78: Fan Xian: Is this Niulan Street?

Chapter 78: Fan Xian: Is This Niulan Street? Beat Up Guo Baokun!

Li Hongcheng said unhurriedly, "Brother Fan winning the Junior Martial Champion is a great fortune for Great Qing."

"The Second Prince was also praised by His Majesty because the Junior Martial Arts Discussion was well organized."

"The Second Prince heard that Brother Fan had a very good impression of Ruo Wei, the courtesan of Drunken Immortal Tavern, so he wanted to invite Brother Fan to gather at Drunken Immortal Tavern."

Fan Xian, Guo Baokun, and He Zongwei had gone to the courtesan house through the back door, and Guo Baokun claimed that no one would ever know.

Now, even the Second Prince knew that Fan Xian had sought Ruo Wei's company for drinks.

Fan Xian still didn't know that Li Hongcheng was the owner of Drunken Immortal Tavern.

Li Hongcheng, of course, knew exactly which girl accompanied whom.

"Thank you for the Second Prince's kind intentions. When does Your Highness plan to meet?"

Fan Xian was very clear about his situation; the Second Prince was trying to win him over for control of the Imperial Treasury's finances.

The Crown Prince was trying to win him over due to Emperor Qing's decree, and he hadn't forgotten the Crown Prince's insistence on prosecuting him in Kyoto Prefecture.

Moreover, Xu Yunzhang was the Crown Prince's man, and the assassination attempt in Danzhou was likely orchestrated by the Crown Prince.

Therefore, Fan Xian already regarded the Crown Prince and his faction as enemies.

In the struggle for succession, siding with the wrong party could lead to the destruction of one's family, and Fan Xian did not want to take sides.

Since he was bound to become an enemy of the Crown Prince sooner or later, he couldn't offend the Second Prince without reason, so attending a meal was still necessary.

Li Hongcheng said, "Then let's make it for tomorrow!"

Fan Xian readily agreed and even told Fan Jian about it that evening.

Fan Jian also did not object, "Don't worry about the Chess Saint matter; Junior Martial Champion is a solid honor."

"Actually, your father also feels that the title of Chess Saint proclaimed by Guo Baokun was a bit too arrogant."

"When you go to the Second Prince's appointment, have two guards accompany you; Kyoto is not stable recently."

Fan Xian said indifferently, "Zong Zhui already told me that the rampant assassins are a facade, created by the Supervisory Council and Dragon Guard Manor."

"Besides, with a major battle imminent, the assassins should be targeting important officials like you, not me!"

Seeing Fan Xian start to integrate into Kyoto life and his reputation gradually improving, Fan Jian felt a sense of relief.

"It's still better to be careful... Regarding the Danzhou assassination, if there's no concrete evidence, it's best not to bring it up again."

Fan Xian naturally knew that even with concrete evidence, Emperor Qing would not possibly punish the Crown Prince.

This hatred could only be remembered and avenged when the opportunity arose in the future.

"As for what Princess Yichen said today, don't take it to heart; after all, you injured her close friend."

Fan Xian said earnestly, "My liking for the Princess has nothing to do with whether His Majesty bestows a marriage."

"Even without the bestowed marriage, I would still pursue her. Now that there is a bestowed marriage, I have an even greater chance!"

Fan Jian smiled with satisfaction, "Very good, ambitious!"

Guangxin Palace.

Li Yunrui listened to the Female Official's report of the day's events and chuckled.

"Wan'er is indeed my daughter. I couldn't tell when she was sick, but now her true nature is revealed."

"She doesn't want to marry Fan Xian and isn't just sitting idly by. She went directly to Fan Xian's residence, smashed his plaque, and declared to his Face that she would never marry him!"

"I truly like this daughter more and more!"

The Female Official said, "Today, the Princess wore a black outfit, which truly had Your Highness's style!"

Li Yunrui turned around in surprise, saying incredulously, "Wan'er also wears black clothes?"

