Just as Wen Han had stepped out of the gate, he heard a clear and sharp voice that was unique to eunuchs: "The Emperor has arrived!"

  He heard the sound and looked over, a large team of people was coming this way from afar, the flames of the torches illuminated the entire corridor, several inner attendants holding small palace lanterns walked ahead to clear the way, behind them many palace maids and guards surrounded that noble emperor, slowly approaching.

  Wen Han led a group of guards out of the corridor and walked to the courtyard to welcome the arrival of his master.

  The cry of "His Majesty has arrived" startled Yan Xijun, her face changed color, she suddenly turned her head to look, in the distant corridor, a piece of flame, the crowd was surrounding that nine-five respectful emperor, slowly walking towards this side.

  Although his face was not clearly visible from a distance, the cold aura emanating from him could still be deeply felt, affecting the group of people around him, their expressions solemn and serious as they followed silently.

  The many beautiful women standing in the corridor had already forgotten about the cold, and they all rushed out of the courtyard with excitement, not willing to miss the best opportunity to see the emperor, and went to welcome the arrival of His Majesty.

  How could he have been alerted to his arrival? Could it be that this assassins identity was extraordinary?

  Yan Xijun gazed at the massive procession, thinking that this time the black-clad man would probably be unable to escape. A sudden thought occurred to her, forcing her to make a move.

  She quickly ran to the bathtub and whispered in a low voice: "The emperor has arrived, youd better escape! Seize the opportunity and run as far as you can!"

  She had informed the assassin to escape and felt a little relieved. Turning back, she saw that the group of people had almost reached the courtyard, so she hurriedly ran out.

  Chu Yixuan had just stepped into the courtyard when an inner attendant beside him hastily raised a large yellow oil-paper umbrella to block the snowflakes that were falling thick and fast. Wen Han led the group of guards in paying their respects, kneeling on one knee on the ground, calling out: "Your humble servant pays his respects to Your Majesty, may Your Majesty live for ten thousand years!"

  Those ladies also knelt down, Yan Xijun knelt at the back of all the ladies and paid respects together: "The commoners daughter greets Your Majesty, may Your Majesty live for ten thousand years!"

  Chu Yixuans eyes coldly swept across the crowd, but he didnt order them to rise. Instead, he asked Wen Han, "Was the assassin caught?"

  "Reporting back to Your Majesty, I am incompetent and have not yet found anything."

  "Youre saying you didnt find the assassin?" Chu Yixuans eyes narrowed as he gazed at the half-kneeling person, his tone cold and disbelieving.

  "Returning to Your Majesty, I led the guards in searching the entire Cixi Palace, but we did not see any sign of the assassin." Wen Han replied honestly, the Emperors cold gaze fixed on him, making him feel uncomfortable.

  "I saw him escape this way with my own eyes, and he was also hit by my flying dagger. I reckon he hasnt escaped far and should be hiding around here." Chu Yixuan analyzed the situation and suddenly ordered a general behind him: "Yi Ling, take the Imperial Guard to search this place again, you must find the assassin."

  "Yes, Your Majesty." Commander Yi Ling received the order and immediately led the Imperial Guards to search the houses one by one.

  A group of people in the courtyard knelt silently on the ground, not daring to make a sound, helplessly waiting, none of them dared to look at the emperor who was emitting an icy aura all over his body.

  Yan Xijun stole a glance at the high and mighty king, seeing his face as white as jade, lips like crimson flowers, still so extraordinary and elegant. His starry eyes shot out captivating light, high-bridged nose, thin red lips slightly pursed, outlining a cold and aloof aura.

  Five years ago, I saw him once. Over the years, he hasnt changed a bit. His face is still handsome, his expression is still cold, and his temperament is still aloof and indifferent.

  He is his sisters husband and also his own nominal brother-in-law.

  If it werent for her sisters words, she wouldnt have entered the palace selection and even less thought of becoming his concubine, serving him. Five years had passed, but he was still so meticulous in his thinking, and just now his analysis was thorough, even having the leader of the Imperial Guard personally lead a search, truly leaving no stone unturned. She suddenly felt worried for the assassin in the room, wondering if he had escaped or not?

  Yan Xijun slightly shifted his kneeling knees, with a hint of resentment in his heart. He was too cold and ruthless to let these beautiful women kneel on the icy ground for so long, without showing any compassion or appreciation for their beauty.

