Calamity Messenger

Chapter 123 - 99: Assassination

Crazy.

Although Yan Qing really wanted to scold her out loud, he thought it over a few times, and in the end, found that Shang Xinlei’s idea was indeed the only solution.

Shang Xinlei’s demand was simple: do not let Qian Gongyu and the Shang Family’s interests be harmed. Qian Gongyu was easy to deal with, but all of the Shang Family’s difficulties stemmed from the Emperor’s personal rule, which Shang Xuanwen could not prevent, so the only option was to strengthen the family foundation as much as possible.

This was exactly where Shang Xinlei was most conflicted—the arrangement made by Shang Xuanwen was to make Qian Gongyu completely become a power of the Shang Family. If she protected Qian Gongyu, it would damage the Shang Family’s interests, and vice versa.

The most delicate part was that without the Shang Family, the immature Qian Gongyu would not even be able to protect himself. Although she could borrow a Legendary Token from Qian Gongyu as an exchange for her shelter under the Shang Family, how different would that be from Shang Xuanwen’s arrangement? It was even inferior to Shang Xuanwen’s plan—at least he would play the bad guy, while Shang Xinlei’s role would be entirely good.

Shang Xuanwen was also stubborn, not considering Shang Xinlei’s ’noble scheme’; he only believed in the Art of Manipulating People using the carrot and stick approach.

Originally, it was an unsolvable predicament, but because of the Thief’s House, Shang Xinlei had a simple method to resolve all troubles.

Invade the main city, infiltrate the Imperial Palace, and assassinate the Emperor!

With the Emperor dead, a younger royal member would naturally be enthroned, and all the back palace forces would be purged, allowing the Shang Family to once again control the court.

If the Emperor died and a new ruler ascended the throne, there would be a general pardon, and without Shang Xuanwen’s consent, Qian Gongyu could also be exonerated.

Both Qian Gongyu and the Shang Family would benefit, no one’s interests would be harmed, and everyone would be happy, joyful, and congratulatory.

Except for the target, the Emperor.

"For such a big matter, haven’t you thought about discussing it with Shang Xuanwen?" Yan Qing couldn’t understand, was the southern Sister Jing this fierce? Talking about killing an Emperor like buying a cabbage.

"When my father arranged our lives, he didn’t discuss it with us," Shang Xinlei said calmly, "He believes he’s right, and I believe I’m right, so let’s see who’s truly right."

"If you’re going to help me, then leave, if not, then step aside," she said seriously, pulling out a flying ring, "I don’t have time to delay any longer."

With that, she strode towards the door, clearly ready to use the flying ring on the man blocking her path if Yan Qing insisted on stopping her.

Yan Qing watched her approach step by step, finally letting out a deep sigh and stepping aside.

"Thank you," Shang Xinlei politely thanked him and walked out of the storeroom.

"You father and daughter are really the same, choosing to avoid rather than face things openly..." Yan Qing murmured softly behind her.

"Hmm?" Shang Xinlei turned back, seeing Yan Qing muttering to himself as he followed, "What are you saying? Why are you following me? Do you want to help?"

"Does the Emperor of Liang Kingdom have any accomplishments or misdeeds?" Yan Qing asked back.

Shang Xinlei shook her head, "None, a young Emperor under the tutelage of the Empress Dowager, how could there be accomplishments or misdeeds."

"Then I won’t help you," Yan Qing said, "but I won’t stop you either."

"I’ll just follow and watch the show. If there’s any good stuff dropped, I’ll pick it up."

Shang Xinlei smiled, "If it were an emperor of great talent and benevolence, would you stop me? Clearly, you also agree with the idea of kidnapping the Emperor."

"I even stole Shang Xuanwen’s Heaven-Swaying Sword," Yan Qing replied calmly, "Why do you think I try to avoid any potential battles with Shang Xuanwen?"

"I don’t deny that I’m a self-serving villain, but does that mean villains like tyrants and treacherous officials? The more villainous someone is, the more they hope for good people in the world."

Shang Xinlei blinked, appearing to be in deep thought. She slowed her pace, occasionally glancing sideways at Yan Qing, who forced himself to resist turning his head, refusing to meet her gaze.

With her as a local guide who frequents the palace, they experienced several hair-raising encounters, evading guards and palace attendants multiple times, and soon reached the outer walls of Chengqian Hall. The two climbed over them, landing softly, and saw the palace illuminated as bright as day.

The Emperor staying up late was anticipated, especially since tonight was so lively. This meant Shang Xinlei had only one chance; regardless of success, the Imperial Palace would undoubtedly become alarmed, and by then, Second and Third-Turn Messengers would surely converge, leaving them with only a brief escape window.

This was the reason Yan Qing followed along, bringing a Return Order, not fearing being surrounded and ready to flee at any moment. Although he did want to watch the fun, he was more inclined to assist Shang Xinlei, not in the assassination, but in the escape.

After all, she was a friend of Jiang Shi, and... could barely count as his friend too.

The two of them quietly approached the palace, sticking close to the ornate railings, climbing up to hide under a window, catching snippets of conversation inside.

"...Your Majesty, you’re reading miscellaneous books again, the Empress Dowager will scold you if she finds out," a somewhat hoarse female voice said.

"But Master, I can’t really absorb the scriptures this late at night; it’s more distracting to read this ’Messenger Manual’ sort of miscellaneous books," the young man laughed, "Remember to remind me if the Empress Dowager comes."

"Alright, I can’t argue with Your Majesty."

Yan Qing and Shang Xinlei exchanged glances, and from the voices, they could discern the specific positions of those speaking; the young voice was likely the Emperor, and the female voice a teaching nanny. They slowly moved along the corner, attempting to reach the wall closest to the Emperor for a sudden attack.

An unexpected event occurred.

Turning the corner, Yan Qing collided head-on with a palace maid. Before she could scream, Yan Qing covered her mouth, quietly and slowly dragging her away.

Shang Xinlei, very displeased, gestured with her eyes for Yan Qing to hurry and eliminate her, but Yan Qing pretended not to see. Though bothered, he was well aware that in movies, a simple karate chop to the neck rendered people unconscious, but he wasn’t naive to that extent. If he really used full force on her neck, he’d likely just break her neck.

"Don’t move, I’ll let you go soon," Yan Qing said in a low voice to the palace maid, "You forget many things every day, why not forget about this too?"

The palace maid stopped struggling and nodded vigorously.

Yan Qing exhaled in relief and turned to observe Shang Xinlei’s actions. Beyond the wall she faced was the young Emperor reading at a desk, a mere five steps away in a straight line.

Shang Xinlei raised three fingers.

Three?

Then two fingers, then one.

Bang!

An explosion sounded from the other side of the Palace City, and in that moment when everyone’s attention would be drawn, Shang Xinlei kicked through the wall and launched her flying ring!

Yan Qing released the palace maid and stepped forward to respond.

But then, a gale-formed fist punched through from the palace interior, instantly exploding the entire wall! This wasn’t just a blow to Shang Xinlei; even Yan Qing, who had just approached, felt as if he’d been hit by an electric bike, with mirrors on his body repeatedly shattering! Shang Xinlei fared worse, as if struck by a massive freight truck, flying into a wall over ten meters away and slamming into it, creating a human-shaped dent!

They both looked with wide eyes at the figure walking out from the palace, filled with terror.

Opening the heavens and changing weather, like a divine miracle!

A Foundation Establishment Messenger!