Chapter 1792: Do Not Overstep

Seeing Huang Shang's firm resolve, Lin Chong knew further persuasion would be futile, so he said coldly, "Huang Shang, since you are so determined, I will tell Zhao Kuangyin about this matter and see how he handles it."

Having spoken, Lin Chong turned and left, leaving Huang Shang alone to ponder.

Huang Shang knew he now faced a difficult choice. On one hand, he did not wish to betray his friend Zhao Xuan; on the other, he did not want to offend Zhao Kuangyin, whose strength was indeed formidable.

He thought of his family and of Zhao Kuangyin's threats against him. He knew that if he did not assassinate Zhao Xuan, his family would be threatened.

Yet, he also thought of Zhao Xuan's trust in him and of their friendship. He knew that if he truly assassinated Zhao Xuan, he would never be able to forgive himself.

Huang Shang fell into deep thought, unsure how to choose.

Just then, he suddenly heard a voice: "Huang Shang, what are you thinking about?"

Huang Shang looked up and found Zhao Hao standing before him.

"Zhao Wang, how did you come here?" Huang Shang asked in surprise.

Zhao Hao smiled slightly: "Huang Shang, I heard Zhao Kuangyin ordered you to assassinate Zhao Xuan. I wish to discuss this matter with you."

Huang Shang nodded: "Zhao Wang, I am truly in a dilemma. I do not wish to betray my friend Zhao Xuan, yet I do not want my family to be threatened."

Zhao Hao took a deep breath: "Huang Shang, I know you find it hard to choose. But I must tell you, if you truly assassinate Zhao Xuan, you will never be able to forgive yourself. Moreover, you know Zhao Kuangyin's character; even if you assassinate Zhao Xuan, he will not spare you or your family."

Huang Shang was stunned: "Zhao Wang, then what do you suggest I do?"

Zhao Hao smiled slightly: "Huang Shang, I have a plan that allows you to neither betray Zhao Xuan nor let your family be threatened."

"What plan?" Huang Shang asked.

Zhao Hao revealed his plan to Huang Shang. After hearing it, Huang Shang's face showed surprise: "Zhao Wang, is this plan truly feasible?"

Zhao Hao nodded: "Huang Shang, I believe this plan will certainly work. As long as you follow my plan, the problem will surely be resolved."

Huang Shang pondered for a moment, then said: "Very well, Zhao Wang, I trust you. I will act according to your plan." That plan was for Huang Shang to feign agreement with Zhao Kuangyin's demand to assassinate Zhao Xuan, but at the critical moment to turn and strike, helping Zhao Xuan escape the peril.

Although Huang Shang felt this plan was somewhat risky, he also knew it was the best option available.

Thus, he found Zhao Kuangyin and expressed his willingness to assassinate Zhao Xuan.

Hearing Huang Shang's reply, Zhao Kuangyin secretly rejoiced in his heart. He knew his plan had succeeded; as long as Huang Shang assassinated Zhao Xuan, Zhao Xuan would surely die.

He said to Huang Shang: "Huang Shang, go assassinate Zhao Xuan. If you succeed, I will spare your family and also reward you handsomely."