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At this moment, Luzi was watching the commotion with his hands tucked away when he suddenly noticed something off about the man in black across from him. Hearing the sound of the bowstring, he realized that something was terribly wrong. Currently situated in the Chu Region, internal strife meant there were no outsiders involved. Therefore, the only target for the attack could only be him! With a quick thought, he slammed his hand on the table and leaned back, hoping to evade the surprise attack in the shortest time possible.
The archer concealed on the second floor was merely twenty meters away from his target, and the arrows shot from a strong bow could hit their mark in an instant. At this moment, the Internal Guard Commander completely ignored the high-ranking official standing opposite him and focused entirely on the two arrows approaching Luzi. In order to eliminate the Qin spy, he was evidently prepared to go all out. Even if he were to be executed by Huang Xie afterward, it would still be worth it! Seeing that there was no way to avoid being hit and blood would soon be spilled, he couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. A Qin State spy! You will die today! If you want to bring down Chu, you might as well wait until your next life!
Just as quickly as it began, a miracle occurred at this critical moment. Just as the arrows were about to pierce their target, they suddenly froze mid-air and then fell helplessly to Luzi's feet before anyone could react.
"Damn it! Who's messing around behind my back? Step forward if you have guts!" The Internal Guard Commander was furious upon seeing his ambush fail. He had arrived last and was unaware that the Chancellor had already encountered an alien threat once before. Realizing that the best opportunity had slipped away, murderous intent surged within him.
Chunshen Jun had rushed over directly from his fief in Wu and hadn't received any orders regarding Luzi being a Qin State spy who needed to be dealt with. But this couldn't be blamed on him; communication at that time relied heavily on shouting. Even if there were urgent orders to convey, it still took time to get them across. Seeing that the Internal Guard Commander dared to openly defy his orders in front of everyone made him furious. While confirming Luzi's safety, his expression darkened.
This is unacceptable! It’s just a dog raised by a former retainer of the household! Is this never-ending? A State Minister just spoke to a servant like this; consider yourself lucky to have received such treatment from your master! The Guard Captain saw the other party's insolence and without waiting for the Chancellor's command shouted, "Seize them all! Anyone who resists will be killed without mercy!"
Despite Chunshen Jun's high rank and power, he usually did not exert any authority. Especially with his close guards, he cared for their lives down to the smallest details. He even personally helped those without wives find matchmakers to help them marry; let alone various rewards in other aspects. The women chosen for marriage were all stunning beauties. As a result, when guards from other ministers' households saw those from the Prime Minister's Residence, they could only feel envy and resentment.
The guards were not ungrateful; they naturally knew how to repay kindness. They had already been angered by the other party’s lack of awareness earlier, and upon hearing the order to act immediately rushed forward. Not only would they seize them, but they wouldn't hesitate to chop these troublesome individuals into pieces right on the spot.
Regardless of relationships, if those under him didn't perform well enough, they wouldn't hold military positions either. When conflicts arose, it took three or five people just to get close enough to fight. Naturally, there was no need for words as they clashed together with clangs and bangs. The hall itself wasn't small but with nearly thirty people fighting along with some chairs and benches inside, it felt cramped indeed. If not for being close guards wielding short weapons, anyone jumping up could easily puncture a hole in the ceiling.
The innkeeper watched as his chairs were smashed into pieces and admired his foresight while feeling pained at the loss. Weapons don't discriminate; even a slight brush could cause significant damage. Thus, he decided that rather than staying here crying over losses, it would be better to escape to the backyard to avoid disaster. Just as he prepared to leave, he noticed a man in black being chased by soldiers toward the counter; seeing that person had their back turned, he casually grabbed a ceramic jar and placed it over his head. How dare they disregard even the Chancellor? Such disrespect is infuriating!
The head guard held his sword firmly in front of Luzi and Chunshen Jun, carefully protecting them. The archer who had ambushed from above had already retreated; it seemed unlikely they would return for another attempt anytime soon. However, given how complicated things were at present, it was best to leave quickly. Thus, he suggested that they retreat to the backyard where it would be relatively safer.
In that Warring States era, there were no true weak scholars; everyone knew some self-defense techniques. The weapons hanging at their waists were indeed used effectively rather than becoming mere decorations like later scholars' weapons did. Luzi usually didn't have opportunities to stand before thousands of troops like a general; this time encountering such skilled fighters made him feel an itch for combat. If not for his head guard blocking him, he would have likely joined in on the fray for some excitement.
Chunshen Jun was different; he was someone who had seen the world, adept at conquering cities and territories. Ever since the Crown Prince ascended to the throne, he had returned to the country to report on his duties. With a Royal Decree in hand, he set out to confront the enemy, proving himself unstoppable in open-field battles. For him, such scenes were merely insignificant minor events. Back when he commanded the Thousand Troops and Horses in a fierce battle, he didn’t even blink.
