Lu Yan sneered and winked at Night Owl.
The owl understood, picked up the honey bucket, and without hesitation poured the sticky honey onto the assassin.
Thick honey slowly flowed down the assassin's body, completely enveloping him.
Just a second later, the assassin felt a stinging pain all over his body, as if a thousand ants were gnawing at his heart.
The honey seeped into his wounds, causing waves of excruciating pain.
He couldn't help but let out a low groan, his body trembling violently.
He couldn't even imagine what would happen to him if those bees were released again.
Just listening to that buzzing sound sent chills down his spine, as if he were surrounded by boundless fear.
"Buzz buzz buzz..."
The sound of bees flapping their wings grew closer and clearer.
Like a death knell, it struck the assassin's psychological defenses again and again.
Finally, just as the bee was about to be released, the assassin's mental defenses completely collapsed.
"I'll talk! I'll talk!"
He screamed at the top of his lungs, his voice filled with fear and despair.
"Why didn't you say so earlier? Why suffer this physical pain?"
Lu Yan shook his head helplessly, signaling Night Owl to take the bees away.
The assassin, feeling as if he had been granted a pardon, slumped against the wooden frame, his body going limp.
He was panting heavily, as if he had just escaped from the brink of death.
"Speak, who ordered you to assassinate them?"
Lu Yan looked down at him, her eyes sharp.
The assassin hesitated for a moment, then finally said in a trembling voice:
"It's...it's the current Prime Minister...Liu An..."
"Liu An?"
The dim light shone on Lu Yan's face.
His expression showed no surprise whatsoever, as if he had expected it all along.
"My lord, this old scoundrel Liu An actually dared to lay a hand on you! He's utterly audacious!"
After hearing this, the owl spoke with righteous indignation.
"Ha, does he think he can stop me like this?"
Lu Yan sneered, his eyes gleaming with confidence.
"His actions only hastened his own demise."
"Sir, what should we do next?" Night Owl asked.
"Now that we know who's behind this, we should have some fun with him."
Lu Yan's lips curled into a wicked smile, his eyes gleaming with cunning.
"Take him away and keep a close watch on him."
Night Owl responded and dragged the barely alive assassin out of the interrogation room.
Lu Yan stood alone, seemingly lost in thought.
He slowly walked to the window, pushed it open, and looked out at the dark night sky.
The night in Shannan Prefecture is eerily quiet.
This old fox appears to be utterly loyal to the Empress.
Secretly, however, he has been cultivating his own power and is very ambitious.
They came to assassinate someone close to the Empress, probably to frame me.
"Liu An..."
Lu Yan murmured the name softly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
"The game between you and me has only just begun."
Lu Yan walked out of the interrogation room, through the corridor, and back to his study.
He found Li Kui and instructed him:
"Xiao Kui, arrange for a few clever men to secretly monitor Liu An's every move,"
"You must report any unusual activity to me immediately."
Upon hearing this, Li Kui immediately perked up:
"Sir, do you suspect that old scoundrel Liu An is plotting a rebellion?"
Lu Yan did not answer directly, but said meaningfully:
"Better safe than sorry; it's always good to be cautious."
Li Kui nodded knowingly.
"Rest assured, sir, I guarantee I will handle this matter perfectly!"
Night Owl had also arranged for the assassin to return to his study.
"Sir, what should we do next?" Night Owl asked.
Lu Yan walked to the desk, picked up the brush, and gently ground the ink on the inkstone.
"Since Liu An wants to play, then let's play along with him."
"What does Your Excellency mean...?"
"I can't believe it," Night Owl asked, puzzled.
Lu Yan's lips curled into a meaningful smile.
"Spread the word that... the assassin has confessed, and the mastermind is someone else."
Upon hearing this, Night Owl's eyes lit up, and he immediately understood Lu Yan's intention.
"Understood, I will take care of it immediately."
After saying this, he bowed and left the study.
The capital city, the Prime Minister's residence.
Liu An was secretly pleased when he heard his subordinates report this news.
"That brat Lu Yan actually dares to spread such news? Does he really think I'm a pushover?"
Liu An snorted coldly, his tone carrying a hint of disdain.
He believed that Lu Yan was just bluffing.
How could a mere prefect dare to easily offend a high-ranking and powerful prime minister?
However, despite his triumph, Liu An felt a vague unease.
Lu Yan's behavior was too unusual, and he couldn't help but suspect that Lu Yan might actually have some evidence.
"Sir, would you like to..."
Liu An's trusted confidant, a lean man, stood bowing to one side, his eyes filled with ruthlessness.
Liu An waved his hand and pondered for a moment:
"No, now is not the time. Since Lu Yan dared to release the information, he must have something to rely on."
"Let's wait and see what tricks he's up to."
"Your Excellency is wise," the trusted aide flattered.
"but,"
Liu An abruptly changed the subject, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes.
"We can't let him get too cocky. Go and arrange for a few people to secretly infiltrate Shannan Prefecture."
"Create some chaos and test Lu Yan's reaction."
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