Chapter 210: Not Me!

The noble families attended and paid close attention to Wen Gu's Capping Ceremony, and by the next day, they had not yet had time to do anything else, nor had the merchant caravans departed.

Early in the morning, an explosive piece of news spread rapidly—

Wen Gu has been assassinated!!

And it happened right at the entrance of Zhao Fu!

It is suspected to have been the work of a top-tier professional assassin!

According to those present, the sword tip pierced in, striking straight into the chest; blood was seen immediately, and the outer robe was covered in blood!

Anyone who has heard the description of the scene would know that the assassin's efficiency was absolutely professional!

The assassin has already fled, and the Patrol Guard Division and the City Defense Army are now searching the entire city!

Many guests who attended the banquet yesterday were still sleeping off their hangovers this morning, some even wondering how busy Wen Gu would make Xinzhou City next, and then they were blown away by this news. Xinzhou City has indeed become busy!

But no one wanted this kind of busy!

Who the hell did this?!

Guangning Commandery Princess Mansion.

Several imperial clansmen who could not get tickets to attend Wen Gu's Capping Ceremony had stayed at the Junzhu Mansion yesterday, hoping to hear if there was any important news, but unfortunately, the Commandery Princess had no interest in talking when she returned yesterday. This morning, hearing that the Commandery Princess had summoned entertainers to relieve her boredom, several clansmen also came over to join the fun and, incidentally, to probe the movements of the upper echelons of Xinzhou. They are currently living in the cracks; it is too difficult! At this moment, a maidservant stumbled in; usually, she valued decorum and etiquette above all else, but at this time, she disregarded everything in her haste, rushing to the Commandery Princess's ear to whisper urgently. Guangning Commandery Princess stood up abruptly, extremely horrified: "Really?!"

This appearance frightened the other clansmen present.

"What is going on? Guangning, what happened?" someone asked.

Guangning Commandery Princess's expression was gloomy: "Wen Gu has been assassinated!"

"What?!"

The other few were also so shocked they nearly toppled over.

Guangning Commandery Princess took a deep breath and said again: "Wen Gu, he was assassinated at the entrance of Zhao Fu!"

The clansmen present felt their strength leave their bodies and asked tremblingly: "Did he die?"

Guangning Commandery Princess glared at him: "Shut up!"

The maidservant looked at the Commandery Princess, then whispered to that clansman: "It is unknown for now; he was carried back to Zhao Fu. There is no news yet on his specific condition. But according to those who were present at the time... I fear..." The several imperial clansmen turned deathly pale and looked at Guangning Commandery Princess, shivering.

Guangning Commandery Princess said in shock and anger: "Why are you looking at me? I didn't do it!"

A clansman laughed miserably: "Even if it wasn't you, if something really happens to him, we won't have it easy!"

Among the Six Great Powers of Beidi, anyone will sacrifice the imperial clan if things don't go their way.

The Zhao Family was fine before, after all, they had an agreement with Guangning Commandery Princess long ago, and both sides had cooperation.

But it is different now!

That is Wen Gu!

The Wen Gu whom the father and son of the Zhao Family trust immensely, the Wen Gu with a limitless future!

They dare not even imagine what kind of madness the Zhao Family will unleash next!

"How about we run?" someone suggested in a low voice.

"How to run? Can you escape the pursuit of the Patrol Guard Division?" another person had no illusions whatsoever.

That is the famous Xinzhou Hound!

"They can dig up the things in your ancestral grave; with our meager abilities, can we escape their pursuit?"

"It is better to just behave ourselves; after all, it has nothing to do with us. Just stay put honestly. If we really run, we won't be able to explain ourselves even if we are in the right!"

It is best to lower one's presence and absolutely not show one's face at a time like this.

Guangning Commandery Princess waved her hand, dismissing all the actors and entertainers, and the imperial clansmen also shrank back to their own homes like quails to stay there, lowering their presence. Guangning Commandery Princess asked for details about the scene of Wen Gu's assassination again.

There were many people who saw that scene, and the people from the Junzhu Mansion inquired in detail.

