Huo Wuyong stiffened under Su Ziji's final glance. Only after Su Ziji strode into the inner courtyard did he unconsciously swallow. "Such an imposing presence. Truly worthy of Prince Dai..."
The wind and rain had grown stronger. Torches crackled throughout the courtyard, while the lantern light cast swaying shadows of bamboo and trees, deepening the sinister atmosphere. He could not help shivering.
Unfortunately, leaving aside whether Prince Dai could safely get through tonight, even if he did, this incident meant Huo Wuyong had thoroughly offended him.
At that thought, Huo Wuyong could no longer say whether he hoped they would uncover something tonight or find nothing at all.
If they found something, Prince Dai could indeed be brought down. But of the outsiders swept into a major struggle over the succession, how many ever met a good end?
If they found nothing, the emperor might consider it a trivial matter-thunderbolts and nurturing rain alike were imperial grace. But Prince Dai would surely carve tonight into his bones and remember it forever, planting deep roots of future disaster.
But with the emperor's orders upon him, did he have any choice?
Huo Wuyong glanced at Ma Shunde and felt that his lot was truly miserable!
Inside the inner courtyard, Su Ziji slowed his steps. Since moving into the residence, the only major alteration he had made was to the corridors. They ran throughout the Prince's Residence, raised above the ground and roofed overhead, keeping shoes dry in rain or snow. Now, as he rounded a stretch of rockery, he saw Zeng Nianzhen lean out, holding a jade pendant. The jade reflected a faint glimmer beneath the lanterns, but gave off no light of its own.
At the sight, Su Ziji's heart eased. His steps faltered, and he only just managed to steady