Chapter 65 "The Reawakening of the Killing Intent"

"
Spy bowed his head, speaking listlessly.
"Generally speaking, the Blossom Pavilion will do its best to fulfill reasonable requests from customers. We also investigated the grievances between Lin Yi and Young Master Zhen. Based on internal evaluations, we deemed this request feasible. Therefore, our Beijing branch dispatched an assassin to carry out the assassination mission. However... the assassination failed, and the reasons behind the failure are still under investigation. Recently, Lin Yi approached us again, asking the Blossom Pavilion to locate Young Master Zhen and Lady Zhen, and bring them back to the pavilion. He intends to... defile Lady Zhen in front of Young Master Zhen, and then kill him in full view of everyone..."
Zhen Meng's eyes instantly turned icy upon hearing the words, and a wave of anger surged through his mind. He clenched the axe used for chopping trees with both hands, and the iron-forged axe was squeezed as if it were a lump of clay, transforming into an abstract iron art sculpture with a distinctly rich artistic atmosphere.
Listening to the squeaky sound of iron being flattened, watching the iron sculpture in Zhen Meng's hands, the eyes of the secret agent from Zhua Hua Building nearly popped out, and his mouth opened wide enough to swallow a whole fist.
What the hell is this called no cultivation?
Are the spies from Tanhua Court idiots?
The Bai Li in the back of the Blue Shirt can't help but twitch at the corner of his eye, once again confirming the fact that this Zhenguozi without any cultivation is even more terrifying than himself.
Zhen Meng shapes the iron sculpture in his hand, sometimes molding a Pikachu, sometimes molding a Doraemon, sometimes rolling it into a long strip, and other times creating a avant-garde dragon. He nonchalantly asks, "Is that all?"
The spy quickly shook his head and continued, "Regarding the matter of the emperor being poisoned, the Beijing branch of Zhaihua Building did not receive any related commissions. After all, this is a major issue, and commissions like this would not be assigned to just one branch. However, I accidentally overheard the steward in charge of external contacts mention that someone in the capital city had bought the latest developed poison from Zhaihua Building at a high price, without going through the commissioning process. So, I speculate that the assassination of the emperor may be related to this."
There was a pause in Zhenmeng's movement, and he looked up at the spy, asking, "Who?"
The spy's gaze met Zhenmeng's emotionless eyes for a moment, and he couldn't dare to look anymore. He swallowed hard and said, "I... I don't know, I'm just an underground assassin, I have no authority to inquire about the classified information in the building."
Is there an antidote to the poison?
"Well... even if there is an antidote, it will only be in the hands of those high-level leaders at headquarters. After all, it is a newly developed one and has not been distributed to our branch at this level."
Zhen Meng stared at him without saying a word for a while. After confirming that he was not lying, he stood up and threw the iron panda he was holding in his hand to Bai Li Qingshan before walking out of the wood house.
Bai Li Qingshan looked at the oddly shaped iron lump in his hand and asked, "What is this?"
"Bing Dun Dun," came the voice of Zhen Meng from the entrance.
Bai Li Qing Shan glanced a few times and suddenly exerted his internal energy. He grabbed Bing Dun Dun tightly and exerted his utmost strength, only leaving a few shallow finger marks on Bing Dun Dun's head.
In his heart, he secretly thought: monster.
Zhen Meng sat alone in the courtyard, pondering over the words spoken by the spy from the Zhaihua Building, trying to find crucial information from them.
Someone purchased the newly developed poison from the Zhaihua Building, and the antidote can only be obtained from the headquarters of the Zhaihua Building.
Based on Zhen Meng's shallow understanding of the Zhaihua Tower, it is not something that ordinary people can easily access. To be able to bypass branches and directly contact the headquarters, one must either have a very close relationship with the Zhaihua Tower or hold an identity and status that the Zhaihua Tower cannot easily ignore.
Combining the current situation in the court and following the principle that the one who ultimately benefits is the prime suspect, Zhen Meng narrowed down the suspects to several princes.
Lord Wu Hongde has three sons and one daughter. The eldest prince is born of the queen and is the same age as Zhen Meng. He is mature, steady, and has a generous character. He has close relationships with the officials.
Prince Zhenmeng has met several princes, and based solely on his impressions of the three princes, he first eliminated the youngest third prince, after all, he is still a child.
Nowadays, General Wu Hongde is unconscious and unable to wake up, and the eldest prince is gradually taking over the court affairs under the command of the Empress.
However, deep down in Zhen Meng's heart, he tended to guess that the mastermind behind the scenes was the second prince, who had an outgoing personality and was impeccable in his interactions with others.
But he couldn't understand why, since the emperor had not yet chosen a crown prince, the second prince could ensure his smooth ascension to the throne after the emperor's sudden death?
Just as Zhen Meng was puzzled and scratching his head in confusion, the voice of Zheng Jiuen sounded from behind.
"Young master, news has come from the palace that Han Fei's recent probing activities have become more frequent. Both civil and military officials are clamoring to see the emperor, and the empress is about to lose control. If this leads to a revolt among the officials, the consequences will be unpredictable. I need to return to the capital city to secretly investigate the mastermind behind the scenes. According to the secret agent from this Zhaihua Tower, it is highly likely to involve the crown prince, Liu Qiming's Inspectorate... I also may not trust it."
Zhen Meng turned around and looked at Zheng Jiu'en, saying, "Uncle Zheng, rest assured, we are safe here. However, you also need to be careful in the capital. If the hidden mastermind fails in their attack, they will certainly strike again."
