Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 526: Assassination (Part 1)

What?!

Qin Zhan, Meng Dashan, and Liu Hengchang’s expressions changed drastically, almost simultaneously standing up: "Exactly what happened?"

"Who dares to assassinate Elder Changning?"

"Is Elder Changning injured?"

The trusted aide delivering the message quickly replied: "The field manor sent a note saying Elder Changning was attacked and injured. The extent of the injuries is still unknown, and the identity of the assassins is unclear."

Qin Zhan, with a fiery temperament, burst out angrily: "What audacity! Dare to run wild in our Nanyang County! Even dare to attack Elder Changning! I, Qin Zhan, will tear this person to pieces!"

Meng Dashan’s eyes also flashed with rage: "Count me in, Old Meng!"

Liu Hengchang, returning from shock, said in a deep voice: "The Commandery Princess is far away in the Capital City; the news of Elder Changning’s assassination will take at least a few days to reach her. We should immediately go to the field manor to visit Elder Changning."

Qin Zhan and Meng Dashan nodded together. The Personal Guard Camp is about half a day’s journey from the field manor. The three Personal Soldier Commanders immediately rode their fine horses, each leading dozens of trusted aides, and rushed to the field manor like a whirlwind.

Let’s not mention that Elder Changning, Cui Du, is the unmarried husband of the Commandery Princess. Just to say that for the past five years, Cui Du has been dedicating himself to improving and developing grain varieties at the field manor, producing new grain with extremely high yield, improving fruit and vegetable varieties. The Nanyang County is well-fed, and every citizen can fill their stomachs; the Commandery Princess also has the confidence to expand the trusted aides and contribute grain to the court for a good name. All of this is Cui Du’s achievement.

It can be said that Cui Du is the most capable official under the Commandery Princess, truly her left hand and right arm. Other ministers can be replaced at any time, but Cui Du is unique and irreplaceable!

To ensure Cui Du’s safety, trusted aides are stationed in the field manor. Cui Du seldom leaves the manor, and when occasionally traveling, there are ten or so trusted aides accompanying him. Who would have thought, on the land of Nanyang County, right under everyone’s nose, someone would dare attempt to assassinate Cui Du.

Qin Zhan and Meng Dashan were filled with anger, urgently riding to the manor. Liu Hengchang was calm and clear-headed in the face of the cold wind, his mind rapidly thinking.

Who wants to assassinate Cui Du?

Is it the noble family jealous of Cui Du for stealing the marriage contract? Or the political enemies of the Commandery Princess? Or perhaps it’s an official from the Nanyang Prince Mansion who dislikes Cui Du, taking action while the Commandery Princess is away?

The journey typically took three hours, but Liu Hengchang’s group arrived in two. The fine warhorses galloped with all their might for half a day, nearly foaming at the mouth.

Liu Hengchang and the others didn’t have time to feel sorry for their horses as they rushed into the field manor.

The usually serene and peaceful manor was exceptionally heavy today. Not a soul was seen in the fields; all were ordered to stay inside, including the farmers who came for training, each being carefully interrogated.

Chief Historian Chen and Chief Historian Feng arrived, and Yang Zheng, responsible for investigation and questioning, also came. Ma Yaosong and Chief Clerk Wen were present, and even Shen Mu, who usually buried himself in the workshop, was alarmed by the assassination attempt on Cui Du, arriving at the manor.

Plus Liu Hengchang and his two companions, it could be said every important figure of the Nanyang Prince Mansion gathered here. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Qin Zhan opened his mouth and asked: "How exactly is Elder Changning injured? Is his life in danger?"

Chief Historian Chen sighed: "Luck amidst misfortune, Elder Changning’s left arm is injured, but his life is not threatened. As for Cui Wang, he shielded Elder Changning from a sword blow, getting stabbed in the chest. His injuries are severe. Doctor Sun is urgently treating Mr. Cui, hoping he can survive this calamity."

Cui Wang is the eldest grandson of the Cui Family of Boling, and for over two years has been working by Cui Du’s side. Cui Du conducts himself low-key, and Cui Wang is never ostentatious either. However, Cui Wang’s identity is known to all, and everyone understands that Cui Wang will sooner or later be heavily utilized by the Commandery Princess.

A month ago, the Cui Family of Boling even proposed a match to the Shen Family.

Shen Mu’s youngest daughter came of age this year. In terms of family status, the Shen Family is quite ordinary. However, Shen Mu is favored by the Nanyang County Princess and esteemed for his character. Cui Wang wants to establish himself in Nanyang County, aiming to marry into the Nanyang Prince Mansion officials. After consideration, he chose the Shen Family.

Shen Mu has not yet agreed to the marriage, but he already regards Cui Wang as his future son-in-law. Today, Cui Wang took a sword for Cui Du and was severely injured, his life hanging by a thread. Shen Mu’s anxiety was almost palpable, prompting him to follow Chief Historian Chen’s comment: "I heard that Miss Sun excels at treating external injuries; did she come along with the three Personal Guard Commanders?"

Liu Hengchang said: "Both Sun Junyi doctors are here."

Originally prepared to save Cui Du, now that Cui Du is not seriously injured, they can save Cui Wang.

Shen Mu remained silent, his brows still deeply furrowed.

Meng Dashan angered said: "Where are the assassins? I’ll personally conduct the interrogation!"

Chief Historian Feng sighed helplessly: "There were three assassins in total, all disguised as farmers, sneaking into the manor, failing in their assassination attempt, two were killed on the spot by the trusted aides. The remaining one was captured, but bit into a poison hidden in his mouth and died."

This is a true Death Warrior.

Upon failing a strike, they immediately commit suicide. All clues end here.

"Who is behind such sinister and ruthless means to target Elder Changning?" Liu Hengchang’s expression was serious: "This matter must be reported to the Commandery Princess promptly."

Chief Historian Chen nodded slightly: "The message was sent out two hours ago. It will take several days to reach the Capital City. In the meantime, the origin of the assassins must be investigated."

Always silent, Ma Yaosong suddenly spoke softly: "The Commandery Princess was attacked in the Capital City, and now Elder Changning faces assassins too. Could these assassins be part of the same group?"

"This is highly possible," Chief Historian Feng said: "What’s more, the three assassins could infiltrate the manor, certainly with internal assistance. Now it’s up to Yang Shi’s skills."

Liu Hengchang’s eyes flashed with coldness, slowly saying: "It’s also due to our negligence. From today onwards, security at the manor must be tightened. And for all the officials, extra caution is needed when traveling."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Where there’s a first wave of assassins, there may be a second. Everyone indeed needs to be more vigilant.

"Elder Changning has awakened." A servant hurriedly came to deliver the message.

Chief Historian Chen and Chief Historian Feng immediately advanced, with Liu Hengchang and the others following suit. The others hesitated briefly, staying outside to wait.

...

Cui Du’s left arm was securely bandaged, blood-stained clothes had been changed, aside from a handsome face a bit pale, his expression was relatively calm.

The first thing Cui Du said was: "How is my cousin now?"

Chief Historian Chen pretended to be relaxed in response: "Mr. Cui’s injuries are more severe, however, with Doctor Sun present, he will certainly be saved. Both Sun Junyi doctors are here, Elder Changning, rest assured and recuperate, there’s no need to be overly worried."

Cui Du’s mind flashed with the sword-light and blood-shadow before he fainted, and Cui Wang’s resolute face rushing forward, bitter and unspeakable.

"I have never made enemies with anyone, nor harmed anybody." Cui Du murmured: "Who is so heartless and vicious, determined to kill me?"