  They were all young ladies who had been spoiled by their families and had never suffered any hardships, and they were sent to participate in the selection just after the New Year.

  Before long, Yi Ling led the Imperial Guards back and knelt down to report: "Your Majesty, I have searched the entire Shu Xiu Palace from top to bottom, but did not find any trace of an assassin."

  Yi Lings words made Yan Xijun breathe a sigh of relief. Fortunately, he hadnt discovered anything; the assassin should have left by now!

  Chus eyebrows furrowed slightly as a hint of puzzlement flashed across his eyes, then he spoke to Yi Ling: "Hmm, get up!"

  That assassin cant not be here, he clearly saw him running towards this place, should be hiding somewhere. With this in mind, his sharp and black eyes scanned the crowd on the ground, then gave a hint to the eunuch general beside him.

  Eunuch Luo saw the masters signal, immediately understood, cleared his throat and asked the maids in attendance: "Has any of you seen the assassin escape here?"

  All the girls on stage looked at each other in dismay, their eyes were very confused, for a moment, they all fell silent, only the sound of the wind whistling by, and the snowflakes fluttering.

  Lu Gong looked at the scene in front of him and was momentarily undecided. He could only look back at his master to seek his opinion.

  Chu Yixuans eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment, his deep eyes expressionless as he glanced at the beauty on the ground, and was about to leave with a flick of his sleeve.

  "Your Majesty, I saw an assassin." A cry of alarm broke the calm atmosphere and successfully stopped Chu Yixuans footsteps.

  Yan Xijun looked up and saw that it was a beautifully dressed, seductively beautiful woman. She had been in the palace for three days now. Yan Xijun recognized this woman, she was Jia Lifen, the daughter of the Minister of Justice, also the niece of Madame Chu, with a noble status, a violent temper, and a wild personality.

  When she first entered the palace, her sister had already instructed her not to provoke Jia Lianying because of her sensitive status. In fact, even if her sister hadnt said anything, she wouldnt have gone along with Jia Lianying anyway, as their personalities didnt mesh well.

  Chu Yixuan also looked up, and when he saw that it was Jia Lifen, his handsome face didnt ripple. He had seen this woman before, but couldnt remember who she was.

  Jia Lian saw that all the maids were staring at her in surprise, and even the high-and-mighty Emperor was looking at her. When she was very young, she had accompanied her parents to pay respects to her aunt, and it was then that she had seen him. At that time, she had been deeply infatuated with his handsome appearance and noble bearing, and from then on, she had secretly longed for him, hoping that one day she could become his woman and rise to a high position through his favor.

  Jia Liyan was somewhat pleased, raising her proud head, those charming eyes staring tightly at Chu Yixuans face, secretly sending autumn waves. This is the king in her heart, with a handsome and unparalleled face as sharp as a knife, with a prominent facial outline.

  Chu Yixuan endured for a long time, but didnt see Jia Lianxiao make a sound. He only saw her eyes filled with emotions, gazing at him with adoration and infatuation. He furrowed his good-looking sword-like eyebrows, his eyes displeased as he looked back, he hated this kind of lovesick gaze the most.

  Jia Lian met his cold gaze and was startled, slightly collecting her expression. She had forgotten that emperors could not be looked at directly, and hastily lowered her head.

  "Your Majesty, I indeed saw the assassins figure, he went in her direction." Lian Fengfeng pointed at Yan Xijun who was standing at the back, looking at her.

  As soon as this was said, everyone looked at Yan Xiu Jun, including the imperial concubines. The concubines gazes were filled with schadenfreude and a sense of superiority. They had learned about Yan Xiu Juns identity as soon as they entered the palace and were extremely jealous of her special status, but couldnt do anything to her, so they could only seethe in secret. Now that she was embroiled in such trouble, they really wanted to see her misfortune.

  Yan Xikun saw that everyones eyes were looking at herself, and also saw Jia Lixian pointing at herself. Her heart couldnt help but be shocked, slightly frowning, not good, she had been seen by that assassin, now she must quickly think of a way to get rid of her.

  Yan Xijun knew that the more anxious she was, the more likely she would reveal her flaws. So, she pretended to be calm and looked back at Jia Lixian, saying lightly: "Miss Jia, are you sure you saw clearly? Dont falsely accuse people. Ive been staying in the house all along and didnt see any assassins."

