Chapter 71: An Assassin Appears on the Streets

In the Xiangguo Manor, Akkin presented the medicine Mu Zhan had brought for Princess Ning’an. Li Ning’an was reluctant to accept it, as the medicine prescribed by the manor’s physician was quite effective.

Akkin seemed to read her mind. “Is it that the princess looks down on Northern Yue, thinking we have nothing valuable to offer?”

The look in his eyes practically challenged her to a fight. Left with no choice, Li Ning’an had Hongxiu take the medicine from him.

“Thank you, Prince Akkin. I wish to rest now, so please leave.”

But Akkin wouldn’t budge. “I specifically asked Young Master Yan to be my guide. Why not stay here and sample some local delicacies?”

It was impossible to drive him away; he insisted on lingering. During the day, he had Yan Ziqi accompany him to buy various things, and by night, he delivered his purchases to Ning’an’s residence.

Fortunately, the currencies of Northern Yue and Daqi were compatible, making it convenient for Akkin to spend.

After a week, Li Ning’an’s quarters were overflowing with items. She asked Hongxiu to summon Yan Ziqi, though even he couldn’t stop Akkin from shopping or delivering gifts.

“What do you intend to do with all this?”

Li Ning’an looked over the jewelry in gold and silver piled on the table. There were also crates of silk, jewelry, porcelain, and even rare musical instruments and antique books stacked on the floor.

Yan Ziqi was as perplexed as she was; the accumulated items nearly rivaled national gifts in their extravagance. Such a showy way of expressing affection was simply excessive.

Luckily, having grown up in a life of wealth, Li Ning’an was hardly impressed by these offerings.

“Since we’ve accepted them all, let’s convert them into cash and send it to the frontier.”

Li Ning’an estimated that the goods would fetch around fifty thousand taels of silver, enough to provide the Iron Cavalry with some extra meat during the cold winter.

Yan Ziqi, however, cautioned, “If it’s given solely to the Iron Cavalry, the Cloud Armor troops might feel resentment.”

After all, both were soldiers of Daqi, and as a princess, Li Ning’an could not favor one over the other.

Her mind went to a little girl Yan Ziqi had mentioned in a letter, sparking her desire for every child to enjoy sweet candied fruit.

“Seems we’ll need to take a three-pronged approach.”

Akkin was one concern, the Ministry of Revenue another, and lastly, there was the rare Dragon Ying flower from the snowy mountains.

Sitting down gingerly with her injured leg, Li Ning’an asked, “The other day you mentioned Ling Jibai had spies watching the Honglu Embassy and noticed something unusual?”

Yan Ziqi nodded; he needed to accompany Akkin, but a slight delay wouldn’t matter much. After all, Akkin was busy shopping and delivering gifts.

“Jibai’s men observed that the Fourth Prince and Tong Lianian visited General Tong, yet the General didn’t respond.”

Even with a window separating them, it was odd for not a single word to be exchanged.

“Could it be that his acupoints were struck?” Li Ning’an mused. She recalled that certain acupoint strikes rendered a person unable to move.

“That’s one possibility, but it also seems as though…he doesn’t want others to know who he really is.”

Yan Ziqi paused, then shared another concern about Akkin.

“Though Akkin’s demeanor is bold, he was raised by General Mu’s father, a noble of the Northern Yue military.”

The Mu family in Northern Yue was known for its martial traditions. Even by observing Mu Zhan’s conduct, one could tell he was courteous and well-mannered—traits incompatible with Akkin’s flamboyant behavior.

Li Ning’an reflected on Akkin’s recent words and actions. “He does seem rather frivolous.”

“Perhaps he’s simply that kind of person.”

Yan Ziqi nodded. “I’ve dispatched someone to investigate further.”

At this point, Yan Ziqi no longer felt the need to keep his secret from her. His intelligence network was based out of Drunken Spring Pavilion.

Li Ning’an wasn’t particularly surprised, though she felt Yan Ziqi treated Lengshuang a bit too well. However, this was hardly the time to bring it up.

