The guards outside the tent sensed something was wrong, drew their blades, and burst inside!
The eight experts hurried forward to protect Wang Yang!
His expression cold and stern, Wang Yang raised a hand and shouted:
"Nobody move! Xue Shao colluded with our enemies and conspired with my personal guards to assassinate me. He has now been executed. These eight men are my trusted confidants, assigned specifically to eliminate traitors."
Seeing Xue Shao lying faceup in a pool of blood and several guards' bodies sprawled on the ground, fresh blood still spreading beneath them, the guards were bewildered and at a loss.
Wang Yang gave them no time to react:
"Ma Yong stays. Everyone else, withdraw and guard the tent. Anyone who leaves his post without permission will be beheaded without mercy."
He then pointed to two of the eight experts, unfastened his sword, and handed it to them:
"You two, take my sword and wait outside. Anyone who disobeys, execute him with this sword!"
Both men had served in great households for years and were accustomed to such scenes. They acknowledged the order without the slightest fluster.
The guards dared not delay and immediately withdrew, leaving only their captain, Ma Yong, standing there in a daze.
Wang Yang said nothing. He watched Ma Yong as he paced slowly.
Ma Yong trembled, unable to understand what was happening.
Suddenly, Wang Yang spoke:
"Were you an accomplice in Xue Shao's assassination attempt?"
Terrified, Ma Yong hastily fell to his knees and swore:
"No, no! I knew absolutely nothing! If I knew, may Heaven strike me with lightning and deny me a peaceful death!"
"Good. I believe you. Four of the six guards have been killed. The remaining two, afraid the plot would fail, stole horses and tried to flee. Take men