Chapter 647: Tight Schedule

They deliberately chose an open courtyard for their discussion, fearing that there might be hidden rooms nearby where their conversation could be overheard.

The upstairs area wasn't far from the courtyard, so their conversation wouldn't have escaped the notice of highly cultivated individuals. However, as soon as Qin Guangyuan placed a peculiar stone on the table, the two people upstairs realized they couldn't hear a sound.

"That's a sound-insulating stone from the National Royal Academy," Qiu Honglei, being well-informed, immediately explained. "It prevents sounds within a certain range from escaping."

"The National Royal Academy?" Zu'an was surprised, then quickly understood that this was the Great Zhou Dynasty's highest institution of learning, akin to the Imperial Academy of ancient times.

The most talented students from renowned provincial academies like Bright Moon Academy would be sent to the Royal Academy in the capital for advanced studies. Upon graduation, these students could then serve as officials in the imperial court.

In fact, students admitted to the Royal Academy were already qualified to become officials. However, everyone aspired to cultivate to a higher realm within the academy, as greater cultivation meant a higher starting point in their careers and a brighter future. Therefore, no one chose to enter officialdom at such an early stage.

"What if we can't hear their conversation? Should I ask Frost Moon to try and get closer?" Qiu Honglei asked, a hint of anxiety in her voice.

"No need, I have a solution," Zu'an replied. He closed his eyes and began searching for small animals around the courtyard. Tiny insects were immediately dismissed, and while mice were plentiful, they would easily be killed if they got too close.

He ultimately chose to control a tabby cat, which then strolled leisurely towards them.

Surely, these people wouldn't be bothered by a cute cat.

Indeed, as soon as the tabby cat approached, it was noticed by the group. However, upon realizing it was just a cat, they visibly relaxed and paid it no further mind.

"Brother Cheng, what was so urgent that you called us here?" Qin Guangyuan asked, sitting upright with an extremely composed demeanor.

Qin Yongde, seated nearby, was far more casual, slumping bonelessly in his chair.

As for Chu Youzhao, her fair cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were slightly glazed, making her appear exceptionally alluring.

Cheng Gang withdrew his gaze in surprise, thinking, *This third young master of the Chu family is truly beautiful. If he were from an ordinary family, I'd definitely make him mine.*

Although he didn't consider himself attracted to men, Chu Youzhao's striking beauty made him feel he could make an exception.

He cleared his throat, dismissing his lustful thoughts, and replied, "You all must already know that the assassins captured in the previous attempt have confessed that King Qi was the mastermind."

"It's clearly a frame-up!" Chu Youzhao exclaimed, slamming the table. After drinking, she was far more boisterous than usual.

Qin Yongde smiled nonchalantly. "Even we can tell it's a frame-up," he said. "How could His Majesty not see it?"

Qin Guangyuan frowned. "My concern is that His Majesty might pretend not to see it."

Qin Yongde's smile froze, and Chu Youzhao's brows furrowed as well; both clearly understood the significant implications of that possibility.

Cheng Gang continued, "First Young Master's insight is truly sharp. My father shares the same view: His Majesty might be using this assassination attempt as an opportunity to move against King Qi's faction. Since my father is currently in a delicate position and finds it inconvenient to consult with Duke Cheng and Duke Wei, he asked me to contact you to exchange ideas."

Upstairs, Zu'an secretly nodded, realizing that Cheng Gang's frequent visits to the entertainment quarters recently were merely a smokescreen.

Qin Guangyuan asked, "Has your father managed to ascertain the true origins of those assassins?"

Cheng Gang shook his head. "I don't know," he replied. "We only know their leader is a young woman with long hair and Grandmaster-level cultivation."

"A young woman, a Grandmaster?" Chu Youzhao's voice suddenly rose. She had always resented not being born a man, believing it would have spared the Chu family much trouble.

Yet, upon hearing that a young woman had achieved Grandmaster status, how could she not be astonished and impressed?

Qin Yongde chuckled, "Youzhao, don't be deceived by appearances. Those with profound cultivation can maintain eternal youth. While she may appear young to you, she could very well be an old woman in reality."

Zu'an's expression was peculiar. *Say that to Yun Jianyue's face, and it would be a miracle if she didn't rip your head off.*

*How old is Sect Leader Sister, anyway?*

Just then, he heard Chu Youzhao continue, "A young woman with long hair, and a Grandmaster… logically, her identity should be easy to uncover."

Qin Guangyuan shook his head. "It's not that simple. While Grandmasters aren't numerous in the world, almost all of them live in seclusion, making it exceedingly difficult for outsiders to uncover any information about them."

