Assassins
In the blink of an eye, it was the joyous day for Yan Su’s marriage ceremony. The entrance of the Yan Mansion was adorned with colorful lights and decorations, and the sound of firecrackers filled the air. The joyous atmosphere was bustling with guests coming and going.
The Ministry of Rites, responsible for the five ceremonial occasions of auspiciousness, joy, military, guests, and funeral, typically played a minor role in managing national school affairs, imperial examinations, and foreign affairs with vassals and other countries.
Their significance was considered the lowest among the six ministries, but Yan Xiaojing, the Minister of Rites, had recently seen a series of promotions for his second son, and he was the most frequently promoted among the new consorts. He was now elevated to the status of Cairen and it was no secret that Yan Ge was highly favored by the emperor. Officials from both within and outside the court would not miss this opportunity to please Yan Xiaojing and arrived at the Yan Mansion with generous gifts.
At the entrance of the Yan Mansion, Yan Xiaojing and Butler Yan Fu were constantly exchanging pleasantries with various dignitaries, instructing the servants to note down the gifts meticulously, busy to the point of being overwhelmed. The higher Yan Ge’s status was in the palace, the less Yan Xiaojing dared to relax his demands on his family, including himself. Among all the officials who came to congratulate, those with a lower rank than his own were allowed to give ten taels of silver as a gift, while those of equal or higher rank were to give fifty taels of silver. Not a single bit more. Some officials lacked tact and insisted on giving more, which required Yan Xiaojing to spend some effort to dissuade them. He couldn’t offend them on such a joyous occasion.
The guests had already heard that Yan Cairen might personally come to congratulate Yan Su, so they didn’t dare to make things difficult for Yan Xiaojing. In short, the atmosphere was relatively harmonious.
For the elder brother’s grand wedding, Yan Ge could only attend as a palace consort to make it formal, and he had to have the Ministry of Rites arrange an escort for him. Yan Jin also dressed up and accompanied him.
Originally, Huangfu Yuchen wanted to come with them, but Yan Ge had to persuade him with flattering words. If Huangfu Yuchen really came with him, the Yan family would immediately become the center of attention.
The escort team arrived on time before the ceremony began.
“Prince Jin arrives – Yan Cairen arrives –“
Everyone stood up to welcome both the prince and Yan Cairen.
“Greeting to Prince Jin, greetings to Yan Cairen.”
Yan Ge held Yan Jin’s hand as they stepped down from the sedan chair and said, “No need for formalities, everyone.”
“Thank you, Prince Jin. Thank you, Yan Cairen.”
After everyone stood up, they dared to steal glances at Yan Ge and Prince Jin. Prince Jin was dressed like a golden boy, handsome and adorable, while Yan Jin had a mask on his face, just like he did during the emperor’s birthday banquet. The distinguished appearance of the empror’s consort was not something ordinary commoners could see, even for a male consort. But actually, Yan Ge just couldn’t reveal that he was the “Young Master Qin.”
Yan Jin ran to Minister Jiang Gan’s side, held his hand, and looked at him with a beaming smile, saying, “Father.”
“Ah,” Jiang Gan patted his head. Although this little guy was not his biological son, he was lively and sensible, and Jiang Gan liked him very much.
Yan Ge approached Yan Xiaojing and Madam Yan and paid his respects to them.
“This son pays respects to Father and Mother.”
“No need for such formalities, Yan Cairen,” Yan Xiaojing stopped him in time.
Yan Ge then looked at Yan Su and smiled, “Congratulations, big brother!”
Yan Su cupped his hands and replied, “Thank you, Yan Cairen.”
Yan Ge didn’t like the idea of the whole family having to go through this formal exchange of greetings. He smiled and said, “Let’s talk inside.”
“Please, please.”
Inside the main hall, Yan Xiaojing and Madam Yan took their seats at the head, while Yan Ge sat on the side. The guests surrounded them, smiling and watching the newlyweds.
Huangfu Yuchen had also arrived, dressed in white, and was standing among the crowd. Yan Ge recognized him with just one glance, and they exchanged a meaningful look.
