Chapter 68 Liu Jin asked me to help you
The Northern Di embassy was surrounded, the atmosphere in the court was tense, and the shadow of war loomed.
The emperor was busy dealing with the tough negotiations of the Northern Di, and at the same time he had to try his best to track down the "Owl Feather" accomplice in the palace and the true origin of the assassin. He was so anxious that he hardly slept for several days and lost a lot of weight.
Xiao Ziran, who had been paying close attention to the developments in the palace, saw it all and felt anxious.
He knew that what Liu Jin needed most at this moment was not his persistence, but real help.
He decided to use his power and resources as the Emperor of Nanyue to "chase his wife" in another way.
He did not go directly into the palace to make decisions, but instead started to act quietly and extremely efficiently through Fu'an.
Xiao Ziran's secret guard system has a different focus from that of the Celestial Empire's inner guards, and is better at infiltration and lurking.
He ordered the mobilization of several of Nanyue's highest-level secret lines in Beidi and the countries in the Western Regions to fully investigate the truth behind the unusual behavior of the Beidi delegation and whether there were any signs of the activities of "Owl Feather" or other forces.
But two days later, a secret report was quietly placed on Liu Jin's desk through Fu'an.
Secret reports indicate that the old Khan of Beidi is seriously ill and several princes are fighting fiercely for the Khanship.
The pro-war Zuo Xian Wang came this time most likely to divert domestic conflicts by provoking the Celestial Empire and creating external crises in order to accumulate political capital for himself.
More importantly, the secret report mentioned that one of Zuo Xian Wang’s most trusted aides had been behaving strangely in the past six months and had secretly contacted mysterious figures from the Central Plains many times. His physical features were somewhat similar to those of the top leaders of "Owl Feather"!
This information was like timely rain, providing Liu Jin with new ideas and bargaining chips!
Although he didn't show it on his face, he was shocked in his heart. Xiao Ziran... he actually...
Upon learning that Liu Chen's old illness of insomnia and headache had recurred due to worry, Xiao Ziran personally wrote to Nanyue to
The highest-level messenger traveled day and night to deliver a miracle doctor in Nanyue who was known as the "bringing the dead back to life and turning bones into flesh" as well as several precious tranquilizing medicines secretly stored by the Nanyue royal family.
The miracle doctor was secretly brought into the palace to take Liu Jin's pulse, and the prescription he prescribed was indeed very effective.
As for those precious medicines, Xiao Ziran carefully put a note on each medicine package, detailing the usage, dosage and precautions. His handwriting was neat and his tone was cautious, no longer as frivolous as usual.
At the end of the note there is always a sentence: "The dragon's body is the most important, please take good care of it. - Ran"
Liu Jin looked at the notes and the obviously carefully prepared medicinal herbs with mixed feelings.
He still had a cold face and asked the imperial physician to check before using it, but when the medicine went down his throat, it not only brought physical relief, but also a hint of indescribable warmth.
When the negotiations between Beidi and Dachao reached a deadlock, an "accident" occurred:
The mysterious aide whom the imprisoned Zuo Xian Wang relied on the most unexpectedly drowned in a well in the backyard of the embassy.
There were no signs of homicide at the scene, as if he had really fallen into the water accidentally.
But Liu Jin and Xiao Ziran both knew that this was definitely the work of Xiao Ziran's secret guards.
After getting rid of this possible "Owl Feather" contact and troublemaker, King Zuo Xian lost his important think tank and was immediately thrown into chaos.
Immediately afterwards, some evidence about Zuo Xian Wang forming cliques for personal gain in the country and even colluding with unknown forces in the Central Plains was "just right" circulated and delivered to the hands of several other princes of Beidi.
Under internal and external difficulties, Zuo Xian Wang finally couldn't stand the pressure, softened his attitude, and began to be truly willing to sit down and negotiate.
All of this happened behind the scenes. Xiao Ziran never took any credit for it, and never even mentioned it in front of Liu Chen.
But Liu Jin was so shrewd, how could he not know? The hard ice in his heart inevitably melted faster under the other party's silent and selfless assistance.
That night, Liu Jin finally finished dealing with the mountain of government affairs and dragged his exhausted body back to his bedroom.
