"I have no major issues, this matter ends here!"
Lu Fan stated directly, "If we pursue it further, it may not be a good thing!"
"Rest assured, I will stand up for you!"
Princess Linglong said coldly, "Within the White Dragon Dynasty, no matter who makes a move against you, I will seek justice for you!"
"I don't know who made the move, but to be able to dispatch a Venerable, I imagine not many people within the Imperial City possess such capability!" Lu Fan said frankly.
"Venerable?"
Linglong's expression changed. She hadn't expected anyone to be so malicious as to send a Spirit Venerable expert to kill Lu Fan. If Lu Fan hadn't been lucky, he would have perished last night.
"After returning to the Imperial Palace, I will have my father send people to investigate thoroughly!"
Princess Linglong comforted him, "You are this Princess's man from now on. Anyone who dares to touch you, I will exterminate their entire clan!"
Lu Fan was slightly stunned, a look of awkwardness appearing on his face. Princess Linglong's words left him somewhat at a loss.
"Princess, you..."
Xiao Qing, with a hint of awkwardness, didn't know how to remind her. For a dignified Dynasty Princess to say such a thing, who knew what others would think if they heard it.
Princess Linglong was taken aback, instantly sensing something was amiss. Her face also flushed red, "That, it's nothing, I'll be going back now!"
With that, Princess Linglong fled, not daring to delay, her heart pounding uncontrollably.
Not long after leaving the inn, Xiao Qing caught up.
"Did I just lose my composure?"
Princess Linglong asked, "Should I not have said that?"
"You didn't lose your composure, Princess was very domineering just now!"
Xiao Qing said solemnly, "I imagine the驸马 (fùmǎ - consort) must be very pleased. With the Princess protecting him, I don't think anything will happen."
Princess Linglong nodded, her expression instantly turning cold, "Who is responsible for this? I must investigate thoroughly. To dare touch my man, truly seeking death!"
Meanwhile, within the Imperial Palace's main hall, the Dragon Emperor sat on the main seat, his expression appearing cold. Su Dan Novel Network.
"Your Majesty, may I know why you summoned me to court?"
Patriarch Zhao arrived, looking travel-worn, seemingly not daring to delay.
"The驸马 was assassinated last night, do you know of this matter?"
The Dragon Emperor asked coldly, his words carrying a significant meaning.
"This old subject does not know!"
Patriarch Zhao repeatedly said, "Last night I was heavily intoxicated. As soon as I woke this morning, I was summoned to the palace!"
"Then, who do you think is responsible for this matter?"
The Dragon Emperor smiled faintly, looking at Patriarch Zhao at the same time.
"This..."
Patriarch Zhao's expression shifted, "Your Majesty summoned me here, I presume you suspect the Zhao family. Although Tianyun is ignorant, he wouldn't go so far as to assassinate the驸马!"
"It is best if it is not the Zhao family's doing!"
The Dragon Emperor nodded, "You should be aware, the驸马's identity is special, and he cannot be acted against rashly. Otherwise, where will the Imperial family's dignity lie!"
"This old subject knows!"
Patriarch Zhao quickly clasped his fists, "But this old subject swears that this matter is absolutely not the Zhao family's doing!"
"Alright, I never said it was the Zhao family!"
The Dragon Emperor waved his hand, "I am merely reminding you, lest you act foolishly!"
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty!"
Patriarch Zhao clasped his fists, his body swaying slightly. He was quite frightened, for he knew that the Dragon Emperor's actions meant he definitely suspected the Zhao family, otherwise, he wouldn't have summoned him to the palace.
"Alright, I am also tired. You may withdraw!" The Dragon Emperor waved his hand.
"This old subject takes his leave!"
Patriarch Zhao clasped his fists and then headed out of the palace hall.
Not long after he left, the Dragon Emperor looked at Steward Li by his side, "Go investigate who is responsible! Assassinating the驸马 within the Imperial City, what about the Imperial family's dignity!"
"Your Majesty, this old servant fears it will be difficult to investigate!"
Steward Li frowned, "The person who made the move is very likely someone from the three great families. If that is truly the case, wouldn't it be necessary to shake the foundations of the Dynasty!"
"Hmph, if it is someone from the three great families, they will still be severely punished without leniency!" The Dragon Emperor's expression was icy.
"This old servant obeys!" Steward Li quickly clasped his fists.
Not long after, Princess Linglong burst into the main hall, "Father Emperor, you must seek justice for me!"
"You little girl, I knew you would come!"
The Dragon Emperor rolled his eyes, "Is it about the驸马's matter?"
"Since Father Emperor already knows, you must give the驸马 an explanation!"
Princess Linglong said coldly, "Otherwise, how can I face the驸马!"
"Rest assured, I have already dispatched Steward Li to investigate this matter thoroughly!"
The Dragon Emperor comforted her, "You don't need to be overly anxious!"
"What is there to investigate!"
Princess Linglong shook her head, "Isn't it clearly the Zhao family's doing? The驸马 offended the Zhao family that day, and the Zhao family harbored resentment. Does this still need investigation?"
"You are still young and don't understand some things!"
The Dragon Emperor shook his head, "However, rest assured, Father Emperor will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly!"
"But..."
Princess Linglong wanted to say more, but the Dragon Emperor slowly closed his eyes, unwilling to say more.
"Your Majesty is resting, Princess, please withdraw!"
Steward Li smiled, "This old servant will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly!"
Princess Linglong was extremely angry but had no recourse.
Meanwhile, within the Zhao family's courtyard, Zhao Tianyun was playing dice with several subordinates. Old Master Zhao walked over with a grim expression.
"Grandfather, you went to the Imperial Palace, why do you have such an expression?" Zhao Tianyun asked in surprise.
"You still have the nerve to speak!"
Patriarch Zhao said coldly, "The驸马 was assassinated last night, do you know about it?"
"Of course I know, the entire Imperial City is abuzz with it!"
Zhao Tianyun shrugged, "That brat is truly lucky to be unharmed. I heard the assassin was a Venerable!"
*Slap...*
Patriarch Zhao slapped him, "You prodigal son, how dare you speak such arrogant words! Do you know what the outside world is saying?"
"Grandfather, you don't think I arranged for that assassin, do you?"
Zhao Tianyun looked wronged, "I never arranged for anything. He is now the驸马. No matter how foolish I am, I wouldn't run into the muzzle of a gun!"
"Hmph! Even if I believe you, will the Princess believe it? Will the Imperial family believe it?"
Patriarch Zhao said coldly, "For the next few days, you are not to leave the residence. Reflect on your mistakes properly. If any more incidents occur, the Zhao family will be in peril!"
"How can it be so serious!" Zhao Tianyun was surprised. He hadn't seen his grandfather like this in many years.
"Factional strife is no trivial matter!"
Old Master Zhao said solemnly, "One wrong step, and the entire game is lost. Someone must be targeting the Zhao family for this to happen!"
Zhao Tianyun's expression changed. If that were truly the case, as the young master of the Zhao family, how could he sit idly by.
Meanwhile, in the inn, Lu Fan was leisurely drinking tea.
"Sir, was the assassination last night the work of the Zhao family?" Duan Tianya asked.
"Not necessarily!"
Lu Fan shook his head, "Although the Zhao family has immense power, they wouldn't dare to be so blatant!"
"Then, according to your meaning, the one who made the move is someone else!" Duan Tianya was confused.
"If my guess is correct, it should be one of the three great families!"