Chapter 12: Chapter The night wind swept sharply across the capital as several horses raced through the empty streets at terrifying speed. The thunder of hooves echoed against the stone roads while guards from the Xi family followed closely behind. Not a single person along the streets dared to stop them.
At the front, Xi Jianyu rode forward with a cold expression while Xi Wenzhe followed beside him, his dark robes whipping violently in the wind. Neither father nor son spoke during the entire journey. The atmosphere around them was already heavy enough to suffocate anyone nearby.
Inside Xi Wenzhe’s mind, Su Yueqing’s earlier words repeated endlessly.
The Crown Princess should die tonight.
At first, it had sounded impossible.
Ridiculous.
But after everything else she revealed had proven true, neither of them dared ignore her warning anymore.
Soon, the palace gates appeared ahead.
The guards stationed there immediately stiffened after recognizing them.
"Grand Duke Xi?"
Xi Jianyu did not slow down.
"Open the gates."
His cold voice alone was enough to make the guards panic. The palace gates were quickly opened and the horses rushed inside immediately.
—
At the same moment, the atmosphere inside the Crown Princess’s palace remained peaceful and elegant.
Soft music drifted through the brightly lit hall while several noble ladies sat around a large table, chatting and laughing quietly with the Crown Princess. Servants moved silently around the room as maids carefully poured tea for everyone present.
The Crown Princess sat near the center in pale golden robes embroidered with phoenix patterns. Expensive jade ornaments rested beautifully in her dark hair while a gentle smile lingered on her face as she listened to the conversation around her.
Nothing appeared unusual.
Nothing seemed dangerous.
A maid slowly stepped forward carrying a fresh cup of tea respectfully in both hands.
"Your Highness, your tea."
The Crown Princess smiled lightly and reached for the cup.
At that exact moment—
Bang!
The palace doors burst open violently.
Startled screams instantly filled the hall.
The Crown Princess looked up sharply as Xi Jianyu strode inside with terrifying pressure surrounding him while Xi Wenzhe followed close behind, his sharp eyes sweeping across the room in an instant.
The palace guards froze in shock.
"Grand Duke Xi?!"
The Crown Princess herself looked stunned.
"Grand Duke Xi, what—"
"Do not drink that tea!"
Xi Jianyu’s cold voice exploded across the hall.
The entire room froze.
The Crown Princess instinctively stopped moving.
At the same second, the maid holding the tray suddenly changed expression. The fear and nervousness on her face disappeared completely, replaced by cold killing intent.
Without hesitation, she threw the tray aside.
Crash!
The teacup shattered across the floor.
Before anyone could react, a sharp dagger slipped from her sleeve as she lunged directly toward the Crown Princess.
"Protect Her Highness!"
Screams erupted everywhere as the noble ladies scattered in panic while palace maids fell to the ground trembling.
The assassin moved fast.
Xi Wenzhe was faster.
The moment the dagger appeared, his hand had already moved.
A cold flash crossed the hall.
Thud!
An arrow pierced straight through the assassin’s throat before she could even reach the Crown Princess.
Blood splattered instantly.
Her eyes widened in disbelief before her body collapsed heavily onto the floor.