Li Lingyue paused slightly, glancing out of the corner of her eye at Lu Changfeng beside her.
He held his teacup and drank with his head lowered, as leisurely as if he were savoring a fine brew. Nothing seemed amiss on his face. The corners of her mouth lifted, and she suppressed a smile.
This man really would not let himself lose out in the slightest.
Still... he had a point.
Why not make use of what was freely offered?
Li Lingyue withdrew her gaze and looked at Li Longji, her expression softening. "How thoughtful of you, Sanlang."
Her tone shifted, growing solemn. "The assassin last night used strange methods and was no ordinary figure. This Palace has already uncovered a few clues-the people behind him most likely belong to Dragon-Slaying City."
Li Longji frowned slightly. "Dragon-Slaying City? The people backing Liu Xuance in the First Emperor's Mausoleum?"
"Precisely."
Li Lingyue's voice grew colder. "First they stirred up wind and waves in Jiangnan, then committed atrocities in the First Emperor's Mausoleum, and now they have attempted to assassinate a member of the imperial family. Such intentions deserve death."
Li Longji's expression sharpened, and he immediately said, "Dragon-Slaying City's audacity knows no bounds. Daring to attack the imperial family is a crime for which even death is insufficient punishment. Should you have any orders, Aunt, the Golden Scale Guards stand ready to serve you like hounds and horses."
"Very well."
Li Lingyue nodded, her tone indifferent. "The Plum Blossom Guards alone may not be equal to the task. With the Golden Scale Guards assisting, our chances will be greater."
Li Longji visibly relaxed. "I will have Chen Xuanli bring his men here to await your orders, Aunt. Everything will be done according to your instructions."
"There is no need to take