Chapter 625: Trapping in a Jar

The Imperial Physician Director's expression changed, and he hastily declared, "Everyone in the Imperial Medical Institute is dedicated to their duties; we would never slack off in the slightest. How could any medicine be missing?"

Cheng Xiong rolled his eyes. What was the point of these platitudes? Everyone knew that officials in the Imperial Medical Institute enriched themselves; it was the same in every government department, and people usually turned a blind eye. Of course, he wouldn't expose them. "Ahem, Master Ma, please don't misunderstand. The main reason is that there were assassins in the palace tonight, and so many guards were injured. The assassins must also have many injuries. If any haven't escaped, they will surely seek medicine to treat their wounds. So, I want to investigate from this angle, to prevent any hidden assassins from disturbing the nobles in the palace."

He then added, "Those assassins today were truly formidable; even many palace guards couldn't stop them. So, if any medicine was indeed stolen from the Imperial Medical Institute, it's not your fault."

The Imperial Physician Director finally breathed a sigh of relief. "I see. General Cheng, please rest assured; everyone in the Imperial Medical Institute will certainly assist you with all our might."

With that, he summoned several subordinates to inventory the medicines in the storeroom. Cheng Xiong didn't send anyone to accompany them, as every government office had its own secrets, and he wasn't there to investigate the Imperial Medical Institute, so he naturally didn't want to offend the officials there.

Soon, someone returned with a report: "No medicine was lost."

Cheng Xiong was surprised. "That fast?"

He began to hesitate. The check was too quick. Could these people really have massive deficits? He wondered whether he should personally verify it. After all, capturing the assassins was an urgent matter. Given such a major incident in the palace, his position as General of the Left Imperial Guard was a significant dereliction of duty. If he couldn't quickly find something useful, his future might be ruined.

The Imperial Physician Director explained, "Mainly, young master Shi's vital injury came for treatment earlier today, and then a large number of injured guards arrived. My subordinates have been going in and out of the storeroom constantly, so if anything had been lost, we would have discovered it long ago."

Cheng Xiong was then relieved. After a moment's thought, he asked, "Who has come to get medicine during this period? Are there records?"

The assassins had entered the palace too easily this time. He suspected there was an accomplice inside the palace, and perhaps that accomplice had helped the assassins obtain the medicine.

"Of course, there are records; that's the rule," the Imperial Physician Director said, beckoning. Soon, a subordinate brought a thick ledger. "These are the detailed records of all medicines collected from the Imperial Medical Institute in recent days."

Cheng Xiong quickly took it and began to flip through, but after a long time checking, he couldn't find anything unusual.

Suddenly, his gaze fell on the most recent entry. "Huh, the Crown Princess took Five Aggregate Secret Ganoderma?"

"That's right. The Crown Princess had just left when the General arrived," the Imperial Physician Director replied.

Cheng Xiong grunted in acknowledgment and didn't give it much thought. He could suspect anyone but certainly not the Crown Princess.

Just then, the Imperial Physician Director beside him suddenly remarked, "Speaking of which, it's quite strange. Before the Crown Princess came, Master Eleven, the Golden Embroidered Envoy, also came for this same medicine. What a coincidence."

"Master Eleven?" Cheng Xiong frowned, recalling the person he had seen in the Imperial Study. "What is this medicine used for?"

The Imperial Physician Director replied, "It has remarkable effects on nourishing the spirit and also treats internal injuries. It's a rare and sacred healing item."

Cheng Xiong's expression changed. He remembered encountering the man in the Imperial Study; his steps were light, and his breathing steady, not at all like someone injured. So why would he take this medicine?

He suddenly recalled something else. When he was close to catching the female assassin, a mysterious figure unexpectedly appeared and rescued her. Although flames filled his vision at the time, he vaguely remembered seeing a corner of the person's robe.

He hadn't thought of it that way at the time, but now, putting the pieces together, the clothing looked somewhat like the uniform of an Embroidered Envoy.

Realizing this, he could no longer sit still. He abruptly stood up and walked out, motioning for his subordinates to follow. "Come with me."

Watching them depart in a hurry, the Imperial Physician Director's lips curved upward slightly. However, noticing other imperial physicians approaching, his expression immediately turned serious, reverting to his usual demeanor.

