When the two palace maids returned to his chambers, Song Xuan was lost in his fantasies. The two maids quickly put a sleeping potion into Song Xuan's teacup, tricking him into drinking tea and admiring the moon. Soon after, Song Xuan fell into a deep sleep.

After confirming that Song Xuan was fast asleep, the two palace maids quickly changed into night clothes and, under the cover of night, drifted out of the palace like two falling leaves, heading straight for the residence of Li Yan, the Minister of War.

Upon arriving at Li Yan's residence, they found that the guards at the gate were indeed heavily on guard, making it virtually impossible to enter silently.

"It seems we have no choice but to use a diversionary tactic."

"Sister, these guards seem to be the Imperial Guards, Song Xuan's personal soldiers. Should we abandon tonight's assassination plan?"

“Give up? The commander-in-chief gave a death order. We can fail, but we absolutely cannot give up so easily. How will we know if we don’t try? You lure the people at the door away, and I’ll go in and assassinate Li Yan.”

"We don't even know how many guards are inside the mansion; it's too dangerous..."

"Alright, let's get started, let's go!"

As she spoke, the older sister pushed her younger sister away.

Upon seeing this, the guards at the entrance of the Li residence drew their swords and surrounded the mansion.

Seeing this, the younger sister smirked, drew her long sword from her back, and went to meet the guards at the door.

The sounds of fighting followed, and the older sister, hiding in a corner, could see it all clearly as the younger sister led the guards further and further away.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, the older sister swayed and disappeared into Li Yan's mansion like a shadow.

Her movements were light and swift, without making a sound. However, there were far more guards in Li Yan's residence than they had imagined. As soon as she entered, she was discovered by a group of patrolling guards.

Hi, good evening.

Countless guards surrounded them, drawing their swords from their waists.

"And she's a beautiful woman. So late at night, could she be here to assassinate Lord Li?"

"Otherwise what?"

The moment the words were spoken, the battle began, but it was already over as soon as it started.

There were far too many guards inside the mansion, almost one every five steps. With such a density of guards, even the most skilled expert would be helpless.

Less than two minutes into the fight, the older sister flipped over the courtyard wall, and the guards inside the mansion didn't chase after her, as if nothing had happened.

At midnight, the two sisters returned to the palace and told Chen Zhennan what had happened.

"Ha, that bastard is really well-prepared. You've all worked hard. I'll handle this myself. You can go back now."

"yes."

...

In the darkness of the capital, the torches of the search flickered like fireflies. Song Xuan's orders were strictly carried out, and every corner of the city was thoroughly searched by the soldiers.

Anyone suspected was arrested without mercy and beheaded on the spot.

For the past three days, the air in the capital has been filled with the stench of blood and fear. People have stayed indoors, and only the heavy footsteps of soldiers can be heard on the streets.

Song Xuan stood atop the high city tower, looking down at the capital below, his eyes gleaming with a cruel yet satisfied light.

“Li Yan, look, this is the taste of power. They fear us as much as they fear death.”

"Your Majesty is wise; no one in or outside the capital can surpass you."

Song Xuan was very pleased with Li Yan's flattery. What he wanted was this kind of vague sense of accomplishment, that invisible and intangible yet real achievement brought by the pinnacle of power.

"By imperial decree, effective immediately, Li Yan is promoted to Prime Minister, a hereditary position, and granted the authority to command troops!"

Upon hearing this, Li Yan immediately knelt down to express his gratitude, while Song Xuan hurriedly waved his hand in response.

"The imperial edict will be delivered to your residence tomorrow, along with my reward. Kneel down tomorrow."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

...

The next day, as the sunlight slanted across the stone-paved streets of the capital, the scene inside the Li residence was quite different.

As dawn broke, the servants in the mansion began to busy themselves, sweeping the courtyard and decorating the halls, all in preparation for that important moment when Song Xuan's edict appointing Li Yan as prime minister was delivered.

Noon, or 3:45 PM, was considered by the ancients to be the time when yang energy was at its peak, and also the best time to hold important ceremonies.

Li Yan, dressed in formal court attire, stood in front of the main gate of his residence, surrounded by his family and close advisors.

Li Yan smiled, but his eyes betrayed a hint of nervousness and anticipation. This was the most glorious moment of his career; his promotion to Prime Minister meant he had gained actual control of the empire.

As the bells tolled twelve times, dust billowed in the distance, and a royal procession with a distinguished regalia slowly drove into the front of the Li residence.

Leading the group was an elderly eunuch dressed in a red robe with gold trim and a golden crown, followed by several strong eunuchs carrying heavy reward boxes.

After alighting from the carriage, the old eunuch first looked around, then cleared his throat and announced in a sharp and clear voice: "By imperial decree, Li Yan is hereby promoted to Prime Minister, effective immediately. He is awarded a thousand taels of gold, a hundred bolts of brocade, and a quantity of jewels, as a mark of this great honor."

Upon hearing this, Li Yan immediately bowed down and repeatedly expressed his gratitude: "Your subject Li Yan kowtows to thank Your Majesty for your great kindness. I will certainly serve the country with my life."

The moment the old eunuch solemnly handed the imperial edict to Li Yan, the air seemed to freeze.

The old eunuch's face suddenly twisted, his respectful expression replaced by a wicked smile, as if a demon had appeared, sending chills down one's spine.

Li Yan's heart clenched suddenly, a chill ran down his spine and straight to his head, and an inexplicable fear instantly gripped his heart.

The old eunuch's lips curled into a strange smile, his voice low and sinister: "Congratulations, Prime Minister Li... This 'surprise' isn't too late, is it?"

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