Qin Yongde, who had been lounging casually, now straightened up. "Ordinary people may not know, but His Majesty should be able to guess who it is, right?"

Qin Guangyuan offered a wry smile. "We're back to what we discussed earlier. His Majesty is very likely to use this opportunity to deal with King Qi's faction."

Cheng Gang hummed in agreement. "My father thinks the same. As the General of the Left Guard, he's a key figure in King Qi's faction, overseeing the Imperial Guard. He's likely one of the individuals His Majesty intends to eliminate through this opportunity. That's why my father has been proactive these past few days, directing everyone's attention towards an Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Zu'an thought, *No wonder that Cheng Xiong has been relentlessly hounding me like a mad dog. So he was looking for a scapegoat.*

"An Embroidered Uniform Guard?" Qin Guangyuan nodded. "I've heard about it."

All major families maintained informants within the imperial palace, so they couldn't possibly be unaware of the significant events that had transpired there in the past two days.

Cheng Gang gritted his teeth. "The original plan was meticulously detailed, but that Embroidered Uniform Guard is unusually tricky; he always manages to turn danger into safety, rendering my father's efforts futile. Now, my father's situation is becoming increasingly precarious."

"He's a Gold Medallion Envoy; it's natural for him to be difficult to deal with," Qin Yongde remarked, his tone betraying considerable dissatisfaction. He felt Cheng Xiong was foolish to insist on targeting a Gold Medallion Embroidered Uniform Guard, essentially inviting trouble.

Cheng Gang spoke in a low voice. "My father chose him because he lacks influence, and there are indeed many suspicious circumstances surrounding him; he might genuinely be connected to the assassins. As the investigation deepened, my father found himself in an inescapable bind. He has now completely offended the Embroidered Uniform Guard department, and if we can't secure his conviction, their future retaliation will be severe."

Qin Guangyuan nodded. "In that case, he's the only option. General Cheng, is there anything you need us to relay to grandfather?"

While they were exceptional among their peers, such significant matters still required the guidance of family elders; their role was merely to convey information.

"Of course," Cheng Gang replied. "We need the two Dukes to help investigate the background of Gold Medallion Eleven and see if we can uncover any new vulnerabilities."

The Qin family wielded significant influence within the military and also oversaw the appointment and selection of officers at all levels. Their connections were truly intricate, making them the only ones likely to uncover this information.

Qin Guangyuan frowned. "Embroidered Uniform Guards are inherently mysterious, and a Gold Medallion Envoy even more so. While the Qin family has numerous protégés and former subordinates, it's not certain we can uncover this."

Cheng Gang chuckled. "Even if nothing is found, we can simply fabricate a charge of colluding with assassins for him. Compared to other matters, this shouldn't be difficult for the two Dukes."

Since Cheng Xiong couldn't openly handle this himself, he had to rely on others to carry it out.

Qin Guangyuan frowned but remained silent.

Chu Youzhao, however, couldn't help but interject, "Wouldn't that be framing an innocent person?"

Cheng Gang secretly sneered but remained silent.

Qin Yongde, seizing the opportunity, interjected, "Youzhao, you must remember that in politics, there is no 'innocent or not innocent,' only 'beneficial or not.' If we don't do this, His Majesty will seize the chance to move against King Qi. Would King Qi then be considered innocent?"

Chu Youzhao opened her mouth, but despite her internal disagreement, she found no words to refute him.

Qin Guangyuan spoke up. "Let our Qin family handle this matter. We must act swiftly and decisively."

Cheng Gang smiled. "First Young Master truly speaks his mind. Come, I'll toast you."

After concluding their serious discussion, they quickly resumed drinking, summoning Frost Moon and the other maids to attend to them once more.

Zu'an's face was grim. If he hadn't happened to come out, he likely wouldn't have known he was being schemed against.

These old foxes in the capital are each more insidious than the last.

After listening to his explanation, Qiu Honglei angrily declared, "These people are utterly shameless."

Zu'an offered a wry smile. "The crucial part is that they even stumbled upon the truth by accident. What kind of luck is that?"

Qiu Honglei's expression also turned peculiar, as Zu'an had indeed colluded with those assassins.

Zu'an thought for a moment before saying, "There's something I need to ask of you..."

After hearing him out, Qiu Honglei's beautiful eyebrows furrowed deeply. "Of course, I'm willing to help you, but this matter is simply too significant. It could cost us the influence of the capital branch, which we've built over decades. If I can't quiet the dissenting voices among our followers, I won't be able to override their objections and agree to your request. Therefore, I need you to promise us something in return."