Meanwhile, after bidding farewell to the Crown Princess, Zu An returned to his residence. Upon opening the door, he found the room empty. His heart immediately skipped a beat. "Sister?"

But he searched for a long time, yet couldn't find anyone; she had long since vanished without a trace.

For some reason, he felt a little dejected. Sitting on a stool, he grumbled, "She left without a word. How heartless."

"Who are you calling heartless?" A playful voice came from above him.

Zu An looked up, a mix of surprise and delight on his face, to find a beautiful woman leaning against the ceiling beam. Her long, cascading hair fell loosely, and her posture was both graceful and artistic.

He had to admit that some women truly possessed the favor of heaven; casually leaning there, they presented a peerless picture of beauty.

"How did you get up there?" Zu An asked, looking displeased. "I was just looking everywhere for you. Why didn't you answer me?"

"Last time you went out, you brought back Zhu Xie Chixin. Who knows who you might bring back this time? Of course, I had to hide first," Yun Jianyue said, gracefully leaping down from the beam as lightly as a feather. "As for why I didn't answer you, it's because I wanted to see your reaction."

"Was my reaction satisfactory, Cult Master?" Zu An snorted.

Yun Jianyue's lips curved slightly upward. "Seeing you so anxious you were almost crying, this master feels much better."

Zu An was speechless.

"Don't you have too high an opinion of yourself? Even if a pet cat or dog suddenly disappears, I'd frantically search for it, let alone a person."

This time, Yun Jianyue's smile froze. After a long pause, she scoffed, "Your verbal skills are impressive."

"Oh, how did you know?" Zu An's eyes widened.

Yun Jianyue instinctively took a step back, feeling there was some inexplicable meaning in his words.

"Did you find the medicine?" Feeling a bit uncomfortable, she directly changed the subject.

"Yes, I found it. Five Aggregate Secret Ganoderma, but I don't want to give it to you." Zu An took out a jade box, shook it in front of her, and then put it back into his embrace.

Yun Jianyue gave him an annoyed look. "Has anyone ever told you that you're asking for a beating?"

Zu An hummed, "If you want the Five Aggregate Secret Ganoderma, beg me."

Yun Jianyue's expression instantly turned dangerous. Before she could speak, Zu An's expression changed.

"What's wrong?" Yun Jianyue sensed something amiss and quickly asked.

Zu An said in a low voice, "A large detachment of guards is approaching. Their leader is... oh, General Cheng Xiong of the Left Imperial Guard."

Ever since he was nearly caught off guard by Zhu Xie Chixin, he had become more cautious, constantly using the jade cong to control small animals nearby as his eyes, allowing him to prepare in advance for any danger.

"Are you sure they're coming for us?" Yun Jianyue asked, as it was normal for guards to pass by while searching for assassins throughout the palace.

Zu An nodded. "They've already surrounded the courtyard."

"Have they found me? That shouldn't be." Yun Jianyue was puzzled.

Zu An said, "They're most likely here for me. Someone with ulterior motives must have become suspicious about my visit to the Imperial Medical Institute for medicine."

Just then, a knock sounded from outside. "Routine inspection, please open the door!"

Zu An's mind raced. He feigned a weak voice, "I'm recuperating from injuries. What is it?"

The guard outside said, "There were assassins in the palace, disturbing the Empress and the Crown Prince. For the safety of all nobles in the palace, we must thoroughly search every area to ensure no one escapes."

Zu An said unhappily, "Are you blind? This is the residence of a Golden Embroidered Envoy. What assassin could hide here? Get lost!"

Yun Jianyue secretly nodded. This fellow wasn't stupid; he knew how to use the special status of an Embroidered Envoy.

At this moment, Cheng Xiong's voice rang out. "Master Eleven, please forgive me. This general is under imperial command to thoroughly investigate all remaining assassins in the palace. Every courtyard must be searched; I am not targeting anyone specific. Even Grand Commander Zhu Xie agreed to let me search his courtyard. I hope Master Eleven will not make things difficult for me."

Zu An fell silent. Since the other party had put it this way, what reason could he use to stop them? Once they entered, Yun Jianyue would be exposed.