"She only wore white since she was little. It seems she's truly grown up.

Order a few sets of black dresses and send them to her; it's a mother's small gesture."

She had previously disliked Lin Wan'er's delicate and gentle image, feeling it wasn't like her.

The always eccentric Li Yunrui was absolutely delighted with Lin Wan'er's transformation.

The Female Official continued, "Your Highness, news has come from Si Lili's side that the Second Prince has arranged to meet Fan Xian tomorrow at Drunken Immortal Tavern."

"Because the courtesan Ruo Wei was notified in advance, and Ruo Wei is Si Lili's subordinate, Si Lili learned of the news."

Li Yunrui's eyes flashed with ruthlessness, then she said decisively, "Excellent, the opportunity has finally arrived!"

Previously, Fan Xian had been constantly participating in the Junior Martial Arts Discussion, often appearing under public scrutiny, leaving no good opportunity to act.

"Si Lili is truly sensible. Her life is in our hands, so she must work for us."

"How are things progressing with Lin Gong's side?"

The Female Official replied, "Among the spies Shen Zhong sold us last time, there's one named Cheng Jushu, a Peak eighth-grade Body Cultivator."

"This person is cruel and untamed, the best candidate to assassinate Fan Xian. Young Master Lin obtained a Northern Qi spy token from Si Lili, which can be used to command that monster to assassinate Fan Xian."

"Additionally, as per Your Highness's instructions, Young Master Lin found a pair of Northern Qi female assassins. These sisters hail from Si Gu Jian's sect in Eastern Yi City."

After listening, Li Yunrui frowned and said, "Northern Qi spies, Eastern Yi City assassins, Lin Gong's work is still quite thorough."

"However, Li Chang'an's Shadow Guard has been frequently patrolling the city recently, so these three might not be enough."

The Female Official replied, "Young Master Lin also considered that; there are four additional seventh-grade Northern Qi Jianghu assassins on standby. Does Your Highness approve?"

Li Yunrui's gaze turned cold, "No need for standby; deploy all of them tomorrow! One Peak eighth-grade, and six seventh-grade.

"Have Lin Gong plan carefully. His Majesty values Fan Xian so much that if we can't kill him in one blow this time, it will be as difficult as ascending to heaven to try again!"

The Female Official said in a deep voice, "Understood. This subordinate will go to the Prime Minister's Residence again tonight."

Prime Minister's Residence.

Lin Wan'er first sent the overjoyed Ye Ling'er back to the Ye Residence, then returned home in high spirits.

Lin Gong stood at the entrance of the Prime Minister's Residence, respectfully cupping his hands to Lin Wan'er, "Welcome back, Lady Lin, from your challenge!"

"I never thought Wan'er's chess skills were as formidable as her Pai Gow skills!"

Lin Wan'er never lost when playing Pai Gow at the Prime Minister's Residence.

"Thank you, Second Brother, for the guards you provided; only then could Wan'er be so confident."

The two chatted for a while, then Lin Wan'er returned to her room with her female guards.

"Second Brother said that you two will follow me from now on. What are your names, if I may ask?"

The two female guards simultaneously knelt on one knee, their expressions respectful, "The Princess can call us Daiyu and Baochai, just like the Prince."

Upon hearing these two names, Lin Wan'er's Face immediately lit up with joy, "The Twelve Golden Hairpins! You two were sent by Uncle Prince Yong?"

Daiyu and Baochai had slightly inferior Aptitude and had only recently broken through to the eighth grade. Li Chang'an had them disguise themselves as seventh-grade Martial Artists to infiltrate the Prime Minister's Residence, legitimately protecting Lin Wan'er.

Li Chang'an knew Fan Xian had feelings for Lin Wan'er. Although Fan Xian wouldn't go too far, necessary precautions were still needed.

The two women replied in unison, "Our sisters are commanded by His Highness Prince Yong to protect the Princess from now on!"

