Chapter 10 A Perfect Opportunity for Assassination? No, It's a Moral Test!

During his time recuperating at the Prince of Yan's villa, Yun Zhan lived a life of unparalleled comfort. He was provided with the best food and drink, and had maids to serve him. Apart from having to drink incredibly bitter Chinese medicine every day, it was the happiest time he had ever experienced since his transmigration.

Of course, he didn't forget his "main job"—assassinating Yan Linye. However, he was troubled by the lack of a new, reliable (and cheap) plan, and with his "work injury" just healed, he decided to take a break and recuperate for the time being, to accumulate (lay down) his strength (and do nothing).

That evening, Yun Zhan was sitting in his room with his legs up, studying the high-end items in the system's shop that he couldn't afford, when he suddenly heard a series of slightly chaotic footsteps and the low exclamations of the servants outside.

He curiously peeked out and saw two guards helping Yan Linye walk over. Yan Linye seemed to have drunk quite a bit; his usually clear eyes were somewhat glazed, and his steps were a little unsteady, but he was still relatively calm and didn't act out.

"Your Highness, please be careful." The guard helped Yan Linye to the door of the main house.

"It's alright, you can all go and rest." Yan Linye waved his hand, his voice lower and hoarse than usual.

The servants withdrew as instructed, and the large courtyard immediately fell silent, as if only Yun Zhan and Yan Linye remained awake.

Yun Zhan watched as Yan Linye swayed as he pushed open the door, almost tripping over the threshold, and instinctively ran over to support him.

A strong smell of alcohol mixed with Yan Linye's unique, refreshing aura wafted over.

"Brother Yan? Are you alright?" Yun Zhan struggled to support his tall frame.

Yan Linye turned his head to look at him, and it took him a while to recognize him. He then gave a gentle smile and said, "It's Yun Zhan... I'm fine, it's just... I had a few too many drinks due to social obligations."

Yun Zhan thought to himself: How many cups did he drink? He probably drank several jars!

He resignedly helped Yan Linye to sit down on the bedside and then went to pour him some water. Looking at Yan Linye, who was usually calm and composed as if he had everything under control, he now seemed somewhat vulnerable and... dazed because of his drunkenness. Yun Zhan felt a strange sensation in his heart.

[Ding—Target detected to be in a state of blurred consciousness and low defense. Assessment: Assassination success rate increased to 30%. This is the optimal time to act. Host is advised to seize the opportunity.] System Xiao Qi's cold electronic voice sounded at the opportune moment, like a heartless death warrant.

Yun Zhan's hand trembled, and he almost spilled the tea.

Assassination?

The best time?

30% success rate?

He instinctively reached for the gold-inlaid and jade-embroidered dagger in his pocket. His heart began to pound uncontrollably.

The opportunity... seems to have truly arrived. In his current state, Yan Linye is beyond resistance; he probably couldn't even stand. If he were to draw his dagger and strike a vital spot...

Then he won't die! His skull is safe!

Yun Zhan's palms began to sweat, and his breathing became rapid. He slowly drew his dagger, the cold metallic touch sending a chill down his spine.

He raised the dagger and pointed it at Yan Linye's back. In the candlelight, Yan Linye sat quietly on the edge of the bed, head down, seemingly rubbing his temples in discomfort, completely unaware of his "killing intent."

As long as you stab...

But……

Fragments of the past few days flashed uncontrollably through Yun Zhan's mind. Yan Linye rescued him from the pond, carried him back to the villa, personally touched his forehead, tucked him in... and the things he said to his subordinates when handling affairs: how to resettle refugees, how to build water conservancy projects, how to ensure the people had enough to eat and wear...

He was a history student. He knew perfectly well that in the original history, after Yan Linye overthrew Chu Yin and established the Houchen Dynasty, he reduced taxes and corvée labor, allowed the people to recuperate, rectified officialdom, and ushered in a golden age known as the "Reign of Chenxing." He was a wise ruler, a wise ruler unparalleled in history. Apart from his almost supernatural luck, he genuinely cared for the world and was perfectly suited to be an emperor.

Do I really want to kill someone who can bring a better life to all the people in the world just to save my own life?

His hands trembled so badly that he could barely hold the dagger.

Just then, the drunken Yan Linye suddenly spoke incoherently, as if talking in his sleep, or perhaps making a promise to him:

"Yun Zhan...don't be afraid..."

"From now on... follow me..."

"I will... I will make sure everyone lives a good life..."

"I won't let you... suffer any more injustices..."

His voice was deep and earnest, tinged with the stickiness of drunkenness, yet strangely it struck the softest spot in Yun Zhan's heart.

Yun Zhan's hand, which was holding the dagger, froze completely.

He looked at Yan Linye, who, even in his drunken state, still had a deep concern for the suffering of the people in his eyes, and listened to his subconscious promises... No matter what, he couldn't bring himself to stab him.

With a clatter, the dagger fell to the ground.

Yun Zhan seemed to have all his strength drained away. He slumped back two steps and leaned against the table, panting heavily.

[Operation failed. Host has abandoned a golden opportunity. Assessment: Host lacks resolve and is unlikely to achieve great things. Tyrant Points +5.] The system's electronic voice was filled with disdain.

"Shut up!" Yun Zhan growled in a low voice, a hint of barely perceptible panic and self-reproach in his voice. "What do you know? What I'm doing is... I'm saying I have principles! I don't kill drunkards! I don't kill good people! I don't kill wise rulers! Do you understand?"

[Excuse. This system only sees the host's indecisiveness and womanly compassion. At this rate, the probability of the host's skull being turned into an artwork is as high as 99.9%.]

"Get lost! This is called strategic observation!" Yun Zhan retorted stubbornly. "What kind of hero takes advantage of someone in distress? If you're going to kill him, you have to wait until he's sober, and do it fair and square... uh, think of a way!"

He ignored the system's sarcastic remarks, bent down to pick up the dagger and stuffed it back into his pocket, then resignedly walked over, helped Yan Linye take off his shoes, socks and coat, and laboriously tucked him into bed.

Yan Linye seemed truly drunk, letting him do as he pleased. Only when he covered him with the blanket did she unconsciously grab his wrist, her grip light but stubborn, muttering again, "Yun Zhan...trust me..."

Yun Zhan's heart skipped a beat again. He forcefully pulled his hand back and muttered, "I don't believe you! I'll have to figure out a way to kill you when you wake up..."

He blew out the candle, tiptoed out of the room, and closed the door.

The room fell into darkness and silence.

Yan Linye, who should have been "dead drunk" on the bed, slowly opened his eyes the moment the door closed.

Those eyes were clear and sharp in the darkness, showing no trace of drunkenness.

He turned his head slightly, listening to Yun Zhan's footsteps gradually receding into the distance, filled with frustration and entanglement, and a faint but meaningful smile appeared on his lips.

The little guy... I really couldn't bring myself to do it.

He raised his hand and touched the back of his heart, where he seemed to have felt a chilling killing intent for a moment, but it vanished in an instant.

It seems that his "closest friend" has more secrets than he imagined, and they are more interesting.

However, what he just said wasn't entirely false.

He meant it when he said, "I will give you a good life..."