Seeing Luzi eager to act, he mistakenly thought it was due to nervousness. He quickly reassured him, seriously stating that this place was very safe. He had already made up his mind that if the situation could not be effectively controlled, he would immediately summon local troops to come over. After all, this was in the State of Chu! Who dared to rebel here!? As an official receiving state salary, failing to protect the safety of investors would be a huge joke if it spread!
Fortunately, the guards at the Prime Minister's Residence were well-trained, preventing the master from losing face right then and there. This highlighted the difference between fighting abroad and fighting domestically, with a clear line of distinction. When abroad, one faced real weapons and life-threatening situations; a moment of carelessness could mean never returning.
Although real weapons were also used domestically, it didn’t always mean life or death. The Constables of the Internal Guard Office often dealt with small-scale resistance. Even when encountering difficult situations, there was no need to worry about losses; they could still request regular troops for assistance! Just positioning an army could create an overwhelming presence. The charge of a Cavalry Unit was nothing short of a nightmare for those resisting!
As the sounds of fighting completely faded away, the injured Internal Guard Commander was escorted by guards to stand before Chunshen Jun, awaiting his judgment. At this moment, with just a word from the Chancellor, this person's head would be severed from its original position.
"I am an official registered at the Internal Guard Office in the capital! You have no right to kill me!" The Internal Guard Commander realized he could not escape and looked at the gleaming weapons around him without fear. He understood that dealing with a government official required following standard procedures; otherwise, it would be unjustifiable. Even though society had deteriorated and people's hearts had changed, feudal lords still tried their best to adhere to rules rather than break them.
Rules are like a forbidden wall; everyone can easily climb over it, but what happens after that? When there are many good people around, occasionally acting like a rogue might yield some benefits. But if everyone becomes a rogue, who will you act against!?
Chunshen Jun dismissed this reasoning; his reluctance to kill on the spot was primarily out of consideration for his friend's reputation. As the saying goes, one must consider the owner when beating a dog; this is no joke. Offending the Current Monarch's brother-in-law for no reason would complicate matters in the future. As long as it hadn’t come to tearing faces apart yet, it was best not to make things obvious. Moreover, since he wasn’t the target of the ambush earlier, it wasn’t yet time for open conflict. However, in front of a friend and benefactor, he couldn’t just let it go either; thus he turned and asked: “Luzi! I am merely passing through; you can handle this person now!”
The relationship between Huang Xie and Li Yuan had long been a hot topic across various states. With Li Yan's pregnancy making things more complicated, it tightly bound both men together like two grasshoppers tied on a string. If this situation could sour their relationship further, it would bring nothing but harm to the future of Chu State. If Huang Xie were to execute Li Yuan’s subordinate without hesitation, Luzi would certainly benefit from it without obstruction.
However, if they passed this ball back to him now, there would be much more to consider. Even suggesting executing this person might lead to many unforeseen complications. It was not worth offending Li Yuan and inadvertently distancing Huang Xie at this time! After making up his mind, he suggested: “The Scoundrel has already mentioned that there might be some misunderstandings between here and Lord Li. If we kill his old subordinate now, that misunderstanding will only deepen. Business wisdom teaches us that harmony is paramount in dealings; only through harmony can future opportunities arise—something that Scoundrel hopes for and welcomes.”
Good people always provide others with an opportunity to step down; seeing that Luzi did not intend to make things difficult for anyone made Huang Xie very happy. In fact, he had mentally prepared himself—killing someone and explaining it away later would suffice. Besides, having Luzi come ahead of time with Your Majesty’s approval meant King of Chu would surely remember that if no one had risked their life to help back then, he might still be lost in indulgence in Qin State! However, many things turn out differently than expected; outcomes are always uncertain after events unfold.
Chunshen Jun had known Li Yuan for more than just a few years and understood him well as someone petty-minded. Despite appearing carefree on the surface when dealing with others, it was all just a facade! Although this former Retainer wouldn’t dare act against him directly, if he held a grudge and spoke about it with his obedient sister later on, things could get complicated. Casual whispers could potentially cost lives! It had been a mistake listening to that vixen’s advice and sending her into the palace! However, looking at it another way: his son was destined to be the next Sovereign; surely he wouldn’t listen to outsiders plotting against his own father!
In fact, Huang Xie was right! After King Kao-Lie of Chu passed away, he was killed at the palace gate by an assassin arranged in advance by Li Yuan while he was on his way to the funeral. What he did not expect even more was that the assassin who killed him was the very Internal Guard Commander he was planning to let go at that moment! If one had the ability to foresee the future, perhaps history could have been rewritten.
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