The battle erupted instantly, with swords flashing and cold light gleaming in the alley.
Although Lin Wanqing was not as tall as a man, she was agile and had a fierce punch. Every move she made contained a force that should not be underestimated.
However, the assassins were numerous and each one was highly skilled, and Lin Wanqing quickly found herself in a fierce battle.
"Hmph, a mere woman dares to contend with us!" an assassin sneered, his long sword flashing like a venomous snake, aimed straight for Lin Wanqing's vitals.
Lin Wanqing's heart skipped a beat, but her movements were not slow at all. She retreated rapidly and at the same time struck out with her palm. The palm wind howled and collided with the assassin's sword light, making a loud "bang".
Both of them were knocked back several steps, but Lin Wanqing was clearly at a disadvantage.
As the battle intensified, several wounds of varying depths appeared on Lin Wanqing's body, staining her clothes with blood.
But her gaze grew even more resolute, showing no sign of backing down. She knew that if she showed even the slightest hint of fear, she would face an even fiercer attack.
She took a deep breath, gathering the last of her strength in her palms, preparing for one last desperate attempt.
Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats grew louder as they approached. A troop of imperial guards in full armor descended like divine warriors, instantly surrounding the assassins.
Lin Wanqing felt a sense of relief, but her legs went weak. She barely managed to support herself, trying not to let the assassin notice anything amiss.
At the command of the leading general, the Imperial Guards drew their weapons and engaged in fierce combat with the assassins.
After a fierce battle, the assassins were finally subdued one by one.
The leading Imperial Guard general stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and bowed to Lin Wanqing, saying, "My lord, you have been frightened. I am late, please forgive me."
Lin Wanqing nodded with lingering fear. If these imperial guards hadn't arrived in time, she probably would have been in grave danger.
She struggled to her feet and said gratefully to the general, "Thank you for your help, General. These people are probably here because of the Yunxuan Academy incident. What happened today is probably just the beginning..."
Before she could finish speaking, a sharp whooshing sound rang out, followed by a sharp arrow flying straight toward her back at an astonishing speed.
Lin Wanqing keenly sensed the approaching danger and quickly dodged to the side.
However, having just experienced a fierce battle, her reaction speed had noticeably decreased, and she was ultimately unable to completely dodge the deadly arrow.
"Lord Lin! Something's wrong! There's an assassin! Seize him at once!" the general ordered as he helped Lin Wanqing, who was falling to the side.
......
The night was as dark as ink, the palace lanterns swayed, and the imperial physicians hurried along the dark and narrow palace path, their steps filled with urgency and unease.
In a side hall of the palace, Lin Wanqing was placed on an exquisite nanmu bed. Her face was as pale as paper, and the fine beads of sweat on her forehead mingled with the bloodstains on her clothes, making for a particularly shocking sight. Her breathing was weak and rapid.
The imperial physicians gathered around the bed, taking turns to examine Lin Wanqing's pulse.
The leading imperial physician, Doctor Li, gently parted the hair on Lin Wanqing's back and carefully examined the arrow deeply embedded in her body.
On the arrow fletching, a strange dark green hue flickered in the candlelight—the luster unique to poison. "This poison is extraordinary. This old minister has perused countless ancient texts, yet has never encountered such a peculiar toxicity," Physician Li replied in a low voice.
Upon hearing this, everyone present felt a pang of anxiety. The new decree was being implemented with great enthusiasm; if something were to happen to Lord Lin at this critical juncture, could the decree still be carried out?
"Pull out the arrows first," Zhao Zhi ordered with a gloomy face.
"Your humble servant obeys."
As the arrow was slowly pulled out, a stream of dark purple blood gushed out, filling the air with a nauseating stench.
Lin Wanqing's body trembled violently, as if she were enduring immense pain, before she fell into a deep coma.
Her eyes were tightly closed, and her long eyelashes trembled slightly, as if she were fighting pain even in her dreams.
Beneath her originally fair skin, bluish veins gradually emerged, spreading throughout her body like eerie vines—clear evidence of toxins raging within her.
Zhao Zhi, standing to the side, stared at the scene before her with a terribly gloomy expression.
Her fists clenched tightly as she angrily declared, "Investigate! Investigate thoroughly! Find out who is so bold as to lay a hand on an official of the imperial court!" Her voice was filled with boundless authority and fury.
After saying that, she turned to the imperial physician beside her and ordered, "Save Lord Lin at all costs! If anything goes wrong, you will all pay with your heads!"
The imperial physicians bowed their heads in agreement, promising to do their utmost.
News of Lin Wanqing's assassination attempt and subsequent coma spread like wildfire. Almost overnight, the topic of Lin Wanqing's assassination was being discussed everywhere.
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