At that moment, the air within the Changle Palace was thick with the scent of medicinal herbs. The twenty-one-year-old Emperor Zhao, also known as Liu Fuling, leaned against the dragon-carved bed, clutching a confidential report in his hand. Kneeling before him was a young man dressed as an eunuch, but with an exceptionally sharp gaze. This was Zhang Qian, his sole confidant and commander of his secret agents."You say that Liu Bingyi not only survived the ambush by twelve assassins, but also gave the broken sword — the symbol of the Crown Prince of Wei — to a commoner girl?"
Emperor Zhao's voice was hoarse yet carried an uncharacteristic composure for his age. "Your Majesty, this story has spread like wildfire among the people. The common folk admire the imperial grandson's benevolence and righteousness, and many voice discontent over the arrogance of the Huo clan." "Liu Fuling closed his eyes, a self-mocking smile curling his lips. 'This emperor, trapped within these palace walls, is but a puppet. Every move I make is subject to Huo Guang's scrutiny. Yet my nephew, cast adrift among the common folk, lives a life more carefree than mine. Zhang Qian, I intend to meet him.'
Shangguanli, the Liu family courtyard.
Liu Bingyi was reclining in a rocking chair, wrapped in a thick fox-fur robe (a trophy seized from the Huo family's black market by Lei Zhen) and holding a yellowed military treatise. He appeared to be recuperating, yet his Insightful Eyes had already locked onto the shadowy figure lurking at the entrance to the alley.'Boss, the target's here. Skilled fighter, decent internal strength. Not Huo family style," Han Neng whispered in Liu Bingyi's ear.
"Don't stop him. Let him in.' Liu Bingyi turned a page, his tone calm. 'Our "important guest" has arrived.'
[Divine Mimicry: A Royal Descendant of Virtue, Deeply Concerned for the Nation and Its People]
Zhang Qian scaled the wall and entered. Instead of the expected flashes of blades, he was met by the slightly pale yet composed smile of Liu Bingyi.'Minister Zhang, bypassing the main gate for this wall-scaling business — has palace duty grown so arduous?'
Zhang Qian stiffened, cold sweat instantly beading on his palms. As an imperial bodyguard boasting exceptional agility, he hadn't anticipated his identity being exposed the moment he touched down.
"Prince... Prince Liu, your reputation precedes you.' Zhang Qian took a deep breath and took out a pure gold token engraved with dragon patterns from his robe. 'His Majesty commands a private audience.'Liu Bingyi studied the token without flinching. Instead, he rose slowly and closed the military treatise he was holding. The overwhelming pressure radiating from him at that moment almost suffocated Zhang Qian. 'Which Liu Bingyi does His Majesty wish to see—the worthless mud-slinger or the dark-faced ranger who slaughtered the entire Huo clan's elite guards?'[Ding! Successfully lured the Emperor's confidant, triggering the core plot event, 'Uncle-Nephew Alliance'!
Reputation: +3000!
Reward unlocked: Hidden Dragon in the Abyss Stealth Garb (allows host to vanish for 10 minutes under the imperial guards' noses)!
]Mission objective: Persuade Liu Fuling to establish the first 'Imperial Power Alliance'.Liu Bingyi declared, 'Tell His Majesty that I will meet him — not as a criminal awaiting punishment, but as the last guardian of the Han dynasty.' He tossed a map detailing the Huo clan's salt and iron black market operations to Zhang Qian. 'This is my gift. Let His Majesty see how the Huos have emptied his treasury these past years.'
Just as Zhang Qian was about to leave, a shrill, imperious shout erupted from outside the door. "Liu Bingyi! You scoundrel! Get out here this instant
Liu Bingyi declared, "Tell His Majesty that I will meet him, not as a criminal awaiting punishment, but as the final guardian of the Han dynasty." He tossed a map detailing the Huo clan's black market salt and iron operations to Zhang Qian. 'This is my gift. Let His Majesty see how the Huos have emptied his treasury these past years."
Just as Zhang Qian was about to leave, a shrill, imperious shout erupted from outside the door. "Liu Bingyi! You scoundrel! Get out here this instant!"