A loud cry of “the auspicious moment has arrived!” was heard, followed by the sound of firecrackers. As the sound faded, the master of ceremonies began to shout, “Kneel and pay respects to heaven and earth—”
Yan Su, wearing a large red flower on his chest, and the bride in her auspicious red attire knelt together, paying respects to the hall outside.
“Kowtow to the parents—”
“Husband and wife exchange bows—”
“Lead to the bridal chamber—”
Cheers and firecrackers erupted simultaneously as the bride and groom drank the ceremonial wine and the bride ate the dumplings, completing the rituals.
Yan Su was pulled away by a group of young masters to drink. Laughter filled the banquet, making it lively. Yan Su had undoubtedly sought advice from experienced individuals beforehand and had invited several friends and colleagues to help him handle the toasts. However, despite his preparations, he still ended up drunk, being supported by the crowd as they led him towards the bridal chamber, ready to play the traditional wedding pranks.
Yan Ge, with great interest, took Qiuju and the newly arrived little eunuch Xiao Fuzi to join in the excitement.
“Young Master, you have a noble status, what if someone offends you?” Xiao Fuzi advised tactfully.
“Let’s be careful, and everything will be fine. It’s rare to have the opportunity to witness such festivities.”
Qiuju hesitated and whispered, “Young Master, the emperor is still waiting for you to return together.”
“Go and tell him to wait a little longer. I’ll go to him soon.”
Qiuju had no choice but to go find Huangfu Yuchen.
Yan Ge led Xiao Fuzi and followed the crowd to the backyard, keeping a distance to prevent others from being too concerned about his identity.
Unexpectedly, at that moment, two dark figures suddenly descended from the sky, swords raised, aiming at Yan Ge!
The two sword lights, like sharp arrows, flashed through the darkness.
“Master!” Xiao Fuzi exclaimed in alarm, rushing forward and using his body to block Yan Ge.
Yan Ge was startled but quickly grew furious. Today was supposed to be a solemn and joyous day, but if blood were to be shed, wouldn’t it be a curse on the occasion?
With a cold snort, he pushed Xiao Fuzi aside with his left hand and swiftly shot out two bursts of true qi with his right hand, striking the wrists of the two black-clothed men. These men exuded a strong murderous intent, and Yan Ge concluded that they were assassins. Without mercy, he delivered a palm strike with each hand.
Xiao Fuzi, lying on the ground, quickly regained his senses and, without caring to get up, shouted loudly, “Assassins! Capture the assassins!”
One of the black-clothed men pulled out a hidden weapon and shot it.
Yan Ge’s figure flashed, appearing instantly in front of Xiao Fuzi. With a swing of his right hand, he deftly deflected the iron caltrop that he had casually broken off from a bamboo twig, and as if playing golf, hit the knee of the black-clothed man.
“Ah!”
Xiao Fuzi continued to shout, “Capture the assassins!”
The guards of the Yan Mansion were quickly alerted and came running upon hearing the commotion.
A white figure swiftly passed before everyone’s eyes, appearing first in the backyard and launching a surprise attack on the two black-clothed men from behind.
The two black-clothed men turned to flee.
“You’ve arrived?” Yan Ge greeted Huangfu Yuchen with ease. Like an ethereal shadow, he swiftly passed through the gap between the two black-clothed men, spreading his arms and striking their backs simultaneously with both palms. In the next instant, he was calmly standing by Huangfu Yuchen’s side.
Huangfu Yuchen embraced his waist and angrily ordered, “Capture them for Us!”
Several hidden guards materialized out of thin air, subduing the two black-clothed men.
The faces of the two black-clothed men turned pale, and they exchanged a glance before a trace of blood suddenly trickled from the corners of their mouths. They had actually chosen to commit suicide!
In the end, blood was shed at Yan Su’s wedding, and Yan Ge’s face darkened.
Huangfu Yuchen’s expression also turned grim.
Only now did the others react. This unfamiliar man turned out to be the emperor in disguise. They quickly knelt down, “We pay our respects to the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!”
“Investigate this for Us! We want to know who dared to hire assassins to target Us!” Huangfu Yuchen couldn’t contain his anger.
