"Yes!" Cheng Xiong dared not say anything more and hurriedly bowed and took his leave.

Zu An glanced at Zhu Xiechi to express his gratitude, then followed him out. Neither of them dared to say anything near the Imperial Study. Only when they reached the outer perimeter did he speak, "General Cheng, why do you target me time and time again? I wonder where I have offended you?"

Cheng Xiong said calmly, "What makes you say that, Eleventh Lord? I never let personal grudges get in mind when I do things; I always handle everything impartially."

Zuan had to admire this guy's shamelessness. He stayed not to reason with him, but to reap a wave of anger: "I admire the way the general clearly hates me but is helpless, hahaha."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Cheng Xiong was left standing there, his face contorted in pain, smoke rising from his head.

Cheng Xiong's anger level increased by 999+999+999...

At this moment, Cheng Xiong's trusted bodyguard quietly approached and said, "General, why do we have to go after this guy? After all, he is a Gold Medal Embroidered Robe Envoy, not someone to be trifled with."

It's already difficult to get even a single gold medal envoy, let alone the fact that he has Zhu Xie Chixin behind him. They felt that Cheng Xiong's decision this time was really a miscalculation.

Cheng Xiong snorted: "You know nothing. The Emperor has always wanted to deal with the Qi Prince's faction. This assassination attempt is the perfect excuse. It's obvious that he intends to remove me first. I have no choice but to strike first and find a scapegoat."

Whether or not the truth about the assassin is uncovered is not important; what is important is finding someone to take the fall for him.

After considering all the options, Gold Medal Eleven is the most suitable. His status is significant enough, but his foundation isn't particularly strong. Moreover, his relationship with the assassins is already ambiguous, making him a natural scapegoat.

Meanwhile, Zu An was on his way back from the Imperial Study to rekindle his romance with his sister, the Sect Leader, while also contemplating how to deal with Cheng Xiong. Suddenly, a maidservant appeared beside him: "Eleventh Master, my master requests your presence."

"Who is your master?" Zu An asked curiously. Who else in this harem did he know?

The maid didn't answer: "You'll know when Lord Eleven arrives."