Chapter 1702: Binding the Grass and Wearing the Ring

Zu An was startled. "This... perhaps it's not quite appropriate?"

Zhao Hao's tone seemed directed at one of his imperial concubines. Meanwhile, he rapidly pondered who this woman Zhao Hao was referring to could be. Could it be Concubine Bai?

"What's inappropriate about it? If I say someone is suitable, then they are," Zhao Hao said indifferently. "Since Zhu Xie Chixin isn't here, you're the highest-ranking Embroidered Uniform Guard present. If not you, then who?"

Zu An's heart skipped a beat. It seemed this matter was sensitive and needed to be kept under wraps, hence the use of an Embroidered Uniform Guard. And Zhao Hao must have been concerned that an ordinary Embroidered Uniform Guard might not keep the secret, which is why he sought him out.

"I will certainly share His Majesty's burden. May I know who the woman to be executed is?" Zu An already had a faint suspicion. If this task fell to him, he would have a better chance of saving the person than if it went to someone else.

"There's a white tent in the camp; the woman inside is your target. Eunuch Wen will escort you there shortly. Handle it discreetly, and ensure no one else finds out." Having said this, Zhao Hao closed his eyes again, clearly indicating his dismissal.

"Understood!" Zu An remained outwardly calm, though his mind was awash with turmoil. He quickly strategized a solution, simultaneously baffled as to why Zhao Hao was speaking in riddles.

After Zu An exited the imperial tent, Eunuch Wen was already waiting outside. He smiled at Zu An. "Master Zu, please come this way." He had clearly already received the Emperor's instructions.

Zu An couldn't resist asking quietly, "Eunuch Wen, no one enjoys the Emperor's trust as much as you do. Why didn't His Majesty assign this task to you?"

Eunuch Wen replied with a knowing smile, "This simply proves how deeply trusted Master Zu is by His Majesty." In truth, he had been slated to do it, but the young man's sudden return meant he could conveniently take over. After all, such a task was hardly pleasant, so having someone else do it was naturally for the best.

From Eunuch Wen's smiling face, Zu An sensed his satisfaction. He wondered if Zhao Hao had given him this task with the intention of silencing him later. Perhaps Zhao Hao was unwilling to let a trusted confidant like Eunuch Wen handle such a dirty job. If Zu An did it, he would be silenced sooner or later anyway, so Zhao Hao wouldn't mind him knowing a few extra secrets. This thought made it difficult for Zu An to feel any joy. However, a quick reconsideration reminded him that an irreconcilable conflict existed between him and Zhao Hao anyway; they were bound to clash eventually, so it hardly mattered.

Patrol soldiers were stationed everywhere along the path, indicating that the area was heavily guarded, not only to keep assassins out but also to prevent anyone inside from escaping. After numerous twists and turns, they finally reached a lone white tent. It stood quite a distance from the other tents, clearly a deliberate placement. Distant patrol guards, noticing their approach, instinctively moved closer but saluted and withdrew upon seeing Eunuch Wen.

Eunuch Wen told Zu An, "The person is inside. There's also a supervising matron, and the other woman is your target."

Zu An cautiously inquired, "Eunuch Wen, who exactly is the person to be dealt with this time?"

Eunuch Wen replied with a wry smile, "When working for the imperial family, don't ask questions that aren't your concern. Even if you recognize someone, you must pretend not to. That's the foundation for survival."

Zu An silently cursed him as an old fox. "Thank you for the reminder, Eunuch Wen."

After that, he walked towards the tent. Before he even reached the entrance, a familiar floral scent wafted to him. He sighed inwardly, realizing it was indeed Concubine Bai. This unique fragrance was something no perfume or cosmetic could imitate. He subtly extended his spiritual sense and observed that Eunuch Wen, though not approaching, was discreetly watching from a distance. Clearly, the Emperor didn't fully trust him and had assigned Eunuch Wen to supervise. Was Zhao Hao testing him with this move?

Zu An's face was impassive as he reached the tent entrance. Suddenly, a rough voice from within snarled, "What are you putting on airs for? Do you still think you're the pampered noblewoman you once were?"