“In the coming days, there should be a message delivered by carrier pigeon, revealing some hidden secrets.”

Meanwhile, in another private room, Akkin and Mu Zhan sat together.

“The capital is grand and vast, and it’s not easy to navigate without arousing suspicion,” Akkin sighed. He operated in the open while his lord was concealed, and he didn’t know when they would be able to switch places.

After all, he was merely the shadow guard who served at his lord’s side.

The silk and satin garments were extremely uncomfortable to wear. Akkin tugged at his collar in irritation.

But thoughts of Princess Ning’an made it bearable. Mu Zhan glanced at him, offering a subtle warning, “Your main role here is to divert Yan Ziqi’s and the Daqi court’s attention.”

Akkin scowled. “I’m barred from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War. Even though I’m a prince, they won’t even let me through the door.”

To him, it would be simpler to just declare war on Daqi. If they won, the whole nation would be theirs. Why risk sneaking around? Although Ning’an was beautiful, she had a sharp tongue. The Emperor clearly doted on her, unwilling to trade her for even a prominent general.

“Maybe General Tong is simply useless compared to Princess Ning’an’s value,” he muttered. If it weren’t for his loyalties, he’d be tempted to switch sides just for her.

Mu Zhan remained silent. Truly, Akkin was wasting the name his lord had given him, “Duo Zhi” (meaning “resourceful”). He was barbaric through and through.

“Enough analysis—go find Young Master Yan.”

“Where are we going now?” Duo Zhi, or Akkin, thought eagerly, hoping today they’d finally visit the pleasure house he’d heard so much about: Zui Chun Pavilion, renowned for beauties and its popular courtesan, Lengshuang.

Even Mu Zhan couldn’t deny him the diversion and gave him a nod. Duo Zhi happily went off in search of Yan Ziqi.

The steward came out with a stiff smile. “Young Master Yan is in the princess’s quarters. His Highness, Prince Akkin, may wait in the drawing room.”

“No, I’m here to visit the princess too,” Akkin declared, attempting to stride toward her chambers.

The steward blocked him. “The princess’s chambers are not open for casual visits.”

Akkin scowled, “If Young Master Yan can go in, why can’t I?”

The steward straightened his posture, finally finding something to say. “Naturally, it’s because Princess Ning’an is interested in our young master, so please, Prince Akkin, don’t interfere.”

Unable to strike him physically, the steward tried to shut him down verbally, raising his head proudly as if to say, “See? No matter what you do, the princess favors our young master.”

Unfazed, Akkin replied, “I want to see Princess Ning’an. Didn’t your emperor promise hospitality?”

The steward suppressed a sigh, thinking, Your idea of hospitality seems more like an attempt to take over.

The Xiangguo Manor had guards as well, and the steward instructed them, “Keep watch and don’t let any stray cats or dogs wander in.”

“If the princess’s recovery is disturbed, none of us could bear the responsibility.”

Before Akkin could respond, Yan Ziqi emerged. “Prince Akkin, my steward may have been somewhat rude, but he’s only concerned for a lady’s reputation.”

He clapped a friendly arm around Akkin’s shoulder. “Let’s head out, brother. I’ll show you some good spots.”

Akkin immediately wrapped an arm around Yan Ziqi in return. “I want to see that famed den of yours,” he smirked, adding, “To see how your Daqi women compare with those from Northern Yue.”

Yan Ziqi nodded, instructing the steward to prepare three horses.

Mu Zhan interjected, “I won’t be joining you today. I’ll stop by the Honglu Embassy to check on things.”

Yan Ziqi nodded and led Akkin toward Zui Chun Pavilion on horseback.

The ride was going smoothly until they turned onto a street and the sound of something slicing through the air reached them.

Yan Ziqi initially moved to shield Akkin, but quickly realized the attack was aimed at him.

“Kill him, avenge the men of Northern Yue!”

In an instant, several black-clad figures appeared from all directions. The street erupted in chaos as civilians fled in panic and vendors hastily packed their wares.

The fight had begun.

Akkin was perplexed. Were they from Northern Yue? His lord hadn’t mentioned anything like this.