Dark Night at Tang Palace - Chapter 10
Upon arriving in Chang’an, Song Xuance hid the scroll and immediately began to prepare for action. He knew that although Yang Xuantong appeared calm on the surface, he had secretly laid a tight net, and any slight misstep would lead to ruin.
That day, Song Xuance was summoned by Li Bi. When he arrived at Li’s residence, he found Li Bi’s expression more serious than usual.
“Xuance, what have you found out recently?” Li Bi got straight to the point; his eyes filled with urgency.
Song Xuance pondered inwardly and tentatively replied, “Your Excellency, I have found some information about the ‘Dark Shadow Organization’, but it’s still too early to expose, I need more evidence.”
Li Bi frowned and then changed his tone, “Xuance, the reason I summoned you today is that I received a secret letter. The letter mentioned that Yang Xuantong plans to launch a coup in the palace, and you… are part of his plan.”
Song Xuance’s heart skipped a beat. He knew that Li Bi wouldn’t say this without reason, and if Yang Xuantong really wanted to launch a coup, he would definitely be a target for elimination.
“Your Excellency, I understand what you’re saying, but the time is not right. If I act rashly, I’ll only alert the enemy.” Song Xuance said solemnly.
Li Bi looked at him, his eyes deep, “Xuance, I have faith in you. You’re a smart and wise person. I just hope that before this storm comes, you can find enough evidence to protect yourself.”
Song Xuance nodded, “I understand.”
Leaving Li Bi’s residence, Song Xuance felt a chill run down his spine. Li Bi’s words undoubtedly reminded him that he was in extreme danger, and any slight mistake would lead to his imprisonment.
When he arrived at his residence, he locked himself in his room and carefully considered his next move. Suddenly, there was a rapid knock on the door.
“Lord Song, it’s not good! Someone is spreading rumors about you in the city, saying that you are secretly colluding with the ‘Dark Shadow Organization’ and plotting something!”
Song Xuance’s heart sank, and he immediately got up and opened the door. Standing outside was one of his trusted subordinates, looking panicked, “My Lord, the whole city is talking about this, and Yang Xuantong has sent people to arrest you!”
Song Xuance knew that Yang Xuantong had finally made his move. He took a deep breath and calmly said, “Immediately notify everyone and evacuate.”
His subordinate nodded and quickly left. Song Xuance quickly packed his belongings, hid them inside his clothes, and then jumped onto the roof and disappeared into the night.
He ran towards Li Bi’s residence. Right now, only Li Bi could help him buy some time. However, as soon as he reached the front door, the place wa heavily surrounded. Yang Xuantong had indeed anticipated that he would come here.
“Song Xuance, don’t try to escape!” A stern voice came, and Yang Xuantong, holding a long sword, stared coldly at him. Beside him, dozens of soldiers surrounded the gate.
Song Xuance was fearless and said coldly, “Lord Yang, I’m just following orders to investigate, how can I be plotting something? Why are you making such a big fuss?”
Yang Xuantong sneered, “Following orders to investigate? You’ve investigated right to my doorstep! Do you know that your identity has been exposed, and the entire city of Chang’an is now hunting you down?”
Song Xuance cursed inwardly, knowing that there was no point in arguing at this point. He suddenly drew his sword and rushed towards Yang Xuantong. Yang Xuantong didn’t expect him to attack suddenly and quickly parried, and the two of them engaged in dozens of rounds in an instant.
“Song Xuance, you dare to resist!” Yang Xuantong was furious and attacked with deadly intent. Song Xuance fought back while looking for an opportunity to escape, but Yang Xuantong’s martial arts skills were extremely high, and he couldn’t escape for a while.
Just then, the sound of urgent horseshoes came from afar. A group of soldiers in black armor suddenly charged into the battle, and at the head was – Li Wan Ning!
“LordYang, hold on!” Li Wan Ning shouted, reining in her horse and standing between the two.
Yang Xuantong’s eyes narrowed, “Your Highness, this man is a traitor, why are you stopping me?”
Li Wan Ning smiled sweetly, “Lord Yang, this is just a misunderstanding. Mr. Song is a court official; how could he collude with thieves? Please let him go, and we can investigate the truth later.”
Yang Xuantong sneered, “Your Highness, this matter is very serious and cannot be taken lightly. If you want to protect him, then I’m afraid you can’t escape either!”
Li Wan Ning’s gaze turned cold, “Lord Yang, I’m just following orders. If you don’t listen to me, then I’ll have to report this to His Majesty.” Yang Xuantong’s expression changed. He knew that if he continued to entangle himself, the matter would only escalate. He snorted coldly, waved his hand and said, “Retreat!”
The soldiers retreated one after another. Li Wan Ning turned to Song Xuance and said softly, “Mr. Song, come with me.”
Song Xuance knew that he had escaped death today, so he nodded and left with her.