Simultaneously, Concubine Bai's soft, pained voice replied, "I just want some water. I can't move on my own right now."

"Such a nuisance." The rough voice grumbled, followed by a sharp crack, as if someone had been slapped. "Endure it. You don't have much time left anyway."

Then came soft whimpers and sobs, and the loud voice mocked, "Who are you trying to seduce with that foxy pose? Perhaps men might fall for it, but to me, it's nothing but affected and disgusting."

Zu An frowned and pushed aside the tent flap, stepping inside. He found a simple cot, upon which Concubine Bai was curled up. A faint palm print marked her pale cheek, clearly from the slap he'd just heard. Her inherent demeanor was already delicate; now, with tears welling in her eyes, yet bravely held back, she appeared even more utterly piteous.

On a stool by the bed sat a stout woman, who was eagerly devouring the exquisite pastries on the table. These treats were clearly meant for the imperial family, concubines, and other nobles. It appeared she had seized Concubine Bai's provisions. Zu An mused that Concubine Bai, despite her origins in the Demonic Sect, was being bullied to such an extent. However, after a qi investigation of her lying on the cot, he immediately understood. She must have been subjected to a special restriction, her cultivation entirely suppressed. In her current state, she was likely weaker than an ordinary woman.

Seeing him enter, a glimmer of hope and joy blossomed on Concubine Bai's previously despairing face. After all, their relationship had always been relatively amicable. "Who are you?" the stout matron demanded, frowning and glaring at him, involuntarily spraying food crumbs from her mouth as she spoke.

Zu An subtly shifted his body to avoid the spray of crumbs. "The Emperor sent me to execute a criminal," he stated blandly.

Hearing his words, Concubine Bai's expression instantly changed from joy to astonishment. However, she quickly managed a sorrowful smile and said nothing more.

The stout matron frowned. "Why isn't Eunuch Wen here?"

"Do you think anyone in this camp would dare to falsely deliver an imperial edict?" Zu An retorted curtly, finding it hard to feel any goodwill toward her after witnessing her treatment of Concubine Bai. "Eunuch Wen is standing guard outside. If you're concerned, feel free to ask him yourself."

"True enough," the stout matron said, wiping her hands on her clothes, removing the pastry grease. "You should have arrived sooner. You've made me waste so much time here."

As she reached the doorway, Zu An struck her with a swift hand chop, instantly knocking her unconscious. Concubine Bai, who had been lying on the bed in a daze, suddenly wide-eyed at this sight.

Zu An knelt beside her and whispered, "What exactly happened? How did you end up in this state?"

Concubine Bai gave a bitter smile. "It's a long story."

Zu An knew time was of the essence and there was no opportunity for her to elaborate. "We can discuss all this after I get you out."

After speaking, he helped Concubine Bai sit up. She truly exuded a pleasant floral fragrance, subtly mixed with a milky scent. He initially intended to remove the restriction on her, but quickly realized he couldn't.

"Don't waste time," Concubine Bai said, shaking her head, her beautiful eyes fixed on Zu An. "This restriction was placed by the Emperor himself; only he can remove it. I'm already deeply grateful for your intention to save me, but this matter is too significant. Don't implicate yourself. It would be better if you just killed me and completed your task."

Zu An shook his head. "How could I possibly kill you?" After all, he had been entrusted by Yun Jian Yue and Qiu Hong Lei, and she had also helped him considerably in the palace previously. How could he possibly harm her?

Concubine Bai, unaware of his underlying reasons, paused at his words, a faint blush rising to her neck. Her voice softened, becoming more earnest. "You truly can't save me. Eunuch Wen is guarding outside, and the Emperor himself is within this camp. Any unusual move, and he could suppress it instantly. If you truly wish to help me, please deliver a verbal message for me." She paused, a hint of shyness and sorrow in her voice. "I deeply understand your kind intentions, Young Master. If there is a next life, I will repay your kindness many times over."

Zu An: "..."You understand nothing!