The news that Emperor Jingcheng was seriously ill spread quickly.

The emperor had not attended court for three days, and all the doctors who entered and left the emperor's bedroom looked heavy-hearted. For a time, the palace was silent, and the important officials in the court were panic-stricken, feeling that a storm was coming. However, the prince's party was quiet.

The eldest prince's biological mother, Concubine Shu, summoned the eldest prince into the palace on the pretext of being ill to discuss matters in secret.

"My son, this is a great opportunity."

Shufei had always been noncompetitive, but that didn't mean she had no ambitions. Emperor Jingcheng rarely entered the harem, and she, the imperial concubine, the empress who succeeded him, and some women who were summoned into the palace according to ancestral rules were no different from widows.

The love that he once had for the emperor had long since disappeared as he yearned for the nameless Empress Wen Rui, who came from the common people.

She was in the deep palace, and her only hope was her son.

The eldest prince frowned and said, "There is no movement from my third brother, and the southern tour..."

Concubine Shu patted the eldest prince's hand, "The third prince is cautious, but also timid. His mother is just like that. The current queen is not the prince's biological mother. No matter who of you finally sits on that throne, she is still the queen mother, the empress dowager. She will not help you, nor will she interfere. Do you understand, my son?"

The queen was also a woman. She lived a widowed life while raising the son who was considered her husband's wife. Even though she was respected, how could she not feel resentful?

Due to his status, he was forced to give up.

"My uncle has indeed made an agreement with me, but I still think it's risky. Besides, the team on the southern tour may have received the news that my father is seriously ill and are rushing back. If..."

"Then don't let them come back."

Concubine Shu chuckled, "There are many grudges between the Regent and the Crown Prince. The Great Sheng Dynasty is named Ying, and Lian Shenwei can't ascend the throne by himself. In the end, it's just a matter of choosing one of you to continue to support and preserve his power and status. There's no rush for that."

The eldest prince narrowed his eyes and said, "Mother is right. I am the eldest son. If something happens to the legitimate son, I will be superior to the third brother."

The most annoying person nowadays is Ying Jingjue, the legitimate Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace.

Moreover, he had just returned from his southern tour, and his status was different from before. Ying Jingjue had already established himself as the orthodox one in the hearts of the common people. To compete with him for the throne was to be considered a treasonous rebel.

But what if he can't come back?

At this time in the capital, any slight disturbance would be noticed by those who are interested.

The Third Prince’s Mansion.

The counselor lowered his head and smiled, "The eldest prince can no longer hold his temper."

"Stupid."

The third prince said sarcastically, "But it's just right."

The situation in the capital is unclear. The regent prince is on his way to the south and has not made any statement yet. The two men from the Loyal Marquis's Mansion are still alive. I don't know what will happen to Li Ningfeng. Even if the military order is temporarily withdrawn, the influence of him and his son on the border cannot be underestimated.

If you move Ying Jingjue at this time, do you really think that everyone is dead?

My father is seriously ill, but he is not dead. Who can guarantee that he doesn't have a backup plan and make preparations in advance?

If you seek wealth and fortune in danger, you must also consider whether you can survive to get it.

"I'm afraid that big brother will be useless this time."

The third prince sighed and threw away the chess piece in his hand.

Just as expected in the capital, upon receiving the news that Emperor Jingcheng was seriously ill, Ying Jingjue ordered the fleet to rush back to the capital as fast as possible.

Although he knew it was inappropriate, Ming Cang still breathed a sigh of relief.

The pills Feng Ke gave his master can last for a month. If she rushes back at the same speed she came, she will never make it in time. But her master doesn't seem to care much, so she doesn't want to keep mentioning it.

Lian Shenwei: "Is the prince still not in the mood to eat recently?"

Ming Cang: "Yes, I heard from the prince's servants that he only had one meal today."

"The emperor is seriously ill, and he can't be by his side to take care of him. He must be unable to eat or sleep." Lian Shenwei said lightly.

Mingzhu didn't dare to say anything. She always felt that there was a subtle coldness and sarcasm in her master's voice.

Lian Shenwei closed his eyes and remained silent for a moment.

Jing Jue had no idea what was happening back then. Over the years, the emperor had been indifferent to his elder sister's son and ignored him, not out of any responsibility as a father, but also out of fear of hurting his feelings when they met.

But the arrangements behind the scenes were all paving the way for Jingjue.

After all, they are father and son.

Lian Shenwei looked at the snacks that had just been served on his desk, "You..."

He paused.

"never mind."

Even if he sent it over, based on his current relationship with Ying Jingjue, that kid probably wouldn't eat it.

"How long will it take to get to the capital?"

"Half a month."

Mingqin remembered clearly that those were almost the last few days of the one-month period of the medicine that the master was taking.

Lian Shenwei nodded.

Tiannan was watching over him in the capital, and Ying Jingjue was still young, so naturally he was not as well-informed as he was. Emperor Jingcheng was suddenly seriously ill, and I was afraid that many people with ulterior motives would come out.

