Chapter 43: Longevity Festival, Assassination

As he departed, he did not forget to cast a glance at Chu Junhan. Stepping out of the grand hall, he leaned toward his attendant and murmured, “The son of Chu Xiong—kill him!”

A child like this, who can turn the tide with just a few words, will be a danger without end in the days to come.

Not only did Avugan Tamon harbor such thoughts, but Emperor Tianwu too wore a somber expression as he stared at Chu Junhan. His gaze especially lingered on his own child, who had kept his head lowered ever since Chu Junhan entered, and the murderous intent in his heart grew ever stronger.

The banquet soon regained its lively atmosphere, and a steady stream of ministers came forth to offer their birthday congratulations.

“My good brother, come with me to the Imperial Study. It has been years since we last met—I have missed you dearly, and there is much I wish to speak about with you.” When the feast came to an end, Emperor Tianwu smiled warmly.

Chu Xiong, a little dazed from the endless toasts by the ministers, rose unsteadily to his feet. “Your servant obeys Your Majesty’s command!”

Emperor Tianwu, satisfied, clapped him on the shoulder and took the lead in leaving.

“Prepare the sedan for the Imperial Study.” At a wave of the young eunuch’s whisk, a retinue of eunuchs and maids filed out behind them.

Chu Xiong’s eyes immediately cleared. He whispered, “My lady, you and Han’er return home first. If I do not come back, take command of the troops and return at once to Liaozhou. With the Chu family’s army as leverage, my brother will not dare harm me.”

“My lord, take every care,” his wife replied.

Chu Xiong gently patted Chu Junhan’s head, cast a longing look back, then hurried after the emperor.

“Han’er, let us go.” Xifeng, heavy with sorrow, took Chu Junhan’s hand and let out a faint sigh.

Chu Junhan turned to watch her father’s departing figure, firm in her belief that he would come to no harm.

Indeed, Emperor Tianwu’s true target was not Chu Xiong—but her.

The general’s carriage had only just passed through the palace gates when two squads of men clad in black began to tail them.

“My lady, we are being followed!” Yingdie’s voice drifted in through the carriage window. She had lifted a corner of the curtain, letting a sliver of cold moonlight pierce the gloom.

“Faster,” Xifeng commanded. She was no stranger to assassination attempts, and showed not a trace of panic.

“Quickly!” Yingdie barked in a low voice. The driver cracked his whip and the horses bolted forward with a sharp neigh.

The two squads of black-clad men kept close behind, their footsteps echoing with faint, brittle sounds atop the rooftops.

By midnight, Pingzhou City had long shed the bustle of the day. The silence of night pressed in, the pounding hooves and rattling carriage wheels stifling the breath of those within.

With a hiss of air, arrows sliced through the darkness. The driver toppled from his seat.

Two women, poised for battle, sprang from the carriage. Their faces were set, each gripping a longsword that gleamed coldly under the moon.

The first squad of black-clad assailants rushed in and immediately clashed with Xifeng and her companion, blades flashing in the night.

Chu Junhan shrank into the smallest space she could find within the carriage, watching everything outside with chilling calm. Clearly, these attackers were no match for her mother.

The little child’s gaze followed Xifeng’s agile figure as she wielded her sword, cutting and thrusting, felling several enemies in swift succession. The moonlight cast across her face, lending her an icy beauty.

Moonlight. Rooftops.

Chu Junhan’s eyes widened. Another squad of black-clad figures crawled along the roof—distinct from the first, judging by their appearance.

It seemed more than one party wanted her dead.

They were waiting—waiting for her mother’s strength to wane.

No. She could not let them seize the advantage so easily. She, Chu Junhan, would not die so simply.

A cold glint flashed in the child’s eyes. With a nimble roll, she slipped out of the carriage’s rear window. As soon as her small feet touched the ground, she swiftly rolled beneath the carriage.

Fortunately, thanks to eight months of rigorous training, she possessed just enough agility to pull it off.