"Liu Bingyi! You scoundrel! Get out here this instant!" It was Huo Chengjun. Unable to quell her jealousy over that 'old sword', she stormed in, accompanied by her personal maid.
Liu Bingyi gestured to Zhang Qian, who instantly understood and vanished onto the rafters. Liu Bingyi swiftly switched into his Oscar-worthy "weak, shameless and slightly cynical" mode, plopping back into his chair and feigning a cough. "Ahem... Which young lady is being so unreasonable? My injuries haven't healed yet, and you're already trying to feast on me?'
Outside the window, Huo Chengjun's face flushed with anger, but the concern in her eyes was clear to see. Liu Bingyi sneered inwardly. On the one hand, there was an emperor overwhelmed by crises, and on the other, the eldest daughter of the Huo family, trapped in the depths of passion. This play was becoming increasingly thrilling."Oh my, Miss Huo! If you were to bring that riding crop down, this imperial grandson's life would truly be forfeit." Leaning back in his rocking chair, Liu Bingyi appeared utterly frail, yet his smiling almond eyes concealed a composure that sent Huo Chengjun's heart racing.[Divine Mimicry: The Noble in Ruin, Resilient in Spirit, Laughing at the World's Turmoil]
'Stop pretending!' Huo Chengjun gritted her teeth, her words sharp, though her whip dropped unconsciously. 'I heard you were attacked last night. My father and brother have already sent men to investigate. This is the work of bandits roaming the land. Don't try to pin it on our Huo family!"
"Bandits?" Liu Bingyi scoffed, pointing at the bloodstains still smeared on the wall. 'Those bandits were agile, but they used the Huo family's secret "Piercing Cloud Sword Technique". Miss, you should practise your lies before telling them.""Shut your mouth!" Huo Chengjun, feeling guilty, turned her gaze towards the inner chambers, her tone turning sharp and bitter. 'And what of Xu Pingjun? I hear you gave her a precious short sword and spoke of 'old swords and deep affection'. Liu Bingyi, how can you ignore this lady, the most beautiful woman in the Han Empire, and lavish your affection on a peasant girl instead? Have you gone blind?"
Real-time monitoring: Huo Chengjun's heart rate surged to 140.
Inner voice: "Why has no one ever said such words to me before? All the men around me care about is my family's status and my looks. He actually died for that woman?"[Ding! Intense emotional frustration and curiosity detected in core female supporting character, Huo Chengjun. Contrast effect achieved! Reputation +800.[Unlocked reward: Premium Allure Fragrance 'Elusive Charm' (Upon use, exerts an inexplicable attraction on the opposite sex for 24 hours).
Huo Chengjun froze in place, the taunts she had prepared stuck in her throat. Staring at Liu Bingyi, she realised for the first time that his appeal lay not just in his status, but in his heart 'as firm as a rock'.
'You... you madman!' Huo Chengjun's eyes reddened slightly. She stamped her foot and abruptly pulled out a bottle of the extremely precious 'Jade Dew Skin-Revitalising Powder' from her bosom, roughly tossing it into Liu Bingyi's arms.
'This is the tribute that my father brought back from Dayuan! Keep it for your worthless life. If you actually die one day, I still haven't beaten that village girl." With that, Huo Chengjun covered her face and dashed out of the courtyard, the clatter of hooves fading into the distance.
Once she was out of sight, Liu Bingyi picked up the bottle and tossed it casually to Lei Zhen, who had emerged from the shadows. 'Take this to the wounded brothers. It's pretty expensive stuff.'
'Boss, did that Huo family girl take the wrong medicine or something?' " Lei Zhen scratched his head, utterly bewildered. "She came in such a rush, but now she's leaving as if someone had stolen her lover?"'That's the embryonic form of the "Stockholm syndrome",' Liu Bingyi sneered coldly, his gaze fixed on the direction of the imperial palace. 'This pawn of ours is ripe. Prepare yourself, Lei Zhen. Once Zhang Qian returns, we'll enter the palace.'
As night fell, Liu Bingyi entered the inner chamber. Under Xu Pingjun's puzzled gaze, he shed his wine-stained robe, which still clung to the scent of medicine. [Ding! [System Level 2 Permission: Hidden Dragon in the Abyss·Stealth Garment loading].
