PFC Chapter 408 A combination of kindness and power
Chapter 408 A combination of kindness and power
Chapter 408
The streets of this small town were not wide, and from her seat at the stall, she could clearly see the profile of a man in the corner of the second floor across from her. The man had sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, and a high nose bridge, and even from the side, it was not difficult to see his handsome appearance.
Lu Zhaozhao was not shocked by the man's handsomeness. What really shocked her was that a person like him could never appear in such a remote place.
Even before Luo Shuiyao returned to Beijing from the villa, Lu Zhaozhao had already accompanied the Marquis' wife to several banquets, but she could never forget the stunning glimpse she caught at the Cheng family's old lady's birthday banquet. Hidden behind a curtain, she secretly observed the Third Prince, the reigning emperor.
Compared to Ye Yunzhou, this prince truly captivated her heart. While his features weren't as striking and imposing as Ye Yunzhou's, he was exceptionally handsome, with a unique aura and a unique charm all his own. Even more captivating to Lu Zhaozhao was his background—his maternal great-grandfather was one of the founding fathers of the Cheng family, and his mother, Consort Cheng, was particularly favored by the emperor, dominating the harem for many years and enjoying immense influence. Such a background destined the Third Prince to be admired by all. Furthermore, he had no legitimate wife, making him even more attractive to the noble ladies of the capital than that demonic Ye Yunzhou.
The noble ladies were secretly competing with each other, hoping to stand out at the banquet and attract the Third Prince's attention. Unfortunately, the Third Prince was completely absorbed in state affairs and rarely attended such banquets. If it weren't for his grandmother's birthday, he would hardly be seen.
In her competition with Luo Shuiyao, Lu Zhaozhao has mostly lived in the Marquis's residence since arriving in Beijing, unlike the popular and well-connected character in the original novel. Now, she has even more restrained her edge, remaining unnoticeable among the other noble ladies.
Because she kept her edge low, Lu Zhaozhao avoided the turmoil of the noble ladies' quarrel. Disdaining such unseemly strife, she quietly withdrew from the banquet. It was through this chance encounter that she encountered the legendary Third Prince. That fleeting glimpse instantly captivated her. But hastily approaching him would be unseemly, and with the Third Prince, accustomed to the attentiveness of beautiful women, a rash approach might even annoy him. She suppressed her feelings and returned home, planning to take her time, often imagining his features in her mind. However, she never encountered him again. But this lingering obsession allowed her to recognize him even after such a long time.
Her thoughts turned back to her, and before she knew it, she had been staring at the person opposite her for a long time. Her previous appetite had completely disappeared, and the fragrant food in front of her could not attract her attention at all.
In the teahouse opposite, the third prince had just received news from the capital - Emperor Yuanzhen had announced to the world that he had died in the fire.
He was so furious that the teacup in his hand shattered with a sound. However, he calmed down after being so angry. "Good! Even a tiger won't eat its own cubs. Father, you don't want to leave me any chance of survival!"
The emperor's words were true. Once this news was released, it announced to all factions: even if he was still alive, he was no longer the third prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Emperor Yuanzhen's move undoubtedly completely cut off his legitimate escape route.
At this moment, he forgot that although a tiger won't eat its own cubs, as an heir, one should also have the heart to repay the parents. When he planned to take the life of Emperor Yuanzhen, did he have any soft heart?
The assassin who reported the news had his eyebrows down and didn't even raise his eyelids. He seemed respectful, but in fact he was hiding his disdain.
Everyone said that the Third Prince was the most favored by Emperor Yuanzhen and possessed exceptional abilities, making him the perfect candidate to inherit the throne. However, after observing him for the past two days, he felt that he was just that—though scheming, he was overly sinister and suspicious, which became his fatal weakness.
Although his mind was full of thoughts, as a death warrior, he had no right to speak out and only needed to follow orders. Now that he had faithfully reported the information he had gathered, all that was left was for him to do as his master said.
After his fury subsided, the Third Prince breathed a sigh of relief, staring at the letter in his hand, lost in thought. But at that moment, he felt a faint sense of being watched from the shadows. Suddenly wary, he glanced out the window, only to see a bustling crowd of people rushing back and forth on the street. He couldn't spot any suspicious signs.
He glanced suspiciously around the street, but seeing nothing unusual, dismissed it as an illusion, and looked away. He subconsciously turned slightly to the side, avoiding being seen by passersby. While this place was somewhat remote, it was still not far from the Imperial City. If he were unlucky enough to run into someone he knew, and word got back to the capital, it would be a recipe for disaster.
This distraction cleared his mind considerably. He then turned to the secret guards and ordered, "Send two people to keep an eye on the nearby waterways and roads. If you discover anything unusual, report it to me immediately."
"Yes, I'll do it right away." The assassin lowered his head and accepted the order, and was about to turn around and leave.
"Wait." The Third Prince stared at his back, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "Why are there only four of you out this time? Where are the others?"
Upon hearing this, the assassin turned to face him again. This man lived up to his name, exuding a deadly aura, yet his words were crisp and clear: "Sir, we will escort you out of the city first. The others will stay in the capital to handle the aftermath. Furthermore, the inspections in the capital are extremely strict right now, and it may take them a while to get here."
The Third Prince nodded slightly, his suspicions gradually dissipating. The capital was now heavily guarded, like an iron barrel. Even if those assassins had official identities, they wouldn't be able to withstand a thorough investigation. If any flaws were discovered, it would be of no benefit to him. It would be more appropriate to keep them in the capital to confuse the public.
"In that case, I... I entrust the safety of this young master to you. If the Japanese young master ever makes a comeback, I will definitely not treat you unfairly." After the third prince dispelled his doubts, he spoke to the assassins in a kind tone.
He was a prince, immersed in the struggle for power since birth. He was naturally adept at controlling his subordinates, and knew how to control their hearts and minds through a combination of kindness and power. Even a warrior is a man, so who wouldn't yearn for high office, generous salaries, and a beautiful wife?
He was unaware that the training process for death warriors was considered extremely cruel, even prohibited by the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty, precisely because it seriously violated the laws of nature. To prevent the death warriors from developing selfish desires in adulthood, they were forced to take special drugs from a young age. The long-term effects of the drugs left them with congenitally deformed bodies, yet unlike eunuchs, they remained physically intact, their physical reactions permanently impaired despite their appearance being normal men.
Moreover, the dead soldiers are corroded by drugs and their lifespan is generally short. The high positions, generous salaries, beautiful wives and concubines that ordinary men dream of are of no appeal to them. After all, their lives are coming to an end, and no matter how much wealth and glory they have, it is nothing but a mirage.