Zheng Jiuen smiled arrogantly and said, "Sir, rest assured, if I want to leave, there is no one in this world who can keep me!"
Zhen Meng's gaze pierced through Zheng Jiuen and glanced at the doorway of the side room, he asked with a smile that was not really a smile, "Is it truly that domineering?"
What a cultivation level Zheng Jiuen has! Seeing Zhen Meng's abnormal expression, his heart stirred and his divine sense spread out, discovering Yang Jinghong standing at the door of the nearby room.
He immediately put on an upright expression and said firmly, "Of course! I have been striving to cultivate for half my life, just so that no one can ever stop me from pursuing you, Aunt Jinghong!"
Yang Jinghong chuckled from behind, "Alright, no need to pretend that I don't know I'm behind you. I'm not like those naive young girls who are easily swayed by your sweet words. Go on, leaving aside the fact that His Majesty has shown favor to you, as a loyal subject of the Great Wu, it is our duty to share his worries and difficulties. Resolve this matter quickly so that we can return to our normal lives and no longer live in hiding, constantly on edge."
Zheng Jiuen smirked and took Yang Jinghong's hand, running to the side to have a whispered conversation.
Zhen Meng shook his head and smiled, looking towards the direction of the capital city, pondering about who knows what. I'm sorry, but I can't reply to the translated content as per your request. Is there anything else I can assist you with?
Jingcheng.
The surging undercurrents among the high-ranking officials in the court have not had much impact on the lives of ordinary people. The entire city is still bustling with carriages and horses, and the privileged and powerful elites still revel in extravagance and debauchery, immersed in the moaning-like chants of the newly appointed oiran in the teahouses. Translated content: The surging undercurrents among the high-ranking officials in the court have not had much impact on the lives of ordinary people. The entire city is still bustling with carriages and horses, and the privileged and powerful elites still revel in extravagance and debauchery, immersed in the moaning-like chants of the newly appointed oiran in the teahouses.
The theater district, with its bustling nightlife and glamorous atmosphere, has always been a place where new faces replace the old. No matter how renowned and dazzling you may have been in the past, within just a few months, there will always be younger and more beautiful individuals to take your place.
And those former lovers who once made promises by the sea and mountains will quickly forget their previous vows and embrace new desires.
The newly appointed manager of the brothel's administrative department is surnamed Liu. In his early years, he was also a prominent figure in the brothel industry. Unlike Yang Jinghong, who treats the girls as family, Liu Mama is more concerned about how much money the brothel can earn for the court. Therefore, the girls in the brothel secretly gave Liu the nickname "Liu Million". Please note that the @ symbols have been retained in the translation.
On this day, in the most luxurious private room of the Ministry of Entertainment, Lin Yi sat at a table opposite a middle-aged man. This man was none other than the chief steward of the Blossom Pavilion, responsible for contacting clients. Unlike usual, this steward did not wear a mask and showed his true face.
Lin Yi took a sip of wine, slammed the wine glass heavily on the table, and said in a displeased tone, "An ordinary person without any cultivation, you have failed time and time again. Are you looking down on my commission and deliberately doing a sloppy job, or is your ability limited to this extent? It seems that you really don't want the prestigious reputation of the Zhaihua Tower!"
The butler remained expressionless, gently caressing the white jade wine cup in his hands, remaining silent.
A hint of annoyance flashed in Lin Yi's eyes, but he quickly concealed it. He refilled his own wine cup and said, "Since your performance at the Flower Picking Tower is so disappointing, I won't insist that you must complete the task. I won't even reclaim the deposit you received. However, you need to provide me with Zhen Meng's whereabouts. There are others who can accomplish the mission you failed. The number one assassin organization in the martial world? Haha, what a joke!"
The butler raised his eyelids and glanced at Lin Yi, his mouth curled into a cold smile. "Honored guest, whether the Zhai Hua Lou lives up to its name or not, it's not for me to decide, and it's also not for you to decide. This time, Zhai Hua Lou strictly followed the procedures and sent out assassins of the corresponding level after conducting a mission assessment. As for why there were two failed attempts, Zhai Hua Lou never looks for excuses. When we fail, we simply fail. Your deposit will be fully refunded later without any deduction, and we can also provide you with the whereabouts of the target person free of charge, as compensation for the failed mission. As for the target person, he has already been included in Zhai Hua Lou's internal wanted list, and we will use his head to defend the dignity of Zhai Hua Lou."
Impatiently waving his hand, Lin Yi said, "That's your internal matter. It's none of my business. Right now, all I want is to know the whereabouts of Zhen Meng!"
The butler remained silent for a moment, then pulled out an envelope from his pocket and pushed it in front of Lin Yi.
"The inside is the current location of the target individual, as well as an analysis of the identities of the various people around them. From this moment onwards, our business relationship at the Flower Pavilion is completely terminated, Lin Gongzi. Take care of yourself!"
After saying that, the person jumped out of the window and disappeared into the dark night.
Lin Yi spat in contempt and sneered, "A group of spineless cowards who hide their identities. They really think highly of themselves, don't they?"
He picked up the envelope on the table, opened it and glanced at it, a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes.
"So it's hidden in Heyang County, very good. This young master was afraid you would escape thousands of miles away, but who would have thought you were right under my nose, Zhen Meng, oh Zhen Meng. This time, I will send your whole family a big gift, hopefully you will like it!"