Yan Ge patted his chest and said, “Alright, getting angry with others is just tormenting oneself. Don’t be angry anymore. The fox will reveal its tail sooner or later.”
“Next time, you should still bring guards when you go out,” Huangfu Yuchen said with a stern face.
“Understood, let’s consider these assassins as a test of our skills. It’s just unfortunate that they caused bloodshed at my brother’s wedding.”
The crowd lowered their heads, their faces showing astonishment. Yan Cairen actually spoke to the emperor in such a casual manner, and the emperor didn’t even hold him accountable.
In an inconspicuous corner, there was another person with a gloomy expression—Ning Chaobang. At this moment, he stared at Yan Ge with a serious face, devoid of his usual amiable demeanor.
“I didn’t expect him to possess martial arts skills. Fortunately, we hired assassins, so there’s no risk of tracing it back to me. It’s just a pity to miss such a good opportunity…”
Back in the palace, Huangfu Yuchen still wore a somber expression.
“Still angry?” Yan Ge loosened his belt, dissipating the summer heat.
After instructing the palace maid to prepare an ice basin, Huangfu Yuchen said, “The person behind these assassins is extremely cautious, actually hiring killers to target you. His identity must be extraordinary.”
Yan Ge nodded in agreement.
Helplessly, Huangfu Yuchen said, “Are you still laughing? Although your martial arts skills are impressive, it’s difficult to guard against hidden arrows.”
Yan Ge protested, “I wasn’t laughing.”
Huangfu Yuchen reached out and pinched his face, then touched the corners of his mouth before solemnly nodding, “Indeed, you weren’t laughing. I misjudged.”
Suddenly, Yan Ge pounced on him, using him as a cushion. “Don’t worry too much. We are prepared now, and if he dares to make another move, we’ll surely catch him by the tail.”
Huangfu Yuchen shook his head. “The other party is very cautious. Until we have a foolproof plan, they won’t easily act. Anyway, listen to me. From now on, when you walk outside the palace, you must be extra careful and not act recklessly.”
“As you command. Let’s go and bathe.”
Assassins
In the blink of an eye, it was the joyous day for Yan Su’s marriage ceremony. The entrance of the Yan Mansion was adorned with colorful lights and decorations, and the sound of firecrackers filled the air. The joyous atmosphere was bustling with guests coming and going.
The Ministry of Rites, responsible for the five ceremonial occasions of auspiciousness, joy, military, guests, and funeral, typically played a minor role in managing national school affairs, imperial examinations, and foreign affairs with vassals and other countries.
Their significance was considered the lowest among the six ministries, but Yan Xiaojing, the Minister of Rites, had recently seen a series of promotions for his second son, and he was the most frequently promoted among the new consorts. He was now elevated to the status of Cairen and it was no secret that Yan Ge was highly favored by the emperor. Officials from both within and outside the court would not miss this opportunity to please Yan Xiaojing and arrived at the Yan Mansion with generous gifts.
At the entrance of the Yan Mansion, Yan Xiaojing and Butler Yan Fu were constantly exchanging pleasantries with various dignitaries, instructing the servants to note down the gifts meticulously, busy to the point of being overwhelmed. The higher Yan Ge’s status was in the palace, the less Yan Xiaojing dared to relax his demands on his family, including himself. Among all the officials who came to congratulate, those with a lower rank than his own were allowed to give ten taels of silver as a gift, while those of equal or higher rank were to give fifty taels of silver. Not a single bit more. Some officials lacked tact and insisted on giving more, which required Yan Xiaojing to spend some effort to dissuade them. He couldn’t offend them on such a joyous occasion.
The guests had already heard that Yan Cairen might personally come to congratulate Yan Su, so they didn’t dare to make things difficult for Yan Xiaojing. In short, the atmosphere was relatively harmonious.
For the elder brother’s grand wedding, Yan Ge could only attend as a palace consort to make it formal, and he had to have the Ministry of Rites arrange an escort for him. Yan Jin also dressed up and accompanied him.
Originally, Huangfu Yuchen wanted to come with them, but Yan Ge had to persuade him with flattering words. If Huangfu Yuchen really came with him, the Yan family would immediately become the center of attention.
