The night was as dark as thick ink, and Yun Li's army marched silently toward Dunyang City like ghosts.

The moonlight was obscured by thick clouds, leaving only starlight to illuminate this silent journey.

When the army approached Dunyang City, the soldiers guarding the city walls were still fast asleep.

Yun Li's army acted swiftly and decisively, giving the defenders almost no time to react before swiftly killing them one by one.

The darkness in the city was like the maw of a giant beast, swallowing all sound.

Yun Li's army moved as if they were in an empty field; their footsteps echoed clearly in the deserted streets.

They marched straight towards the palace, their troops advancing rapidly through the night, and won an extremely easy battle. Now they were full of pride, yet dared not let their guard down. After all, this victory had come extraordinary.

When things go wrong, something sinister must be at play.

The palace gates were wide open, as if welcoming their arrival.

A figure stood at the door; it was none other than Qin Han, the eunuch who had served two emperors.

His aged figure appeared particularly lonely under the palace lanterns, and his voice was hoarse and high-pitched, like the cry of an owl, echoing in the empty palace.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince—" Qin Han's voice was filled with endless sorrow and longing.

Upon hearing this, everyone became alert and picked up their weapons, aiming them at him.

But Yun Li gestured for them to put down their weapons. He slowly walked forward, his heart churning with indescribable emotions.

"What happened in the palace?" Yun Li's voice was deep and powerful, as steady as a mountain.

Upon hearing this, Qin Han wept bitterly and said, "Yun Shu is dead, and we are keeping his death a secret because we are waiting for Your Highness to arrive!"

His words struck Yun Li's heart like a heavy hammer, instantly making him feel an indescribable heaviness.

He grabbed Qin Han's shoulders and asked anxiously, "Where is Cui Mi? How is she? Yun Shu just issued an edict of self-reproach, how could she suddenly die!"

He hadn't even asked how this bastard had tortured his mother to death!

Qin Han glanced at the army behind Yun Li and said in a low voice, "Yun Shu's death cannot be explained in a few words. Your Highness, the Great Xuan is now eyeing our Yun Dynasty with hostility. I urge Your Highness to ascend the throne as soon as possible and announce it to the world to stabilize the people's hearts!"

Li Ye warned from the side, "Your Highness, be careful, it might be a trap!"

But Yun Li seemed not to hear him; his gaze pierced through the darkness, fixed on the deep palace.

That place that gave him joy and then took everything away from him.

Following Yun Li's gaze, everyone looked towards the palace. The solemnity of the palace was like a heavy iron curtain, making it hard for them to breathe.

After a long silence, Yun Li waved his hand and said in a booming voice, "All soldiers, follow me into the palace!"

Under the command of the generals, the army dispersed in an orderly fashion to various corners of the palace.

The palace lanterns swayed in the night, illuminating the resolute faces of the soldiers.

An hour later, all the soldiers had assembled outside the Golden Palace, their armor gleaming coldly in the moonlight.

Report! Nothing amiss at Yonghua Palace!

Report! Nothing amiss at Wuhua Palace!

...

As reports of victory arrived one after another, Yun Li's expression gradually relaxed. He looked around and, seeing that everything was in good order, ordered, "All soldiers have worked hard tonight. Rest where you are and we will discuss things again tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, the soldiers readily accepted the order, sat down on the spot, and began to organize their equipment in preparation for rest.

Yun Li went to Wuhua Palace alone.

He had many questions that needed answering, and his intuition told him that Yun Shu's death was inextricably linked to Cui Mi.

The palace was quiet. Yugiri was dozing off when she heard footsteps. She quickly perked up, thinking that the group of soldiers from before had returned.

Seeing the panic on her face, Yun Li asked in a low voice, "Is your aunt resting?"

Only then did Yugiri realize that the person in front of her was His Highness the Crown Prince.

She quickly shook her head. "No, I'm waiting for Your Highness."

Tangli led the way, and through the crystal curtain, she softly announced, "Your Highness, His Highness has come to see you."

"Understood, you may all leave!" Cui Mi's aged voice came from inside.

It sounds as if he has aged more than ten years in an instant.

Yun Li lifted the crystal curtain and stepped into the inner room, where he saw Cui Mi lying half-reclined on the bed, her face as pale as paper and her body seemingly frail.

His heart tightened, and he quickly walked a few steps to the bedside.

"Aunt, what's wrong?" Yun Li asked with concern, reaching out to take her pulse.

Cui Mi hurriedly moved her hand away, her voice hoarse like a dried leaf, "Why are you taking the pulse of a dying person?!"

Yun Li was shocked by her reaction and noticed that her voice had become dry and hoarse, extremely similar to that of a castrated eunuch.

A thought struck him, and he boldly guessed, "Is it because you have been serving the beautiful Jiao for a long time?"

Cui Mi seemed not to hear him, but anxiously instructed, "Li'er, you must find that pear wood box as soon as possible. The key and map inside will guide you to the real Imperial Seal of the State."

Before he could finish speaking, Cui Mi suddenly coughed violently, and blood spurted out, splashing onto Yun Li's clothes.

"Aunt!" Yun Li exclaimed, but there was no time to get her a spittoon.

Cui Mi was panting, her voice growing even weaker.

"Li'er, you must hurry. If the Great Xuan finds the Imperial Seal first, they may find a master of disguise to impersonate you and take your place."

After being reminded by Cui Mi, Yun Li also realized the seriousness of the matter.

He nodded, his expression grave. "Aunt, I will handle it as soon as possible."

"What do you mean by 'handle it as soon as possible'?" Cui Mi suddenly became agitated, spitting out another mouthful of blood. "This matter is extremely urgent!"

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