This time the journey back to the palace will never be peaceful.

I just don't know who started it first.

"Send a message to Tiannan, and let him make preparations early."

"yes."

After a while, Lian Shenwei looked up in confusion: "Are you not leaving yet?"

Ming Qin said silently: "Master, you care about the prince, you should also pay attention to your health." The master's face has always been pale. She used to be in the border, secretly protecting Lian Ningfeng for three years. After she came back, she found that Tiannan had become more talkative and loved to nag in front of the master.

She originally thought that Tiannan had lost her sense of proportion, but now that she had only been with her master for two or three months, she couldn't help but start to worry.

Lian Shen smiled, picked up a snack and gestured to her, "Got it, go down."

Ming Cang poured him a glass of water and then went downstairs.

Lian Shenwei ate the snack slowly with water. The crew had good food. His daily meals included a lot of nutritious food and fresh fish.

He was much better than the first few days after he woke up. Apart from the medicine, he ate three meals a day on time and took whatever supplements he could. However, he had no appetite and just forced himself to swallow. He treated it as a task and was very bored.

After returning to Beijing, it would take some time for Li Ningfeng to complete his treatment. If he wanted to have more blood, his body had to be replenished as soon as possible.

There was an itchy feeling in his lungs again. Lian Shenwei frowned and took out a black handkerchief to put against his lips. After coughing a few times, the familiar smell of blood filled his throat.

The handkerchief was wet in a few spots.

Each time he coughed up a small amount of blood, and although he didn't feel it, it was a bit troublesome. There was no trustworthy doctor on the fleet, and if his physical condition was discovered by outsiders, it would cause another disturbance.

In the eyes of others, the Regent of the Great Sheng Dynasty was an ordinary person with a healthy physique who occasionally fell ill.

Moreover, given the current situation in the capital, he cannot show any sign of weakness before Jing Jue takes power.

Lian Shen lowered his eyes slightly, pinched the black handkerchief and twisted it a few times. The blood stains on it were no longer visible.

End of June.

The southern patrol fleet slowly approached the shore at Linfen.

The original landing point was at the departure point, but Emperor Jingcheng was seriously ill, and all matters were handed over to the ministers of the court, assisted by the eldest prince and the third prince. The landing place became Linfenpan.

This is the outer city leading to the capital. Outside the city are mountains and forests. The city gates have always been heavily guarded. Because the news of the prince's arrival had been received long ago, the city gates were opened when the fleet was seen from afar.

After staying on the boat for a long time, Lian Shenwei took a moment to adjust when he went ashore. He glanced at Ying Jingjue, who looked much more haggard, and said, "This place is still quite far from the palace. Even if Your Highness is anxious, you have to wait until the guards on the fleet are lined up before setting off."

"I know."

Ying Jingjue pursed his lips tightly, with dark circles under his eyes, obviously he had not slept well during this period.

Xiao Zhizi came over quickly and said quickly: "Your Highness, everything is ready."

Ying Jingjue nodded and led his men quickly towards Linfen City.

The city gates were wide open, and the newly transferred Lord Wei Mingda came out to greet them. "His Royal Highness, how are you? How are the Regent Prince? The horses are ready. Shall we go to the Imperial City now?"

Ying Jingjue: "Please lead the way, sir."

Wei Mingda: “Yes.”

Lian Shenwei: "Is Lord Wei a new transfer?"

Wei Mingda said hurriedly: "Yes, I was recognized and took office just a few days ago."

There was a moat in front of the city gate. They walked in front of the city gate. The ground was extremely clean, without any dirt or even a leaf.

The mud that had just gotten on them was from the mud on the shore that they had stepped on as they got off the boat.

Midsummer is approaching and the weather is gradually getting hotter. There is not even a trace of wind at this time.

Lian Shenwei glanced at the candle.

Ming Cang nodded silently, turned his feet, and slowly moved closer to Ying Jingjue, blocking him behind him without leaving a trace.

The group quickly entered the city and the city gates closed heavily.

There was no one on the main road of the city gate, as if to welcome them. Wei Mingda was still talking to Ying Jingjue.

Ying Jingjue was obviously distracted: "Where is the horse?"

Wei Mingda: “Soon.”

When they reached the center of the city, the surroundings became even quieter, and cold arrows peeked out from high above on both sides.

Lian Shenwei's expression remained unchanged. His right hand had already put on the ring on his left hand and was turning it gently.

The next second, masked men dressed in rough clothes rushed down from both sides of the high wall and fired hundreds of arrows at the same time.

An arrow shot at a tricky angle very viciously towards Ying Jingjue's vital point.

Lian Shenwei secretly pushed him to let him dodge, then narrowed his eyes, moved his finger, and a poisonous needle shot out from the metal ring, accurately piercing the assassin's brow.

The assassin had no time to react. He let out a short ugh and fell headfirst, his brain bursting.

