Chapter Seven: The Two Divine Guardians

"Anjia Pan has rebelled, intending treason. Before long, his entire family will be executed and all his assets confiscated. As for his businesses, take over as much as you are capable of," Zhu Yu said.

Wan Sanqian shivered and hurriedly knelt to express his gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generosity."

Yet bitterness rose in his heart. The warning of those who went before him has truly come to pass. It seemed he'd have to be more cautious from now on. He had thought that a prince who had never stepped outside the palace, upon ascending the throne, would be a benevolent ruler. Now it seemed, if he was not a tyrant, that would already be fortunate.

Even so, he found a measure of comfort. How could someone as shrewd as Wan Sanqian not understand the tides of the court? Judging from this incident, it would all depend on how this new emperor handled matters. Perhaps the imperial line could yet regain power, and a prosperous future might still await him.

...

After Wan Sanqian finished arranging the guards, Zhu Yu brought the group provided by Wan Sanqian to the Divine Marquis Manor.

Gazing at the plaque of the Divine Marquis Manor, Zhu Yu felt his heart settle. At this moment, the guards behind him said, "Young master, since we've arrived, we will take our leave."

Zhu Yu cupped his fists in salute. "Thank you for your efforts, brothers."

Their leader said nothing more, simply returning the salute before leading his men away.

Zhu Yu took a deep breath and pushed the door open with force. But the scene inside made his heart lurch—a sense of foreboding rose within him.

The courtyard was empty, save for a woman of striking beauty but a cold, expressionless face, seated in a wheelchair with her back to him, as if waiting for someone.

Seeing this, Zhu Yu suddenly recalled a forgotten plotline and cursed inwardly. Damn, wasn’t there a part where the emperor was kidnapped for a time? How could he have forgotten!

Just then, the woman turned to look at him. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" she asked.

Zhu Yu ignored her, quickly turning to leave, speaking to Eunuch Wu as he went, "Eunuch Wu, if she makes a move, stop her. Don’t worry, she won't kill anyone."

Eunuch Wu was startled by this order and had no time to react before—bang!—the main doors slammed shut of their own accord.

"Who are you, and why do you run at the sight of me?" the woman asked again.

With no way out, Zhu Yu could only reply helplessly, "I—no, I’m looking for Zhuge Zhengwo. It seems he isn't here, so I’ll look elsewhere." He tried to laugh it off.

"I?" The woman cocked her head, repeating the word under her breath. Suddenly, two white sashes unfurled from beneath her wheelchair and shot toward Zhu Yu and Eunuch Wu.

Seeing this, Eunuch Wu’s hand tensed inside his wide sleeve, but recalling Zhu Yu’s warning, he resisted the urge to strike back.

The two of them were instantly bound, the sashes winding so tightly that they could neither see nor hear. At least the fabric was breathable, or else they would have suffocated.

Bumped and jostled, they had no idea where they were being taken. But when their bodies finally slammed to the ground, Zhu Yu knew they had reached their destination.

Still, he remained calm; after all, he remembered the emperor survived in the end, and the righteous side prevailed, so he was in no real danger.

After some indeterminate time, the sashes were finally untied. Zhu Yu looked up into a room full of murderous eyes and couldn’t help shivering inwardly. Something about this script felt wrong.

"Who are you people? Do you know who I am? How dare you seize me! Such audacity!" Zhu Yu could only try to seize the initiative.

"It is precisely because we know who you are that we captured you. Do you know who I am? I am the daughter of Sheng Dingtian, whose entire family was exterminated by a single word from your father!" The woman in the wheelchair spoke with venom.

Her face was twisted with hatred, as if she wished to devour him alive.

This wasn’t right! Was the original story like this? Why was she about to kill him so soon?

Zhu Yu racked his brain but could not recall this part of the plot. In the end, he gave up. As for begging for mercy? As an emperor, that would be beneath his dignity!

Well, so he told himself. After all, her family had been annihilated—how could he expect not to be killed in vengeance? Besides, with his fate in their hands, his life or death was not his to decide.

If pleading couldn’t save him, he might as well meet death with dignity. "I’m not clear on the details, but if you say so, I'll accept it. Who would joke about the slaughter of their entire family? Well, if you’re going to kill me, get on with it—no need for so many words."

Zhu Yu had resigned himself; if he was to die, at least he could do so with some style. After all, he was an emperor, and he meant what he said.

"No need to be impatient. You will die," the woman replied coldly, then left with her followers.

Watching their retreating backs, Zhu Yu let out a sigh of relief. At least he wasn’t dead yet—there was still a chance.

...

Time dripped by, and by evening, inside the Divine Marquis Manor—

Zhu Wushi stormed in with a group of men, the doors crashing open behind them.

The noise made everyone inside instinctively reach for their weapons.

Zhu Wushi swept his gaze around the room, finally settling on Zhuge Zhengwo. "What is this? Does the Zhu imperial clan make your hands itch for the blade?"

Zhuge Zhengwo gestured for his people to lower their weapons. "Iron Courage Marquis, you jest. To what do we owe your visit today?"

"In your Divine Marquis Manor, I hardly dare claim the title of Marquis myself. As for why I’m here, naturally, it’s to find His Majesty. So tell me, Lord Zhuge, are you going to hand him over, or have you already lost him?"

"You jest, Marquis. Everyone in my household has searched high and low for a whole day and night, but we have not found the emperor. I am deeply ashamed," Zhuge Zhengwo sighed.

"Come now, Lord Zhuge, no more lies. I have concrete information. As early as yesterday evening, His Majesty and Eunuch Wu arrived at your manor. Where are they now?"

As he spoke, Zhu Wushi gathered his energy, preparing to seize someone and force answers. Behind him, the guards of Dragon Guard Manor drew their swords.

"Wait. Marquis, you say you have definite news that His Majesty came to my manor?"

"Relentless, aren’t you? After the emperor’s boat sank, he was rescued by Wan Sanqian, the richest man in Jiangnan. My foster father learned of this because Wan Sanqian sent word. Wan Sanqian himself said he had his own men escort His Majesty to your manor’s gates. The very guard who did the escorting confirmed with his own eyes that the emperor entered your manor. What more is there to say?"

Before Zhu Wushi could answer, a young man in white with a refined face spoke up first.

This was none other than Shangguan Haitang, the number one secret agent of the Xuan Division at Dragon Guard Manor!

Those inside the Divine Marquis Manor were shocked into silence by Shangguan Haitang’s words, glancing at each other in alarm. Not one dared to speak.