Yanfu: Starting with the Six-Eared Macaque

"boom!"

A violent roar suddenly exploded from behind, carrying a scorching heat wave and a powerful shockwave, slamming into the backs of Chen Xing and Mo Chou, who had just escaped from Prince Chun's mansion a few steps away.

The two stumbled forward, taking two steps before barely regaining their balance, their clothes almost scorched by the heat.

Looking back, the dazzling flames had enveloped the entire palace, the blinding light illuminating the surrounding area as bright as day, even dyeing the deep night sky a deep orange-red.

The ground beneath my feet trembled violently, as if an earth dragon was churning underground. In the distance, the heavy sounds of houses collapsing echoed, and thick smoke and dust, carrying sparks, shot straight into the sky.

In just a short while, nearly a third of the Prince Chun's Mansion was reduced to ruins, with broken walls and rubble appearing and disappearing in the firelight.

"You have completed the special Yama event: [Assassination of the King].

Event details: Indirectly killed Zaifeng and Yan Xiaoguo, and indirectly killed Han Mochen.

The Yanfu incident has been completed and is rated as auspicious.

[Your purchasing privileges have been enhanced upon completion of this Yanfu event.]

"After a life-or-death battle, your ancient martial arts expertise has increased from 55% to 61%."

"Unfortunately, this breakthrough in specialization has failed to awaken your personal talent. Please continue your efforts."

"Brother!" The sound of an explosion came from behind. Mo Chou could no longer hold on to her tense nerves. Her legs went weak and she almost fell to the ground. Tears rolled down her cheeks like broken beads. She choked out a cry, her voice full of heart-wrenching grief and reluctance.

Hearing the crying, Chen Xing's heart sank.

Looking at the Prince's mansion now engulfed in flames, he suppressed the emotions and turmoil in his heart, reached out and firmly supported the swaying Mo Chou, his tone urgent yet reassuring: "Let's go quickly, don't waste the precious time that Brother Mo bought for us with his life."

Having said that, he didn't linger any longer. He tightly held onto the sobbing Mochou and first found a secluded corner on the street to hide her.

The two held their breath and observed quietly for a moment. After confirming that no pursuers had noticed their presence, they took advantage of the cover of night and secretly made their way away.

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Inside the Forbidden City, the tranquility of the night was completely shattered by a loud noise from afar.

The Empress Dowager Cixi, who had just fallen asleep, was awakened by the deafening noise and cried out in a panic, "Little Li! Little Li! Have the foreigners invaded again?"

"Your Majesty, I have already sent people to investigate. The explosion only happened once, so it shouldn't be the work of foreigners." Upon hearing the summons, Little Li hurriedly entered and knelt on the ground to report respectfully.

"It's good that they're not foreigners, it's good that they're not foreigners." The Empress Dowager Cixi breathed a long sigh of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted, but then her face darkened and she said fiercely.

"This Han Mochen caused such a big mess on his very first day in office. I think it would be better to replace him as the commander of the infantry."

After speaking, the Empress Dowager Cixi sat down on the edge of the couch, gently pressing her fingertips against her brow to calm her mind, which had been shaken by the explosion. Her tone was tinged with weariness and helplessness.

"I'm really getting old, I can't stand the slightest disturbance. Once I woke up, I couldn't fall back asleep. Alright, Little Li, help me get up."

Little Li immediately stood up, carefully helped the Empress Dowager up, and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, may you live a long and prosperous life. Our Great Qing Dynasty still depends on you to take charge of the overall situation."

Empress Dowager Cixi slowly walked to the table and sat down. A palace maid quickly served her a cup of warm tea. She picked it up and took two sips before her expression calmed down a little.

"Something terrible has happened! Something terrible has happened!" A young eunuch rushed in, stumbled, and knelt down abruptly, his voice trembling with tears. "Your Majesty, something terribly wrong has occurred!"