  "I didnt falsely accuse you, I saw it with my own eyes, that assassin indeed went into your house, this is true, Your Majesty." Jia Lixian said righteously and sternly, and turned her gaze towards Chu Yixuan.

  Chu Yixuan had long noticed Yan Xijun, such a stunning beauty standing out among the crowd of women, it was hard not to notice her. After hearing Jia Lifens words, he turned his gaze back to the woman kneeling on the ground, and upon looking at her figure, she seemed somewhat familiar. He commanded: "Lift up your head!"

  Yan Xijun listened to the order, slightly raised her head, not looking at him directly, but still could see his handsome face. Suddenly a strong gust of cold wind blew up, blowing away a strand of Yan Xijuns hair from her temple, the cold wind swept through her beautiful hair, she inexplicably shivered, a chill ran down her spine, spreading to her limbs.

  Chu Yixuan gazed at this delicate and elegant face, reminiscent of a painting. Five years ago, it seemed that the outline of someones face overlapped with hers in her memory, but she couldnt quite recall who it was. The eyebrows and eyes on this face seemed familiar, yet somehow there didnt seem to be anyone else like her, because she herself was a unique and perfect person.

  "Who... are you?" Chu Yixuan withdrew his thoughts and asked directly.

  Yan Xijuns expression remained calm and unruffled as he replied, "The Yan family."

  "Oh, its the fourth sister of the empress." Chu Yixuans eyes flashed with a hint of surprise, and after a moment, he relaxed. No wonder she looked familiar - she was actually the fourth younger sister of the empress, who shared the same father but not the same mother. He had met her once five years ago in the imperial palace, when she was just a little girl around ten years old. Five years had passed, and now she had transformed into an elegant and refined beauty.

  "The commoner is indeed correct." Yan Xikun lowered her eyebrows and closed her eyes, with a hint of helplessness in her clear and bright eyes. If she had the choice, she would rather not be the emperors sister-in-law.

  Chu Yixuan couldnt help but glance at her twice, seeing her kneeling there with her head bowed in respect. He couldnt see her expression, but he could sense that she didnt seem very willing to meet him either. But what did it matter? He didnt want to meet anyone from the Yan family either.

  "I ask you, have you ever seen an assassin?"

  Yan Xijun replied respectfully: "Replying to Your Majesty, this humble woman has not seen her."

  "Your Majesty, shes lying! The assassin clearly entered her room!" Jia Lixian couldnt help but shout at Chu Yixuan as Yan Xijun refused to admit it.

  Chu Yixuan frowned unhappily, narrowing his long and narrow phoenix eyes, his cold gaze shot towards Jia Lifen.

  Lu Gonggong has been following Chu Yixuan for over ten years, so he knows his masters temper and personality. The emperor hates it when people interrupt him, what is wrong with this girl, always making a racket.

  "How dare you! Which familys palace maid are you, dont you know any rules? How can you interrupt the Emperor?" Ro Gonggong scolded Jia Lifen.

  Jia Lian raised her charming eyes and stared at Luo Zhong, knowing that he was the Grand Supervisor of the Imperial Palace and also the senior eunuch by the Emperors side. Not daring to offend him, she stammered: "The daughter of the Minister of Justice Jia family, the niece of the Princess of Chu."

  Chu Yixuan also took a glance at her, originally from the wet nurses family. The wet nurse had previously entrusted him with the fact that there was a daughter in their family who would be entering the palace for selection and hoped he could show some care. These past few days, with so many things happening, he had actually forgotten about this matter. However, even if it were something the wet nurse had entrusted to him, with his temperament, how would he go about handling such a trivial matter?

  Old Master Luo secretly clicked his tongue, thinking to himself: Our familys darling daughter is quite something, this young woman has a big background, her backing is strong, cant afford to offend her, cant afford to offend her.

  "As a member of the Chu familys wifes clan, you should have the demeanor of a noble lady, dont lose the prestige of the madams house." Lao Gong said to Jia Liyan.

  Jia Ruiyan nodded obediently and hypocritically accepted Old Master Luos advice.

  PS: Dear, will you go and read the article I posted on Tencent? "The Abandoned Concubine: Your Highness, Dont Be Too Bad" is my new book, under the pen name Yan Xier. You can search for it on Tencents reading website. Dear friends, you dont need to register, just log in with QQ and you can also help me collect it, remember!