Assassins Again

There were many in this world who defied the heavens for fame, profit, wealth, rank, and power.

To obtain what they wanted, never mind that Xiao Qianyu was merely blessed by Heaven—even if he had personally punched a hole through the sky, they would still dare!

The ones who poisoned Xiao Qianyu could be none other than those who did not want him to clear his name and return to the Position of Crown Prince.

Prince Gong consoled Xiao Qianyu. "Crown Prince, wait patiently. Once His Majesty issues an edict restoring your good name, this granduncle will personally escort you back to the palace."

Xiao Qianyu lowered his eyes and said nothing, afraid that the edict welcoming him back to the palace would never come.

Minister Wang Shangshu and Yu Miao both gazed at Xiao Qianyu with complicated expressions. They had jointly handled the case of the true and false Crown Princes, and Xiao Qianyu's current plight was, more or less, thanks to them.

The two prided themselves on having clear consciences and handling the case impartially. Yet now, faced with Xiao Qianyu, whose grievance had drawn Heaven's wrath itself, they did not know how to face him and hesitated, unable to speak.

If they had truly mishandled the case and wrongfully accused Xiao Qianyu, what awaited them would be dismissal from office, confiscation of their estates, and extermination of their clans. Looking miserable, they hurriedly bowed to Xiao Qianyu before retreating in panic.

They had better worry more about how to keep their own little lives.

Prince Gong left several Ximing Imperial Guards to guard the Execution Platform, forbidding idlers from approaching, then turned and returned to the Execution Oversight Platform.

At that moment, hoofbeats sounded from ahead, racing straight toward the Execution Grounds. The lead messenger shouted, "His Majesty has an edict! Clear the way at once and receive the imperial decree!"

Just as everyone craned their necks in anticipation of the imperial decree, a whistling sound tore through the air. Arrows shot from nowhere, all aimed at Xiao Qianyu on the platform, about to turn him into a beehive.

What vicious methods, what brazen conduct! They utterly disregarded the imperial family's dignity, openly striking at Xiao Qianyu without the slightest attempt at concealment, determined to see him dead.

"Quick! Assassins! Protect the Crown Prince!" Prince Gong turned pale with fright.

The Ximing Imperial Guards left on the platform lunged forward, but they were too far away and could only watch helplessly as the arrows were about to strike Xiao Qianyu.

Xiao Qianyu seemed frozen, making no move to dodge. Just as the arrowheads came within half a foot of his chest, a strange scene unfolded.

With a series of clinks and clangs, the arrows seemed to be blocked by an invisible barrier. Their fletching trembled, then they lost their force and fell onto the platform.

Xiao Qianyu was completely unharmed.

Shocked by what they saw, the assassins even forgot to launch a second wave of attacks and halted their movements.

But the commoners who witnessed the scene erupted. What had they just seen? It was a true, unmistakable miracle!

"Heaven has blessed him! It must be the heavens protecting the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince is the bloodline of the true dragon, the Son of Heaven." The excited commoners kowtowed again and again in reverence. "Please forgive this commoner's actions, Crown Prince. Bless this commoner and his family with peace and safety, freedom from illness and disaster, full bellies and warm clothes. Please bless us, Crown Prince."

At that moment, they regarded Xiao Qianyu as Heaven's chosen divine son. They believed that a Crown Prince under Heaven's protection would surely be a wise ruler who would bring the people better days.

The commoners were ignorant, but simple as well. All they sought was a wise and benevolent ruler who could make their lives a little less difficult. For that alone, they would thank Heaven and Earth.

Xiao Qianyu rose to his feet and walked to the front of the platform, his gaze slowly sweeping over the kneeling commoners below. "Those who did not know are not guilty. I forgive you."

A wave of cheers like mountains roaring and seas crashing broke out below the platform. "Thank you, Crown Prince! His Highness the Crown Prince is wise!"

Xiao Qianyu slowly raised one hand to press them down, and the noise gradually subsided. His cold, clear voice, hoarse with strain, echoed over the Execution Grounds. "I forgive every person who was deceived, but I will never forgive those sinister villains who maliciously tried to assassinate me. Whoever points an arrow at me shall surely suffer Heaven's punishment!"

As his words fell, thunder suddenly rumbled in the sky. A bolt of lightning burst from the clouds, its dazzling radiance shooting in all directions and making people instinctively close their eyes.

Then several screams rang out in the distance. Several figures sprang from rooftops near the street entrance, attempting to flee for their lives, only to be struck one by one by descending lightning and blasted black and charred as they tumbled from the roofs.

Heaven's punishment—this was Heaven's punishment, death beneath five thunderbolts!

Even Prince Gong's gaze upon Xiao Qianyu became reverent and terrified. Could it be that the Crown Prince also wielded the power of thunder?

What a terrifying power! Not even His Majesty possessed such ability. This was the true Son of Heaven, beloved by the vault of Heaven itself!

Before such a Xiao Qianyu, who in the world would dare refuse to submit?

Those watching the Execution Grounds from the shadows gnashed their teeth in hatred, but fearing the heavenly lightning, they did not dare give another order to strike at Xiao Qianyu.

Xiao Qianyu casually rubbed his fingers together. What Divine Protection, what true Son of Heaven? It was merely a Golden Finger reward he had accumulated from his past missions.

For instance, the reason he had not been struck by the arrows just now was that he had placed a Diamond Shield around himself, making him immune to attacks.