"The sword tip did indeed pierce into his chest, and blood was seen immediately..." the maidservant said, relaying the news she had gathered.

Guangning Commandery Princess took a deep breath to calm her emotions.

According to the news, the assassin's movement technique was absolutely top-tier; to be able to hire such a person, the identity of the mastermind must be very high!

It is very likely that it was the work of those from Jizhou!

Thinking back to what she had said during Wen Gu's Capping Ceremony yesterday.

Guangning Commandery Princess felt incomparably regretful at this moment.

Why the hell did I have to have such a loose tongue?!

Now I really can't explain myself even with a mouth!

"That bitch Prince Yong!"

Guangning Commandery Princess was full of fire with nowhere to vent, but now was not the time to vent her anger; the priority was how to clear her name!

"Send some medicinal herbs over!" she said to the maidservant.

She also recalled what she had said to the clansmen about Wen Gu earlier, saying that after the Capping Ceremony, Wen Gu would be able to walk sideways in Xinzhou City.

The day after the Capping Ceremony, he really did walk sideways...

But this time, it really has nothing to do with me, damn it!

In Xinzhou City, a serious and tense atmosphere spread rapidly.

Whether they were on leave or on duty, everyone received orders.

As long as they were still in Xinzhou City, the entire Patrol Guard Division was mobilized, with the City Defense Army assisting, searching everywhere for suspicious individuals.

The gates of Neicheng were temporarily locked down.

It was not completely closed, but the guards were reinforced.

Inspections were more thorough; as long as the identity documents matched, they were allowed to pass.

If they did not match, then one was invited to the side for a talk, with a group of sword-wielding Armored Soldiers staring at you.

Because the checks were thorough, the lines became long.

At first, there were some complaints and discussions among the passing merchant caravans and the stewards handling affairs for various manors, but they soon quieted down.

The Armored Soldiers standing at the city gate stared at the queues with heavy gazes, their hands gripping their sword hilts, looking as if they would strike at any moment.

With such a massive commotion throughout the city—blocking the gates and searching every ward—those noble masters had their leisure disturbed, yet not a single one made a sound! Furthermore, they were quieter than ever!

They were even extremely cooperative when the Patrol Guard Division came to their doors to inquire.

As long as their fundamental interests are not touched, this group of powerful and wealthy people possesses a perception of danger and an ability to trim their sails that far exceeds that of ordinary people.

The assassination at the entrance of Zhao Fu is nothing short of a provocation!

It is easy to imagine how much rage the Zhao Family is in right now; no one dares to step into the line of fire.

Jingxing Fang, Wanfu Garden.

It is usually very lively even during the day, but today it has suddenly become quiet.

That group of playboys has stopped drinking and listening to music, collectively withdrawing as if hiding from some storm.

Others who could not learn of the matters above could see it from the behavior of these playboys, and they also became cautious.

Those who usually spend their time seeking pleasure everywhere are now as well-behaved as Mutou.

As for the wealthy clans, the sounds of string and bamboo instruments that usually drift from their manors are also quiet now, one could even call it obedient.

Zhao Fu.

Zhao Shaozhu was happy yesterday and drank a bit too much. He had not yet woken up when the news arrived.

Being woken up and suddenly hearing this news, he thought he was having a nightmare.

After a moment of daze, he slapped himself once and realized it was real!

His face turned pale with anxiety instantly!

He threw on his clothes and ran toward Lao Zhao's side.

Wen Gu was injured and was receiving treatment at Lao Zhao's place; the famous doctors in the manor were already all there.

When Zhao Shaozhu entered Lao Zhao's courtyard, he did not notice his attendants being blocked behind him.

"Where is Wen Gu?"

He grabbed a guard in the courtyard and asked urgently.

The guard pointed.

Zhao Shaozhu could not bother to ask more and ran over quickly.

There were guards stationed at the room door; seeing Zhao Shaozhu approach, they made a gesture for him to enter.

In his anxiety, Zhao Shaozhu did not think too much and pushed the door open to enter.

"How is it, Wen Gu, he..."

He looked into the room.

Tea had been prepared on the tea table, and Wen Gu and Lao Zhao were sitting opposite each other by the table.