The fatigue from days of work and his old illness made him feel dizzy and he almost fell down.
Xiao Ziran, who had been guarding in the dark, couldn't bear it anymore. He appeared like a ghost and held him up!
"Liu Jin!" His voice was filled with unconcealable panic and heartache. "What's wrong with you? You look so bad!"
Liu Jin wanted to push him away, but he was too weak to do so and could only lean on him and gasp for breath.
Without saying a word, Xiao Ziran picked him up and gently placed him on the dragon bed. His movements were gentler and more powerful than ever before.
He quickly poured some warm water, tested the temperature, and carefully fed it to Liu Jin's lips. He then took out the Nanyue refreshing medicated oil he carried with him and massaged his solar plexus with moderate force.
"Are you trying to kill yourself?! What can't be dealt with tomorrow? What are all those ministers doing?!"
While massaging, Xiao Ziran couldn't help but whisper reproaches, his tone was anxious and angry, more like he was distressed.
Liu Jin closed his eyes, feeling the coolness and the perfect strength coming from his forehead, as well as the nagging but concerned reproaches in his ears.
The softest part of his heart seemed to be stabbed hard. He didn't push him away, nor did he scold him. He just sighed tiredly:
"How can we neglect the great affairs of state..."
"But you can't exhaust yourself!" Xiao Ziran said excitedly, "Liu Jin! Look at me!"
Liu Jin subconsciously opened his eyes and met Xiao Ziran's eyes which were filled with worry, affection and a hint of fear.
There is no calculation or hypocrisy in it, only the purest concern.
"I know you hate me, blame me, and don't want to see me."
Xiao Ziran's voice became low and hoarse.
"But I beg you, even for the sake of... for the sake of the people of this world, for the sake of the Crown Prince, please take good care of yourself, okay? If you fall, what will happen to this country? What will happen to... the Crown Prince?"
He almost blurted out "Xiao'er" but stopped in time, but the emotions in his eyes were so surging that they almost drowned him.
Liu Jin looked at him, at this man who had shed all his playful smiles and rogue appearance.
The man, who was left with only the most sincere worries and humble prayers, saw the last line of defense in his heart finally collapse.
He was silent for a long time, so long that Xiao Ziran thought he was going to give him another cold shoulder. Only then did he respond with an extremely soft, almost inaudible, "...Hmm."
It was just a simple syllable, but Xiao Ziran felt like he was hearing the sound of nature!
His eyes lit up instantly, and ecstasy rushed through his body like an electric current! He excitedly grabbed Liu Chen's hand, his voice trembling:
"Brother Jin...you...are you willing to pay attention to me? Are you willing to let me take care of you?"
Liu Jin looked at his silly look and tried to pull his hand back, but he held it even tighter.
He turned his face away, his ears slightly red, but his tone was still cold:
"...I'm just tired. Your... technique is okay."
These words, which were almost tacit approval and praise, made Xiao Ziran almost go crazy with joy!
He wanted to jump up and cheer immediately, but he was afraid of scaring the person in front of him who had finally softened a little.
He could only suppress his excitement and massage harder, his mouth almost stretching to the back of his ears.
That night, Xiao Ziran did not leave.
He stayed by Liu Jin's bed, watched him fall asleep, tucked in the corners of his quilt, and dealt with all the palace servants who came to report matters, allowing Liu Chen to have a peaceful and deep sleep that he had not had for a long time.
The next morning, Liu Jin woke up and felt much better.
As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw Xiao Ziran sleeping on the side of the bed, with faint dark circles under his eyes, obviously he had been watching over him all night without sleep.
In her hand she was still tightly clutching a handkerchief soaked in medicated oil.
The morning light filtered through the window lattice and fell on Xiao Ziran's sleeping face, softening his usually sharp features. He unexpectedly showed a rare cuteness and... a heart-warming gentleness.
Liu Jin looked at his sleeping face, his heart softening. For the first time, he did not push him away immediately, but looked at him quietly for a long time.
Even... as if possessed by a ghost, she reached out her hand and very lightly brushed away a strand of hair that had fallen from his forehead.
Just when his fingertips were about to touch Xiao Ziran's skin, Xiao Ziran suddenly woke up and grabbed his wrist!
