Gifting a Pill

The Imperial Observatory was indeed capable, but why had it failed to stop this assassination?

He muttered to himself as, under the gazes of the princes and princesses, he followed Chu Hongming inside.

He signaled Chu Zhen and Chu Qiao among the crowd with his eyes, never slowing as he entered the main hall.

The others immediately began discussing among themselves.

"Why did Ninth Brother go in?"

"Ninth Brother is close to Fifteenth Uncle, of course."

"Are we not close to Fifteenth Uncle too? Fifteenth Uncle personally teaches us as well."

"We are merely taught by Fifteenth Uncle, while Ninth Brother receives his personal instruction, with Fifteenth Uncle teaching him one-on-one. He is practically a true disciple."

"Fifteenth Uncle's judgment really is..."

"Fifteenth Uncle's judgment is indeed excellent. He saw how exceptional Ninth Brother's aptitude was."

"...That is true."

The crowd's discussions buzzed endlessly.

Chu Zhiyuan could no longer be bothered with them. After hurrying into the hall, he found several middle-aged men standing there.

Chu Hongfeng was among them.

Chu Zhiyuan cupped his fists in greeting without speaking, then continued inward behind Chu Hongming until they reached the bedroom.

A pungent smell of blood filled the bedroom, and a pool of blood lay on the floor.

Chu Honglin, pale-faced, lay on the couch, coughing violently.

An exquisitely beautiful woman supported him, her watery eyes fixed on him in worry as she gently wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with a snowy handkerchief.

An elderly man with crane-white hair and a childlike face held a Golden Needle against Chu Honglin's chest, lightly twisting it with a grave expression.

Another middle-aged man wore a gloomy expression, one hand pressed against Chu Honglin's shoulder. White light rolled above his head, its faint glow shrouding both him and Chu Honglin.