Lin Wan'er turned around, her beautiful Face blooming like peach blossoms; her husband still cared for her very much!

In the secret chamber of Prince Yong's Residence, Jing Ni also received news that Fan Xian had been challenged by Lin Wan'er and was going to meet the Second Prince.

The expansion of the Shadow Guard had recently been completed, and Li Chang'an was Cultivating in seclusion every day.

Jing Ni considered this matter unimportant, believing His Highness's cultivation was the top priority, so she didn't report it to Li Chang'an at all.

The next day.

Drunken Immortal Tavern, in the pavilion.

Li Chengze had taken off his shoes and was eating large red dates.

The courtesan Ruo Wei attended to him, carefully preparing tea.

Li Hongcheng stood outside the hall, looking at the sun and saying, "Your Highness, Fan Xian should be arriving soon."

Li Chengze slowly said, "No rush, it's I who arrived early."

The courtesan Ruo Wei brought up the prepared tea, but before Li Chengze could drink it, the cup suddenly cracked.

Ruo Wei nervously said, "Your Highness, I'll get another cup right away!"

Li Chengze, however, frowned and said, "Something's not right. Cracking for no reason, it's an ominous sign!"

Ruo Wei went to change the cup, only to find Si Lili gracefully walking into the pavilion.

"Your Highness worries too much. It must be that Ruo Wei's cup was too cold, and the tea too hot, which caused it to crack."

Seeing Si Lili arrive, Li Chengze smiled, "If Miss Li Li were to pour the tea herself, this cup would not crack."

What he didn't know was that no matter who held this cup of tea, it would crack.

"It's just a pity that Miss Li Li is so favored by Uncle Prince Yong, I wouldn't dare ask Miss Li Li to pour tea or water."

Si Lili bowed, then said, "Your Highness jests. This servant is already grateful that His Highness Prince Yong does not resent me."

Li Chengze, however, said, "The expression Uncle Prince Yong had when he saw you that night, he must have been moved. I would never be mistaken."

Si Lili smiled bitterly in her heart; she didn't even know what she was to Li Chang'an.

If she were considered a lover, Li Chang'an hadn't come to see her since returning to Kyoto all this time.

If not a lover, their relationship was just short of breaking that barrier, and there were also the explicit poems Li Chang'an had given her.

Because Si Lili was betrayed by Shen Zhong and forced to work for The Eldest Princess, she might lose her head any day, so she didn't have the heart to think too much.

"This servant has relied on Your Highness's care these past years. Ruo Wei and the others' business was also supported by the Crown Prince. This servant is endlessly grateful!"

Si Lili knew that Li Chengze was trying to win over his Uncle Prince Yong to help him in the succession struggle, which was why he took care of her.

Li Chengze said incisively, "I'm taking care of you for Uncle Prince Yong's sake.

Should you one day become Uncle Prince Yong's concubine, remember to put in a good word for me."

"Miss Li Li is the second-ranked beauty on the Langya List. Uncle Prince Yong has only been back in Kyoto for two or three months; he'll remember you one day, I guarantee it!"

"Alright, I wouldn't dare ask for your company. Please go back; Ruo Wei can take care of things here."

After thanking him again, Si Lili returned to her small building.

Fan Xian's whereabouts had already been revealed to The Eldest Princess. After Fan Xian was assassinated, Ruo Wei would inevitably be suspected, and Si Lili also needed to prepare an escape route.

This was a good opportunity to escape and completely break free from the control of Li Yunrui's faction, returning to the side of the Northern Qi Little Emperor.

She and the Little Emperor Zhan Doudou grew up together; their bond was extraordinary, so returning still offered a path to survival.

Niulan Street.

Old Zhang and Old Zhao drove the carriage. Fan Xian, dressed in new clothes, sat in the carriage, feeling unhappy.

Although he had won the Junior Martial Champion and would soon meet the Emperor, he encountered more bad things.

