown source?

What kind of resentment or revenge is this? In such a living, breathing...

In the presence of key witnesses who had personally handled the matter,

All of this will become pale and powerless!

Liu Chengzong had just been carried back to his residence and given a strong medicine.

Having barely stabilized his condition, he heard this news secretly from his trusted confidant.

Startled, he almost jumped off the bed, his half-numb body trembling violently!

"Chang Fu... Chang Fu... He's still alive?!"

Liu Chengzong's hoarse voice was filled with disbelief and horror.

"Li Dequan! It must be that old eunuch Li Dequan!"

He was the one who handled the aftermath! He lied to everyone!

"Father, now is not the time to pursue this!"

Liu Chengming stood by the bedside, his face equally so gloomy it seemed to drip water.

His eyes, however, were even calmer and more ruthless than Liu Chengzong's.

"This rumor came at just the right time, right after the stalemate in the Golden Palace."

Nine times out of ten, it's Shen Qingci... a bait laid out by Ye Huang!

"A bait?" Liu Chengzong stared intently at his son with his single, bloodshot eye.

"Yes. She's trying to lure us into making a move."

Liu Chengming analyzed,

"That Chang Fu, whether real or fake, must be under tight protection right now."

They're waiting for us to walk right into their trap.

If we don't move, she might actually take people to the Golden Palace.

If we move…

"Silence them!"

Liu Chengzong spat out two words through gritted teeth, his eyes flashing with a fierce light.

"They must silence him! Chang Fu must die!"

Whether it's a trap or not, he has to die!

"If he lives, our Liu family is finished!"

He struggled to grab Liu Chengming's hand, his nails almost digging into his son's flesh:

"Chengming! Send your top assassin from the 'Dark Fragrance' team!"

Leave no survivors and leave no trace of our Liu family!

Do it cleanly and efficiently!

"Once Chang Fu is dead, there will be no way to verify the story, and Shen Qingci's plan will be ruined!"

Liu Chengming felt the frenzied, dying beast-like strength emanating from his father's hand.

He nodded heavily: "Son understands."

I personally arranged for the most reliable "Shadow Blade" team to go.

They work in groups of four and are skilled in stealth, assassination, and disposing of bodies.

Make sure he... and everyone in his possible hiding place, disappear completely.

"Go now! You have to be quick!" Liu Chengzong roared, then coughed violently again.

---

In western Beijing, behind Baiyun Temple, lies a nearly abandoned tenant farmer's courtyard with only a few dilapidated houses.

The night was as dark as ink, without stars or moon.

The mountain wind howled through the forest, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

The courtyard seemed quiet and deserted, with only a dim light shining from the main house.

Inside the room, there was an old eunuch, hunched over, with deep wrinkles and age spots on his face.

Wrapped in an old, patched cotton-padded coat, she huddled in the corner of the kang (heated brick bed).

His cloudy eyes were filled with fear and unease, and he kept glancing at the closed doors and windows.

He was none other than Changfu, the eunuch of the Imperial Palace Bureau back then.

Beside him was only a seemingly honest and simple-minded old mute servant who was responsible for bringing him meals.

The night grew deeper and deeper.

Suddenly, a few extremely faint sounds, like night birds skimming over the treetops, came from outside the courtyard wall.

Immediately afterwards, four ghostly black figures silently vaulted over the low wall and landed without a sound.

They were completely clad in tight black clothing, revealing only pairs of cold, merciless eyes.

He held a poisoned short blade and a finely crafted crossbow bolt in his hand.

Their movements were perfectly coordinated, like four shadows blending into the night.

Disperse quickly and accurately.

They occupied all the key locations in the courtyard and blocked all entrances and exits.

The leader of the group made a hand gesture.

The other three nodded, and two quietly approached the windows on either side of the main house.

One person went around to the back door.

The chief himself, like a raccoon dog, silently darted to the dilapidated wooden door of the main house.

I put my ear to it and listened to what was happening inside.

Then he took out a thin wire from his pocket and gently fiddled with the latch.

"Click".

