"You cannot see him now," Dong Han disapproved, "You know who the Crown Prince is, he is no stranger to you. If he knows you’ve co on your own, he’ll imdiately have you thrown out."
Yang Xueru thought about it and agreed. Even though she knew she should consider the bigger picture, she couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed.
She originally wanted to ask Dong Han if she could just take a distant look at the Crown Prince without eting him, but then Dong Han said, "Today’s matter is no joke, arranged by Chief Minister Yang, and it involves more than ordinary assassins. Once fighting breaks out, the danger can only be imagined. I’m giving you another chance, do you want to return to the Yang Mansion, or do you intend to stay and be a hostage for the Crown Prince?"
Yang Xueru was silent for a while, then spoke, "I am willing to stay as a hostage, but I have a question. You must answer truthfully."
Dong Han: "What is your question?"
"After the Crown Prince was confined to the Imperial Clan Court, did you do a lot for him?"
"Didn’t Miss Yang also willingly co to the Imperial Clan Court to be a hostage for the Crown Prince?"
"We’re not the sa."
Dong Han said, "As won destined for the future of the Crown Prince, seeing him in trouble, we both wish to help him with what little we can. At least our starting point is the sa."
As they spoke, Dong Han led Yang Xueru to a secluded side courtyard, "This is your hiding place for today. The assassination should take place after dark. Judge for yourself when to co out by the sounds of the fighting outside. Rember, during this ti, you cannot leave the courtyard at will. The Imperial Clan Court is full of spies and informants, and any slight carelessness could expose you. If you ruin the plan by being disobedient and get exposed early, you will bear the consequences yourself."
Yang Xueru nodded, "I understand."
...
After settling Yang Xueru, Dong Han avoided the spies and went to the back hall to see Zhao Xi.
When she arrived, Zhao Xi was at the writing desk, painting with a calm deanor, as if unaware of the thrilling assassination plot waiting for him that night.
"Your Highness has quite the interest in the arts," Dong Han admired the vast scenery on the rice paper with a smile.
Zhao Xi continued his painting, his gaze focused on the artwork, and asked her, "How has everything been arranged?"
"Everything is under Your Highness’s control. They can enter the capital tonight; all matters should conclude then."
Zhao Xi put down the brush and looked up at her, "You’ve worked hard during these days."
Dong Han chuckled, "It’s an honor for this humble servant to work for Your Highness."
After Zhao Xi entered the Imperial Clan Court, many people were watching him. Relaying ssages to the outside wasn’t easy. Coincidentally, one day Dong Han ca to see him, and Zhao Xi, knowing she had two Hai Dongqing birds suitable for long-distance communication, entrusted her with a few tasks.
Dong Han hesitated for a mont, "I just don’t understand, with the current tense situation and the palace coup imminent, why does Your Highness choose to send ssages to Ningzhou?"
Ningzhou is too far, distant help cannot save the nearby ergency.
Zhao Xi finished washing his hands and was drying them with a towel. He paused at her words, "It’s rely to align with Father Emperor’s wishes."
Initially, his thoughts were narrow and extre, believing that Emperor Guangxi was jeopardizing a well-loved Crown Prince for the sake of a woman and entrusting the empire to a re infant, treating the realm as a trifling matter. It was disheartening.
Until, one night, he received a secret ssage. The content kept him tossing and turning, awake all night.
It was also that night he roughly understood the true intention behind Emperor Guangxi’s sche.
Dong Han did not ask further, "Does Your Highness require to do anything else?"
Zhao Xi said, "There are many matters in the palace tonight. Once you return ho, stay there and don’t go anywhere else. After everything is settled, I will personally co to see you."
"Alright."
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