The escort team arrived on time before the ceremony began.
“Prince Jin arrives – Yan Cairen arrives –“
Everyone stood up to welcome both the prince and Yan Cairen.
“Greeting to Prince Jin, greetings to Yan Cairen.”
Yan Ge held Yan Jin’s hand as they stepped down from the sedan chair and said, “No need for formalities, everyone.”
“Thank you, Prince Jin. Thank you, Yan Cairen.”
After everyone stood up, they dared to steal glances at Yan Ge and Prince Jin. Prince Jin was dressed like a golden boy, handsome and adorable, while Yan Jin had a mask on his face, just like he did during the emperor’s birthday banquet. The distinguished appearance of the empror’s consort was not something ordinary commoners could see, even for a male consort. But actually, Yan Ge just couldn’t reveal that he was the “Young Master Qin.”
Yan Jin ran to Minister Jiang Gan’s side, held his hand, and looked at him with a beaming smile, saying, “Father.”
“Ah,” Jiang Gan patted his head. Although this little guy was not his biological son, he was lively and sensible, and Jiang Gan liked him very much.
Yan Ge approached Yan Xiaojing and Madam Yan and paid his respects to them.
“This son pays respects to Father and Mother.”
“No need for such formalities, Yan Cairen,” Yan Xiaojing stopped him in time.
Yan Ge then looked at Yan Su and smiled, “Congratulations, big brother!”
Yan Su cupped his hands and replied, “Thank you, Yan Cairen.”
Yan Ge didn’t like the idea of the whole family having to go through this formal exchange of greetings. He smiled and said, “Let’s talk inside.”
“Please, please.”
Inside the main hall, Yan Xiaojing and Madam Yan took their seats at the head, while Yan Ge sat on the side. The guests surrounded them, smiling and watching the newlyweds.
Huangfu Yuchen had also arrived, dressed in white, and was standing among the crowd. Yan Ge recognized him with just one glance, and they exchanged a meaningful look.
A loud cry of “the auspicious moment has arrived!” was heard, followed by the sound of firecrackers. As the sound faded, the master of ceremonies began to shout, “Kneel and pay respects to heaven and earth—”
Yan Su, wearing a large red flower on his chest, and the bride in her auspicious red attire knelt together, paying respects to the hall outside.
“Kowtow to the parents—”
“Husband and wife exchange bows—”
“Lead to the bridal chamber—”
Cheers and firecrackers erupted simultaneously as the bride and groom drank the ceremonial wine and the bride ate the dumplings, completing the rituals.
Yan Su was pulled away by a group of young masters to drink. Laughter filled the banquet, making it lively. Yan Su had undoubtedly sought advice from experienced individuals beforehand and had invited several friends and colleagues to help him handle the toasts. However, despite his preparations, he still ended up drunk, being supported by the crowd as they led him towards the bridal chamber, ready to play the traditional wedding pranks.
Yan Ge, with great interest, took Qiuju and the newly arrived little eunuch Xiao Fuzi to join in the excitement.
“Young Master, you have a noble status, what if someone offends you?” Xiao Fuzi advised tactfully.
“Let’s be careful, and everything will be fine. It’s rare to have the opportunity to witness such festivities.”
Qiuju hesitated and whispered, “Young Master, the emperor is still waiting for you to return together.”
“Go and tell him to wait a little longer. I’ll go to him soon.”
Qiuju had no choice but to go find Huangfu Yuchen.
Yan Ge led Xiao Fuzi and followed the crowd to the backyard, keeping a distance to prevent others from being too concerned about his identity.
Unexpectedly, at that moment, two dark figures suddenly descended from the sky, swords raised, aiming at Yan Ge!
The two sword lights, like sharp arrows, flashed through the darkness.
“Master!” Xiao Fuzi exclaimed in alarm, rushing forward and using his body to block Yan Ge.
Yan Ge was startled but quickly grew furious. Today was supposed to be a solemn and joyous day, but if blood were to be shed, wouldn’t it be a curse on the occasion?