Zhao Shaozhu's footsteps faltered; he was still panting from running too fast, and his mind was still a bit muddled.

He looked at the two people sitting and drinking tea, then saw the several blood-stained garments placed to the side.

The temperature is low this season, and it is even colder in the morning, so one wears several layers inside and out. All of them were stained with blood.

Zhao Shaozhu looked at those blood-stained garments, then looked back at Wen Gu.

He walked over quickly and grabbed Wen Gu's lapels, pulling them open.

Not a single scratch.

"Didn't they say..." Zhao Shaozhu thought of the news he had heard.

Wen Gu picked up a small sword-shaped prop and poked the tabletop; it was a spring-loaded one.

Zhao Shaozhu squeezed his eyes shut hard, rubbed his forehead, and slumped into a chair.

"I..."

He had reacted by this time and looked at Lao Zhao: "So that assassin..."

Lao Zhao nodded and then said: "Sit to the side first, we are still discussing important matters."

Zhao Shaozhu wondered if he had been away from Xinzhou City for too long and could not keep up with the rhythm here.

"What are you two... pulling here?" he asked.

Lao Zhao said indifferently: "Wen Gu's limelight was too much, catching the eyes of many people, and there were indeed people who hired killers for an assassination. Since that is the case, we won't trouble them to worry; we will do it ourselves. Strike first to gain the advantage!" As if no one else had professional killers under their command.

Then, shift the blame and splash dirty water on others!

Wen Gu added: "The content of that issue of the Xinzhou Times attracted spies from all sides. We are also taking this opportunity to investigate and shake things up. At the same time, it also serves as a buffer." It was not just secret agents planted by other forces, but also people sent by other great clans to Xinzhou to scout.

Investigating secret agents is one aspect; on the other hand, it also lowers the guard of the other five major forces.

Xinzhou is growing too fast, and the other families seem to be preparing to defend against it together. To avoid becoming the target of public criticism, they are taking the initiative to stir up some trouble themselves.

"The scope of the operation is too large, it will definitely cause a big commotion, so by using this incident, we have a legitimate reason."

The commoners have an idea in their hearts and will not cause excessive panic. Even if it gets a bit rowdy, the powerful and wealthy will not express dissatisfaction, and in fact, will not make a sound at all. After all, with "Wen Gu's life or death uncertain" right now, those people are afraid of touching bad luck at this time.

The Patrol Guard Division Vice Commissioner was assassinated, and the nephew most favored by the Zhao Clan was assassinated not far from Zhao Fu; isn't it expected for the Patrol Guard Division and the City Defense Army to make a big fuss in Xinzhou City? If this had not happened, a rash large-scale search would certainly have caused panic. But with this incident as a precedent, everyone has a bottom line in their hearts and will even endure it. Zhao Shaozhu's emotions calmed down at this moment, and his rationality gradually returned. He quickly understood what Lao Zhao and Wen Gu were saying.

"But this is definitely not the main reason; what are you plotting?" he asked.

"Isn't that what we are talking about right now," Lao Zhao said.

Zhao Shaozhu remembered that Lady Shen had arrived a step before him and asked: "Where is Mother?"

Wen Gu said: "Aunt is resting in the next room."

Zhao Shaozhu understood.

Lady Shen was likely also rendered speechless by these two, but because she was worried about revealing the truth if she went out now, she could only pretend to faint and sleep in the next room. Never mind Lady Shen; Zhao Shaozhu himself was speechless for a moment when he rushed in and saw this situation.

One dares to stir up trouble the day after their own Capping Ceremony, and the other dares to slap their own family in the face at their own doorstep!

Are you two truly not afraid of bad luck!?

Zhao Shaozhu felt he still had much to learn.

These two could truly make use of anything!

His head was still throbbing from the hangover.

Being subjected to this kind of shock early in the morning made it hurt even more.

Zhao Shaozhu suspected he had not yet woken up and that everything was still a dream.

Slap!

He slapped himself across the face again.

The two people by the tea table looked over.

Zhao Shaozhu rubbed his head again: "It's nothing, you two continue, I'm just sobering up."