That cry of "There's murderous intent!" was clear, childish, timid, and distinctly lacking in confidence.
Yet the words were so unusual that everyone in the cabin instinctively tensed.
Pan Jifeng accidentally bit the tip of his tongue. Grimacing in pain, he swiftly scanned his surroundings without slowing his feet, running straight up to Emperor Mingze-
And behind Lu Yao.
This was the safest spot he could think of: he could shelter behind Lu Yao while making sure Emperor Mingze noticed him.
"Wh-who's there?!"
The courtiers who could not hear the little girl's thoughts all reacted much the same way. As for those who could-
[Woohoo-]
Jiang Yingcheng slipped out of the crowd amid the confusion. Thanks to her uniquely advantageous height, she encountered practically no obstacles along the way.
[Time to snatch that pouch!!]
Jiang Yanchuan: "..."
The Upright Officials present: "..."
An expression of toothache-like agony flashed across the Upright Officials' faces, and they had no choice but to steel themselves and join the ranks of the "panicked."
"Where are they? Where are they?!"
"Protect His Majesty! Protect His Majesty!!"
Jiang Lifeng froze with his hand already halfway toward Ding Ruihan. His entire arm hung suspended in midair, unable to move any farther for a long while.
His face said more than words ever could.
He had planned it all so well.
First, he would pretend to fall toward Ding Ruihan, "accidentally" snag the pouch as he got up, and "unexpectedly" discover the Jade Pendant inside amid the confusion. Then he would be stunned, furious, utterly disappointed, hysterical...
Finally, he would tearfully demand his Jade Pendant back.
The whole sequence would flow like drifting clouds and running water, with no involvement from the little girl.
But now that she had shouted, not only was everyone scanning their surroundings nervously,