"What's the panic!" Little Li strode forward, kicked the young eunuch, and scolded in a low voice, "Catch your breath and speak slowly!"

"A messenger from the Infantry Commander's Office reports that the Prince Chun's residence has been bombed! Prince Chun, Lord Yan, and the newly appointed Commander Han are all dead inside!"

The young eunuch shakily got up and knelt down again, his voice trembling as he spoke, his face full of terror.

"What happened? Explain yourself clearly!" Xi Tai remained expressionless, revealing neither joy nor anger.

"Your Majesty, the officers from the Infantry Commander's Office reported that a group of assassins broke into Prince Chun's residence tonight. After Lord Yan noticed this, he sent someone to request Commander Han's assistance, but by the time Commander Han arrived, the assassins had already succeeded. One man and one woman escaped, leaving behind a man. When Commander Han went to question him, the man used some strange method to trigger an explosion."

The young eunuch swallowed hard and continued, "Commander Han was too close and was killed on the spot. Most of the palace also collapsed."

"Was the assassin a foreigner?" Empress Dowager Cixi asked calmly after hearing the question, her tone devoid of emotion.

"It shouldn't be. Those who are alive say the assassin had black hair and black eyes," the little eunuch quickly replied.

"It's those traitors again!" Empress Dowager Cixi slammed her hand on the table, nearly knocking over her teacup, and said fiercely.

"By my imperial decree, immediately seal off the capital! Mobilize all forces from the Shuntian Prefecture and the Infantry Commandery to hunt down the assassin! I want the traitor dead!"

"Yes, sir!" The little eunuch knelt down to receive the order and, not daring to delay, immediately got up and went out to convey the decree.

-----------------

At the Empress Dowager's command, martial law was quickly imposed throughout the capital.

The officials and soldiers of Shuntian Prefecture and the Infantry Commander's Office were all mobilized to search the streets and houses, causing widespread panic.

Chen Xing and Mo Chou had not gone far when they heard a series of hurried footsteps ahead, mixed with the shouts of officials.

"Quick! Quick! Quick! Search everywhere! Don't let a single house be missed!" a rough voice shouted, carrying an unquestionable authority.

The two exchanged a glance, their hearts tightening. They silently retreated, using the debris piled up by the roadside for cover, and hid in the shadows of a corner, holding their breath and not daring to make a sound.

From the alley came a series of urgent knocks on the door. The officers were banging on the door fiercely, and some even kicked the door open and barged in.

The sounds of barking dogs, crying children, and pleading adults mingled together, along with the chaotic noises of rummaging through drawers and cabinets, shattering the tranquility of the night.

"These damned corrupt officials!" Mo Chou gripped the knife handle tightly, her knuckles turning white, her eyes filled with rage, ready to rush out and fight to the death.

Chen Xing held her arm tightly, lowered his voice, and said in a serious tone, "Hold on! Going out now is just throwing your life away, and your brother's sacrifice will have been in vain!"

Mo Chou gritted her teeth, tears welling in her eyes, but she managed to suppress her anger and calm down, though she still didn't loosen her grip on the knife.

Suddenly, a rustling sound came from ahead.

Chen Xing and his companion peered out from the shadows and saw an official using a scabbard to poke at the debris by the roadside as he walked step by step into the depths of the alley, searching very carefully.

The two lowered their breathing again. Mo Chou gently adjusted her posture, gripping the hilt of her knife, ready to kill the official with a single blow at any moment to avoid revealing her whereabouts.

Chen Xing gently shook his head at Mo Chou, signaling her not to act rashly, his eyes revealing composure and confidence.

The officers approached the two men's hiding place step by step, finally arriving at the pile of baskets. They were about to use their knives to clear away the obstructions in front of them.

Just then, the officer suddenly saw a person stand up behind the basket and gently pat his shoulder with one hand.

The sudden touch made him shudder, raising goosebumps all over his body. He was about to call for help.

"Look into my eyes!" A strange yet firm voice rang in his ear.