After hearing Murong Zhan's report, Long Xuan'en flew into a rage. "Murong Zhan, you are responsible for security in the Imperial City, yet you allowed an assassin to slip inside! Is this how you repay my trust?"
Murong Zhan fell to his knees. "Your Majesty, I have failed in my duties. But the palace guards have been replaced so frequently of late that some matters are beyond my control..."
"Silence!" Long Xuan'en roared, glaring at Murong Zhan. "Are you accusing me?"
"I would never dare!"
Long Xuan'en trembled with anger. "Every one of you thinks I've grown old and muddleheaded, is that it? Well?"
"I have never entertained such a thought."
Long Xuan'en said, "Go and investigate this at once. Find out every last detail: how many killers are lurking in my Imperial Palace, and who masterminded this plot against Qiqi. I give you one day. If you cannot produce results within a day, bring me your head yourself!"
Murong Zhan thanked him for his grace and withdrew. At the palace gate, he ran into Hong Beimo.
Murong Zhan nodded in greeting. Hong Beimo smiled faintly and asked, "Has His Majesty retired?"
Murong Zhan shook his head. "His Majesty is in a foul mood. Be careful, Mr. Hong."
Hong Beimo sighed. "Anyone would be in a foul mood." After they parted, Hong Beimo entered the palace to seek an audience.
Long Xuan'en greeted Hong Beimo with no warmth either. He looked at him coldly and asked, "Why have you come here instead of staying at the Palace of Gathered Elegance, Minister Hong?"
Hong Beimo said, "Your Majesty, there is little I can do to help there, so I came to see you and keep you company."
Long Xuan'en showed him no kindness whatsoever. "I need no company!"
Hong Beimo said