Boom!
A bolt of lightning struck, and the rain gradually grew heavier, beating against branches and eaves with a swishing roar. Heaven and earth dissolved into chaos. Xie Zhenqing stared for a long time, deep in thought, before a savage smile slowly spread across his face.
"Heaven's Mandate?"
"The Dragon Lord stopped fighting, and so he died. If I don't fight, I'll meet the same end!"
"Hasn't one bearer of Heaven's Mandate already died? The official above is no match for the one in charge. The emperor is heaven now, so what harm is there in using his hand to kill another?"
"But I can't be heavy-handed. I'll just give things a push!"
The words had barely fallen when a brilliant flash lit the sky, turning the room deathly white. A rolling rumble of thunder followed, making Hong Dao's heart shrink with fear.
Having settled on his plan, Xie Zhenqing abruptly sat up and gave his orders in a composed voice.
"Don't be afraid. Go to Prince Qi and Prince Shu and check their reactions. Also, deliver this to the fourth level of the Long'an Emperor's Mausoleum."
"The Long'an Emperor's Mausoleum is guarded by armored soldiers. You can take the secret passage."
As soon as he finished speaking, Xie Zhenqing pressed the wall beside his bed, opening a small concealed door. Behind it was a palm-sized compartment containing nothing but a little box. From the box, he took a roll of yellowed old paper and handed it to Hong Dao.
"Remember, there must be no mistakes."
"Yes!" Hong Dao forced down his unease, answered, then turned and left.
Prince Qi's Residence
Sun Bolan hurried to the study door and saw Prince Qi standing sideways, squinting at the shelves packed with books. He hastily paid his respects.
Prince Qi glanced over,