With a barely audible click, the latch was pried open.

A cold glint flashed in the eyes of the leader of the men in black, and he gently pushed open the door a crack.

His body slid in like an eel.

The poisoned dagger in his hand gleamed with a ghostly blue light.

He rushed straight to the huddled figure in the corner of the kang!

The old eunuch on the kang seemed to be startled, and suddenly looked up, letting out a short cry of surprise!

Just as the black-clad leader's blade was about to touch the old eunuch's throat—

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The roof, walls, and even the ground all echoed with the loud cracking of wooden planks!

Several figures as agile as cheetahs suddenly emerged from the hollowed-out mezzanine and cellar!

They were dressed in dark, close-fitting outfits, with black face masks.

The movements were swift and thunderous.

With a gleaming blade in his hand, he instantly surrounded the four black-clad assassins who had broken in!

"There's an ambush!"

The leader in black was filled with shock and anger, but reacted quickly, immediately abandoning his target.

With a short, sweeping motion, he parried the oncoming slash.

At the same time, he shouted a loud whistle to signal his companions to break through!

However, the skill and teamwork of these men in black far exceeded their expectations!

Not only were they individually highly skilled in martial arts, but they had also formed a certain battle formation.

The four assassins were trapped in a small space, unable to advance or retreat!

Swords clashed violently in the cramped room and courtyard, sparks flying everywhere!

Muffled groans, the sound of sharp blades piercing flesh, and the thud of bodies falling to the ground rang out one after another!

That seemingly dull and mute old servant was now surprisingly skilled.

A short knife hidden in the woodpile was wielded with such skill that water could not penetrate it.

They stood protectively in front of the terrified old eunuch.

The battle ended very quickly.

Within a dozen breaths, three of the four assassins in black were killed on the spot.

One person had their jaw dislocated and their tendons severed.

He was pinned to the ground, unable to move.

The leader of the men in black stepped forward.

He tore off his face mask.

A cold, iron-like face was revealed—it was Xuan Ying!

He didn't even glance at the dead and wounded killers on the ground.

His gaze fell on the captured leader, and he said coldly, "Search him."

Two guards in black immediately stepped forward and conducted a thorough search of the captured assassin leader without any hesitation.

Soon, several items were found in his inner pocket:

A small packet of poison that kills instantly upon contact with blood.

Several poisoned diamond-shaped darts, and a specially made master key.

And—a heavy black iron token, about half the size of a palm!

The token is exquisitely crafted, with a complex emblem, resembling an intertwined willow branch, engraved on the front.

On the back is a small seal script character for "fragrance".

The Liu family's identity token for the "Dark Fragrance" organization!

Xuan Ying picked up the token, which still carried the assassin's warmth.

After a careful inspection, I confirmed that it was correct.

He looked up at the captured assassin leader.

The other person's eyes were filled with resentment and despair.

However, because his jaw was dislocated, he could only make "hoho" sounds.

"take away."

Xuan Ying waved his hand, "Take him to the Heavenly Prison overnight and keep him under strict guard."

this,"

He pointed to the token.

"Including what happened tonight, report to His Majesty immediately!"

"yes!"

Xuan Ying then looked at the trembling figure in the corner of the kang.

The old eunuch Changfu, who was almost fainting, softened his tone slightly:

"Eunuch Chang was frightened."

This place is no longer safe. Please follow us. His Majesty will ensure your safety.

The old eunuch's lips trembled.

Looking at the corpse lying on the ground,

He glanced again at the cold token in Xuan Ying's hand.

Finally, he nodded resignedly.

As night fell, the small courtyard quickly returned to its deathly silence.

Only a few gradually cooling corpses and an overwhelming stench of blood remained.

And that "Dark Fragrance" token, which symbolizes the Liu family's most secret and darkest power,

It is being carried out at the fastest speed.

They were sent to the palace, to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

It was sent to the emperor, who most desperately needed to break the deadlock.

Liu Chengzong's order to silence them became a death sentence for himself and the entire Liu family.

The most fatal move that plunged them into an abyss of no return...