His eyes instantly became as sharp as an eagle, full of vigilance and murderous intent - that was an instinctive reaction formed from being at the peak of power and in a dangerous environment for a long time.
But when he saw that it was Liu Jin and felt the cool touch on his wrist, the sharpness in his eyes instantly turned into panic and helplessness. He quickly let go of her hand, and his tone returned to that cautious and flattering tone:
"Jin...Jin brother, are you awake? I...I didn't hurt you, did I?"
Liu Jin withdrew his hand, feeling a little disappointed, but his face remained calm.
"It's okay. You... go back and rest."
Xiao Ziran shook his head and looked at him with sparkling eyes.
"I'm not tired! What do you want for breakfast? I'll make it for you... uh, I'll ask the royal kitchen to make it!" He changed his words in time, remembering his poor cooking skills.
Seeing his expression as if he wanted to rip his heart out, Liu Jin finally couldn't help but smiled very lightly, almost imperceptibly.
That smile, like the first melting of ice and snow, the return of spring to the earth, instantly illuminated Xiao Ziran's entire world.
He was stunned and looked at Liu Jin stupidly, as if he saw the most beautiful scene in the world.
Just as the atmosphere was gradually heating up and becoming more and more affectionate, Fu'an's hurried voice rang out outside the hall:
"Your Majesty! Urgent news!"
The warmth was instantly interrupted. Liu Jin immediately restored his imperial dignity:
Fuan came in and saw the situation in the hall. He was stunned for a moment, but he immediately reported:
"Your Majesty, while tracking down the assassin, the Neifang discovered this..."
He presented an extremely small, exquisitely crafted metal hidden dart arrowhead, engraved with a tiny, twisting snake pattern.
"This is..." Liu Jin frowned.
"According to ancient records, this seems to be the symbol of the core soldiers of the previous dynasty's 'Shadow Owl Guard' - 'Netherworld Snake Kiss'!" Fu'an's voice was filled with a hint of fear.
Xiao Ziran's expression instantly grew serious. Netherworld Snake Kiss!
This means that "Owl Feather" not only exists, but its core power has penetrated to an extremely terrifying level.
Last night’s attack was probably just the beginning!
The feelings that had just warmed up were once again pulled back into the cold abyss by the cruel reality.
Liu Jin and Xiao Ziran looked at each other and saw deep worry and murderous intent in each other's eyes.
The reappearance of "Owl Feather" allowed Liu Jin and Xiao Ziran to temporarily put aside their personal emotional entanglements and have a common and urgent goal -
To eradicate this cancer that lurks in the shadows and threatens everything they care about.
Xiao Ziran was no longer just a "pursuer", he formally proposed to Liu Chen:
"Let me help you. Nanyue's secret guards and resources are at your disposal. We share the same goal of dealing with 'Owl Feather'."
This time, Liu Jin did not refuse.
He looked at Xiao Ziran deeply and nodded: "Okay. But everything must be arranged by me."
An alliance based on common interests and complex emotions was formed.
Xiao Ziran was able to enter and leave the palace more frequently and more "legitimately" to discuss countermeasures with Liu Jin.
Although Liu Jin still often had a cold face, he acquiesced to his approach and help.
The two analyzed intelligence together in the imperial study and deduced the possible hiding places of "Owl Feather" in front of the map. Sometimes they even argued because of different strategies, but their goals were the same.
In this kind of side-by-side fighting, an indescribable tacit understanding gradually developed.
Xiao Ziran would often be fascinated by the look on Liu Jin's profile as he concentrated on reviewing memorials or thinking deeply.
When Liu Jin occasionally looked up and met his undisguised gaze full of love and admiration,
She no longer scolded him immediately, and sometimes she would even turn her face slightly to hide the fleeting embarrassment and... a hint of sweetness.
However, they all knew that the threat of "Owl Feather" was like a sword hanging over their heads.
Until this cancer is completely eradicated, all warmth seems fragile and luxurious.
The poisonous snakes in the dark are waiting for an opportunity to strike, and their alliance will surely lead to an even more crazy counterattack.
Feelings heat up in a crisis, but the crisis itself becomes more deadly.
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