Chapter 153: Zhao He Shan <<<
Chen Tong's eyes widened in horror.
Li Chen lowered his head to drink tea and said, "I originally thought it was Zhao Xuanji, but his reaction was off. If he had done it, this palace would have been in a much worse state tonight. Obviously, this sudden assassination has also thrown him into disarray... Perhaps he did have plans to kill the Ninth Prince, perhaps not, who knows? That doesn't matter."
Send a few clever ones to keep a close eye on Old Eight.
Li Chen put down his teacup and said calmly, "These two people should have teamed up by now. There will be signs in the next few days. Let's just wait and see."
Chen Tong respectfully said, "I understand... Also, there is one more thing."
"Zhao Shanhe arrived in the capital today, but some unexpected incidents occurred. As soon as Zhao Shanhe arrived, he was attacked by a group of bandits. Although Zhao Shanhe survived, his wife was seriously injured and on the brink of death. The Jinyiwei are already investigating this matter, but they have only caught a few martial artists so far. What is known at present is that someone hired a killer, but most clues have been erased, making it difficult to find out more."
Li Chen slammed the teacup onto the table and said coldly, "Are you telling me that the Jinyiwei operates so passively? You only realize something is wrong after someone has already succeeded? Do I have to clean up every mess for you?!"
Chen Tong hastily knelt down and said, "I am incompetent in my duties and deserve to die a thousand deaths!"
"Go out and get ten lashes yourself, and have a physician attend to you. Tomorrow, bring Zhao Heshan to see me."
After dismissing Chen Tong, Li Chen sat in the Xizheng Hall for a while before getting up and walking towards Baixia Hall where Zhao Rui lived.
The lord has arrived.
Knowing she would soon see her family, Zhao Rui's mood these past few days has been exceptionally good. Her smile when she sees Li Chen is also much more genuine and bright.
"It's so late, aren't you asleep yet?" Li Chen said softly.
Zhao Rui's pretty face flushed slightly as she said, "Father and Mother are about to arrive in the capital. Mother loves eating osmanthus cakes the most, and I'm learning how to make them."
Li Chen's face was unusually awkward.

Zhao Rui was quick-witted. She saw Li Chen's face immediately turn pale and hurriedly asked, "Your Highness, did something unexpected happen?"
Li Chen said, "Your family arrived in the capital today, but they were attacked...Both your parents are injured."
Zhao Rui's face turned pale, and she suddenly stood up and said, "Are they seriously injured?"
"It's not serious, nothing life-threatening. I've already sent someone to attend to them."
Li Chen comforted, “Don’t worry too much, I have already let your father enter the palace tomorrow to see you. You can see him tomorrow. As for your mother, you will leave the palace with your father tomorrow and go see her. That way, you can rest assured.”
Zhao Rui's eyes were slightly red, she knelt down and said, "Thank you, Your Highness for your grace."
Li Chen helped Zhao Rui up and said, "Humans are not plants or trees, this palace is not a beast. True feelings versus false intentions, this palace knows clearly in my heart. You have been sincere with me, and this palace will not betray you."
Zhao Rui bit her lip, her expression complex, and nodded slightly.
The next day, Li Chen met Zhao Heshan in Xizheng Hall in the morning.
Between her brows, there was a faint resemblance to Zhao Rui, which wasn't surprising, after all, they were father and daughter.
Zha He Shan was tall and strong, but his face bore the appearance of a scholar. If he hadn't been handsome, he couldn't have given birth to such a beautiful woman as Zhao Rui.
"I, Zhao He Shan, the County Magistrate of Hejian, pay my respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince. Long live Your Highness, long live, long live!"
"Regards."
Li Chen helped Zhao Heshan up and saw that his face was still a little pale. "Were you assassinated yesterday?"
Zhao Heshan bowed slightly and said, "Indeed, some desperadoes attempted to assassinate me. Although I sustained some injuries, they are not serious. Thank Your Highness for your concern."
"Well, that's good."
Li Chen nodded and said faintly, "You should also relax. This palace has already killed the assassins who tried to assassinate you."
This sentence caused Zhao Heshan's eyes to twitch slightly, sensing the unusual murderous aura emanating from the current Crown Prince.

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