Chapter 8: 008 Waiting

The Prime Minister's residence was located on the north side of the Imperial City, a massive imitation of the palace. Currently, only the Ninth Miss remained in the manor, awaiting her marriage.

The Ninth Miss's boudoir was located in the Prime Minister's back garden. In the summer, it was quite tranquil and cool, but since it was now the onset of winter, it appeared desolate.

Tang Meng did not disturb anyone, having slipped into the back garden early. Dressed in sleek black attire with her hair tied high in a jade hairpin, she looked like a martial arts wanderer, a short double-edged sword tucked into her waist.

Just as she expected, there was indeed a natural lake in the back garden. It had not yet frozen over; perhaps it connected to a river or sea underground. Tang Meng observed the layout of the surrounding buildings and was about to head toward the Ninth Miss's room when, at that moment, a rustling sound came from the flower bushes.

Tang Meng immediately became alert and hid behind a rockery, only to see that the newcomer was none other than Li Xiu, whom she had spent a great deal of effort to shake off. The person behind him, dressed in dark red official robes with an extraordinary and imposing aura, was none other than the Imperial City's famous constable, Lord Luo Shang.

"Is the ambush set?" Luo Shang asked a guard beside him in a low voice.

"The ambush is set. Every exit inside and outside the Prime Minister's manor is guarded, and one thousand archers are on standby outside the manor," the guard reported one by one.

Tang Meng's heart sank. These two coming here would only ruin things. She had entered the palace early to report to the Emperor, and she had been given full responsibility for this matter. Why was Lord Luo still interfering!

"Lord Luo... Lord Li..." At that moment, the Prime Minister's voice came from a distance. It seemed the Prime Minister was also aware of the matter; he came running from afar with a face full of worry.

"Prime Minister." Since their official ranks were several levels lower, both men cupped their hands in salute.

"I have already sent Jiu'er to the palace. I leave the rest to you two lords. I must also enter the palace to accompany Jiu'er!" The Prime Minister had only just learned that those killed previously were all the daughters of the Ministers of the Six Ministries, and he was so frightened that his mind remained unsettled even now.

"Rest assured, Prime Minister. As long as that Jade-Faced Wooden Fox dares to come, I will ensure he never returns!" The one who answered was Li Xiu, looking extremely confident.

"That is good, that is good. With you two lords here, I can rest easy leaving the manor to you." The Prime Minister hesitated for a moment before asking, "Why is Lord Tang not here?"

It was common knowledge throughout the Imperial City that the Emperor had entrusted this murder case to Lord Tang.

"I have been looking for her for half the day. I don't know where she has wandered off to; perhaps she is still lost in the tender embrace of a brothel!" Li Xiu had always been dissatisfied with Tang Meng, and was even dissatisfied with the Tang family who held military power.

"Hehe, rest assured, Lord Li. I will certainly report Lord Tang's dereliction of duty to the Emperor truthfully."

Hearing this, Tang Meng, who was hiding to the side, shook her head helplessly.

Dereliction of duty?

Since she took office a year ago, she had handled every matter within the jurisdiction of the Court of Judicial Review appropriately, and had never meddled in any matters outside of it. That should count as being dutiful, shouldn't it?

"I leave the manor to you two lords today. I shall take my leave first," the Prime Minister's voice came again.

"Rest assured, Prime Minister," Li Xiu answered again. Luo Shang kept his brow furrowed and did not say a single word from beginning to end.

Once the Prime Minister had departed, Luo Shang and Li Xiu headed toward the Ninth Miss's room. Neither of them had ever paid attention to the large natural lake nearby.

Tang Meng glanced in the direction where Luo Shang and Li Xiu had gone, took a few steps back, and hid in the flower bushes behind her. She waited for a long time; the surroundings were incredibly silent, with only the occasional sound of the desolate wind.

Ripples rose on the calm surface of the lake, spreading out in circles.

Tang Meng stared at the lake, but her eyes were downcast, and her mind had drifted elsewhere.

The wind had stopped for a long time, yet the ripples on the lake continued to spread in circles, faster and faster, larger and larger.

Tang Meng became alert, and at that moment, someone suddenly pressed down on her shoulder from behind.

A note to the readers

An editor once said, "It is a blessing for readers to read happily, and a choice for authors to write happily." The author chooses happiness, casting aside distractions, doing their best to bring joy to the readers.