First, he was ambushed by a palace maid, getting into trouble and ruining his reputation on the very first day, and then suffering a great embarrassment at the poetry gathering.

Winning the Junior Martial Arts Discussion was a good thing, but his defeat to Lin Wan'er yesterday and hearing her resolute words had dealt him a significant blow.

If it weren't for Emperor Qing's unchanging intention to bestow a marriage, he would have wanted to return directly to Danzhou.

He suddenly felt that Kyoto was still too dangerous; he had unknowingly been drawn into the succession struggle, and although Lin Wan'er was beautiful, he seemed completely unable to reach her.

"Old Zhao, are we almost there?"

Old Zhao replied, "Not far. Niulan Street is just ahead."

Fan Xian poked his head out of the carriage window and glanced at the empty street.

"This Niulan Street is really quiet."

Old Zhao, being very familiar with Kyoto, acted as a guide, "There aren't many residences here, but there are quite a few dilapidated shops, so it's also called 'Dilapidated Shop Gate.'"

"There's almost no one here during the day, and even fewer at night. It's the best place for ambushes."

Old Zhang also turned his head and said, "Young Master, if some blind fellow offends you, you can ambush him here at night!"

Fan Xian chuckled, "I've already beaten Ye Ling'er, and I wouldn't dare hit the Lin Residence's Second Young Master."

"If I could, I'd really like to beat up Guo Baokun!"

"Although he tries his best to help me, anything he helps with always ends up with me looking disgraced. How unlucky!"

Old Zhang agreed, "Brothers are brothers, but you still have to ambush them if needed!"

The three chatted and laughed as the carriage slowly entered Niulan Street.

At this moment, four assassins in tight-fitting clothes quietly leaped onto the walls on both sides of Niulan Street.

All four were Northern Qi assassins, each holding a military-grade hard bow, and they drew and shot arrows almost simultaneously!

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

Fan Xian was the first to hear the sound of arrows cutting through the air, and his Face instantly changed dramatically!

"Watch out for arrows!"

As he spoke, four arrows had already arrived before their eyes!

Old Zhang and Old Zhao drew their swords, each cutting down one arrow, but two more shot towards Old Zhang!

"Puff! Puff!"

After two sounds of Sharp Weapon entering flesh, two arrows had already pierced Old Zhang's chest!

Old Zhang avoided a direct hit to his heart, but was still severely wounded and fell to the ground.

Fan Xian had just climbed out of the carriage when he saw another volley of arrows coming!

He picked up Old Zhang's saber and, with Old Zhao, strenuously deflected two arrows.

"Thud! Thud!"

With two more dull thuds, the other two arrows pinned the fallen Old Zhang to the ground!

Blood instantly gushed out; Old Zhang had been hit twice directly in the heart, and blood flowed all over the ground!

"Old Zhang!"

Fan Xian was both shocked and enraged. Both rounds of arrows from these assassins were aimed at Old Zhang.

Since it was an assassination, it should have been aimed at him!

Just as Old Zhang completely lost his life, all four assassins in tight-fitting clothes leaped into the air, and their arrows all shot towards Old Zhao!

"Old Zhao, be careful!"

Old Zhao also noticed something was wrong. With his years of military experience, he immediately spotted the problem: it was a feint.

"Young Master, watch the ground!"

As he spoke, the horses had already triggered a tripwire, and a massive siege crossbow instantly fired!

Three siege arrows, like long spears, had already shot towards the carriage!

These were siege weapons!

Fan Xian judged the sound and position, shrinking back into the carriage, dodging the crossbow bolts aimed at him.

The three crossbow bolts flew fiercely, directly piercing through the sturdy horses!

The horses and carriage, propelled by immense momentum, crashed into the street wall!

"Boom!"

From the wall Fan Xian was leaning against, an iron fist suddenly emerged, smashing a large hole in the wall!

That iron fist instantly opened into a large hand, pulling Fan Xian entirely into the wall!