His previously slack frame appeared remarkably lean and agile within the form-fitting black attire. Liu Bingyi donned the cold, mask-like 'Black Mask', casting one final glance at the Hanchan short sword hanging on the wall. "Pingjun, guard the door. Tonight, I go to reclaim what is mine." With a flash, Liu Bingyi vanished into the shadows cast by the room's candles.
At that same moment, an unremarkable carriage pulled up at the entrance to the alley. Zhang Qian lifted the curtain, his expression complex as he watched the man emerge like a ghostly apparition.'Young Master Liu, please.''Young Master Liu, once you are inside the palace, you must follow my every command.' Zhang Qian lowered his voice, attempting to regain the initiative. 'Security within the palace is extremely tight. As well as the visible imperial guards, the Huo family have also planted hidden agents. If we're exposed..."
'Minister Zhang, instead of worrying about me, you should be concerned for yourself.'
Liu Bingyi, his face concealed by a black mask, spoke with a voice as cold as the friction of glaciers in the far north. 'Beneath the third tile in the southeast corner of Master Liu Fuling's bedchamber lies a secret passage leading straight to the Imperial Garden. In the side hall in the northwest corner, three of the Huo family's 'listening devices' are concealed. You think your cover is secure, but to the Huo family, you're nothing but a sieve, letting everything slip through.'
En route, they evaded three overlapping patrols of imperial guards. Even when passing through the guarded Xuande Gate, commanded by a trusted Huo clan general, Liu Bingyi slipped right under his nose. The general felt only a cool breeze brush past his ear, causing him to pull his neck back instinctively.
Deep within the Changle Palace, the scent of dragon saliva mingled with the heavy aroma of medicinal herbs.
Emperor Zhao, also known as Liu Fuling, sat in the shadows. His cough echoed through the vast hall like that of a young bird trapped for too long in a golden cage; his eyes were filled with exhaustion and resentment. When Zhang Qian pushed open the door, Liu Fuling lifted his head but saw only Zhang Qian standing there.'Zhang Qian, where is the person I wish to see?'
'Your Majesty, I am here.'
Suddenly, ripples spread through the air and Liu Bingyi's figure slowly materialised. He removed his black mask to reveal a face that bore some resemblance to Liu Fuling's but radiated an air of domineering arrogance. He stared intently at the young Han emperor."Impressive footwork." Liu Fuling's pupils contracted slightly before he gave a bitter smile. 'My nephew, I've waited far too long for this day. This Han dynasty is nominally mine, yet in truth it is the private property of the Huo clan. Have you come to rescue me, or to see me off?'
Liu Bingyi did not bow. Instead, he strode forward, pulled a dragon throne over and sat down directly opposite the emperor.[Divine Mimicry: The Game-Breaker Above Imperial Authority]
'I'm not here to save you. I'm here to make a deal.'
Liu Bingyi slammed evidence of the Huo family's collusion with the Xiongnu, as well as their illicit salt and iron trade, onto the table. 'You have three months left to live. During that time, I can help you eliminate the Huo family's influence and restore the backbone of the Han Dynasty. But the price is..."
"What is the price?" Liu Fuling straightened up, a flicker of eagerness in his eyes.
'You must grant Xu Pingjun a title.' Liu Bingyi's words were startling. 'A "pardon token" that compels you to protect her, even if the entire court demands her death.'[Ding! Core Milestone Achieved — [Imperial Pact]!
Reputation: +6000
Unlocked reward: Emperor's Sword Qi (Fragment) (temporarily overpowers all those bearing the court's divine mandate).'System comment: You are not aiding the emperor, but cultivating a guardian to protect your wife.'
Liu Fuling stared at the man before him, suddenly bursting into such violent laughter that tears streamed down his face. The intensity of his coughing fit caused him to spit blood.
"Very well! I grant it! If you can make Huo Guang bow before I die, I will not only grant your wife a pardon, but I will also give you this vast empire as a dowry!"
Two hands clasped firmly beneath the dim, chilly light of the Changle Palace. From that moment on, the battle for power within the great Han dynasty shifted from shadow to light.