The black-clad guards were puzzled as to what that man was doing at the Third Prince's place in the dead of night.

The man turned back and glanced at where he was hiding, a cold smile appearing on his thin lips.

We've been discovered!

The black-clad guard felt a chill run down his spine and was about to retreat when suddenly, two eerie purple lightning bolts appeared in his widened pupils. And then there was the tall, thin man, with his unusually long and narrow eyes.

Those eyes... they look so familiar, like I've seen them somewhere before.

Before the black-clad guard's consciousness completely vanished, he thought this.

The instant the black-clad guard breathed his last, Shang Beiyu swiftly arrived beside the tall, thin man in black, his tone extremely displeased: "Why did you kill someone here again?"

"He found me." The tall, thin man in black spoke respectfully, but his tone was indifferent and ruthless, as if he had only killed an ant or a bug.

Shang Beiyu was still displeased: "Your actions are too high-profile and flamboyant, which I find very displeasing."

The tall, thin man in black: "..."

Your Majesty, I have always been like this. You even said it was okay before?

She pursed her lips.

Alright, Your Majesty has the biggest fist, whatever you say goes.

The slender man in black picked up the body of the black-clad guard and casually tossed it into the Cold Palace before returning to Shang Beiyu's residence to await orders: "Your Majesty, did you summon me here for any important matters?"

“You’ve offended the Ninth Prince’s men, so he’ll definitely investigate the palace thoroughly. You might as well go to Xidan and have Xidan launch a strong attack on the border city of Dazhao.” Shang Beiyu casually brewed tea, but didn’t drink it. He filled cup after cup and then poured it out.

The tall, thin man in black: "..."

After a moment of silence, he reminded him, "Your Majesty, we have only recently taken over Xidan, and most of our forces have not yet grown strong. With Xidan's current strength, launching a strong attack on the border city of Dazhao might provoke the Ninth Prince to personally return to the border to defend it, which I fear..."

"That's your business. Within two months, I will order the Ninth Prince to leave the capital. If you delay by even one day, I will cut off one of your fingers," Shang Beiyu said calmly without even lifting his eyelids.

The tall, thin man in black: "!!!"

Your Majesty! You've changed!

You used to focus solely on your career and prioritize it!

You think you can just throw away half of our once-great territory like that?!

In an instant, he exclaimed in surprise, "Your Excellency, could it be that you're after that soil...?"

"Hmm?!" Shang Beiyu slowly turned his head and glanced at the tall, thin man in black. His casual glance seemed to reflect a scene of hell.

The tall, thin man in black felt a chill run down his spine. He quickly shut his mouth, bowed his head, and said, "Understood, Your Majesty. I will set off for Xidan immediately!"

"From now on, call her Princess Chonghe." Shang Beiyu's movements returned to their usual composure and elegance, a beautiful smile appearing on his lips, his voice light and pleasant, delightful to the ear.

The tall, thin man in black: "...Yes!"

Your Majesty, you have actually fallen for a mortal woman!

It seems that if I want to win the Emperor's favor in the future, I'll have to focus on undermining the Ninth Prince's household.

Fortunately, he had planted a hidden pawn next to the Ninth Prince beforehand, and it should come in handy soon.

Early the next morning.

The Empress Dowager awoke from her drowsy state, vaguely smelling a stench like that of dead rats. She opened her eyes and was about to call for help when she suddenly saw two rotting claws rhythmically waving in front of her. Startled, she screamed, "Ah—!"

The two palace maids who had been knocked unconscious in the room were awakened by the Empress Dowager's screams. They rushed over and, upon seeing what was happening, also screamed loudly and retreated repeatedly.