Chapter 694 - 695: Dead End

Chapter 694: Chapter 695: Dead End

The door to the room was locked again.

Zheng Baosu didn’t even look up, continuing to eat the spoiled leftovers.

Suddenly, he froze. A sharp pain shot through his chest.

He frowned and pressed his hand hard against his chest, trying to ease the pain, but it didn’t lessen. Instead, it grew even more intense.

Finally, with a lurch in his throat, he violently spat out a mouthful of blood!

CRASH—!

The bowl in his hands fell heavily to the floor, shattering with a sharp, ear-piercing sound!

The commotion immediately drew the attention of the Imperial Army stationed outside. They kicked the door open and swarmed in.

"What’s going on!?"

The shouted question went unanswered. The scene before them, however, made everyone’s heart leap into their throats.

Blood trickled from the corner of Zheng Baosu’s mouth, his eyes bulging and his features twisted in agony. In the faint moonlight from the doorway, he looked like a vengeful ghost come to claim a life.

A guard’s gaze fell on the shattered bowl on the floor. He started in alarm. "Damn it! The food was poisoned!"

The others instantly understood. "That palace attendant who just delivered the food is suspicious! Quick! Seize him!"

One squad of men stayed behind while the other turned and bolted outside!

Watching the chaotic scene unfold, Zheng Baosu opened his mouth as if to say something, but not a single word came out. His eyes rolled back, and he collapsed.

Now everyone began to panic.

"Quick! Go report this! Someone has poisoned Zheng Baosu in an attempt to murder him! And—and! Get someone to check on him, now! Zheng Baosu cannot die!"

’He’s the prisoner His Majesty is to interrogate personally tomorrow!’

’If he dies here tonight, all of us will be charged with incompetence and dereliction of duty!’

"That man from before—we can’t let him get away!"

...

The palace attendant, who had left a short while ago, was now hurrying toward the palace gates.

Fortunately, it was night, and there weren’t many guards on patrol. Even if he walked a bit fast, he wouldn’t attract any attention.

His movements were nimble and his steps quick; he was clearly very familiar with the palace layout.

Soon, he reached a remote corner of the palace walls.

This area was clearly unfrequented. Weeds grew wild, and piles of discarded junk were stacked up.

He made his way through it and finally moved aside several wooden planks leaning against the wall.

A dog hole was revealed.

His heart began to pound.

’If this works out tonight, I’ll have endless riches and honor!’

’That’s a fortune I could never save even if I worked in this palace until I died of old age!’

At that thought, he grew even more excited. He got on his hands and knees, ready to crawl through.

Suddenly!

Something flashed past his eyes!

He jumped in fright, springing back to his feet and looking around in alarm.

"Who’s there!?"

A mocking laugh suddenly came from above.

"You dared to kill Zheng Baosu, yet you’re this much of a coward?"

It was the voice of a young man, laced with a hint of teasing amusement.

But it sent a shiver down the palace attendant’s spine.

He instinctively looked up to see a man in black night clothes sitting lazily atop the palace wall. One hand was propped beside him, while the other held a bone fan, which he closed with a crisp SNAP.

He cut a dashing, debonair figure.

It was too dark for the palace attendant to see his face, but he had no time to worry about that now!

’The man’s words proved it—he was here for him!’

Without a second thought, the palace attendant turned to run!

But the moment he turned, he froze in place.

Not far away, the Imperial Army stood in grim formation, holding torches aloft. They had already blocked his escape.