With a cold snort, he pushed Xiao Fuzi aside with his left hand and swiftly shot out two bursts of true qi with his right hand, striking the wrists of the two black-clothed men. These men exuded a strong murderous intent, and Yan Ge concluded that they were assassins. Without mercy, he delivered a palm strike with each hand.
Xiao Fuzi, lying on the ground, quickly regained his senses and, without caring to get up, shouted loudly, “Assassins! Capture the assassins!”
One of the black-clothed men pulled out a hidden weapon and shot it.
Yan Ge’s figure flashed, appearing instantly in front of Xiao Fuzi. With a swing of his right hand, he deftly deflected the iron caltrop that he had casually broken off from a bamboo twig, and as if playing golf, hit the knee of the black-clothed man.
“Ah!”
Xiao Fuzi continued to shout, “Capture the assassins!”
The guards of the Yan Mansion were quickly alerted and came running upon hearing the commotion.
A white figure swiftly passed before everyone’s eyes, appearing first in the backyard and launching a surprise attack on the two black-clothed men from behind.
The two black-clothed men turned to flee.
“You’ve arrived?” Yan Ge greeted Huangfu Yuchen with ease. Like an ethereal shadow, he swiftly passed through the gap between the two black-clothed men, spreading his arms and striking their backs simultaneously with both palms. In the next instant, he was calmly standing by Huangfu Yuchen’s side.
Huangfu Yuchen embraced his waist and angrily ordered, “Capture them for Us!”
Several hidden guards materialized out of thin air, subduing the two black-clothed men.
The faces of the two black-clothed men turned pale, and they exchanged a glance before a trace of blood suddenly trickled from the corners of their mouths. They had actually chosen to commit suicide!
In the end, blood was shed at Yan Su’s wedding, and Yan Ge’s face darkened.
Huangfu Yuchen’s expression also turned grim.
Only now did the others react. This unfamiliar man turned out to be the emperor in disguise. They quickly knelt down, “We pay our respects to the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!”
“Investigate this for Us! We want to know who dared to hire assassins to target Us!” Huangfu Yuchen couldn’t contain his anger.
Yan Ge patted his chest and said, “Alright, getting angry with others is just tormenting oneself. Don’t be angry anymore. The fox will reveal its tail sooner or later.”
“Next time, you should still bring guards when you go out,” Huangfu Yuchen said with a stern face.
“Understood, let’s consider these assassins as a test of our skills. It’s just unfortunate that they caused bloodshed at my brother’s wedding.”
The crowd lowered their heads, their faces showing astonishment. Yan Cairen actually spoke to the emperor in such a casual manner, and the emperor didn’t even hold him accountable.
In an inconspicuous corner, there was another person with a gloomy expression—Ning Chaobang. At this moment, he stared at Yan Ge with a serious face, devoid of his usual amiable demeanor.
“I didn’t expect him to possess martial arts skills. Fortunately, we hired assassins, so there’s no risk of tracing it back to me. It’s just a pity to miss such a good opportunity…”
Back in the palace, Huangfu Yuchen still wore a somber expression.
“Still angry?” Yan Ge loosened his belt, dissipating the summer heat.
After instructing the palace maid to prepare an ice basin, Huangfu Yuchen said, “The person behind these assassins is extremely cautious, actually hiring killers to target you. His identity must be extraordinary.”
Yan Ge nodded in agreement.
Helplessly, Huangfu Yuchen said, “Are you still laughing? Although your martial arts skills are impressive, it’s difficult to guard against hidden arrows.”
Yan Ge protested, “I wasn’t laughing.”
Huangfu Yuchen reached out and pinched his face, then touched the corners of his mouth before solemnly nodding, “Indeed, you weren’t laughing. I misjudged.”
Suddenly, Yan Ge pounced on him, using him as a cushion. “Don’t worry too much. We are prepared now, and if he dares to make another move, we’ll surely catch him by the tail.”
Huangfu Yuchen shook his head. “The other party is very cautious. Until we have a foolproof plan, they won’t easily act. Anyway, listen to me. From now on, when you walk outside the palace, you must be extra careful and not act recklessly.”
“As you command. Let’s go and bathe.”
