Shao Pingbo gave a meaningful "Oh," then walked over to the youth. His manner was more polite than it had been toward anyone else along the way. He respectfully cupped his hands in salute. "Greetings, Young Master Zhao. This official is handling a case involving spies colluding with an enemy state. I hope you will not obstruct us." He then produced a token from his sleeve and showed it to him.
Zhao Yujun pointed at his mother and snapped, "What nonsense are you talking about? What does an enemy spy have to do with my mother? Do you have any evidence?"
Shao Pingbo replied humbly, "We are merely taking her back for questioning. I hope Young Master Zhao will not interfere with the case."
Zhao Yujun said, "What a joke! With neither proof nor evidence, on what grounds are you arresting people?"
Shao Pingbo asked, "Must Young Master insist on obstructing us?"
"Everything can wait until my father arrives!" Zhao Yujun turned and shouted, "Men, hurry to the government office and inform Father—" A sudden swish sounded behind him. His body froze stiffly. Slowly, he lowered his head and looked at the blood welling from his chest, where a bloodied blade tip protruded.
The Precious Sword at Shao Pingbo's waist had suddenly left its sheath, piercing straight through his heart.
The people of the Zhao residence were dumbstruck. The Blackwater Bureau agents were dumbstruck. Even Shao Sansheng was stunned senseless. No one had expected it—who could have expected Shao Pingbo to dare kill Zhao Gongquan's son outright, suddenly drawing his sword and striking him down on the spot?
"Jun'er..." A beautiful woman being held suddenly let out a heart-rending scream. She struggled to break free and save her son, but those restraining her kept her firmly under control.
Shao Pingbo