Wei Mingda was trembling with fear: "There's an assassin! Quick! Someone come!"

However, the guards in the city were nowhere to be found, and only more and more bandits came over with machetes. At a glance, there was no ordinary warrior below the Hidden Yuan Realm among these people. During the fight, they rushed straight towards Ying Jingjue in the middle, like desperate gamblers, and were very difficult to deal with.

"Protect His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

Xiao Zhizi screamed, and the guards shouted loudly. Mingzhu looked closely at his master while paying attention to Ying Jingjue's situation.

The arrow almost pierced his shoulder. Ying Jingjue was stunned for a few breaths, then his face darkened and he sneered: "I wonder which of my good brothers gave me such a big surprise."

He pulled out a knife from the guard, not showing any fear, and his tone was cold.

"I killed you."

The air around them was too turbid, the sun was high in the sky, dust was flying, Lian Shenwei was a little breathless, he raised his hand and pressed on his shoulder, saying: "Your Highness, don't be impulsive."

Ying Jingjue turned around and looked at him: "I..."

His eyes suddenly focused, and he almost subconsciously pulled Lian Shenwei towards him, and the arrow grazed the back of Ying Jingjue's hand.

He hissed and quickly let go of his hand, with blood dripping from the back of his hand.

Lian Shenwei's face turned cold on the spot, and he took out a handkerchief and covered the back of Ying Jingjue's hand with it.

Mingzhu was so frightened that she broke out in a cold sweat. If the arrow that she hadn't noticed just now had hit her master, it would have hit him right in the back.

"Your subordinates deserve to die!"

At this moment, the sound of horse hooves was heard from the east of the city. Tiannan arrived in time with the Black Armor Guards, and the prince's confidant Ke Duo arrived with a team of imperial guards.

In a short while, the situation was stabilized.

Tiannan looked around, dismounted with a sullen face, put his hand on the hilt of his sword, and knelt on one knee in front of Lian Shenwei, "I am late! Please forgive me, sir!"

Ke Duo knelt down to pay his respects. When he saw the blood on the back of Ying Jingjue's hand, he was also very frightened: "Your Highness the Crown Prince is injured. I deserve to die! I am late!"

The captured assassins committed suicide by taking poison one by one.

"Behave yourself!"

The Black Armor Guards and the escort team captured the leader, broke his jaw, but he was still struggling with his eyes wide open.

Lian Shenwei quickly pulled out the long sword from the waist of a black armor guard.

He held the knife loosely in his right hand, and because he didn't use much strength, the tip of the knife dragged on the ground, making a harsh friction sound.

The scene suddenly became quiet, but the atmosphere was even more tense than before.

The young man in black stopped in front of the thief leader. The dark golden pattern on the bottom of his robe was extremely noble. Just walking a few steps gave people a great sense of oppression.

"Who sent you?"

The thief sneered.

“Very courageous.”

Lian Shenwei nodded and smiled: "Since you are here, I think you know who I am."

The next second, he raised his foot without warning and kicked the thief's chest hard. Lian Shenwei couldn't use his internal energy, but he still had the foundation of martial arts training in previous years. This powerful kick directly kicked the man away, his chest collapsed, and he vomited blood. He lay on his back on the ground and couldn't even get up.

Lian Shenwei: "Lift it over here."

The people around him didn't dare to say a word and lifted the man back to his feet.

Lian Shenwei found a posture that saved the most effort, stepped on the thief's head with one foot, and suspended the tip of the knife in front of his eyeballs, raised it, aimed it at his right eye, and spoke in a calm tone.

"I am not good at martial arts, please bear with me."

Stop talking and let go.

“Ahhh—”

With its jaw removed, the thief could only make meaningless, vague and miserable cries.

Lian Shenwei's anger subsided a little and he wanted to cough, but he remembered that he had given the handkerchief to Ying Jingjue, so he could only suppress the cough in his chest. He paused for a moment and loosened his feet, "Tiannan, take the person away."

Tiannan took the knife from his hand: "Yes."

If you hold back your cough for too long, you will feel uncomfortable and suffocated. Lian Shenwei controlled his breathing and said to Ying Jingjue, "Your Highness, let's go back to the palace."

At this glance, he saw the look in Ying Jingjue's eyes clearly——

Be vigilant and cautious.

The young Chu Jun seemed to come to his senses and turned his gaze away from the pool of blood on the ground.

He knew that Lian Shenwei was not as gentle as he appeared to be, and was ruthless and scheming. However, it was the first time he saw him punish someone with his own hands, so the shock was great.

Perhaps it was because Lian Shenwei always looked gentle and chuckled in front of him, Ying Jingjue felt his dangerousness for the first time.

He hid the wariness in his eyes and said, "Teacher, it would be better to let me deal with this man."

Lian Shenwei paused, sneered in his heart, stopped looking at him, and said casually: "Tiannan."

Tiannan handed the person over to the Imperial City Guard.

Leaving someone behind to deal with the aftermath, they quickly rushed to the palace.