"As far as I know, sir, they are soldiers under Master Guo Liang," the soldier replied."And who is Master Guo Liang?""Master Guo Liang was once a duke in a province, sir. Due to his mistakes, he was recalled to the palace. And Master Guo Liang is the father of Prince Wang Wei.""I'm starting to see the motive now. I will interrogate those two later. Oh, and tell your fellow soldiers from last night not to reveal anything about what happened. If they do, they will face punishment. You may leave now," Li Jie said."Understood, sir. I will take my leave!"Li Jie nodded. A faint smile appeared on his lips as he learned that the two intruders from last night were soldiers under Guo Liang’s command. He suspected that the incident was connected to the defeat and disappearance of Prince Wang Wei.While waiting for Cheng Hao to arrive, Li Jie recalled the strange encounter he had in his subconscious with a man who had an unusual face. He still did not understand why that figure had placed a

The three soldiers assigned by Li Jie immediately spread out. They swiftly moved from one point to another to spread the news of Li Jie's death.It didn't take long for everyone in the palace to hear the news, and soon, chaos erupted.The newly appointed Commander had perished, unable to withstand the poison that had invaded his body. That was the news they spread to everyone they met.One soldier approached Emperor Li Wei's private chamber to deliver the report.The ruler of the Shang Dynasty furrowed his brows in disbelief. Just moments ago, when he had left Li Jie's room, his grandson had been perfectly fine. After a moment of thought, Emperor Li Wei realized that this news was part of the plan his grandson had devised.Apart from Emperor Li Wei, Prince Li Feng also heard the news. The middle-aged man’s smile widened as one of his trusted soldiers delivered the report.Now, he only had to wait for the two soldiers he had assigned to kill Li Jie. According to his plan, he would kill

"You are Guo Liang's men. You must have connections to get inside. Now, return there and gather as much information as you can. Especially about which officials visit his house. I’m sure Sanjaya’s disappearance won’t make him stay silent!" ordered Li Jie."Understood, Sir. We will carry out your orders to the best of our ability!"The two men bowed in respect before stepping away. They were determined to execute Li Jie's orders with the utmost dedication.Emperor Li Wei then invited Li Jie to return and rest. The late hour, nearing dawn, made Emperor Li Wei’s body ache slightly.The next day, turmoil erupted in the palace. The expulsion of Prince Li Feng and the survival of Li Jie threw the officials who had supported the former prince into a panic. They feared being exposed and losing their positions. Worse, they could even face the death penalty if proven to have backed Li Feng.They realized that the news of the new Grand Commander’s death—who had yet to be officially appointed—was

"Why is Father smiling so widely?" Princess Yuan Li asked curiously. She could tell that her father had some hidden plan."It's nothing, Yuan Li. Didn't you once say that you would marry Prince Wang Wei if he became the Grand Commander? Since there's no news of him anymore, I hope you will get closer to that young man!" replied Prime Minister Yuan Yu."Father, are you still sane?""I'm perfectly fine, Yuan Li. What's the matter?""He already has a partner who is just as beautiful as I am, Father. Do you want me to become his second wife?""If that's what you must do, then why not?" Prime Minister Yuan Yu responded quickly."Father has lost his mind! I don't want to be in a polygamous marriage. I don't want to be the second choice!" Princess Yuan Li shouted."This is for my ambitions, Yuan Li. Don't you want to have this great empire?""What do you mean by 'having this empire'?"Prime Minister Yuan Yu was startled. He had spoken too carelessly, revealing his intention to seize control

 Before heading to the Shang Dynasty, Li Jie's goal was to pick up Hong Li at the Red Lion Sect. He needed the man to assist him later at the palace and planned to appoint Hong Li as his deputy commander.The journey to the Red Lion Sect did not take too long. In just half a day, he finally arrived at the front gate of the sect.Two young disciples assigned to guard the gate immediately questioned him, "Is there something we can help you with, sir?"Li Jie jumped down from his horse. "I wish to meet Hong Li. Is he inside?""Elder Hong Li is inside, sir. Please wait a moment, I will call him."The gatekeeper then walked into the sect complex and headed straight to the main hall. Inside the hall, an elderly man and six others were engaged in conversation."Excuse me, Chief… there is a young man at th