By the time Ning Yin had changed her clothes, Xiao Xuan was also dressed. He instructed Qing Ying to take Ning Yin onto the imperial ship returning to the East Palace.

However, just as the two reached the ferry, they were stopped by several guards.

Qingying's expression immediately hardened, and she drew her sword from her waist, shouting sharply, "What, you don't even recognize me anymore!"

The two guards exchanged a glance, then clasped their hands in a salute to Qingying, saying respectfully but firmly, "Lord Qingying, we are acting on the orders of His Majesty and the Empress. Anyone who wants to leave Phoenix Terrace needs His Majesty's permission. We are doing this for Your Highness's safety, after all, the methods of these thieves are extraordinary!"

After the two finished speaking, they secretly glanced at Ning Yin, who was wearing a white cap, out of the corner of their eyes.

Today, Consort Chen specially rewarded each of them with five hundred taels of silver, saying that they must guard Phoenix Terrace and not let even a single sparrow fly away.

The two had served in the palace for a long time, and this was the first time they had received such a great favor. They immediately knelt down and bowed, saying that they were willing to do anything for Consort Chen.

Seeing that Ning Yin's cap covered her from head to toe, both of them were suspicious and showed no intention of backing down.

Even if Qingying was unhappy, she still had to obey His Majesty's decree. Besides, His Highness the Crown Prince had just been attacked, so it was only right that they guarded every suspect who left.

Seeing that the two men were unmoved by her words, Qingying immediately pressed her longsword against one of their necks and threatened in a cold voice, "I'll say it again, get out of the way!"

"Lord Qingying, even if you kill me now, I will not step aside. Everything depends on His Majesty's decision."

After speaking, the guard with the long sword pressed against his neck ordered the group of guards behind him, "Men, escort this woman of unknown identity into the main hall!"

"You're asking for it!"

Enrage ignited in Qingying's ink-black pupils. With a slight flick of the sword hilt, she slashed the man's neck, and blood gushed out instantly.

If Qingying hadn't shown mercy, that person would probably have died on the spot.

He was terrified, his eyes filled with disbelief. He pressed one hand tightly against his bleeding neck and took a few steps back. He never expected that Qingying would dare to openly defy His Majesty's decree.

"What are you all doing? Get up here right now!"

With a sharp shout, the man behind him brandished his long swords and instantly surrounded Qingying and Ningyin.

Qingying glanced around. Long swords gleamed coldly. The few guards were no match for her. However, Ningyin was with her. If she started fighting, she probably wouldn't be able to take care of her.

If these fools actually manage to hurt His Highness's women, he will likely be held responsible even if he dies a thousand times over.

"You all retreat at once, or don't blame me for being merciless with my sword!"

As they were talking, another ship slowly sailed into the dock. Li Chengyan was dressed in a white long robe, his hair casually tied up with a sandalwood hairpin.

He had dinner with Xiao Xuan in the evening and then prepared to leave the palace. However, as soon as he arrived at the palace gate, Li Chengyan was stopped by a young eunuch who hurriedly told him that Xiao Xuan had been assassinated.

Li Chengyan was worried that something had happened to Xiao Xuan, so he rushed to Phoenix Terrace.

Before the boat even docked, Li Chengyan couldn't wait and leaped down, landing in front of everyone.

When Li Chengyan realized that the person in front of him was Qingying, he was stunned for a few seconds.

Qingying is Xiao Xuan's confidante. How could someone in this palace dare to point a knife at him? They must be courting death.

While pondering, he focused his gaze on Ning Yin. Although he couldn't see the person's appearance, he could guess from his intuition that it was the celestial being herself.

Seeing Ning Yin's slightly unsteady heels, Li Chengyan frowned slightly and then quickly walked over.

"What? Are you all blind! This is His Highness the Crown Prince's man! How dare you! Get out of here at once!"

When the group of reckless thugs saw that the person who came was Li Chengyan, they only paused for a few seconds, but still showed no intention of making way.

When Qingying saw Li Chengyan arrive, he suddenly chuckled. Now he could teach these ignorant fools a lesson in peace.

"Lord Li, you've come at the perfect time. Please take good care of my master!"

Qingying helped Ningyin toward Li Chengyan. Li Chengyan understood and was about to go and meet her when the guards suddenly stepped forward to capture Ningyin.

Li Chengyan moved with incredible speed, gently guiding Ning Yin to a safe location.

"You want to cross the Bridge of Helplessness? Heh! Then I'll grant your wish!"

He spoke with disdain, then drew his sword from his waist. The sword flashed like lightning, instantly killing a guard who had jumped forward. The guard fell to the ground, spitting blood.

In an instant, the sounds of swords clashing echoed throughout Phoenix Terrace…

Just as Qingying and Li Chengyan were locked in a fierce battle, a dignified and indifferent voice suddenly came from behind them.

"stop!"

Everyone turned to look, and saw that the person in the lead was Xiao Xuan, who was wearing a black python robe.

Following closely behind were the emperor, Consort Chen, Yang Shuhuan, and others.

Everyone immediately put down their weapons and quickly knelt down to pay their respects to the emperor and Xiao Xuan. Ning Yin, supported by Li Chengyan, also slowly knelt on the ground.

Just now in the main hall, the emperor interrogated the palace servant who came to report. The servant only said that he saw a woman in the Heavenly Water Pool, but he didn't know who she was. He believed that she must be an assassin, so he immediately went to report it.

The palace servant had barely finished speaking when he coughed up blood and died instantly in the main hall.

The emperor was furious and ordered all the guards to surround Phoenix Terrace and capture the mastermind behind the plot to frame the crown prince.

Not long after the emperor's order was issued, Xiao Xuan, dressed in a black brocade robe, stepped into the main hall.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!